Throughout the Bible stories about King David, we see a brave,  warrior-king whom God refers to as a man after His own heart. However, the  story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel shows David’s flaws as well as his  virtues. Bathsheba was married to one of David’s loyal soldiers named  Uriah.    King David sees Bathsheba on the rooftop bathing. His lust overtakes him,  and He sends for her. She becomes pregnant as a result. David wants to cover  up his adultery, so he urges Uriah to leave his battle post and return home  to his wife. Uriah refuses to abandon the Israelite army.    So, David arranges for him to be put on the front lines unprotected, and he  is killed in combat. David marries Bathsheba, but the prophet Nathan  pronounces judgment from God on David’s actions; and as a consequence of  David’s sinfulness, the child dies.    We all fall short and struggle with sin in our humanness. God loved David,  and God loves us. He always is a forgiving Father, but there will still be  consequences for our sinful choices. David’s faith was tested, and he failed.  Yet, he sought the Lord’s forgiveness and received it. We can learn from  David—a contrite heart is what God is looking for.