John Grisham is a gifted writer who often presents his personal Christian beliefs through many of his characters and plots. The Testament took his readers to the Brazilian wetlands, into a man’s search for spiritual renewal—a country Grisham knew well after having spent time in Brazil on a mission trip. Many times, he reflects his Christian sentiments in his novels as he presents the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is to be commended for doing that, which is most unusual. While not all of his main characters elicit sympathy, and while some of his language is guttural, Mr. Grisham presents realistic situations that causes a person to think about important moral issues. In his latest novel The Associate, Mr. Grisham raises a very interesting ethical dilemma. Without giving the plot away, a question arises in the narrative whether or not a confession and apology should be offered to someone whom they have harmed if that confession and apology will lead to other lives being ruined. Does a person’s need to find forgiveness and release from the burden of guilt justify the disclosure of facts that if embraced might lead to a jail sentence for self and others? Should one search for reconciliation even if that will only bring heartache and shame for family members who do not know the past?

As a pastor, when faced with these situations, I have counseled that private transgressions should be dealt with privately and public transgressions are to be dealt with publicly. Some situations can be and should be covered by the discretion of silence. If God is pleased to allow a fault to be hidden then let it remain in darkness. This is not to suggest, however, that transgressions are to be covered up but to point out that they can be covered by the blood of Christ—provided one has had genuine repentance, quiet restitution, and has not returned to or repeated the evil (injurious behavior).

In one of his sermons, Charles Spurgeon acknowledged an area of weakness in his personal life. It was not a moral transgression and most people would not have given what he confessed to a second thought. However, Mr. Spurgeon was convicted and the next Sunday he apologized to the congregation saying that he should not have set before them his own private failings. 

In the end, every person must do what he or she believes the Holy Spirit is leading him or her to say and to do. If a moral matter is exposed and the truth is one’s personal guilt, then it should be settled publicly. Today, the world of baseball is reeling with player after player being exposed, not only for the taking of drugs in private, but for lying in public in an attempt to cover-up illicit and unethical behavior. At such times, confession one to another should be made and the consequences embraced without protest. Along with confession, prayer is to be offered one for another so that there can be spiritual healing.

If your heart is burdened with guilt and you need personal help, please write to me for prayer, encouragement and counseling according to gospel terms. I would love to hear from you—because I care.