Love Yet Instruct
“Whilst Jesus was kind to sinners and to those who went astray, He did not respect their false ideas, however sincere they might have appeared. He loved them all, but He instructed them in order to convert them and save them.” ~ Pope St. Pius X
There is a huge movement in today’s society that gathers around the banner of “don’t judge”. While this might not appear to be a bad thing, it can be quite destructive if the ones we are “not judging” are inherently wrong and/or doing bad things. One cannot simply accept what others are doing all the time. There are times that correction is necessary.
While we might not be heard, it is our responsibility to correct the errant sinner. It is not only our responsibility, it is a mandate from God Himself: “When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked, you must die,’ and you do not speak up to warn the wicked about their ways, they shall die in their sins, but I will hold you responsible for their blood.” (Ez 33:8)
We do not like to think about our responsibility to others. Even more, we do not like to think that we will be judged not only on what we do but on what we fail to do and/or refuse to do. When we know that someone is in the wrong, it is our responsibility to correct them. I do not mean that we have to force a change. But, we have to instruct them and let them know what they are doing is wrong and why it is wrong. We also should instruct them on what to do instead.
This does not make us busybodies. It makes us responsible people as well as brothers and sisters of one another in the Lord.
Don’t set your sights on others, though. Going out actively looking for those who do wrong does make us judgmental people. Instead, be ready to love those who come your way and instruct those who may be in error. Wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you?
FAITH ACTION: Love those you encounter but never be afraid to gently and lovingly instruct them in the truth. Their salvation might depend upon it.