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We readily play judge with other people’s hearts while shielding our own under the disguise of righteousness. When Paul’s integrity was attacked, he did not retaliate; he anchored his defense in godly sincerity and grace. The real danger in church life is mistaking suspicion for discernment and pride for truth-defending. We can easily be sincerely wrong—using religious conviction to protect our ego and reputation. True spiritual maturity turns the searchlight inward: shifting the prayer from “Lord, expose their motives” to the far more uncomfortable plea: “Lord, expose mine.”