SECRET SIN

Secret Sin

The Peril and the Path to Restoration

 Hidden sin is a subtle but destructive force in the life of any believer. Like a small leak in a roof ignored on a sunny day, its presence may seem insignificant—yet when the storms arrive, the damage becomes painfully clear. The story of David in 2 Samuel 11 & 12 offers a sobering reality on this truth.

 David, a man after God’s own heart, fell into a downward spiral after just one look upon a beautiful woman: “And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof…and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon” (2 Samuel 11:2). That look conceived lust in David’s heart, which blossomed into adultery and, eventually, murder. Trying to cover his sin, David deceived and manipulated, only compounding his guilt.

 Scripture reminds us, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Hidden sin is never truly hidden: “But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27b). Like rotting roots beneath a thriving plant, concealed iniquity affects all it touches—damaging our relationship with God, our peace, and our witness to others (Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 32:3-4).

However, God, demonstrating His loving grace, sent Nathan the prophet, not to destroy David, but to confront and restore him. When David finally confessed, saying, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Samuel 12:13), God responded with forgiveness: “The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”

 Though consequences sometimes remain (“Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme…” 2 Samuel 12:14), the gift of restoration stands available to all. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

 God calls us not to hide in shame, but to come into the healing light of repentance. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10) was David’s plea, and it should also be ours. We can have a clean and pure heart if we repent of our wrongs and obediently seek to do His will and not our own.

 Is there any sin you have hidden, even from those closest to you? Today, will you bring it into the light and let God’s grace set you free?

                                                                                                ~ Casey Clement

 >PS. This week, reflect on your relationships (friends, family, co-workers, etc.) and consider if you’ve gone out of your way to show love for them. If not, pray, apologize to them (don't skip this!), and try to do better.  This will not only help improve those relationships, but it will also strengthen your connection with others and ultimately with God.