Subject: Embracing Mercy and Conscience in Our Lives (06/26/'24) -Message

Subject: Embracing Mercy and Conscience in Our Lives Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to share a reflection that has deeply moved me, centered on the powerful interplay of mercy, judgment, and the voice of our conscience, inspired by a poignant moment from the Scriptures. In the narrative of John 8:7, we encounter a scene filled with tension and anticipation. A woman, accused and vulnerable, stands before a crowd ready to judge her with stones in hand. Yet, it is here that Jesus introduces a transformative lesson: He challenges those without sin to cast the first stone. This moment of introspection causes each accuser to confront their own imperfections, ultimately leading them to drop their stones and walk away. This story isn’t just about the absence of sin, but rather the presence of grace and the power of conscience. It reminds us that all evil takes root when we rebel against our inner moral compass. When faced with the opportunity to judge or condemn, Jesus guides us towards compassion and self-reflection. How often do we find ourselves holding stones, ready to cast judgment? And how often do we need to hear, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”? This passage invites us to drop our stones of judgment and replace them with acts of forgiveness and understanding, guided by a conscience aligned with mercy. Let us strive to walk this path of grace, where our actions are informed not by the harshness of law but by the spirit of love. May we remember that in every encounter, we have the choice to echo divine mercy and foster a world more reflective of the compassion we are all capable of extending. Thank you for allowing me to share this reflection. May it inspire us both to live more conscientiously and compassionately in our daily journeys. Warm regards, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 26, 2024)