While I can’t believe this is a sentence I’d ever have to write, I must be honest.

I’m deeply disappointed the President of the United States paid hush money to a porn star, and that he felt he had to.

Does it negate all the positive policy measures he has undertaken since he took office, from promoting a solid pro-growth and pro-life agenda to boosting defense spending tor rebuild the U.S. military, and strengthening U.S. foreign policy and alliances with key allies like Israel and our Sunni Arab partners? 

No.

But we Evangelicals must be honest — this is sad, and it devalues the presidency.

Yes, other presidents and prime ministers have made decisions we have felt were deeply offensive, both in and out of office. It was as true in Biblical times as it is today. But are we not saddened by such things?

Yes, love and forgiveness and grace are central tenets of our faith, and should be now — amen. But should we not begin by “speaking the truth in love,” as the Scriptures teach? Thus, should we as Evangelicals express our disappointment and our sense of sadness at what is unfolding?

Fortunately, no one is beyond God’s mercies. That is the wonderful news of the Gospel message. All can be forgiven through true repentance and sincere faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sinners like me. Sinners like you.

Upon the occasion of the National Day of Prayer, let us redouble our commitment to praying daily and faithfully for the President, his wife and his family, and for all our leaders and our nation — indeed, for all of America.

May we all, in whatever nation we live, turn this week to the Scriptures — the Gospels, in particular — and rediscover, or discover for the first time, the great God of amazing grace.