David’s heart loved God, but he wasn’t a perfect saint. That’s why he needed God.
“When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them but had no sexual relations with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows” (2 Samuel 20:3).
David had disobediently kept a harem, like most kings. But unlike most kings, David knew it was wrong. After saving his kingdom by crushing a rebellion, David returned to the capital city where his harem had remained in the palace.
David quarantined his concubines, and cut off his relationship with them. What a faith-filled example of repentance this is!
When a person is genuinely sorry for their sin and also genuinely believing in their free forgiveness, things change. A changed attitude results in changed behavior.
The sinful relationship David had with his concubines comes to an end, because his heart has changed. If David had kept his concubines, it would have indicated that his heart had not changed. That he hadn’t truly repented.
When good, godly people get caught up in the sin of inappropriate relationships in affairs, attractions or even porn, repentance is the only way out. The best way out. God’s proven way out.
Sorrow. Forgiveness. Changed behavior. The woman must go. The attraction must be removed. The porn must be put aside. The inappropriate relationship must end.
That isn’t always easy, and can have repercussions like it did for these women. Sometimes the changed behavior takes time, too. But something is happening, even small steps. Repentance without making any changes is not repentance but only regret. Repentance with even small changes is still repentance.
What does “the R-word” look like in your life? Repentance, that is.
Prayer
God, I pray today for anyone continuing in an inappropriate relationship emotionally or physically, anyone caught in porn or sexual attraction against your will, and that anyone may be me. Show the way out, through repentance. Forgive, restore, and equip for a new life. I also pray for all victims of sexual abuse, that they find relief, peace and wholeness in you. Amen.
Further Meditation
Be sure to visit https://www.conquerorsthroughchrist.net as a strong, loving spiritual resource for anyone struggling with sexual sin, or connected to someone who is. Resources for parents, victims, and more.
