by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first,” this were the very words of Jesus Christ when an adulterous woman was caught in the act, and the people were clamoring that she be stoned to death, as punishment. In this story, nobody threw a stone at her because the people condemning the woman realized that they too, were sinners.
Here we see the different dimensions of forgiveness taking place: One, the people forgiving the woman after realizing that they too were sinners. At times, we too act so high and mighty, and are self-righteous to think that we did not sin. We easily condemn and judge others. This sometimes causes unforgiveness and lack of grace. But when we realize that we too have sinned, we cannot “cast the first stone” because our conscience reminds us of our own mistakes, or our conscience allows us to have the grace to give the person another chance. Two, Jesus Christ, forgiving the woman of her sinfulness and enjoining her to sin no more. Oh what an amazing grace that despite the woman’s sinfulness, deserving death, she was given another chance because of another person’s intervention, even God’s forgiveness, only, she should sin no more. This is an open invitation for those who have sinned to ask, seek, and knock for forgiveness while there is still time, but at the same time, sin no more. This shows that forgiveness does not mean tolerating sinfulness but to put an end to committing sins. Just like the woman who has been forgiven, forgiveness paved a way for her to have a new life - a life free from sin and condemnation, and a life dedicated for genuine love and service. It is written in the Holy Scriptures, “Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Three, the woman forgiving the people who have condemned her and had no resentment against them. There are times when people easily judge us or condemn us for some things that we either did or did not do. Forgiving them will not only pave a way for our growth as a person but will greatly contribute to our well-being. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress.” Also, it is written in the Holy Scriptures, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” For if we forgive, our God will also forgive us. Last but not the least, the woman forgiving herself from her sinfulness by turning away from sin because of the grace showed to her by Jesus Christ. For us to be totally free from the clutches of unforgiveness, we must also forgive ourselves for the wrong things we have done or mistakes we have committed. This will allow us to make peace with ourselves and move forward. Forgiving one’s self does not mean uttering the words, “I forgive myself” but it takes reflecting on what we have done wrong, acknowledging our mistake or wrong doing, putting ourselves on the shoes of those we have committed the wrong, and making up with our mistakes by putting things right. Forgiveness is our gateway to freedom. Do not withhold. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
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by: Ame-phil O. Saquiban The word conviction has different meaning. It could mean the finding of guilt of an accused of crime. However, conviction as a value means the willingness to heed the dictates of conscience leading to a sense of remorse and repentance from sins. It is the realization of mistakes that will lead a person to turn away from unrighteousness.
Conviction is very relevant in our days. It is material ingredient in the pursuit for change because it takes personal transformation to achieve national transformation. Indeed, it is true that the imposition of penalties helps as a deterrent to any form of malpractices. Nonetheless, it is not sufficient because an individual may be incorrigible even after serving a sentence unless and until he or she has been transformed internally. Internal transformation is possible if there is conviction for sins with the decision to live a new way of life. The good thing in this manner of change is voluntary rather than forcibly. The person concerned decides to turn away from sin. The government is taking effort to achieve a genuine change among its personnel and its citizenry. It is investing much on trainings and seminars that reminds everyone the need for change. However, how many of the attendees truly put to heart the lessons learned on those seminars. Without heeding the nuggets of truth, conviction may not be achieved. For conviction to happen, a person’s heart must be open to receive the truth. Looking into the realities of today, there are some people who seems unfettered by penal laws that even during broad daylight or in the presence of law enforcers, crimes are committed. Others just merely repeating their evil practices over and over again thinking that they will not be caught at any instance. It seems like they had a seared conscience that they cannot recognize their detestable misdeeds. Their wicked lifestyle became a norm. Indeed, a person is honorable not because he or she holds an honorable position and possesses numerous ideas in mind but because he or she lives honorably. As Winston Churchill once said, “One man with conviction will overwhelm a hundred who have only opinions”. In the Philippines, we have brilliant and intellectually competent leaders. However, to this day, we still keep on fighting against all forms of corruption in governance. It shows that cognitive prowess is insufficient. It takes excellence in the internal configuration coupled with knowledge power among those in authorities and our citizens to achieve a desired national progress. Let us therefore be led by our conviction. Let us abide with the existing laws and rules and meet the high standard of righteousness as required. We shall remain to be the true Pilipinos. Pili na, pino pa. by: Dr Laurence Mascay Justice is important in any society, like our country, the Philippines. It is the main thing that helps us get along with each other, solve problems, and protect our rights. Justice means being fair to everyone in a society. It involves giving people their rights and making sure everyone follows the rules. Justice tries to fix things when they go wrong, keep those who need help safe, and make sure society stays peaceful. Justice has two parts: making sure the way things are done is fair, and making sure the results are fair too.
