Psalm 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

This famous Psalm was written by King David in reference to being called out by the prophet Nathan for David’s sin of adultery with Bathsheba. David declares here that he has only sinned against God. He sent his guard to fetch her to his bed chamber. He asked Bathsheba to bed her husband to cover their sin. He sent his commander to withdraw support from Uriah so that Bathsheba’s husband would die. He asked those who knew about his sin to keep silent and not witness against him. Is it not a sin to ask others to conspire in your sin? Did he or did he not sin against each of them?

There seems to be a conflict here and it needs to be resolved so that we can believe the Word of God. I know when someone sins against me, I am wounded. It sure feels like that person has sinned against me and not God alone. What are we missing here?

How soon do we forget that Jesus Christ died for all man’s sins for all time? They were laid upon Him at the Cross. Those sins were also David’s sins. They were my sins from my past. They are my sins today. They are the sins I may commit years from now. All sin is covered, taken away by Jesus our Atonement.

If Jesus took them, then any sin is a sin against Him alone. We don’t look at it that way. We want to hold sin against those who offended us. What does the Word say about this?

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Sin is against Him alone. It is not ours to avenge.

Romans 14:19a Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,