It has been a week since we first heard of Tiger Woods' accident. It's a story that doesn't seem to go away. I will admit some initial fasination. I have never been a Tiger Woods fan, probably for the same reason I don't cheer for the Yankees and Jimmie Johnson. I have always had a heart for the underdog and a certain disdain for those who seem to win all the time. It's never been anything against Tiger personally. As more details came out my question became, Do Tiger and his wife, Elin, know Jesus?
I have to give Tiger credit for taking the sole responsibility for his actions. He is also saying all the right things, "I have let my family down and regret those transgressions with all my heart." He further states that he has, "not been true to his values." The word, "transgressions" sounds like a confession to me. That indicates to me that he has "come clean" with those who love him and who he has let down. Tiger is right when he states this should be a private matter.
Confession and absolution should always be a private matter. It's should be between the sinner and the person they have hurt and offended. For a Christian that goes beyond our earthly relationships to our Heavenly Father who also has been grieved and offended by our actions. Such confession adds a whole new demension. God is always more forgiving to the repentant sinner than friends and family. God not only fogives but He forgets. This side of heaven those transgressions will always be on our minds, casting a certain shadow over a relationship.
There is another aspect here. God's love is unconditional and his desire is that we love the same way. That's why the story of the Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-32) is my favorite parable. The Father in the story was always waiting for the sons return. When it happened, he didn't ask questions. He just forgave and then celebrated. If Tiger and his wife are going to get through this with their marriage intact, unconditional love will have to be present. It sounds to me like Tiger has confessed with a repentant heart. Now it's time for forgiving, healing and eventually celebrating. Without Christ in their lives, that will never be fully complete.
There is no better model of God's Grace and Forgiveness than the Christian family. The primary responsibility in making that happen lies with mom and dad. Everybody makes mistakes. Teenager, because of their nature, are probably more prone to transgression than others. Our kids are always are kids, however. No sin should ever become a permanent barrier. Hold them accountable and wait for the confession. Sometimes that takes years but when it comes... forgive.
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