Why true compassion can’t stay silent

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

IN the Gospel of Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus presents a practical and demanding path for preserving communion within the Christian community. He teaches that when a brother or sister sins, the first step is not public criticism or condemnation but a private and charitable correction.

If the person refuses to listen, the process gradually widens, always with the hope of conversion rather than punishment. The passage concludes with Christ’s promise that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is present among them.

This Gospel reminds us that fraternal correction is, no doubt, an act of genuine love. That’s because charity cannot remain sentimental or passive. True love seeks the good of the other, especially the good of the soul.

Ignoring a person’s moral or spiritual errors under the guise of kindness is not authentic compassion. Rather, Christian love calls us to help one another grow in holiness, always with humility, patience, and respect. Correcting another should never spring from pride or self-righteousness but from a sincere desire to lead a brother or sister closer to God.

St. Josemaría Escrivá likewise saw fraternal correction as one of the finest expressions of supernatural friendship. He taught that it is a “service” offered discreetly and with affection.

Such correction requires first examining our own conscience, recognizing our weaknesses, and praying for the person before speaking. In this way, correction becomes an opportunity for mutual sanctification rather than a source of division.

When carried out with delicacy and charity, it strengthens unity and deepens trust within families, workplaces, and Christian communities.

The Fathers of the Church have also recognized the wisdom of Christ’s teaching. St. John Chrysostom observed that Jesus begins with a private conversation because he desires to preserve the sinner’s dignity and reputation. Public exposure should never be the first option.

Likewise, St. Augustine explained that silence in the face of another’s wrongdoing, when correction is possible, may reflect a failure of charity. Love sometimes requires speaking difficult truths, but always with the intention of healing, never humiliating.

He taught that fraternal correction is an obligation of charity. He famously distinguished between remaining silent out of love and remaining silent out of indifference. If we can help a brother abandon sin and fail to do so, we may share some responsibility. However, correction must always be motivated by love for the sinner, not just hatred of the sin alone.

St. Gregory the Great, on the other hand, taught that pastors and faithful alike have a duty to admonish sinners with humility. Correction without charity would become harshness, while charity without truth would be a case of negligence. He often compared correction to the physician’s work of healing wounds.

The Lord’s assurance regarding prayer and his abiding presence beautifully complements the teaching on fraternal correction. Reconciliation is ultimately God’s work. Human efforts alone cannot change hearts.

Thus, we must accompany every effort at correction with prayer, trusting that the Holy Spirit can accomplish what words alone cannot. The promise that Christ is present wherever believers gather in his name reminds us that every sincere effort to restore communion is sustained by his grace.

In today’s culture, where confrontation is often avoided or expressed harshly, this Gospel offers a balanced and deeply evangelical approach. It calls us to combine truth with mercy, courage with humility, and justice with compassion.

Fraternal correction is not about winning arguments or proving oneself right; it is about helping one another journey toward holiness. When exercised in the spirit of Christ, supported by prayer, and rooted in genuine love, it becomes a powerful instrument for building a community where forgiveness, unity, and the living presence of Christ continually flourish.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com