When Heroes Fall

Former Penn State assistant football coach, Jerry Sandusky was sentenced yesterday. He was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for sexually molesting 10 boys over a period of 15 years. After serving 30 years as an assistant coach, mostly at Pennsylvania State University, Sandusky will be 98 years old at his earliest release from prison. Many of his victims came through Second Mile, a non-profit charity serving the underprivileged, at-risk youth of Pennsylvania.

When heroes fall, we are angered. What do you think Jesus would do with a Jerry Sandusky? Jesus forgave some really bad people in His time. Jesus also gave strong warning to anyone who brought harm and caused people to stumble in life.
Luke 17:1-2
17 Jesus said to His disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.

Does that verse make you want to say, "Lock him up and throw away the key!"? What if Sandusky changes and becomes completely broken over the damage he has brought to many lives.The rest of the verse challenges us when a hero falls and more importantly, when someone hurts you or me.
vs. 3-4
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Can our society forgive fallen heroes if they repent?
Can you forgive a Christian who repeatedly sins against you?
What does that look like?

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