I once didn’t understand “the Lord’s forgiveness.” If the Lord has forgiven my sins, why do people still “stare at” my wrongdoings? I had cheated in an examination. I knew the Lord had forgiven me, but every time I took an examination afterward, I always felt that the invigilator paid special attention to me; I was once found to cover up my mistake with lies. Though I have admitted my mistake, people often ask others for further confirmation whenever I say anything. It seems that the sins I have committed have never been forgiven. The so-called “the Lord’s forgiveness” is more like a self-deception, and the Lord still punishes me.

Until I read the story of David, I realized my misconception of sin and forgiveness. “David told Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan answered, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You will not die. But what you did caused the Lord’s enemies to lose all respect for him.

For this reason, the son born to you will die.” -2 Samuel 12:13-14″. When I am willing to confess to the Lord, He does forgive my sins. The consequence of sins is not the Lord’s punishment for me. It is instead the insult the evil one makes through me to the Lord. The Lord makes me feel bad, but He is hurt more. Or, when I face similar temptations again, the consequence will be a powerful reminder.