Hello,
There is a difference between forgiveness and trust: forgiveness is freely given of God; trust must be earned. Paul said,
"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (
1 Cor 4:1-2 KJV)
"In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy." (
1 Cor 4:2 NASU)
When a leader is in a position of trust and they sin, if they confess their sin, God is quick to forgive and to cleanse (
1Jn 1:9). However, faithfulness/trustworthiness is not something which is automatically restored when the transgression is forgiven. Trustworthiness MUST be exemplified through a consistent pattern of behavior. This is why Paul said stewards must be found faithful.
This has everything to do with "integrity": uncompromised moral character. When that character has been compromised, it must be rebuilt from scratch. Can such a leader ever be restored again to a position of trust? Perhaps, if he's demonstrated and exemplified the true fruits of repentence. And those fruits are actions born of integrity (uncompromised moral character) which ultimately earn again trust that was lost.
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