
With regards to Tiger Woods and the scandal surrounding his life and marriage, the word “disappointed” has been used a lot in statements such as: “I am so disappointed with Tiger.” In light of all the people, especially youth, that looked up to him as a role model, I can hardly say that I blame people for feeling this way. But, on a different note, I would have to say that I am disappointed as well, not so much with Tiger as I am with the response of Christian brothers and sisters.
In particular, my disappointment is how slow some of us are to express any desire or hope for repentance, grace, forgiveness, and restoration for this man, and yet we are so quick and fixated on calling him names and saying how much we “never really did like him”, and that he “got what he deserved”, etc.
I wonder, for every Christian that called Tiger a “loser” and a “disappointment” was there also a fervent prayer coming out of these same people’s mouths for his repentance? Was there love-filled, faith-filled, fervent prayer that Tiger could come to know Jesus through the grace and forgiveness our Lord offers to him this very moment? Was there any feeling of hope that this could be redeemed as an opportunity to show the world that Christ truly does change our lives through forgiveness no matter how great our fall or how great our hypocrisy?
Or, will we, as the Body of Christ, show the world that, “Yes, we have nothing to say or offer but ‘disappointment’ like you do”? Can we not, should we not, be different in our reactions and responses than the average person? Doesn’t Jesus have more to offer than that?
The answer is an emphatic “yes.”
Now, in no way do I condone or gloss over what Tiger has done. For a man to cheat on his wife is a terrible, terrible thing. There is no excuse for it for any man. Such men are rightly called “losers” and many other colorful adjectives. But with that said, I also want to say that each time I see or hear about Tiger and this scandal, to my best ability, I will take the opportunity to cry out – even if quietly – in the depths of my soul for the redemption and healing for him and his family.
For…
I believe in the Gospel of my beloved Friend, Lord and Savior Jesus. I believe it has the power to save anyone – no matter how rich, or not rich, famous, or not famous. [Rom 1:16]
I believe we all – apart from Christ – are “losers” just like Tiger. I believe every man and woman – no matter how rich or not rich, famous or not famous – will go to hell because of sin if they do not put their trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For we all “fall short of the glory of God” and “not one of us is righteous” since even our “righteousness” is like filthy rags before God. [Rom 3:23, Rom 3:10, Isa 64:6]
As well, I believe that Jesus died for every single man and woman – no matter how rich or not rich, famous or not famous – because we all equally needed His work of grace, atonement, and redemption…just like Tiger. [Isa 53:6, John 3:16]
I believe that every man and woman – no matter how rich, or not rich famous, or not famous – though they be strangers or even an enemy to us, should be cared for with Christ’s love in their hour of reckoning as compassionately and freely as we would any other loved one since this is what Christ would do. [Luke 6:27, Matt. 10:8, Ezek 33:10-11, James 5:20, 1 Peter 4:8]
For, I believe that every person – no matter how rich or not rich, famous or not famous – who genuinely repents and humbly seeks his grace can and will be fully forgiven, restored, and their story redeemed all to His glory. [1 John 1:9, Rom 3:24, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14, Heb 9:12 ]
This is my hope and prayer for all people, and without exception, it is my hope and prayer for Tiger Woods and his family. I hope that you would prayerfully consider making it yours as well.