I think I would be loathe to indirectly condone something wrong by not saying anything; however, of course this would depend on what exactly was the wrong. Some things are best ignored and silence can say more than words and register a disagreement.
But I think that the implication in your post is correct, that how we behave towards others can either drive them away or perhaps open a door to bringing them closer and I do think that even when against something wrong and stating it, we can do so in a way that will not alienate the person directly - in other words we will not disagree with hostility or aggressiveness. Of course, we cannot predict accurately at any time the reactions of others nor are we responsible for them in most instances.
Prayer, and the centre and pivot of our lives, will make us sensitive to the Holy Spirit in all situations. Over and above that, on any given day I can perhaps rejoice in my behaviour inwardly or outwardly giving thanks to God for Grace received and responded to, and also in any given day I have cause for repentance and sorrow at not responding to Grace…be gentle and compassionate not only to others but to yourself. Sinners we are born and sinners we live and die and we are born, live and die passionately and com (means “with”)-passionately loved by God…strive always to live in Peace dependant on God’s Mercy which is constant and faithful in all situations - a Grace forever offered.
It has occured to me reflecting on myself that sometimes we make a wrong call - a wrong decision. Sometimes this asks that we apologize to the other.
In life we are called to continually assess situations to gauge our own reaction…sometimes we are right, at other times wrong…Prayer is vital to our lives that we do become sensitive to the promptings of The Holy Spirit but I dont think I will ever be totally docile to His Spirit…but hope transcends what I think and miracles do happen…even huge outstanding ones…
God’s Blessings and His Peace…Barb
