As revelation of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's eldest son Josh Duggar's dark past came to light this week, the shocked American public's reaction is sharply divided in two.
How can something like this happen within America's poster family, famous for its strong conservative ethical Christian values?
While many are criticizing the family, bashing 'Christians' for being hypocrites, others have jumped to their defense, including presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee. "Good people make mistakes and do regrettable and even disgusting things," he said.
The scandal brings to light two things: The sin that has been revealed, but more importantly, forgiveness.
The family that many believe epitomizes the Christian faith dealt with the painful situation twelve years ago in the best way they could – through forgiveness.
Is this not what the Christian faith defines? No one is perfect, we are all sinners. Whether that sin is a 14 year old minor molesting young girls, or another child stealing from a candy store - these are all crimes weak humans can make. However, what is beyond the sin is the aftermath – how does the sinner deal with the sin, and how do others deal with it?
The Christian faith starts with a confession: I am a sinner.
Twelve years ago, when Jim Bob and Michelle found out what was happening with their son, they did not cover it up - despite what some liberal critics of the family are promoting at present. Christians are called not to cover up sin, but reveal it. And rightly so the Duggars did.
In Josh's statement admitting to the molestation, he said: "Twelve years ago, as a young teenager I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God's grace, mercy and redemption."
The Duggar patriarch even took his son's case to the authorities and reported the crime, and taught his son to confess and seek forgiveness. It is when we confess and seek God's forgiveness that God's grace can enter us.
Prophet Isaiah said, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" – Isaiah 1:18.
Josh has sought forgiveness from the victims, some including his own family members, and they have forgiven him.
12 years ago, the Duggar family went through a painful time. Jim Bob and Michelle stated: "We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before. Even though we would never choose to go through something so terrible, each one of our family members drew closer to God."
The sin happened, and indeed the sin was ugly. But they dealt with it in a way their faith had taught them to – through the Gospel. Jesus taught us the ultimate lesson – how to love. How to love and forgive your enemies. Jesus' greatest commandment was to love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Apostle Paul was a persecutor and even a murderer of Christians. However, after coming to meet Jesus and accepting Christ into his life, he realized the love of Christ that covers all sin, and made it his life mission to spread the Gospel. Had he looked back at his shameful past, and allowed that to block him from leading a new life, he would never have done the amazing works that he did in his amazing lifetime.
Josh Duggar turned his life around after this scandal. He turned from his sins and went on to marry and have children. Again, he did not hide and cover up his despicable sin even when it could have cost him everything - his very future with his spouse! He confessed to his future wife Anna a whole two years prior to them even getting engaged - something that many of us may struggle to confess given the risk of what was at stake. But he confessed all the same despite those risks and she knew his past fully when she married him.
Anna has said, "I was able to say, "Yes" knowing who Josh really is - someone who had gone down a wrong path and had humbled himself before God and those whom he had offended. Someone who had received the help needed to change the direction of his life and do what is right. I want to say thank you to those who took time over a decade ago to help Josh in a time of crisis. Your investment changed his life from going down the wrong path to doing what is right. If it weren't for your help I would not be here as his wife — celebrating 6 1/2 years of marriage to a man who knows how to be a gentleman and treat a girl right. Thank you to all of you who tirelessly work with children in crisis, you are changing lives and I am forever grateful for all of you."
Now, how should the public deal with the Duggar scandal?
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7
