Dealing Gently

Dealing Gently
Words of Faith 2-2-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 5
[1] Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. [2] He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. [3] This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

       Several years ago, there was quite a stir across the country when reports came out that the Rev. Billy Graham claimed on national television that he would "forgive" President Clinton of the charges regarding the White House sex scandal. Graham went on to explain in that interview that "the ladies just go wild" for the President. Many people on all sides were stunned by such a response from the greatest evangelist of the last century, known for his fiery condemnation of sin.

      The book of Hebrews may help us understand. The Writer points out that within Temple life, the high priest was a man appointed to represent men to God in matters related to God, including sin. The Writer uses an interesting phrase to describe the priest   "He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness..."

      The Greek word actually means to take a middle course between apathy and anger. The point was that the high priest is neither indifferent to sin nor too harsh. This is because the priest is also subject to human weakness and must make an offering for his own sin. Jesus perfectly fulfilled this same role and moved beyond it because He perfectly represented man to God and perfectly understood the frailty of human existence, yet He was without sin and required no sacrifice for Himself.

       So how is it that Billy Graham, regarded by many as the most adamant preacher regarding the consequences of sin, seemed to go soft on national television when asked about the sin of a president? Is it possible that Rev. Graham was displaying the spirit of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, as he suggested he would deal gently with sin once exposed?

       All that Rev. Graham actually said was that he would forgive. That does not imply a denial of sin. He said that he could understand human frailty. That is the mind of Christ as well. The truth of the matter is that whether Billy Graham chose to forgive any person is not particularly relevant if that person has not personally sought forgiveness from God. But his gentle spirit actually reflects that of Christ, our High Priest. Sin is not excused or dismissed, but the person is not dealt with harshly.

       It is interesting that folks sometimes want Christ to be harsh, but not on them, only on others. We are often quick to point out the folly of sin in others' lives, but would like a bit more consideration for ourselves. That is not the nature of our High Priest.

       No, this is not a commentary upon politics or the desperate need for morality and character in public leadership. This is just an observation that perhaps Rev. Graham was right on target as he sought to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.

      Lord, give me the Mind of Christ. Teach me to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, for I am myself subject to weakness. Thank You for becoming my Great High Priest. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.