Bring in the Christian perspective

IN tackling issues that are always open to a variety of

opinions, we should always let the Christian perspective to bear on

them. If we are truly faithful to that Christian perspective, we would

know how to resolve contentious matters with a certain precision that

is never just a matter of a simplistic black-and-white approach but

rather one that will always be characterized by a sober pursuit for

truth and fairness in the spirit of charity.

  

            It’s when we depart from this Christian perspective and

would just rely on some ideologies, and much less on mere off-the-cuff

opinions based simply on what we consider as common sense and other

human ways of perception, that we can get into trouble. Instead of

attaining the real common good, we can only generate more division and

polarization that will leave a trail of anger, hatred and the like.

            We have to seriously take this duty of learning how to

bring in the Christian perspective into our collective discussions and

exchanges. We cannot deny that this way of discussing about issues is

lamentably missing. We can even say that some people have gone to the

extent that this so-called Christian perspective is unrealistic and

impractical.

            To be sure, to have a Christian perspective in tackling

issues does not mean that we can only have one uniform position or

view. It can lend itself to a variety of legitimate positions given

the variety of situations and circumstances that we can find

ourselves. Its precision is never rigid. It will always be open to any

position no matter how different and conflicting they may be, as long

as in the end that position or view is animated by charity.

            Let’s remember that it is charity that will always presume

and perfect the other two theological virtues of faith and hope.

Without it, no matter how much we think we are right in something

because of our faith and hope, we would still be wrong.

            Remember St. Paul talking about the preeminence of charity

over all the other virtues: “Love never fails. Where there are

prophecies, they will cease. Where there are tongues, they will be

stilled. Where there is knowledge, it will pass away…Faith, hope and

love remain. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13,8.13)

            And this charity is shown to us fully in Christ who

commands us to live it ourselves also. “A new commandment I give you,

that you love one another as I have loved you,” he said. (Jn 13,34)

            The Christian perspective is always characterized by

charity more than anything else. It is this charity, as shown by

Christ, that is willing to take on anything, understanding everyone,

giving compassion and offering mercy to everyone, willing to suffer

and die for everyone.

            The truth according to our faith, of course, would be

offered, explained and clarified, propagated and defended, but in the

end the ultimate truth is in the charity as shown and lived by Christ.

            So, let us train ourselves always to be charitable in our

discussions and exchanges. This may involve a certain open-mindedness,

willingness to listen to everyone, the practice of restraint,

moderation and delicacy even as we may push our position forcefully.

            Definitely, we need to be humble because it is pride that

can spoil everything. With humility we can actually continue to learn

even from our mistakes and those of the others.

            We have to be quick to ask forgiveness if we happen to

commit a mistake which is always a possibility, as well as to be

quickly forgiving when other parties commit mistakes. Yes, we have to

be prudent and tactful in our speech. Most of all, we should be

willing to suffer, because in this life, no matter how right we may be

in a certain issue, suffering and misunderstanding can always arise.

            The Christian perspective is not so much in determining

who is right or wrong. It’s in living charity in our diversity!