The definition of apology by Merriam-Webster states, “… something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize.” Sean “Diddy” Combs released an apology after the video that was blasted across the media of the horrific beating of Cassie Ventura, his former girlfriend. Before the release of the video, Combs denied the allegations calling it a “money grab” or that there was a desire to seek a payday. The apology does not mention what happened to Cassie but focuses on being in a dark place, seeking therapy and God. For years, there have been allegations of his abusive behavior toward women and men and more cases have been filed against Combs.
Many are asking why nothing has happened to him. Why did others sit back and watch this behavior? Most claimed it was because of fear for their lives or livelihood. It’s a common theme in scenarios of influential people—the behavior is covered up.
Diddy isn’t the only one that others sat back and watched only to remain close to the celebrity—R. Kelly, Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, and others tormented the lives of many for years, often decades. Sadly, many people side with these powerful individuals believing they could do no wrong and seeking proof to be convinced.
As a society, we often believe those in power because the assumption is that accusers only want money. The court of public opinion needs to be sentenced because we make idols out of these people instead of understanding that even successful human beings fail.
We have made people our gods. For some reason, we have this strange belief that people who have money and fame are excused. We also believe that idols are only objects but we can turn people into things we worship and make them exempt from judgement. Scripture states, “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6) God has not changed.
In addition, we also have forgotten that forgiveness does not exempt us from the consequences of our behavior. You can only go so far and so long with bad behavior.
The last few years have been filled with the exposure of bad behavior from those we’ve celebrated and placed on pedestals. Know that there will be more to come. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:17) This should be a lesson to all of us.
It is disheartening to watch people mistreat others and believe that they can get away with it. The book of Proverbs reminds us that the consequences are real—” who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed— without remedy.” (Proverbs 6:14-15) The consequence may not happen immediately but it will happen.
The passage goes on to state, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Instead of solely looking at the bad behavior of Sean Combs, it’s time that we as a society, especially those of us who profess to be Christians, we must begin to look at our- selves. If God were to expose our behavior in the way that we treat others, what would be revealed? Would we be proud of what was shown or embarrassed? It’s time to look in our mirrors and make the decision to do better and to be better to one another.
Dr. Froswa’ Booker Drew Founder, Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation President, Soulstice Consultancy, drfroswabooker.com email: info@drfroswa.com
