Psalm 51 reminds us of the gravity of sin. You and I may think our sin is small, but it is severe. What we perceive to be the slightest sin is infinitely severe before God. It is a defiance of God, and it destroys you and others. That is not an overstatement: recall that according to Genesis 3, sin and death entered the world through one sin. A piece of fruit was eaten, and condemnation came to all men. Consider the sins of David, who committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah. These were severe sins that had severe consequences. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Psalm 51 and Psalm 32. These penitential Psalms can be used as a model of confession for Israel and Christians today. 2. Consider the story of David, a man of great faith who grappled with sin. His attempts to hide or justify his transgressions reflect our struggles. How often do we make excuses, trying to rationalize our actions? This shared human experience can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. 3. How would you respond to this statement: "Sin is terrible because it keeps me from (fill in the blank with a specific aspect of life or relationship")? 4. How would you describe David's view of sin in Psalm 51:4? What does this verse tell us about David's view of God, and how do these two views influence each other? Consider the ripple effects of our sins. Can you think of specific examples of how David's sins can affect others? 5. What does Scripture mean when it says God is merciful and gracious? How is this different from God's simply overlooking sin? 6. How does honest confession, which we often avoid, lead to joy?