THEOSISSalvianus of Marseille
How profoundly challenging it is to atone for transgressions when the adversaries of the Lord have the opportunity to dishonor Him is illustrated by the example of the blessed David. Through his acts of righteousness, he merited the chance to evade eternal condemnation for his sins simply by acknowledging them. Yet, even he, who found refuge in repentance, was unable to attain complete forgiveness: when Nathan the prophet, to whom David confessed, told him, "The Lord hath taken away thy sin," he promptly added, "But because thou hast by this deed given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme Him, the son that was born to thee shall die."
Read more (220 words)
What transpired thereafter? Setting aside his crown and regal adornments, David stripped himself of his royal splendor and isolated himself in mourning for his sins. He wept and donned sackcloth, soaking it with his tears and covering himself with ashes, crying out fervently for the life of the child amidst deep lamentation, striving to reach the Holy One through heartfelt supplication. In his earnest pleas, he believed that he would receive from God what he sought. However, he could not obtain his request through what is typically the most potent means of petition.
This serves to illustrate that no transgression is more grievous than that of leading the Lord's enemies to revile Him. For one who stumbles into significant error, if he does not incite others to blaspheme, the consequence falls solely upon himself; yet one who sparks blasphemy in others drags many down with him and is thereby accountable for each person he leads into transgression. Moreover, when a sinner's actions do not provoke others to blaspheme God, his wrong remains solely against himself, without tarnishing the holy name of God through the slander of detractors. However, one who causes others to speak against God through his sin commits an offense far beyond mere human transgression; by inciting the contempt of many, he inflicts tremendous harm upon God’s honor.