DEAL WITH IT NOW

Read 2 Samuel 13

I grew up with an older brother, an older sister, and a younger sister. We loved each other, but, boy, did we ever fight. My brother and I would wrestle all the time. I would get mad at my sisters from time to time. But one thing my parents did is they made sure we made things right.

The story here in 2 Samuel of David’s children, Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom is a brutal one. Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, who is the sister of Absalom. David hears of this and does nothing, except get angry. As a result, Absalom kills Amnon and then flees, only to return and lead a rebellion against his father, David. What would have happened if David had dealt with Amnon when he first sinned against the Lord and his half-sister?

TEACHING MOMENT

This lesson is more for us parents than for our children. Siblings are going to fight. Can we all agree on that? They won’t always get along. But we must ensure that they make things right afterward, and we must discipline accordingly. I didn’t always do that with my two children. To my own children, if you are reading this today, please forgive me.

Unforgiven sin and undealt-with disobedience will lead to more sin and disobedience. The Lord teaches us that. We must confess and make things right, or we will suffer the separation of fellowship from the Lord. He longs to bless us. He longs to hear us asking for forgiveness. He stands ready to forgive.

Do you have undealt-with sins in your life today? Do you, as a parent, ignore your children’s harsh treatment of each other? Do the right thing now. Deal with your sin. Deal with your children. Make sure you are pleasing the Father in all aspects of your life. Unless you do this, you will become callous to the pain of sin. Before you know it, it just won’t seem important to confess.

Oh Father, show me the sin in my life. Give me the determination to parent my children as You would. Help me teach them to honor You and treat others as your children.