Woods’ opening words were “…many have cheered for me, worked with me, or supported me; now everyone of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you simply and directly I am deeply sorry…”. Sorrow is a good word to hear when it comes from those who have indeed hurt others. Woods continued, “Families used to look up to me as a role model to their kids, to those families I am so sorry.”
Sorrow, when experienced because of one’s sin, should be welcomed by our forgiveness. Paul spoke to the church at Corinth and said… “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him (the one who has caused grief) , so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” 2 Corinthians 2:7 (NIV). The Apostle Paul speaks these words of instruction for us to know how to respond to the sinner in forgiveness.
Tiger Woods’ influential world filled with fame and fortune cannot buy forgiveness. Forgiveness is something that is received willingly on the part of those who have been hurt. His sorrow led him to ask for forgiveness. Many will. Some won’t. He has fulfilled the pre-requisite for forgiveness. One commentator said, “Even though Tiger’s religious persuasion is Buddhist, we as Christians are faced with a choice to forgive him and continue to pray for him.”
It’s quite easy to “cast a stone” on someone’s character. Yet, when we consider our own character, we all too often recognize the need for forgiveness ourselves. Forgiveness is something that needs to start at home. Some will say today, “Oh…I forgive the man. Everyone makes mistakes.” Yet, there may be someone in your own family, circle of influence, neighborhood, or church that you have had a hard time forgiving. They’ve expressed their sorrow, but you can’t seem to move toward forgiveness. Think about this – the one who expresses sorrow for their wrong is free, while those who harbor bitterness stay bound in unforgiveness.
Jesus was tough on this issue. Matthew 6:14,15 remind us…”For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Tiger Woods took the high road. He took the hard path and faced his difficulty. Many of his standing feel they owe no man anything. But Woods said, “Money and fame made me believe I was entitled. I was wrong and foolish. I don’t get to live by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me. I hurt my mother, my wife, kids, friends, and my foundation. This has made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to again.”
Woods said to the world, “I am deeply sorry.” Someone close to you has said the same. What will you do? How will you respond?
