Hypocrisy or Forgiveness: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson
Several days ago, a WRAL report in Raleigh published a comment made by North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson back in 2012 that he funded an abortion in 1989. Mr. Robinson is a Black republican who is unheralded and despised by some in the media and liberal groups because of his outspoken faith and Biblical values. The initial response of many liberals was that he is a hypocrite. Robinson later posted a video with his wife by his side emphasizing God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The devil wants you to see hypocrisy and to harden your heart towards God. The Lord wants you to see forgiveness that can make the vilest sinner clean. Consider these three questions.
Is Lieutenant Governor Robinson guilty of hypocrisy? Hypocrisy is defined by Oxford as “the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.” A careful look at this definition will help you to easily answer this question. In 1989, the Robinsons did not have a moral conviction against abortion. As they grew in their walk with God, they became persuaded that it was wrong. How can a man be guilty of hypocrisy when he did not possess the moral standard at that time? Much better examples of hypocrisy can be found today. Just look at legislators who pushed for mask mandates yet did not abide by them in their public and private lives. Did Mr. Robinson do wrong? By his own admission, yes. Is he hypocrite because he now opposes an abortion that he once supported? No, that is called growth not hypocrisy.
Did the Robinsons need forgiveness from God? Yes, and they sought it and received it. Every person reading this article needs forgiveness from God. Back in 2015, a presidential candidate was asked if he had ever asked God for forgiveness. His response startled many when he responded, “I am not sure that I have.” Every person reading this article has committed acts that violate God’s law. Therefore, we all need God’s forgiveness. When a person confesses his sin to God with a contrite heart, God is faithful to forgive according to 1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
How can a man receive forgiveness from God? No amount of money, popularity, or prestige can give you forgiveness. You can only receive it through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul made it clear when he wrote “In whom [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Paul knew about forgiveness because he was responsible for the death of Christians before he met Jesus. The same God that forgave Paul and the Robinsons is the same God that will forgive you.
Through the years, I have learned that Democrats seem very willing to forgive Democrats and Republicans can overlook the shortcomings of fellow Republicans. Just look at the lives of Bill Clinton or Donald Trump. Don’t let your politics blind you from the most important message you will ever hear. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins and rose again that you might have eternal life. God is willing and ready to forgive you regardless of your political affiliation. Don’t let this witch-hunt about hypocrisy distract you from your need for God’s forgiveness.