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A R T I C L E S
| On Mission
On Truth and Gossips
by angelo saludo
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The Enemy Within
Of Truth and Gossips
The bible readings these days had been very affirming for us, co-workers in Christ’s vineyard. It reminded us of how Christ put importance on unity because His love shines more in a body that is not fragmented. When we reflect on the readings, it pushes us to rethink on the things we are doing as missionaries that in someway or another, caused disunity. Such is gossip and backstabbing. It destroys trust and confidentiality among brothers and sisters. It’s so important that we reflect on this because we may not know it, WE ARE ALREADY DESTROYING OUR OWN, EATING OUR OWN FLESH AND DRINKING OUR OWN BLOOD.
The Blind
Last Monday’s gospel was a very wonderful story to be reflected upon. “A blind man was sitting by the roadside begging and upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, he shouted to Jesus to have pity on him. But the people rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept on calling the more, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to Him. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, please let me see.’ Jesus answered, ‘Have sight, your faith has saved you.’ ”
When we look at the story, it talks about total indifference on the part of the people and the disciples on the need of the blind man. But if we dig deeper into the story, we can actually get another lesson, as important as the first. As we know, during those times, blindness is attributed, to somewhat, a curse or a sin of the family. And so the blind man was actually set aside by the crowd because of some judgmental people. He was being gossiped upon as unfit to be even getting the attention of Christ. They talked about how the family of the blind man was being cursed and caused this man to become all the more…”blind”. But what a moving sight to behold - the moment he said, “Please Lord, let me see.” And Jesus healed him.
More than physical blindness, sometimes, we are being blinded by our own self-righteousness when we are supposed to be an agent of healing, when we are supposed to be instruments of reconciliation and unity. Gossip, “tsismis”, “libak” or speculations are certainly not of Christ.
Cowardly Act
Proverbs 16:28 says, “Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.” Gossip always causes hurts and divisions. God hates gossip, especially when it is disguised as a “prayer request” for someone else. Most of the problems we get are that because we listen more to others about other people rather than directly to the person involved. No matter how we twist and explain and defend the matter, it’s called backstabbing, pure and simple.
The command of Christ is very simple and straightforward, “If you have issues with someone, go directly to that person.” We are called not to judge and certainly not to base our decisions on what other people are saying because we have full trust and confidence with our co-workers. We come up with decisions because we have discerned about it and we have prayed about it. We don’t base our decisions on malicious grounds or reasons other than Christ. The question then for all of us is: Why are we afraid to talk directly to the person involved and instead prefer to ask and listen to other people? Isn’t it a grave injustice? Is it not a total distrust? Who better knows the issue than the very person being talked about? But, sometimes or most of the times, we are just afraid to face the truth. We’d rather escape. We are uncomfortable of confronting the truth and so we cowardly circle around asking and talking to other people rather than going directly to the person involved. Is it not backstabbing? Is it not our community built on trust and love? Does trust and love requires spying on the very people you are serving? If we have issues spread only by gossips and speculations, isn’t it our responsibility to go honestly to that person so that it will end there?
Speak the Truth in Love
The bible tells us, “Speak the truth in love.” We must care enough to lovingly speak the truth, rather than gloss over a problem or ignore an issue. It is so easy to remain silent when others are conveniently hurting, destroying and backstabbing others. Often, we know what needs to be said, but our fears prevent us from saying anything. Many friendships have been damaged by fear, because no one has the courage to speak up while others are already falling apart.
Most of the time, everybody knows about the issue, except the person gossiped upon; and no one wants to confront the wrong. This creates a sick environment of secrets (open secrets) where gossips thrive. We are so good when talking in front while we stab people behind their backs. As leaders, we have the responsibility to reach out to our members, not the other way around. St. Paul was very straightforward to the Ephesians when he said in Eph 4:25, “No more lies, no more pretenses. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.”
Satan thrives in lies; after all, he is the father of lies. And so, he enjoys spreading gossips. He enjoys watching people backstabbing at each other. And the only way to confront him is to confront him with truth.
Co-workers in Truth
3 John 1:8 says, “We are co-workers in truth.” And so as leaders we have the moral obligation to:
1st - To spread the truth not the lies. We must not pretend. We must speak directly to the people involved rather than listen to gossips and speculations. That’s why we have one to one sessions. But the question is, do we really care? Or do we just text or call, only if we need something, or when we need reports? Then, maybe, we are not being like Christ at all!
2nd - To speak to the person being entrusted to us. Speaking the truth is not a license to say anything we want. It is rudeness to do so. Thoughtless words leave lasting wounds. So we speak to the truth with love. Sadly, by gossips and backstabbing, we are destroying our own selves and our co-workers.
We Don’t Drink Our Own Blood
It is sad that sometimes or most of the times, we unknowingly destroy our own co-workers. We have killed our own family member, if indeed we are family in this community. We kill and at the same time enjoy drinking the blood of our own co-workers. In Bisaya pa, “Inunayay diay ni? We don’t drink our own blood! We only drink the blood of Christ!
Servants of Truth
“A servant is one, “who walks without blame, do what is right, SPEAKS THE TRUTH FROM THE HEART; who does not slander a neighbor, does no harm to another, NEVER DEFAMES A FRIEND; who disdains the wicked but honors those who fear the Lord; WHO KEEPS AN OATH DESPITE THE COST, lends no money at interest, and ACCEPTS NO BRIBE AGAINST THE INNOCENT,” -Psalm 15.
Let us then, be on guard, we may not know it; we might be the ones spreading rumors and gossips and in the process backstab our own co-workers.
Identity in Christ
Our only identity is Christ. We don’t have to prove our worth. Like Christ, we washed each others feet. We stand firm in the truth and TO DIE FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR US!
If today we hear His voice, let us then harden not our hearts.
Angelo T. Saludo
Date added 2007-08-16 16:32:32
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| C O M M E N T S | Add Comment |
 jean | hello i"m jean im happy that my friend is encourage me 2 join this yfc...
acttully i have my mission its to serve god with all my heart.. im so blessed because he do miracle blessings to me and also to my family... thank god amen...
Date added 2008-09-10 16:40:57 |
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