DAVID

“What to do when someone you love is headed the wrong way”

Pastor Doug Heisel – July 21, 2024

Consider your options:

• You could sit back and do NOTHING .

• You could INTERNALIZE it … by worrying, stressing, or getting angry about it.

• You could GOSSIP about the person.

• You could make matters WORSE by condemning, criticizing, or attacking the other person.

• You could learn more on how to speak the TRUTH in LOVE .
  

Ephesians 4:15 - Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

James 5:19-20 - My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

What I can learn about the fine art

of speaking the truth in love

Consider the example of David and Nathan

2 Samuel chapters 11-12

1. 1. Pray for DISCERNMENT .
   A Key Question: Is the issue immoral or destructive in some way or is this a personal preference issue?
   
   2 Samuel 11:27 -“…But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.”
   

   Ask God for CLARITY, regarding whether YOU are the one to address the person or not.
   
   2 Samuel 12:1 - “The Lord sent Nathan to David…”
   
   
   Galatians 6:1 - Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
   
   

   3. Give careful thought to your APPROACH.
   
   Notice how wisely Nathan deals with David
   – 2 Samuel 12:1-25
   

   • He scheduled the right time and place (vs. 1)

   • He determine David’s level of openness to discuss this issue (vs. 1-6)

   • He laid the issue out clearly and succinctly (vs. 7-9)

   • He explained the costs & consequences of David’s actions (vs. 10-12)

   • He assured David of God’s forgiveness (vs. 13-14)

   • He understood when to stop talking (vs. 15)

   • He stayed in tune with the Lord as to any future involvement (vs. 25)