May 13: You Are the Man

It’s hard to hear the truth about yourself from someone else, even when it’s said with love.

David had done terrible things. He’d taken Bathsheba and arranged for her husband’s death. Then he went on as if nothing had happened. For months, apparently.

Then the prophet Nathan came and told him a story about a rich man who stole a poor man’s only lamb. David was furious. That man deserves to die! And Nathan said four words: you are the man.

In that moment, David could have gotten defensive. He was the king. He could have had Nathan killed. Instead, he said: I have sinned against the Lord.

That’s the verse for today. And Nathan’s answer came right away: the Lord also has put away your sin.

During your Step Five, the person listening may say something you don’t want to hear. They might point out a pattern. They might gently say that you’re still blaming someone for something that was partly yours. They might notice you skipped over something.

When that happens, you’ll have a choice like David’s. You can get defensive. Or you can say, you’re right.

It helps to remember that a good listener isn’t there to catch you. They’re there to help you see. Nathan came to David because God sent him, and God sent him because He loved David too much to leave him in denial.

It also helps to remember the second half of the verse. Admitting the truth didn’t destroy David. It opened the door to forgiveness.

If someone has said something hard to you lately, think about it again today. Was there truth in it?

Nathan was brave too. It isn’t easy to tell a powerful person the truth. When someone cares enough to risk your anger by being honest with you, that’s a gift. Don’t waste it by arguing. Thank them, even if it stings.

One thing today

Ask your sponsor or a trusted friend: is there anything you see in me that I might not see? Listen without defending yourself. Thank them.

A prayer

Lord, when someone tells me the truth, help me not to get defensive. Give me David’s humility to say, I have sinned. And thank You that You put away my sin when I admit it. Amen.

Learn more about Step Five.

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