[Intro — Spoken, low and warm] I went to confront a man about his sin. But God used that man to confront mine. [Verse 1 — Spoken over fingerpicked guitar] I was young, and somebody told me 'Bout a farmer chewin' in the pew. Said the preacher oughta call him out, Said somebody had to do. I carried words that weren't my own, Like a stone inside my hand. I thought that I was standing strong— I never understood. [Pre-Chorus — Sung, male lead] I prayed for justice, Lord, But You were teaching me… [Chorus — Sung, male lead with soft female harmony] Mercy first, before the judgment, Grace before I point and blame. Let me clean the mirror in my own heart Before I call another name. 'Cause the gossip that I listened to Was poison in my soul. Lord, teach me how to listen With a heart You can control. [Verse 2 — Spoken] So the pastor drove me to his house, Said, "Tell him face to face." And I sat down on the edge of that bed, In that quiet, holy place. There was prayer soaked in those walls, And kindness in his eyes. I came to preach a sermon— But God opened mine. [Pre-Chorus — Sung, male lead] I asked him to forgive me, And he smiled like morning sun… [Chorus — Sung, male lead with soft female harmony] Mercy first, before the judgment, Grace before I point and blame. Let me clean the mirror in my own heart Before I call another name. 'Cause the gossip that I listened to Was poison in my soul. Lord, teach me how to listen With a heart You can control. [Bridge — Spoken, then sung] He put his hand upon my shoulder, Said, "Son, I forgive you. Let's go eat some pie." And all the noise inside my spirit Finally learned to die. Not every battle needs my voice. Not every wrong is mine to fight. Sometimes the bravest thing to do Is keep my heart in Your light. [Final Chorus — Sung, fuller, male lead with female harmony] Mercy first, before the judgment, Love before I lift a stone. Keep my eyes upon Your kindness Till Your heart becomes my own. 'Cause the words that nearly bound me Were never mine to say. Lord, keep me close to Jesus— Don't let me drift away. [Outro — Spoken, intimate] I haven't always listened with my heart. But I'm learning, Lord. I'm learning. [Tag — Sung softly] Mercy first… Before the judgment… Mercy first.