In the Philippines, working toward justice involves many different things. It means trying to fix problems in the system, making sure judges are honest, and making sure everyone has the same chance to get justice. The country has some big challenges, but there have been important improvements in making the legal system better, fighting corruption, providing legal help, and supporting human rights. These efforts show that many people are committed to making the justice system fair and following the rules. Such is good news, especially for the majority of Filipinos who are less in life and look up to the fairness of the law. Sadly, many Filipinos complain of injustices here and there. Wherein to them, the rich and powerful are favored and, at times, bend the law to their good while the masses are deprived of justice and experience the full force of the law for petty crimes committed. Such happenings lead some people or victims to distrust the justice system of the land, and some have even put the law in their own hands and become judges themselves. Many others, however, entrust the unfairness and injustices they have been through to the hand of God. Theodore Epp, a writer, said, “If you have been mistreated, cheated, or deceived and if your heart has been right all along, be assured that God knows this. God will eventually vindicate you.” As values advocates and catalysts of change, we hope and look forward to the Philippines as a fairer and just place to live. And each one has a role to play in this noble undertaking and in advocating justice as a pillar of a fair society. Therefore, be a voice to the voiceless, never compromise your values for some valuables, do not stay silent when injustices take place before your eyes, and never take revenge as no evil act goes unpunished. The Scripture says, “Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Justice is a pillar of a fair society, and each one of us has a role to play. by: Micah A. Tecne Did we ever find ourselves so much limited and we thought we can’t accomplish anything? Many times, we face scarcity of manpower, support, finances, resources and the like, and it limit us to accomplish our goals. In order to overcome and survive, we eventually feel the need to do something. Such pressure can either stop us or challenge us to do something about it. This kind of challenge/s can push us to our limits and do something extraordinary and will allow us to discover our unseen potentials. Resourcefulness is defined as the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Once upon a time, a young donkey asked his grandpa, “How do I grow up to be just like you?” “Oh, that’s simple,” the elder donkey said. “All you have to do is remember to shake it off and step up.” “What does that mean?” asked the youngster. The grandfather replied, “Let me tell you a story... Once, when I was your age, I was out walking. I wasn’t paying attention and fell deep into an old abandoned well. I started braying and braying. Finally an old farmer came by and saw me. I was scared to death. But then he left. I stayed in that well all night. “The next morning he came back with a whole group of people, and they looked down at me. Then the old farmer said, ‘The well is abandoned and that donkey isn’t worth saving, so let’s get to work.’ And believe it or not, they started to shovel dirt into the well. I was going to be buried alive! “After the first shovels of dirt came down on me, I realized something. Every time dirt landed on my back, I could shake it off and use it to step up a bit higher! They kept shoveling, and I kept shaking the dirt off and stepping up. “‘Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up...’ I kept repeating to myself for encouragement. And it wasn’t long before I stepped out of the well, exhausted but triumphant.” So no matter how difficult the situation .. no matter how bad things get... no matter how much dirt gets dumped on you, just remember — shake it off and step up. You’ll be alright. When you’re out of resources, it’s time to get resourceful. Resourcefulness is finding the assets that God has already provided. We may think that we lack resources, but God has already provided for us. A Psalmist said who seek the Lord lack no good thing. All we need to be to look around us and ask for wisdom from Him on how to use those resources, abilities and skills, and people in order for us to accomplish our goals. As God brought success to King Solomon when he asked for wisdom more than anything else. He gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Whenever we find ourselves on a dead end situation in whatever aspects of our lives, let us reminded of our identity that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are created to be resourceful. by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban Our independence did not come easy. Our ancestors fought hard for the liberation of the Philippines. Even when their cry for freedom cost their lives, they did not waiver until the fulfillment of their aspirations for the nation. Some did not live to see it happen; but their acts inspired others to continue the fight. We are free because of their sacrifices. As we commemorate the Philippine Independence Day, let us honor them. One of the meaningful ways we can honor them is to ensure that the Philippines remain free. But this leads us to reflect on this question – “Are we really free?”
