22 August 2025 Word by Senior Pastor, Pastor Darien Choo

Today’s Inspiration: “If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬. Grace is a gift to us of what we don’t deserve but Mercy is not giving us the wrath of what we deserve. The former brings love into our lives and latter brings forgiveness into our lives. Our abba father God is a judge but He is also filled with grace and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in love. Psalm 86:5. Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders in the synagogue because they were judgemental.

One of the key stronghold of our nation is that we complain, criticise and judge a lot. Similarly such religious yeast, legalism, and lovelessness can affect the church today. A grumbling person is never happy and a cursing person is always unwell. Why? Jesus taught,”Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus healed in the woman with a shriveled hand on sabbath that day. We need love, not condemnation. Romans 8:1

Prayer: O Lord my God, cleans my lips and sanctify my tongue from any grumbling, cursing, arguing, complaining, lying, fighting, criticism, legalism, control, or being judgmental. Forgive me of my pride, callous and careless words as I repent of my sins. For out of your Holy Spirit flows living waters of your unconditional love, grace, mercy and compassion. Give me a pure heart O Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit within me to please you. May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart give you glory daily, in Jesus Name, Amen.