He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy – Proverbs 28:13
Cassie’s world was shattered as she was forced to address the dire consequences of her extramarital affair. Given the choice to either publicly disclose her unfaithfulness or keep silent—hoping the incriminating videotape wouldn’t surface—Cassie chose to face her truth. The negative backlash created a media frenzy, with Cassie’s reputation and marriage becoming collateral damage. Yet, with the support of a spiritual mentor, Cassie sought to rebuild her life through God’s forgiveness, mending both her marriage and her career.
Watching Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery only solidified an important truth: that the pleasure derived from engaging in sin will never be an anesthetic for the discomfort of falling. Nor will it lessen what’s required to stand once more. Rising comes from what’s uncomfortable: acknowledging and repenting of the sin and seeking forgiveness from God. This embraces the redemptive power of grace as shown to the woman by Jesus when He told her, “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).
Just as falling isn’t enjoyable, physically and spiritually, neither is rising. It requires heartfelt humility that’s oftentimes emotionally painful. Still, it’s the only way to stand and walk in alignment with God again.