2 Cor. 12:11-21; Psalm 51

2 Cor. 12:11-21
Paul had done more for the Corinthians than for any other church, but they didn't respect him for it, and they even accused him of taking advantage of them! He was clearly hurt. His hurt was for the testimony of the church of God rather for his own feelings. When we are unfairly criticized for our Christian faith or work, we should try not to take it personally but realize that it actually brings shame on the church.  vv. 11-19

Paul feared that when he returned to Corinth he would find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, disorderly behavior, impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure. This is an ugly list! May we never be guilty of these! vv. 20-21

Psalm 51
As we come to Psalm 51 we see the remedy for the sins listed in 2 Cor. 12 and more! Both of these passages are written for believers .( For unbelievers, the remedy for their sin is repentance and turning to Christ for salvation. He has already paid the penalty for our sins if we trust Him and receive His gift of salvation.)

However, as believers, even though our sins have been eternally forgiven and God says He will never remember them against us, our sin does interfere with our fellowship with God. Think of it like a parent-child relationship. Your child is ALWAYS your child. He or she can do nothing to sever that relationship. But if he or she is disobedient, rebellious, and disrespectful, it interferes with our fellowship. A huge distance may even develop between us. That's how it is with us and our Heavenly Father.

In Psalm 51, David freely confesses his sin and begs God's forgiveness and cleansing. vv. 1-7 David's sin had been serious and had hurt many people. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had had her husband murdered to cover it up.

We know David is deeply grieved because of his sin and the broken fellowship with God. "Oh, give me back my joy again...Do not banish me from your presence...Restore to me the joy of your salvation..." vv. 8, 11, 12  He knows that any sacrifice or offering or outward action he could offer would not satisfy God. "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." We serve the same God, and just as He freely forgave David and restored their relationship, He will do the same for us. Praise the Lord!