Dear Ones,
 
Hope you are having a peaceful day! It is overcast here and looks like it could rain. I made healthy quinoa/chic/veggie soup this morning and wrote letters before I went to exercise class. Tonight we have Bible Study at church and hopefully a walk before.
 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
 
It’s so important as Christians to walk in truth and not be false. We are told in Eph. 4:15 (The Message), “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love,—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.”  In verse 25 Paul goes on to say, “What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, or more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.”  It seems like in our culture today, there is so much pretense and lies being told that one doesn’t know what to believe or who to believe. How sad that is. I remember growing up that my parents were people of integrity, and I didn’t have to wonder if what they said was truth. Where are the people of integrity today? Truthful words are a gift and when we lie, we are lying to ourselves and lose self-respect. That doesn’t mean that we have to agree with everyone around us but when we disagree, do it in love and an openness to learn where they are coming from. It is very sad when people are afraid to speak up and some feel if they disagree it may cost them even their job. It takes courage to speak the truth and to not compromise because we want to be accepted; It feels right and good when we speak from our hearts, even when it may mean standing alone and saying we will not go along with something that goes against our convictions. Recently, I read about Cornel West of Harvard, a black Baptist liberal, and Robert George of Princeton, a white catholic conservative who couldn’t be any different. They debate one another but yet they respect one another and are the best of friends. Yes, we can disagree with others not from our tribe but may we not ostracize them or exclude them; rather take time to listen and find out where they are at and not be so quick to tell our side of things. Let us be known for seeking truth and loving much.
 
Challenge for today: Spend some time with someone of differing views, and listen in love and openness.
 
Blessings on your day and prayers and love,
Judy