We All Are in Need of God’s Grace
I recently saw a show where the widow of a Pastor who had committed suicide as a result of the Ashley Madison hack and leak was interviewed. As this widow shared her story of losing her husband and life partner, my heart literally ached for her. Her story made me think of Josh Duggar, another Ashley Madison client, and his wife and what they both must be going through. The shame, guilt and conviction of knowing that the man – at the head of their house – who was so vocal and unforgiving of those who do not follow their strict conservative Christian belief system has major character and moral flaws of his own.
What comes to mind is Ephesians 2:4-5, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” God’s unconditional love for us is so great that while we were dead in sin, it was God’s grace that saved us. He looked beyond our shortcomings and our sin and had mercy on us! We all are in need of God’s grace. No matter how perfect we try to live, even on our best day – we still fall short. The very sinful nature and heart of man should compel us to be empathetic towards our fellow man. Oftentimes, this unfortunately is not the case. I often witness, those of us who are mature in Christ feel it’s our duty to act as judge and jury to those who are struggling with a particular issue or sin. True, we must hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable for their actions, but must do so in love. And remember that Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
Rebuke in love …. we all are in need of God’s Grace! 
Twitter: @terry411cato / @rlats411
Real Talk w/Terry 
I think one of the biggest problems is that most when they are in sin are enjoying it and hide it. The reason why judgment comes when the sin is exposed is because the transgressor had no intention of repenting until they got caught. Consider the sin of King David and the words of Nathan the prophet and the judgment of God. There is a huge difference between confessing your sin, seeking help and forgiveness, and turning from your sin and hiding and covering up your sin while you continue in it. True forgiveness comes only after true repentance, if this were not the case sinners could receive salvation without repentance; Yes Christ died on the Cross for all, but none will receive forgiveness until they repent. Once repentance is made and forgiveness is granted, there is a long road to recovery and restoration and unfortunately many leaders will not sit down and allow God to repair the breach. Many therefore return to the same sin like a dog unto his vomit. 😦
Well said! Amen and amen again!!