Duggar Family Speaks About Josh Duggar Days Before 'Jill & Jessa Counting On' 2016 Premiere

By Ann Dee
Josh Duggar
Last week, Josh Duggar issued an apology for acting "inexcusably" in past "wrongdoing," after InTouch magazine revealed he was investigated in 2006 for inappropriately touching minors when he was 14 years old.  People Magazine

More than half a year after Josh Duggar checked himself in a faith-based rehab center following a series of series of scandals that led to his family's TV show "19 Kids and Counting" canceled, his family finally speaks up. According to the Duggars, the rest of the family is working to mend their relationship with Josh.

Speaking with People magazine exclusively, Josh's sister Jessa Duggar Seewald shared that she has personally forgiven Josh.  It is a process, though, that you have to work through in your heart," she added. "And trust is not quickly rebuilt. It is something that takes a while. We love him very much, though, and we are very hopeful for the future." 

Another sister, Joy also spoke of her feelings. She admitted that she too, already forgiven her brother. But trusting him is another story altogether. She said the trust is not there yet. 

Jessa's husband also shared that he does not harbor ill feelings toward his brother-in-law, despite what the scandals cost the whole family. "I love Josh and I want the best for him," said Ben Seewald. "There are a lot of people who have been hurt in this situation. I want to look for ways to help heal the situation for Josh and for Anna and their kids especially," he added. 

While Josh's parents did not share their feelings to People magazine, they posted quite a telling message on the Duggar family Facebook page earlier this month, on Josh's birthday. In their message, they shared that they still love and care for Josh. "The heartache of the past year cannot surpass the joy 28 years ago on this day when we first became parents! We love you Josh and believe your best days can be ahead of you," they wrote. "We continue to pray for you every day," they added.

Josh on his part, entered rehab back in August having asked for forgiveness. Before he entered the institution, he penned a heartfelt letter stating his regrets. "I am so ashamed of the double life that I have been living and am grieved for the hurt, pain and disgrace my sin has caused my wife and family, and most of all Jesus and all those who profess faith in Him." It seems the family already granted him this.

Their speaking up is very timely, since it is about time for a fresh start. The family is returning to television soon, with "19 Kids and Counting" spinoff "Jill & Jessa: Counting On" given a full season. 

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