Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

 Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

The Empathy Gap. Victims of Circumstance. We rarely judge victims of circumstance harshly.

 Imagine a friend trapped in a toxic relationship, manipulated and controlled. We offer support, not scorn. We recognize they are victims, not villains.

 Similarly, consider individuals caught in the clutches of a cult. Although their distorted, manipulated worldview may appear foreign to us, we are aware that they have been brainwashed. In the context of politics and culture, this empathy that is so easily extended in personal situations frequently evaporates.

 We encounter differing viewpoints, not as opportunities for understanding but as threats to our own beliefs. The Battlefield of Beliefs, where Judgment Thrives. Political and cultural debates often devolve into battlefields.

 We arm ourselves with facts and figures, ready to vanquish opposing viewpoints. Judgment becomes our weapon of choice, wielded with righteous indignation. This judgmental approach ignores a crucial element, the role of misinformation and manipulation.

 Just like the manipulated partner or the cult member, individuals with differing viewpoints might operate from a place of distorted information. Their perspective is partly shaped by their experiences, education, and upbringing. Their reality, shaped by circumstances outside of their control, may be what we consider ignorance.

 Lessons from Stoicism: Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Discord.  Ancient Roman Stoic philosophers provided timeless guidance on how to control our tendency toward judgment. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius challenges us to think about the possibility that people who wrong us are ignorant.

 Another Stoic master, Epictetus, echoes this idea when he says, "Do not be angry with the one who is mistaken." He reminds us that those who cling to their convictions do so because they believe them to be true. These ancient teachings highlight a fundamental truth.

 People rarely hold beliefs that are known to be incorrect. Even if they are wrong, their beliefs are based on what they believe to be the truth. A Connection Between Condemnation and Understanding Empathy.

 Rather than condemning those who disagree with us, let us work toward empathy. Remember that every person's views and beliefs are the result of their own experiences, which have shaped and influenced them. This is a call to approach disagreements with understanding and acknowledge that our own opinions are merely pieces of a larger truth, not to compromise our own values or support false beliefs.

 "Do not judge, lest you be judged," said Jesus. Let empathy lead the way rather than passing judgment in a divided world. Only then can we hope to remove the obstacles that separate us and create a more understanding and compassionate world.

Here’s to love and light.

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

 

 Embrace the Mind of Christ

Hey there, beautiful souls. Today, I want to share something truly transformative with you. Imagine tapping into a mindset so powerful that it brought peace and harmony to every part of your being.

 This is the mindset of Christ. But let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Imagine having a mind that knows the good to be omnipotent.

 A mind filled with conscious peace and harmony. How would that change your life? How quickly would this state of mind uplift your spirit and bring health and soundness to your body? To have the mind Jesus had is to align yourself with the principle of good. It's about thinking with God, seeing all things as perfection.

 When your mind is filled with perfect thoughts you're thinking as God thinks. And in that space you find peace. The sermon on the mount gives us clear directions to achieve this state.

 Judge not, condemn not, resist not evil. These teachings guide us towards right thinking, showing us the way into his kingdom. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, be not hypocritical or sad, keep my sayings.

 When we embrace these principles we begin to see the world differently. We start to live in a state of conscious peace and harmony. This is the power of Christ's mindset.

 So my friends let's strive to think as he did. Let's fill our minds with perfect thoughts, aligning with the good. And in doing so we'll find inner peace that radiates through our entire being.

 Thank you for joining me on this journey.  Until next time, stay blessed.

Here’s to love and light

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

 

DIVINE CONFIDENCE

 Hey there! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey to connect with the divine, just like the fearless David from the Bible. Yes, I’m talking about that young shepherd who faced the giant Goliath not with towering shields or many weapons but with unwavering faith in God.

Now, you might wonder, how can I, an ordinary person, cultivate such a profound connection with God? Well, let’s dive right in. …

First, understand that this connection isn’t about performing endless rituals or reciting prayers without feeling. It’s about sincerity, about opening your heart and really talking to God as you would to a close friend. Imagine sharing your fears, your hopes, and even your everyday moments. This genuine communication is your first step to building a conscious connection.

Next, remember David’s courage. It wasn’t just about physical bravery; it was rooted in his absolute trust in God’s plan. To develop such trust, start by reflecting on moments in your life when you felt guided or protected. Acknowledging these instances can strengthen your faith and help you surrender your fears.

Another key element is gratitude. Begin each day by thanking God for the small blessings—be it a sunny morning or a smile from a stranger. Gratitude opens your heart and aligns your spirit with the positive energies of the universe, making you more receptive to divine guidance.

