Friday, March 7, 2025

Mar 8 Sat - Should I be understanding of the defects of others?

 

Mar 8 Sat
Should I be understanding of the defects of others?
St Paul writes: “Remind them ...to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. And he points out why we should act in this way: For when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but by his mercy."

When we realize that all the good we possess comes from God's infinite goodness and love, we have compassion for the defects of others. Humility, which involves recognizing our shortcomings, makes us more understanding.

The first sign of a humble soul is the absence of critical spirit. Judge not, that you be not judged our Lord says. How can anyone truly conscious of his wretchedness dare to sit in judgment on others? Rather he will recall our Lord's promise: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. “Never think badly of anyone, not even if the words or conduct of the person in question give you good grounds for doing so."

Any judgment should be the result of love, and full of charity.
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice ... the wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.

When a court has to judge someone, it examines the person's conduct dispassionately, without delving into the intimate motives that lay behind them. On the other hand, the virtue of understanding lovingly penetrates the depths of the heart to discover the good in every person.

St. Josemaría: “We must be understanding, even if some didn't want to be understanding towards us. Your love should extend to all souls, and lead you to excuse and forgive them. Yours must be a love that covers all the shortcomings of the human condition, a wonderful expression of charity: speaking the truth with love, following the truth of the Gospel in a spirit of charity."

“Bear in mind that charity is more a matter of understanding than of giving. I won't hide from you that I am experiencing in my flesh how hard it is not to be understood. I have always tried to make myself understood. But some people are intent on not understanding me. This is a further reason why I want to understand everyone, and you should also try to understand others."

“Charity does not consist so much in giving as in understanding."
Let us learn how to look at things in a purer light – God's light – to read people's hearts the way we should. “Don't judge without sifting your judgment in prayer."

We can never allow ourselves to be scandalized by the failings we see in others. We will always try to concentrate on their virtues and good points, and show understanding as regards their defects. And we will help them through fraternal correction, given with human and supernatural affection.

When you are truly human you will be able to overlook small defects in others, and with a mother's understanding, you will always see the good side of things.

Video: