"The Lord said to Moses, Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ’be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbour frankly so you will not share their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord."


Leviticus 19:1-2,17-18

What should we do when we see someone straying off the straight and pleasing way? Of course, as the Lord says, we cannot just turn away, but how we approach it is as important as the guidance we offer. 

Arrogance can destroy our sense of God’s love for others and ourselves. In addition, it can lead to harsh gossip about the other person or their actions in our conversations, leaving them in an even deeper, darker space.

But allowing the Holy Spirit to awaken God’s love in our hearts encourages us to want God’s loving grace to rest on others. As a result, our community grows in harmony and spiritual well-being as the fruits of the spirit grow.

But what if the other person is stubborn and will not listen or learn?

Perhaps, instead of uttering unhelpful words of anger, frustration and gossip, offer words of prayer for God’s mercy and salvation. St Ignatius encourages spiritual accompaniers to discern when to offer assistance and when to “Let the Creator deal with the Creature”. True love and grace ultimately come from God.

Is there someone in your community in need of God’s saving grace?

What role is God asking you to play in their life?

Does God’s love in your heart fuel your attitude and action?

Are you ready to be surprised and delighted as you witness God’s gracious plan?

God of grace and love,

stir in me a desire to witness

to your life-giving love.

Help me approach others

with an attitude of love and mercy

and to remember too

that I am also in need of your grace.

Amen