Now, let’s talk about meditation. Spend a few minutes each day in silence, focusing on a sacred word or a simple prayer. This practice can quiet your mind and enhance your awareness of God's presence in your life. Over time, this can lead to deeper spiritual insights and a more meaningful connection. And here’s something crucial- Live righteously. Like David, who obeyed God’s commandments, ensure that your actions reflect your spiritual values. This alignment between belief and behavior magnifies your connection with the divine, empowering you like never before.

Lastly, don’t go at it alone! Engage with a community of fellow seekers who share your desire for a deeper spiritual life. Exchange stories, support each other, and grow together. The shared energy and collective wisdom of a community can significantly enhance your spiritual journey.

So, there you have it! Embrace sincerity in your prayers, cultivate trust and gratitude, meditate to deepen your connection, live righteously, and cherish the support of a spiritual community.

By integrating these elements into your life, you, too, can channel your inner David and connect with God fearlessly!

Remember, every step you take on this path enriches your life with divine love and guidance. Start today, and watch your spiritual life transform.

Here’s to love and light. Rev. Leslie C. Bonner https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

SAMPLE CHAPTER 1 OF GOD'S PLAYBOOK

GOD'S PLAYBOOK

MAN KNOW THYSELF

Have you ever felt lost, like you were searching for something you couldn't quite grasp? Many of us spend our lives chasing external validation, success, and wealth relationships, but true fulfillment begins with a different, inward journey. This is the journey of self-discovery, of understanding who we are at our core. It's about looking within to find our values, passions, and purpose.

This journey is not always easy. Confronting our shortcomings, fears, and insecurities requires bravery. But it is in these shadows that we discover our greatest strengths.

 We make room for development, resiliency, and genuine contentment when we accept our vulnerability. The rewards of self-knowledge are immeasurable. Being aware of who we are helps us make wiser decisions, build closer bonds with others, and face obstacles in life with more purpose and clarity.

 Centuries ago, a Roman emperor named Marcus Aurelius embarked on his own journey of self-discovery. Amidst the chaos of ruling an empire, he found solace in journaling his thoughts and reflections. These writings, known as meditations, offer profound insights into the human condition and the importance of self-awareness.

 Aurelius believed that the unexamined life is not worth living. He realized that true fulfillment and power come from conquering oneself rather than from conquering others. He exhorts us to embrace the present, live intentionally, and develop inner peace in his writings.

 Aurelius's meditations serve as a timeless reminder that the journey inward is a lifelong pursuit. It requires patience, honesty, and a willingness to confront one's own limitations. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the noise and distractions around us.

 We're constantly bombarded with messages telling us who to be, what to buy, and how to live our lives. This external noise can drown out our inner voice, making it difficult to connect with our true selves. We strive for success but often lose sight of what truly matters.

We chase external validation, forgetting that true fulfillment comes from within. This disconnect from our inner selves can lead to feelings of emptiness, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. It's time to turn down the volume of the outside world and tune into our own inner wisdom.

 Our purpose, our passions, and our values need to be rediscovered. The journey of self-discovery is a personal one, but some practices can help us along the way. Meditation, for example, can quiet the mind and allow us to connect with our inner stillness.

 

We can track our personal development over time, get clarity on our thoughts, and process our emotions by keeping a journal. Having in-depth discussions with therapists, family members, or close friends can also yield insightful information about our blind spots and potential growth areas. By sharing our experiences and listening to the perspectives of others, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Remember the words of the stoic philosopher Seneca: each new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. Let go of who you think you should be and embrace the journey of becoming who you truly are.

 Here’s to love and light.

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

 

Embrace the Mind of Christ

Hey there, beautiful souls. Today, I want to share something truly transformative with you. Imagine tapping into a powerful mindset that brings peace and harmony to every part of your being.

This is the Christ's mindset. But let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus. Imagine having a mind that knows the good and is omnipotent.

A mind filled with conscious peace and harmony. How would that change your life? How quickly would this state of mind uplift your spirit and bring health and soundness to your body? To have the mind Jesus had is to align yourself with the principle of good. It's about thinking with God and seeing all things as perfection.

 When your mind is filled with perfect thoughts, you think as God thinks. And in that space you find peace. The Sermon on the Mount provides us with detailed instructions on how to achieve this state.

 Do not condemn, judge, or oppose evil. These teachings guide us toward right thinking and show us the way to his kingdom. Keep my words, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and avoid hypocrisy and melancholy.

 We start to see the world differently when we adopt these values. We start to live in a state of conscious peace and harmony. This is the power of Christ's mindset.

 Let us try to think like him, my friends. Let's fill our minds with perfect thoughts, aligning with the good. We will find inner peace that permeates every aspect of our identity by doing this.

 Thank you for joining me on this journey. Until next time, stay blessed.

Here’s to love and light.

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

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