I am not offended, I understand what you meant by saying that to your neighbor.
As for me, long before I walked the straight and narrow, I was living in the very belly of the beast. I have seen things, and done things I will forever be ashamed of.
That being said, we all have things we have done that could be twisted and made to look worse then they are. If anyone really thinks they are as pure as the wind driven snow, just run for office and they will soon learn how sordid others can make their past look to strangers.
Sadly, I must admit that it would not take slander to make my past look bad to others.
I thank God that He is who He is, and that He gave His own so that I can be redeemed. By His Amazing Grace, I am forgiven, and for that I am forever grateful.
You are so right, OneVike. If someone is being completely honest and look back over their entire life.... there are always incidents or mistakes that someone made that could be twisted to look just awful. As a young adult, did one get tipsy at a party? It could be twisted. Date the wrong person? Drive too fast? Get into a car accident? Get in a physical fight? All of these things could be blown up to look almost monsterous.