Serious Ethical Question....What would you do?

[Mrs. LPW]

Originally Posted by Sam

I certainly can't give you advice on something like that. You need someone a lot smarter than I am.

There are so many questions:
1. are the pictures genuine or altered?
2. is this something from the past (if so, how long ago) or current?
3. is it possible this was a slip up, a temporary lapse, and the person has since repented?
4. how credible is your source, and what is his/her motivation for sending them to you?
5. how does Proverbs 26:20 about a talebearer apply to the sender and to you?
6. Does "covering" a multitude of sin apply? ref 1 Peter 4:8
7. could this be an assignment for you to cover that person in prayer and let God reveal it in His own time?

for starters

I think Sam's list is certainly a good starter!!! Do nothing in haste.

[live4him]

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

I think Sam's list is certainly a good starter!!! Do nothing in haste.

i do much agree-- very wise

[SoCaliUPC]

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

I think Sam's list is certainly a good starter!!! Do nothing in haste.

Exactly. Although, in the last couple of hours, the photos have landed in some appropriate hands (I say appropriate because it is where they should be). I did not have to do anything...other than pray.

This is a serious issue and I am not making light of it. This has sat heavily with me all day. At this point, I have just been a recepient of the photos and have asked others NOT to send it on to others. Told them to pray and it seems that is what they have done.

[Sandra]

Originally Posted by SoCaliUPC

Exactly. Although, in the last couple of hours, the photos have landed in some appropriate hands (I say appropriate because it is where they should be). I did not have to do anything...other than pray.

This is a serious issue and I am not making light of it. This has sat heavily with me all day. At this point, I have just been a recepient of the photos and have asked others NOT to send it on to others. Told them to pray and it seems that is what they have done.

Good for you.. none of us need to know who it is.. not even stmark!

[1Corinth2v4]

Originally Posted by Sandra

Good for you.. none of us need to know who it is.. not even stmark!

I need to know.....as a matter of fact, I just might already know!

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

The Bible doesn't say to take it to the Pastor...it says go to the person.

Blessings, Rhoni

Sounds like you're referring to Matt 18:15-17. But that passage talking about how to deal with a brother who has sinned against you... not a brother who is living a double life in general.

It still remains that it's good practice for a Pastor to be made aware of it if one of his members is living in a sinful manner on the side. Pastors watch out for our souls, so it is appropriate for them to be made aware of such situations.

Notifying one's pastor of such situations is not tattling.