I’m tempted to respond to the news of John Edwards’ admission of adultery in at least 2 ways:
- Self-righteousness: “It figures. I hope he gets what’s coming to him! Typical politician. I knew there was something fake about him. How could he?”
- Self-centeredness: “Who really cares? It doesn’t affect me. Let’s talk about real news.”
But perhaps a third response would be more appropriate:
3. Self-examination: “I’m as capable of gross sin as he is. God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Every time I read Psalm 119:136 (My eyes shed streams of tears because people do not keep Your law.), I think about how few tears I shed over my own sin, much less the sins of others. Could I examine my own heart enough to see the frequency and intensity of my lack of love for God and people and let it break my heart? Could I then turn and see the lack of love for God and people that others display and let their sin break my heart, too?
I hear the voice of Jesus say:
“Does it break your heart when you break Mine? Do you ever share the tears I cry, My child? Does it break your heart when they break Mine? Could you ever grieve with tears like Mine, My child?”
