Samakatuwid, si Jesus, kung ganoon, ang Pinakapunong Paring nakakatugon sa ating pangangailangan. Siya’y banal, walang kasalanan ni kapintasan man, inihiwalay sa mga makasalanan at itinaas sa kalangitan.

Mga Hebreo 7:26

Just recently, isang bestselling book author sa US na nagpastor ng isang megachurch ang nag-post sa Instagram na hindi na siya Christian. Before him, isang high-profile pastor at pioneer ng isang trailblazing church sa US, and author ng numerous discipleship books na nakatulong sa maraming Christians, ang napilitang mag-retire nang maaga dahil sa sexual allegations from several women leaders and members of his church.

These are heartbreaking news lalo na kung ang personalities concerned and the books they wrote made an impact in your life. Mas masakit pa kung ang sarili mong pastor or Bible study leader ang nag-fall into sin at kailangan silang mag-exit from their leadership role in order to undergo spiritual discipline.

Even before these men, David, a great king and warrior, and known as a man after God’s own heart, also fell into sin many times. Nag-commit siya ng adultery with Bathsheba, a married woman. Hindi lang ‘yan, gumawa pa siya ng plot para mamatay ang sundalong asawa ni Bathsheba while he was fighting for Israel. At nagkaroon siya ng anak sa pagkakasala with Bathsheba.

How should we respond when the leaders we look up to fall into sin?

Firstly, let us hold on to Jesus who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith—the only one who can give us strength when we feel disappointed or discouraged (Mga Hebreo 12:2-3). Si Jesus lang ang holy and perfect, kaya dapat Siya lang ang source ng confidence natin in our daily walk of faith. Although God calls all believers as “holy” because He has taken away our old sinful nature (Roma 1:7; 1 Corinto 1:2; Roma 6:6-7), inaasahan pa rin ng Diyos na maging holy tayo sa ating daily conduct, and by His grace tinutulungan Niya tayong magawa ito (1 Pedro 1:13-16).

Secondly, let’s refrain from making any comment or judgment on the person concerned. Si Jesus mismo ang nagsabi, “Huwag kayong humatol, nang kayo’y di hatulan. Sapagkat hahatulan kayo ng Diyos ayon sa paghatol ninyo sa iba, at susukatin kayo ayon sa panukat na ginagamit ninyo sa iba” (Mateo 7:1-2).

Thirdly, pray for the restoration of this person—hindi lang sa Lord, but also sa family, friends, church, at community niya.