Integrity is the integration of our ideals, convictions, standards, beliefs, values, morals, and behavior. When they match, we can say that we have integrity. And redemption will never be possible unless integrity is embraced by the person seeking to be redeemed.

If we ask ourselves the reason why we don’t trust people, the reason is usually congruence. If I want people to perceive me as trustworthy, I must keep my word, walk my talk, follow through on my commitments, and be consistent.

I have thought for many years on this topic and have wondered if I could say I redeemed myself for all of the horrible things I had done in my past. I think that most of us carry around secret harm we once did someone, the harm that, if we don’t find a way to either work through or let it go, will jeopardize the faith we may have in our own goodness and even our self-esteem.