Once in a while, we come into conflict or have an issue with another person. The conflict or issue could be a small one or even a big one, but when we are faced with such conflict or issue, what do we do? Do we deal with the confilct or issue in an amicable manner? Or do we begin to gossip about the other person or belittle the person behind his or her back? Do we speak to the person first, and try to resolve the conflict or issue among the parties affected? Or do we allow our pride and ego to take control, and go straight to the person's superior or leader, hoping to get some gratification by seeing the person being disciplined by the superior or leader?
In today's Gospel, we are
reminded about how we should deal with people, especially when there is a conflict or issue at hand. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us: "If your
brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between
your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the
evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge.
But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if
he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax
collector."
What does the Gospel tells us? It tells us that when it comes to dealing with conflict or issues, we should do so in a gradual manner, step-by-step. We should do our utmost to resolve the matter among the parties affected first, and go to a higher authority only after all avenues in dealing with the conflict or issue privately have been exhausted. If we really and truly value our
relationships, let us be mindful of how we treat others, since we too
would want to be treated fairly, justly and with proper dignity.
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