Maintaining Relationships – Are we Accusers or Comforters?

We are again being bothered by a brewing outburst of feelings among some members of our community. Is it something new? I don’t think so.

Pondering deeply… this is the root cause of all troubles that have arisen in our community - Maintaining relationships.

It seems the strength we used to be proud of as members of the community is again being tested. Maybe not among those who are in the ground but in the upper echelons of the community. However, if it is happening up there, surely it could be happening in every level down the line. Have we become so proud of our own achievements and that we have become blind or unable to distinguish the work of the devil from the work of the Holy Spirit? If we remain set to our ways and reluctant to examine our thoughts and attitudes, we shall remain undisciplined and subject to the influences of the evil one.

There are two forces we have to contend with in our struggle to the daily challenges of our lives. The forces of good and the forces of evil. The former symbolizes unity and the latter of division. Consolations govern unity; accusations lead to division.

If our words are often full of accusations – founded or unfounded - towards one another, then it creates division. The relationship turns to mistrusts and suspicions. One’s shortcomings are magnified to the extent that one is made to feel useless and unworthy.

In contrast to the divisive nature of our thoughts is a kind and compassionate heart. If we tend to look at people with kindness and compassion, then we become comforter ourselves as the Holy Spirit is the comforter of souls. This brings unity and love among friends and families.

St. Paul exhorts all of us to fill our thoughts with “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and whatever is gracious.” (Phil 4:8)

Let us all be comforters, not accusers of one another.