The 19 Kids and Counting family have been under intense public scrutiny since the year 2015 started. With the media exposure of the teenage indiscretions committed by Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar's eldest son, Josh Duggar, the entire brood suffered. The revelation of Josh's troubled past, which also affected younger sisters Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald, brought forth the cancellation of the reality series 19 Kids and Counting.
Throughout the issues, the support of Josh's wife, Anna Duggar, remained unwavering. The mother-of-four stood by her husband despite the unbearable criticisms their family faced. However, the revelation of Josh's extramarital affairs put a stop to Anna's bravery. Further adding insult to injury was the fact that Josh committed these affairs by signing up to the Ashley Madison site - an online service that offers discreet and confidential arrangements for committed men who are searching for lovers outside of their marriage.
Since the news of Josh's infidelity broke out, Anna and her children withdrew from the spotlight. Even after her husband announced his plan of committing himself to a treatment facility, Sources claim that she and her children are still processing the betrayal. Divorce rumors also continue to be rife following the decision of Anna to move out from the family home.
So, how does one find courage and understanding to deal with this kind of situation? Where does one gather the strength to forgive and move on from these events? Here are verses from the Bible to help those in need of inspiration at a time of sadness and betrayal.
Bible verses on forgiveness
1. Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)
2. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
3. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent-not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)
4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:4 - 6)
5. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:22-24)
Scriptures on moving on
1. Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. (Isaiah 43:18)
2. The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger. (Job 17:9)
3. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13)
4. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. (Isaiah 58:11)
5. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
