2 Samuel 13

Good Morning “Hesitant to Hold Accountable.”  Today we are in 2 Samuel 13.

And so the prophesied consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba continue.  

David knew he had been deceived by Amnon.  David knew Amnon had in turn raped and dishonored Tamar - then cast her away.  “…He was very angry” Vs 21.  He was very angry and…

And… it appears nothing.  David was both the father and King, and in that, had the responsibility to deal with wrong doing.  Why didn’t he act?  Why didn’t he bring justice?  Why didn’t he vindicate Tamar?

David likely recalled his sin with Bathsheba and reasoned “Who am I… I did the same.  God told me consequences were coming, now here they are.”  

When someone close to us sins, we often reason, “Who am I to admonish them regarding their sin… I’m not perfect.”  We remember Jesus words, concerning the woman caught in adultery… John 8:7 “Let he who is without sin be the one to cast the first stone”, and we freeze.  We confuse judgment and condemnation and passages that tell us not to judge or condemn, with admonishment, and accountability.  Jesus’ was warning them not to kill the woman, but to extend grace.  He wasn’t referring to admonishment to sin no more.  In fact that’s exactly what Jesus does.  When recalling that story we often overlook the end of John 7:11 “…Go. From now on sin no more.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

When we’re asked “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3) - we stop reading because it removes us from the responsibility to do the tough stuff, to get dirty.  We neglect Matthew 7:5 “…first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  Did you catch it?  Remove your plank so you can help your brother with his speck.  

Consider Hebrews 10:24… “consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.”  If we are going to do that it must involve putting away sin.  Ours first, then encouraging others to do the same.  (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)  Its a continual process.  If we are going to wait until we’re sinless to admonish and hold each other accountable, well… It will NEVER happen.  So, how do we do it well?  Study Jesus!  His love came through His tone with the woman caught in adultery, the woman at the well, and over and over with the Disciples… really everyone but the heartless religious leaders.  

I always tell our students - if you’re more excited to point out someone’s sin, than you are broken over their sinfulness… you’re not the one to talk to them.  
Pray that God will break your heart for them, pray you will see them the way God does.  He will answer!  When you’re eyes well up with tears, you’re closer to the heart of Jesus - then go.

Love you all!  Dig in!