Subject: A Thought on Integrity, Judgment, and Mercy (03/18/'24) -Message

Subject: A Thought on Integrity, Judgment, and Mercy Hey friends, I stumbled upon something thought-provoking today and felt compelled to share it with you all. It's about the gap between what we say and what we do, and how easily we judge others without introspecting our own actions. Imagine people gathering, claiming to seek wisdom and expressing devotion, but their actions betray their words. They profess love and loyalty, yet chase their desires with no regard for the values they claim to uphold. This hypocrisy doesn't go unnoticed, and it brings about a moment of reckoning. It's a powerful reminder that saying "I haven't done anything wrong" isn't enough if our actions don't match up. And then, there's this moment of profound challenge: before we rush to judge someone else, let's pause and reflect on our own imperfections. Who among us hasn't made mistakes? This isn't just about acknowledging that we all falter; it's about the importance of compassion and mercy in our judgments. This message struck a chord with me, reminding me of the importance of living with integrity, being honest about our shortcomings, and treating others with empathy. It's a call to align our actions with our words and to approach others with understanding, rather than haste judgment. I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me. Let's strive to be more mindful and compassionate, both towards ourselves and others. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 18, 2024)