Recovering from adultery - Visiting artiste speaks about falling after Fun in the Son

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

Tye Tribbett's life is governed by the principle "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works" (Titus 7:2).

On his second visit to Jamaica as one of the guest acts on the Best Dressed Fun in the Son concert held last Saturday, he told reporters that "The purpose of the night (the concert) was to build the Kingdom of God. And I am always looking to be connected with people who are building the kingdom." Thus his reason for coming to Jamaica.

As the interview continued, and subsequently in his performance onstage later, it was evident that the African-American lived and breathed the scripture.

Like all ministers, he quotes stories and verses for explanation and justification. So the reaction to news that he had been unfaithful to his wife was quite understandable. The news hit the airwaves and, ultimately, Jamaicans hard.

And for that reason, many may question his sincerity when he preaches against adultery.

Not a hypocrite

During a pre-performance press session at the Mona Bowl, University of the West Indies, the minister was very firm.

"The Bible said 'go and preach the word'. I still have to preach against adultery, even though I fell to it. That does not make me a hypocrite; it makes me worthy of the word of Christ. It actually validates me to speak the Gospel. I still must preach what God sees as reasons to Him," he explained.

Tribbett continued his defence by using one of the Ten Commandments as illustration.

"So if people want to say, 'I do not want to speak to Tye', I will say, 'God is able to bring back to life what we have messed up.' And concluded his explanation by saying, "It's not that I have already attained the height, I have not really reached the mark. I was not the spiritual preacher that they say I am. I am not there yet."

And his advice to Christians, in particular those who may be encountering a similar problem, was "The number-one thing is not to trust yourself. Trust in the Lord thy God with all thy might or you will continue messing up yourself. God is able.

"There was a time when my wife and I were not talking, but we were talking to God. I used to say I almost destroyed my marriage, but now I say I did, because I imagine my life like that of Lazarus. There would have been no resurrection, as Jesus said 'I am the resurrection'. And He is a repairer of the bridge, once you trust Him. It's not going to be easy, you have to work at it," he elaborated.

Tribbett, along with his group GA (Greater Anointing), has recorded four albums. The latest, Fresh, was released in 2010.

The title, Tribbett explained, was fitting because of what the Lord had done in his life.

"The Bible said remember not the human thing because I am doing a new thing. When I read that scripture it resonated in me, the new things. He is doing a new thing in me," he said.

Tyrone (Tye) Tribbett was born in Camden, New Jersey. He is the son of two Apostolic church ministers and married to Shante Tribbett a former member of the GA.

In addition to being the father of two girls along with his pastoral responsibilities, Tribbett is a songwriter, producer, and choir director. So what is a typical day like for him and how is he able to balance all his responsibilities?

"I delegate the responsibilities ... and we meet twice per week," he said.

The Southern Jersey native served up a mundane list of activities. Like a good father, he takes his children to school and, like a good minister, has his devotion, and at nights, he and his family play a game where grapes are thrown at each other.