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I’m constantly amazed by people that “need” to know all the sordid details of a celebrity’s life. Who’s been seen with who? … where? … why? … and everything in between. The Southern Gospel world, small though it is in the great scheme of things, is not without its own celebrities and those determined to worm their way in to the private lives of these individuals. Don’t think so? Just go and browse some message boards and blogs. Unfortunately, Southern Gospel has a pretty big closet full of skeletons for these people to dig around in and when someone digs long enough, they’re bound to find some dirt. I mean let’s be honest here, there has been and is adultery, divorce, homosexuality, alcohol and drug addiction (and list could go on) within the Southern Gospel industry. The idea that a Southern Gospel artist, or any other Christian for that matter, should somehow be above all of the pitfalls of life or should confess faults and sins to their fans or anyone else other than God is not only laughable; it’s unscriptural.

I guess what I’ll never understand is why there is always a group of so called “Christians” standing around waiting to pounce when someone falls. Instead of reaching down to lend a hand and help a brother or sister back to their feet, they’re right there waiting to kick them in the teeth. Whose sin is greater; the one who makes a mistake and falls or the one with his foot in the middle of the fallen persons back so he can’t get up? Jewish custom taught that you must forgive someone 7 times. Once those were used up, you were not required to forgive any more. Just think about that for a second. Wouldn’t that require us to keep track? Does true love really keep score? Not according to Jesus. He did away with this custom when He told His disciples to forgive someone 490 times instead of 7 times. In other words, there is no limit to the bounds of forgiveness within Christian love. We, like Jesus, should be ready to welcome a fallen brother or sister back with open arms. God doesn’t keep track and remember our forgiven sin – He forgives and forgets it. Why should we act differently? Unfortunately, there are too many that just want the sorted details so they can get the rumor mill going. Last time I checked, confession was between me and God not between me and any of you. Before running your mouth (or fingers), try putting yourself in the other persons place for a while and remember that we are all just sinners saved by His grace. Not perfect … just saved.

I’ll leave you with some thoughts from scripture.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.”

Philippians 4:8 (New American Standard)
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

I Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Reader Comments

I pray that your wonderfully worded article reaches all & is heeded. Praise God I'm forgiven & don't have to be perfect!

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt

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