On Compassion

To my Brothers and Sisters in the Holy Light,
As your devoted bishop and humble servant of the Light, I find it necessary to address a matter of great importance that touches the very essence of our faith — compassion.
Compassion, the purest expression of the Light's boundless love, is a virtue we are called to embody in every thought, word, and deed. It is the balm that soothes wounds, the embrace that comforts the forlorn, and the strength that upholds the weak. To walk in compassion is to walk in the footsteps of the Light itself.
Nevertheless, compassion must be tempered with discernment. Misguided compassion, though often stemming from a place of genuine concern, can lead us astray from the Light's intended path. It can cloud our judgment, obscure the truth, and inadvertently perpetuate the suffering we ardently wish to alleviate.
We must be vigilant against the perils of misguided compassion, which can manifest in many forms. It can cause us to excuse unjust actions, overlook the necessity of discipline, or provide aid that ultimately fosters dependence rather than empowerment. Our intentions, though noble, may create greater imbalance and hinder the very souls we aim to assist.
Therefore, let us seek the wisdom of the Light in our acts of compassion to discern when to offer a hand that lifts rather than inadvertently binds. Remember that genuine compassion includes the courage to enact tough love when it is necessary for growth and the insight to see beyond the immediate to the long-term well-being of those we serve.
As we strive to live out the virtue of compassion, let us do so with eyes wide open to the potential consequences of our actions. May we never lose sight of the greater good, and may our efforts reflect the perfect wisdom and balance of the Light. Let our compassion be a force that truly heals, uplifts, and leads to redemption and self-reliance.
Yours in service to the Light,
Most Reverent Kristiana Greycliff, Bishop of Westridge