This week, I was reminded—again—what it really means to live by higher principles, not just preach them.

We made a mistake in my business. A real one. Not the kind you can brush under the rug or blame on a “system error.” The kind that stings. The kind that costs you.

I had two choices:
Justify it.
Or own it.

So I told the client the truth. Took full responsibility. No excuses. No spin. Just:
“We made a mistake. It’s on us. And we’re fixing it.”

They were surprised. Honestly, I think they were shocked.

Not because they don’t expect mistakes, but because they didn’t expect someone to own it without deflection. Without defensiveness. Without the usual dance.

That moment reminded me:
Living at a higher level isn’t loud. It’s not dramatic.
It’s quiet. It’s clear. And it’s strong.

Just like the message from Easter morning:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” — Matthew 5:44

Loving others at that level means showing humility, even when pride would be easier.
It means choosing character over convenience.

In a world obsessed with being right, taking ownership feels like rebellion.

5 Ways to Apply This Message This Week:

1. Start your morning with gratitude.
Before your feet hit the floor, name three things you’re thankful for. Don’t check your phone yet. The world can wait. Gratitude is how you armor your mindset before the fight.

2. Reach out to someone you’ve been avoiding.
No agenda. Just say, “You crossed my mind today. Hope you’re doing okay.” Sometimes, that opens more than a conversation. It opens healing.

3. Practice the pause.
Someone will frustrate you this week. When they do, take one deep breath. Ask: “What pain are they carrying that I can’t see?” Grace starts with empathy.

4. Create digital boundaries.
Choose when you’ll check the news or scroll your feed. Stop giving your peace away to headlines. The chaos isn’t entitled to your focus.

5. End the day with surrender.
As you lay down, mentally hand off your worries to God. Say out loud, “Tomorrow is Yours. I trust You with it.” Then sleep like someone who believes it.

We don’t love others because it’s easy.
We do it because it’s right.
Because someone did it for us—when we didn’t deserve it.

That’s the kind of strength that changes families, businesses, and lives.

Not with force. But with faith.