Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Conscience is one of the ways God’s light guides our lives. It is that inner awareness shaped by Scripture, prayer, and the movement of the Holy Spirit that helps us discern what is good, true, and faithful. In a world filled with noise, division, and quick reactions, conscience helps us slow down and listen for God’s leading.

In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul describes what a Christ-shaped conscience looks like. It is love without pretense. It is honoring one another, welcoming the stranger, and refusing to repay evil with evil. Paul reminds us that faith is not only something we profess, but something we practice, especially in how we respond when life is difficult or relationships are strained. Micah echoes this same call with clarity and depth: to do justice, to embrace faithful love, and to walk humbly with God.

This conviction shaped the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written in 1963 while imprisoned for nonviolent protest, King addressed fellow clergy who urged patience and restraint. From his cell, he articulated a conscience deeply formed by the Gospel and one that could not remain silent in the face of injustice. His words invite the church to examine whether our faith is leading us toward comfort or toward faithful action rooted in love.

This Sunday, we will reflect on what it means to allow the light of Christ to shape our conscience in our own time.

Reflect and Prepare

1. How do you understand conscience as part of your faith journey?
2. Where do you sense God inviting you to live with greater integrity or compassion?
3. What does Paul mean when he urges us to “overcome evil with good”?
4. When has it been difficult to hold conviction and humility together?
5. Micah says God requires us to “walk humbly.” What might that look like in your daily life?
6. How can a Christ-shaped conscience guide the way we speak to and treat one another?
7. Where might God be inviting Trinity to bear witness through faithful love?

Be the Light This Week

A Christ-shaped conscience is revealed through everyday choices. This week, we invite you to Be the Light by naming one intentional act of kindness, courage, or compassion you will practice in Jesus’ name. Write it down and place it inside one of the lanterns on display in our lobbies, or submit online and we'll add your flame into a lantern. Each small act becomes part of a larger witness and illuminates our community with grace and hope.

Walk the Journey Together

Faith grows best when we reflect and learn alongside others. Our Share the Dream small groups offer space to engage Scripture and Dr. King’s writings with honesty, curiosity, and grace. Groups meet on Sundays and Thursdays. Visit trinityhsv.org/events for more information.

May Christ’s light shape our hearts, our choices, and the way we live with one another.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric