Mar 11 Tue
How should I make a fraternal correction?
Fraternal correction is an essential aspect of Christian life, rooted in the call to love and support one another in the pursuit of holiness.
Fraternal correction is the act of addressing another about a fault or sin to help them grow in virtue and holiness. This practice is grounded in the Gospel, where Jesus teaches the importance of helping one another in the journey of faith. The goal is not to condemn but to restore and uplift the individual, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and love.
The Apostle James teaches: “My brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
The person who receives a fraternal correction will see it as proof of supernatural and unselfish love. St Clement of Rome writes: “Let us receive correction, and not be angered by it, dearly beloved. The admonition that we give to one another is good and most beneficial."
Our own mistakes are not always easy for us to see. Even if we get a glimpse of them, we may not be convinced of the need to do anything about them. That is why there is a duty on every Christian to practice fraternal correction, whenever there is a matter of some importance involved. “This is the first charity, St. Josemaría told us, because the first sign of charity is to help one another to improve. And this is hard, because it's easier to say nothing; it's easier, but it's not supernatural. We will have to render to God an account of these omissions."
Fraternal correction guarantees our strength as Christians.
“If we want to live in peace and harmony …This is the order of true charity ...
Living in harmony means loving one another, being understanding and forgiving towards one another. But there are things that we shouldn't let pass, even though we forgive them: these are the things we should correct."
Steps for Effective Fraternal Correction.
Self-Examination: To see if my life aligns with the teachings of Christ and the moral law. This helps to avoid hypocrisy and offer the correction with sincerity and humility.
Pray for Guidance: This not only helps in discerning the right approach but also fosters a spirit of charity and compassion towards the person being corrected.
It is all about External Behavior; do not judge intentions.
Choose the Right Moment: The correction should be offered in private, to avoid embarrassment and defensiveness.
Speak with Love and Respect: Using "I" statements can help express feelings without sounding accusatory, such as "I feel concerned about..."
Be Specific and Constructive: Suggesting positive alternatives or ways to improve can be beneficial.
By following these steps, we can live well in this important aspect of Christian life, fostering a culture of mutual support and growth in holiness.
Moreover, we have not only the duty to correct, but also the duty to allow ourselves to be corrected.
The ultimate goal is to help one another live out the universal call to holiness.
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