2Sa 12:5 Then David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die!2Sa 12:6 “And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.”
2Sa 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! …….
From 2Sa 12:1-4 Nathan told David a parable of a rich man who had many flocks and herds and about a poor man who had one lamb only. It so happened that the rich man had an occasion and instead of picking from his many flocks and herds went for the only lamb from the poor man in order to entertain a friend. This infuriated David so much because he thought it was an occurrence within his kingdom.
He proclaimed a death penalty to the rich man and a four fold restitution of what had been taken away from the poor man ! The prophet drove home the application by a declaration that he was the man! David had taken the only lamb ( Uriah’s wife) and had organized for Uriah’s extermination! He killed Uriah in order to cover his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba.
These were hard facts that were tactfully communicated to the King that obliged him to condemn himself. Even with the option of hard tackling, Nathan opted for tactful handling in order to bring out the desired effects… repentance ( 1Sa12:13). We can be able to influence positive outcomes when we communicate hard facts tactfully. The outcome will depends on how you say it
Further readings:
Ruth 3:1-5
Mar 4:1-20
Luk 7:40-48
🙏 Blessed Weekend 🙏