Jeremy Bratcher

One of the ten suddenly sees what has happened. Not just that his skin is clear — but that mercy has moved toward him in a way that changes everything. He turns around. He comes back loudly, praising God. He throws himself at Jesus' feet.

When we excuse bad leadership — on any side — because they advance our policy preferences or punish our enemies, we are not being strategic. We are being short-sighted. Leaders rarely bear the long-term cost of their own formation failures. Communities do. And you are part of that community.

When leaders repeatedly refuse to acknowledge moral missteps, they teach people—supporters and critics alike—that character is optional and correction is unnecessary. That lesson doesn't stay contained.