“Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfilment of the law” (Rom 13:10).
Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family,
Sometimes, we just like to tell people how it is. If they’ve done something wrong, we tell them. They’ve done something we don’t approve of? We’ll let them know. Something they say or do is inappropriate or sinful? We’ll explain why.
Of course, we do need to educate people and, at times, call people out when their behaviour is inappropriate, unhelpful, or sinful. But in all of this, we must remember the theme of our Scripture readings today: love.
You’ll never nag someone into conversion. But you can love them into one! If love is at the foundation of our explanations, corrections and conversations, then hopefully the people we speak to will realise that, sooner or later. But if we’re mean or haughty, then even if we’ve spoken the truth, we’ve created a situation where people will be more likely to turn away from it instead of turning towards it.
I’m sure none of us like it when someone speaks a harsh or unkind word to us. And so, we need to remember that the people around us feel the same! If we do need to correct someone, we need to do so calmly, privately and, above all, prayerfully. If we’re unable to correct someone in love, then perhaps we’re not the right person to do it.
Everyone needs correction. Everyone needs encouragement. As we seek to correct and encourage (and as we are corrected and encouraged by others), may all of us try to do so with loving hearts and helping hands. If someone is able to improve or change because of our help and encouragement, then may God be praised! If someone doesn’t…keep praying for them. Perhaps there will be another opportunity, or perhaps another way to reach them.
Above all, our example of living a Christian life will be the best correction and encouragement. If people see no difference between us and the world, why would they be inclined to become Christians, to become members of the Church? But if they see joy, holiness, peace, and love in us, then maybe they’ll be prompted to hear what we have to say.
This week, as you go through life, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to correct someone, first of all, pray about it! Ask yourself not only, “What do I need to say?” but also, “How can I say this in a way that helps this person?” Correction isn’t about winning an argument or proving someone wrong. It’s about helping another person towards what is good.
After all, St. Paul tells us that love is the fulfilment of the law. If our words are really meant to lead someone closer to God, then they should also help that person encounter something of His love.
And what could be more positive than receiving the love of God and of others?
May God bless you now and always!
Fr Alex Pumphrey, MIC
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Contact Father Alex at info@divinemercy.org.uk
Please send us your prayer intentions! (click here). We will place them at the foot of our altar in our Chapel here in West Ealing, London and will remember them in our daily Chaplets of Divine Mercy.
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