Lovers of cricket, and indeed most of the sporting world, have been shocked and saddened by recent revelations by several South African cricketers of a willingness to influence matches in exchange for money.

It is particularly sad that the fulcrum of these various shameful activities is Hansie Cronje - a man with an avowed Christian ethic and lifestyle; a man born again by the Holy Spirit.

Where does Hansie Cronje stand now in the eyes of the Christian community? And where does the credibility of the Christian faith stand in the light of such actions by a 'highly respected' and 'practising' Christian?

To address these two questions, we must understand the essence and heart of Christianity. Its credibility has never been dependent upon the actions and attitudes of any man or woman, whether such actions were highly commendable or despicable.

The credibility of the Christian faith centres in the person and work, especially the death and resurrection, of Jesus Christ. Pilate at the trial of Jesus said that he found no fault in him.

The good actions of any Christian are not to vindicate Jesus Christ but they are the outworking of a life lived for Christ and empowered by Him.

Hansie Cronje's actions have marred his own testimony. He did not heed the biblical warning to Christians to be careful that they don't fall if they think they are standing firmly. However, an essential part of the Christian message is forgiveness.

No religious book except the Bible teaches that God completely forgives sin. Jesus died on the cross so that the sins of mankind could be forgiven. One becomes a Christian by receiving from God forgiveness through Jesus Christ. And Christians are also called to forgive others as God forgives them. This responsibility figures significantly in the Lord's Prayer.

So we do not condemn Hansie, although he may rightly have to face the legal and other consequence of his actions.

Most definitely we do not condone the actions. But as Christians we must find it in our hearts to forgive him and pray that he will be restored to a pattern of life that honours his Lord and Saviour.