Gloating over a Man’s Downfall is not Wise

If you have notice the viral video of two people caught together on video cam at a Cold Play concert this past week at Gillette stadium. Both are married and a prominent CEO was caught with another woman. The man has a wife and three children. The woman who is not his wife is known to have a work relationship within the company.

The couple has been said to have committed adultery. I’m not sure this is true, but a knee-jerk reaction from the crowds have said differently. If this is the case, I feel for the families, because they truly are the victims. Nobody wins in an infidelity relationship except the devil and his cohorts of demons. The delusion to think that the grass is greener on the other side is a lie. The late Erma Bombeck once wrote, “The greener grass on the other side is a septic tank is underneath!”

“Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? [28] Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? [29] So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. [30] People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. [31] Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. [32] But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. [33] Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away”. https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.6.27-33.NIV

Ironically, last weekend I posted this quote”Marriage infidelity does not begin with a blowout but a slow leak” Chuck Swindol

Whether there was adultery, there is shame, embarrassment, and disgrace for these families. My heart goes out for the innocent family members. My heart goes out for these two people as well, who thought they would never get caught! Why does human nature want to gloat over somebody else’s downfall? King David was exposed with his sinful act of adultery. I cannot image the gloating from David’s enemies during his time as King of Israel. David never lost a battle in war, but he did lose a few spiritual battles, yet the Lord God was gracious to him. He repented of his sins and God was merciful.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. [2] Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.32.1-2.NIV

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge”. Psalm 51:1-4

David repented, because he was held accountable. God used Nathan the prophet to expose him (2 Samuel 12:1-14) NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2sa.12.1-14.NIV

Although David was forgiven, He and his family paid a price for his sins. In other words there were consequences. He and his family suffered.

When a trap is set there is usually bait to get its prey. The devil knows how to use the right bait! Do not give him a foothold.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.5.8.NIV

How do we stay strong and resist? Put on the whole armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18

“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee”. James 4:7

Be held accountable to 1 or 2 close friends, or a confidante.

Avoid all appearances of evil. i.e. Go to the concert with your wife guys, not another woman.

Pray that you will not fall into temptation. Pray for those who have failed or fallen, rather than gloating. Walk in humility, and remember, the media always does not get it right and God does not like gossip. Offer a prayer up for these families, or others who may be going through similar circumstances. Divorce is not always the best solution, but forgiveness in the long run can make a marriage stronger and better in some cases, because trust is regained.