The recent situation regarding a prominent pastor’s disclosure of his “inappropriate” relationship with a young woman has saddened me. The shock of the betrayal against the body of Christ and our Savior seems overwhelming. It’s a disappointment and a smear against the good name of our God.

How could someone entrenched in the pages of Scripture not heed its warnings and fear the foretold judgment that will await someone who is unrepentant? That is a person who has allowed Satan to put a chink in his armor. Instead of sealing the hole, he has allowed the opening to expand and risk his exposure to death.

What’s worse is that the church body is in turmoil. There is no peace. Facebook posts contain comments that mock the situation and find joy in the downfall of a former pastor. The accusations of coverups, approvals, and the possibility of other sinful acts by our leaders, who have allowed this pastor to serve in our ministries, are heinous. Even slanderous.

Likewise, the body of Christ is chiming in as well. The feelings of anger, betrayal, and the desire to show your disapproval of sin are understandable. Yet, every comment of disapproval only adds logs to the fire of this man’s punishment. There is no need to re- examine or listen to previous comments about his verbal cautions against the same offense he committed. It changes nothing. It only proves that he knew of the repercussions of this sin, yet suppressed the truth to satisfy his longings. Why continue to convict him?

The comments that continue to indict the former pastor’s conduct show no mercy. James 2: 13 says, “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (LSB)

Mercy triumphs over judgment is a powerful statement. The notes in the MacArthur Study Bible say of this verse, “The person whose life is characterized by mercy is ready for the day of judgment, and will escape all the charges that strict judgment might bring against him because by showing mercy to others he gives genuine evidence of having received God’s mercy.”

 The best example is the King, who forgave his servant an outstanding debt. Matthew 18:28-35 says,

For this reason, the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. Therefore, the slave fell to the ground and was prostrating himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you everything.’ And feeling compassion, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ So, his fellow slave fell to the ground and was pleading with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. So, when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. Then, summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ And his lord moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed to him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from your hearts.   

Therefore, do not let the sin of another cause you to respond to sin. Remember, your reaction to this circumstance will either bring healing and peace or cause the whole situation to fester and spiral out of control. As the verse in Galatians 5:9 says, “A little leaven {yeast} leavens the whole lump of dough.”

Also, Galatians 5:14 reminds us we are to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” As God has forgiven us, so will He give forgiveness to this former pastor if he is repentant. Thus, let’s show mercy, then.