Repentance, not perfection, is the mark of loving Jesus.

Jesus’ followers aren’t perfect, but they are constantly seeking to get closer to it.

Remember King David. He was a man who loved God. He wrote songs and danced for Him. David wanted to build Him a beautiful temple. He honored God’s law… most of the time.

But King David, like many of us, got swept up into sin.

It wasn’t an accident when He ordered Bathsheba be brought to Him. It wasn’t a mistake that her innocent husband died. David deliberately planned his immorality. But, when he was confronted by the prophet Nathan, He genuinely repented. Sorrowfully he sought after God’s heart. He fasted. He begged for mercy. He grieved. (See Psalm 32, 28, 51) David wanted God’s affection, God’s plans, God’s love in his life.

David was disciplined for his sin; the baby born to him and Bathsheba died.

But then, God poured down blessings on him. God’s turned David’s sinful relationship with Bathsheba into an example of grace. Their next child was named Solomon, which means “Peace.” Solomon became one of the ancestors of Jesus.

What began as a horrible sin birthed grace, not only for David, but for all the world.