“We cannot overcome sin’s power on our own.” —Billy Graham
Last year, the voices of those who’d faced some sort of sexual abuse or harassment in their lives became so loud that TIME magazine named “The Silence Breakers” its Person of the Year.
Although it was started more than a decade ago, the Me Too movement of women and men speaking out about sexual abuse and sharing their stories has rocked just about every area of society in recent months. And today, it’s hard to turn on the news or surf the internet without uncovering another pattern of abuse.
Those coming forward say sexual misconduct is in Hollywood. It’s in politics. It’s in the Olympics. It’s on college campuses. It’s in the music industry. It’s in comedy. It’s in the office. It’s in church. It’s next door.
It’s … everywhere. And often, covered up.
As the list of accusers and abusers grows—including well-known celebrities and public figures—questions are mounting just as quickly. “How could this happen?” “Why didn’t someone do something?” “How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again?”
The reality is, our own understanding could never fully provide answers. But clarity is possible—through God’s Word. Here are three truths to think on and share as scandal continues to come to the light.
1. There’s no hiding sin.
Sin always involves a slippery slope of secrets that will eventually be revealed. The Bible tells us there’s no escaping it. “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light,” Luke 8:17 (NASB) says.
We can hide from and lie to others. “But we cannot hide from God, and we cannot deceive Him,” Billy Graham says.
>> This answer explains more.
What exactly is sin?
>> Find out here.
2. The heart is wicked.
You may not commit acts like those in the news, but sin resides in each of us. And the one thing you might say, “I would never,” could very well be your demise. Scripture tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). In other words, our hearts cannot be trusted. That’s why it’s so important not to lean on what feels right, but what God says is right. Only He can change our hearts.
Sometimes, we ignore the warning signs that we’re headed down the wrong path.
>> Watch Flying Blind, a short film sharing real stories of people who were stuck in sin like porn addiction, adultery, and cheating—but found redemption.
Have you ever thought, “How did I get into this mess?”
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer on overcoming bad decisions and habits.
3. Forgiveness is possible and necessary.
No one is immune from sin, but we can be forgiven and freed from guilt and shame. God knows you and loves you in spite of what you’ve done.
No sin is beyond God’s forgiveness.
>> Billy Graham explains more.
What can we do to be forgiven?
>> Listen to this 60-second clip for more.
The shocking number of sexual abuse allegations coming to light is a warning and reminder to us: God knows all that’s happening in the world—and in your life.
Decide today to live a life that would please Him.
Have you been sexually abused or want to report an incident? Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673). Callers receive confidential support and resources from trained staff.
If you feel you are stuck in sexual sin, turn to Christ and seek help.
