2 Samuel 21:14
“Then they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the grave of his father Kish; So they did everything that the king commanded, and after that God responded to prayer for the land.”
God punished the people for the sin of Saul against the Gibeonites. He sought to exterminate them. Their punishment was a drought. This sin was done at least a decade ago, before David was king. This is a delayed response consequence. David sought the Lord and learned the reason. He went to the Gibeonites and asked how justice could be meted out. They asked for seven descendants of Saul to be delivered to them (males). They executed them. Which brings us to today. David and all responded to God. They did the difficult thing and God answered their prayer.
At times we need to make right what our sinful actions have done. Some times repentance is just an apology to God and an accepting of forgiveness. Other times their needs to be a restitution to others that we hurt.
Our actions can interfere with our relationship with God. I Peter 3:7 says, "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." That isn't heard very often. If a husband doesn't treat his wife properly, his prayers will be hindered.
The marriage relationship is a big one. God harkens it to Christ and the church. I would venture out some and say that other things could hinder one's relationship with God. Harming the weaker ones. Proverbs 6:16-19 gives a list of seven things God hates. "There are six things that the LORD hates, Seven that are an abomination to Him Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who declares lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers." These would certainly hinder ones prayers.
How does one determine if there are unresolved things in ones life? Is there behavior in conflict with the scriptures? Are we abusive to others? Check our consciences? Ask a trusted friend. Pray about it.
I can recall spending time doing an inventory of my life looking for sin. It didn't feel right. We can always find things. I don't believe God is that critical with us. If there is sin in our lives, we know about it. No microscopes are needed.
The Holy Spirit's job is to point out our errors. John 16:8 says, "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment". He does a wonderful job of it. He loves His children and points things out in loving ways. He isn’t like the god’s of nature that are always angry. He’s always loving.
I’ve heard it said that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman. Meaning He won’t embarrass us. I Corinthians 13:4,5 says this of love and could be applied to God, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
A christian has the mind of Christ. We usually know when we are in error. If not, God points it out in His loving ways. We repent, receive His forgiveness and go on our way. If we ignore it, we are convicted. If we ignore it, then He’ll put reminders in our way. If we continue to ignore, then our hearts grow hard and we are falling our of a good relationship with God and probably others.
Lord, keep our hearts tender. Thank Your for Your love and the gentle ways Your treat us. Keep us from behavior that hinders our relationship to You.