We Have Sinned Against God

"I said, 'O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against You."  Psalms 41:4 (NIV)

King David uttered and recorded this brief prayer to The Lord God.  David knew that he was a sinner, although he did not identify exactly which of his sins he was referring to in this case.  However, he admitted that he had sinned, and he knew that the sin was a sin against God.  He asked for God's help to heal his sin sick soul, and he asked God to have mercy on him, and not to give him the punishment that he deserved.

As believers, we need to understand that we are still sinners. (Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:10)  All unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17)  If whatever we did or said did not give God glory, then it was a sin.  It is also important for us to realize that we may do wrong to our brother, but all sin is a sin against God. (Psalms 51:4 and 1 Corinthians 8:12)  The penalty for sin is death. (Romans 6:23)  However, Christ took our place and died for our sins. (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:4, and 1 John 2:2)  And, if we confess our sins, The Lord God will forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:9)  If we want God's mercy and forgiveness, we have to ask for it.