TO THE LEADERS OF MY PEOPLE

Beloved, say to the leaders of my people-

You control the people with my Word. You use my Word as a sword of guilt and shame. What flock will follow a shepherd who continually beats them? Will not the flock scatter when they sense danger that comes from the forest? So too, the flock will scatter when they sense danger from their shepherds.

It is pride and vanity to control the flock; for even God does not control his people. He has set them with their own will, and each will be judge according to the bending of their own will. Teach them my ways, but conviction comes from the Lord.

More so, teach them of my love and mercy. They will then choose the Good Shepherd.