I hope you had a Merry Christmas. This week’s blog is by guest blogger Matt Garrett–who is also my older brother. Today, he shares his thoughts on a topic he has been praying about. I hope you enjoy his honest reflections.

“Many people quote their favorite Bible passages, but how many profess to have a least favorite story? Luke’s story of the prodigal son has always been mine. I fully comprehend and embrace the message of forgiveness Jesus is preaching in this parable. Yet, no matter how hard I pray I continue to reject this specific example.

For I am the story’s older brother. Not that I am without sin or past mistakes. The introduction to my latest research, entitled Reflections for the Young Professional in the Sport Business Industry, reflects on transgressions early in my career in the hope readers will learn from them.

But I have always been the “good one”. The one sought to handle disputes between colleagues, coaches, or parents. The buddy my school friends had meet their girlfriends when they needed a clean cut image and the one my adult friends are embarrassed to share their wild stories. I have rarely been intoxicated, a state I haven’t reached in 20 years. I have never attempted illicit drugs. And my wife is the only woman I have had relations with.

Yet it is jealousy in my heart when I question why those who commit repeated and egregious mistakes are lauded when they turn things around, while those disciplined enough to avoid life’s vices receive no such accolades? And when an individual is praised for professional accomplishments when their personal choices poorly reflect their moral compass.

My brother offered the story of King David. While we can’t possibly compare historical eras and norms, this is a great example. David was a murderer, a possible rapist and definite adulterer, and a man who arguably exuded nonchalance in his role in his son’s death. God’s forgiveness would not impact society’s duty to imprison him and deem him unworthy of role model status.

Recognizing we are all sinners worthy of forgiveness, when is our authority compromised as a result of either the severity or frequency of our moral lapses? How does society both model forgiveness yet hold people accountable for their transgressions? It is always appropriate to forgive, but when should and should not we give a person a second chance at a platform to potentially influence others? How is our own moral culpability impacted when we do so, and our soul tarnished when we don’t?

I don’t have the answers, but instead ask you to ponder the questions in your hearts. And pray for mine as well. I had hoped deep reflection on this would lead me to opening my heart toward the prodigal son. I am not there yet, because I still don’t think he deserved a party.”