Redemption is the key to a life of growth and maturity. Everyone has skeletons in the closet. We’re human. We’re frail. We’re sinful.
Skeletons usually come out in the media as a “gotcha” moment. A famous person did something in the past, and the headlines tempt with a story revealing the salacious details. It’s juicy! It’s titillating! And, it’s peppered with quotes from “shocked” colleagues, not always on merit of the accusations or actual outrage, but because most often it’s smears their political enemy for their own benefit.
I’m a Christian and Christ came to forgive. He always told people, “Your sins are forgiven, now go and sin no more.” He wanted us to come back from our misdeeds. He wanted to cancel our debt. He wanted us to always do better going forward.
So when I see one of those “gotcha” pieces, I ask myself two questions.
1. Did this happen recently?
2. Is this a pattern of behavior?
I’m more concerned about a person’s recent behavior and patterns of behavior than a “gotcha” moment from years past. I’m not defending the wrong action, and if a crime has been committed then it might still have legal ramifications. But, we need to look for current actions, current interactions and lifestyle.
“Gotchas” have got to go. They need to be always contrasted with the pattern of recent behaviors and actual repentance. Asking forgiveness should be genuine. NOT, “I’m sorry they are upset.” But, rather, “I’m sorry for my actions.” Accepting personal responsibility is indicative of good character.