You Can’t Heal Sin by Treating Its Symptoms

I love the stories in the Bible. They’re not just ancient—they’re alive. Right now, we’re walking through the life of David at GraceLife Church. A sinner after God’s own heart. Just like me.

If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been writing reflections each week—processing what I heard, what stirred me, what stuck. Usually, I rewatch the sermon on YouTube when I get home. I pause, rewind, take notes, and spend over an hour trying to shape it all into something that flows. I edit like crazy.

But lately, I’ve realized something: I’ve been trying to rewrite Pastor Joe’s sermon. Especially the first half—before he gets personal.

So today, I’m doing something different. I’m not rewatching. I’m not editing endlessly. I’m just reflecting. From memory. From the heart. (And hey—I did attend both services, so I’ve got a double dose to draw from!)

Let’s go back to the sermon preview:
“You can’t heal sin by treating its symptoms. Only repentance fueled by grace can.”

Whew. That hit me.

I know I need to repent. Not just feel bad. Not just try harder. But actually confess. Admit my wrongs. Own them. It doesn’t feel good to live in sin. It’s not natural. It’s not freeing. Just like Pastor Joe said.

I could keep going through the motions—unfaithful, untrusting, isolated, angry. I could keep pretending I’m fine. Or…

I could bow my head.
Pray.
Talk to God.
Talk to my husband.
Talk to a friend.
Get it off my chest.

What a relief that would be. Especially if I do it right away.

Because thank God—by His grace—we are forgiven.

The symptoms Pastor Joe mentioned? I think they’re things like making excuses. Hiding behind masks. Performing instead of repenting. And I’ve done all of that.

But all I have to do is repent, bruh. Just like Saul should have done. Just like David eventually did.

I’m a sinner like David. A sinner with trials and temptations, yes—but also with purpose. God has given me the desires and the tools to rise above my trivial life and overcome.

I am an overcomer.
I am a Christian.
I am a follower of Jesus.
I am a sinner after God’s own heart.

And I’m learning—week by week, sermon by sermon, grace upon grace—that healing doesn’t come from hiding. It comes from humbling.

So here I am. Humbled. Grateful. And still writing.

#KingSaul #LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews