In a tightly controlled televised statement, golfer Tiger Woods gave an apology Friday for his “irresponsible and selfish” behavior. ”I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you,” said the golfer, dressed in a blue button-down shirt and a blazer. “For all that I have done, I am so sorry. ”I had affairs, I cheated. What I did was not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame.”

At no point did Tiger ask for forgiveness, but it should be given.  No, his actions should not be condoned.  Yes, sin has consequences.  But they should manifest themselves according to the will of the Righteous Judge, not in our hearts for retribution.  I’ve heard A LOT of people who claim to follow Jesus say “He doesn’t deserve another chance or forgiveness”. “The public shouldn’t forgive him, yet…” or many variations to that affect.

Are they even listening to themselves!? Has the most basic Christian principle been lost!?

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” [Romans 3:23]

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. [Matthew 18:21-22]

Looking at the notes in the ESV study bible:  “Within Judaism, three times was sufficient to show a forgiving spirit (based on Job 33:29, 30; Amos 1:3; 2:6), thus Peter (seven) believes he has shown generosity. But true disciples of Jesus are to forgive without keeping count (seventy times seven). This may echo and reverse Lamech’s boast of vengeance in Gen. 4:24 (the Gk. is the same).”

The two passages are clear.  We all suck at obedience.  We all need to be redeemed and forgiven.  Those that follow Jesus have been. And those that have been should extend it to the world around them (particularly other believers).  The heart of God is never vengeance.  True that He brings pain and hardship in effort to shape and move us, but it is never about balancing the score.  To the best of my knowledge, Tiger Woods does not follow Jesus.  Therefore, the consequences of sin and implications of grace are a bit different for him. However, the principles remain the same.

Should Tiger get what he deserves?  I’m not sure…but I do know what I deserved.  I am thankful that grace was extended to me by the Father, instead.  And because of it, I choose to extend that same grace.  Whether the universal balance of justice is right is certainly not my call.  My hope is for healing and restoration of his marriage and life. And ultimately, for his salvation.

Shouldn’t it be yours too?

I’ll leave the justice to our Maker.