Dear Dr. David,

Recently my wife and three children moved out. Since they have moved out I have matured in many ways and see my many sinful behaviors and anger problems. When I look back over my marriage I now realize that I’ve been selfish, angry and controlling. My wife gave me many chances to change and I didn’t listen. I now know how wrong I’ve been. Since my wife left I’ve asked for forgiveness, but she is not forgiving me. I wonder how long I should wait. Should I keep loving her unconditionally, or is it time to use tough love with her? ~ Lonely

Dear Lonely,

I sense the pain you feel at the loss of your family. You mention the many sinful behaviors and anger with which your family has had to endure. Finally, perhaps in desperation, they’ve left. You’re now struggling with guilt over your actions.

Your struggle is not unlike King David as he laments his actions in Psalm 51. Listen to his words:

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash away my iniquity and cleanse me from sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight" (Psalm 51: 1-3)

King David had sinned and hurt a lot of people. He had even killed a man so he could have his wife, Bathsheba. While there is no question that God forgave David, He did not spare him from the consequences of his sin. David felt tremendous grief, and agony, and lost a son because of his sin. As much as we’d like to move forward from our actions, there are times when the ripple effects continue for some time. Such may be the case for you.

Notice also that now David considers his greatest sin to be against God, and a few verses later asks God to cleanse him and renew a steadfast spirit within him. He asks God to "restore to me the joy of your salvation." This is our greatest challenge. While we certainly need to make amends to others for our actions, we must ultimately seek peace and forgiveness with God.

While I have no idea how long you’ve waited for your wife to forgive you, your questions suggest impatience on your part and a lack of thorough understanding and acceptance of the pain you’ve caused her. Have you fully accepted, and repented of, your sinful actions? Have you considered the impact your actions have had on your wife and children? More important, are you really willing to allow them time to heal?

It is very tempting, when we’ve done wrong, to ask forgiveness and get on with life. We want what has been called "cheap grace." We want the easy way out, failing to fully appreciate the depth of pain which we have caused others. We expect quick forgiveness, rather than allowing others the time needed to heal and begin trusting again.