Contemplating on the present situation of our country, the cry for freedom remains to this day. While we are no longer under colonial regime, there is presence of territorial disputes. Neighboring countries are also claiming the areas we claim to have exclusive rights for exploration and use of marine resources. Moreover, we are internally bound by several societal ills (e.g., graft and corruption, substance abuse, etc.) brought about by the detestable misdemeanors of some unscrupulous. We are fighting for freedom outside yet we are in captive on the inside. We created our own confinement. When will this cry for freedom come to an end? Our late hero, Apolinario Mabini, who is known as the brain of the revolution, is the same hero who said, “…ang kailangan natin ay isang rebolusyon, hindi lamang sa panlabas kundi sa panloob”. While he is aware for the need of independence from foreign invasion, he is also aware of the fact that there is a need for inner freedom from ruthless individuals. As early as in the year 1800s, he knew that we also need internal revolution other than the physical or armed revolution. This nationwide internal bondage cannot be addressed unless and until we are free from internal bondage individually. A lot of us are imprisoned internally by our selfish interest nature that drives us to become delinquent or commit misconduct. The good news, however, is that – we had a revolutionary, our Lord Jesus Christ, who set us free from sin and gave us the capacity to live in propriety. By divine intervention, we can now consistently obey the laws and legal orders. Let us therefore put an end this cry for freedom. Few individuals cannot do it. It can be achieved by joint efforts of every stakeholder of the country. As citizens of this nation, we are all stakeholders of the destiny of the Philippines. It is our mission to liberate our country from impending destruction of economic downturn spawned by seemingly unending acts of graft and corruption and other unlawful activities. It is within our power and we are able. Together, we can. by: Keren May Busaing The phrase "not everyone is born to be a leader" is frequently heard, and while there is some practical truth to it, can we not choose to pursue the path of leadership instead? Leadership is an inherent aspect of humanity, whether we are aware of it or not. At this very moment, let us examine the first situation that comes to mind—is leadership present or necessary? Consider our family as an example: Is it harmonious or chaotic? Would you agree that the state of our family, whether happy or not, is influenced by effective leadership or its absence? If a father lacks leadership qualities or qualifications but attempts to assert authority as the head of the family, will it not cause conflict? Many families are dysfunctional because fathers assume leadership roles without the necessary character to support them. Conversely, some families are dysfunctional because fathers fail to step up as leaders, leaving mothers or even the eldest child to take charge. It is important to recognize that leaders are shaped within families and their leadership style is significantly influenced by their upbringing.
So, how should we view leadership in light of the above illustration? Let us perceive leadership as an inherent part of our being—an essential value and an internal quality ingrained within us. This kind of leadership is primarily driven not by accomplishments or positions, but by the integrity of our character. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that leadership is not devoid of vision, for without vision, people perish. In the context of our illustration, every family must envision itself as strong, happy, peaceful, and productive to make a positive contribution to society. This can be quite challenging, considering we live in a world where positions and titles hold significant importance, and leadership is often driven by competition and strategic maneuvers. Such an approach to leadership is destructive and unhealthy. As Values Restoration Officers, our first responsibility is to establish our inner leadership quality. By prioritizing this aspect, external factors like titles will naturally follow. Promotions will inevitably come our way. We should strive to fulfill our positional roles with the necessary elements of true leadership, characterized by integrity, excellence, compassion, and humility. We should avoid using our positions to boast or exert power, as this only creates discomfort and tension for those around us. While the call to leadership is strong, let us pursue it with the right motivation. Let us take pride in the path we are choosing. The Lord will elevate us to leadership positions, not mediocrity. If we pay attention to the commands of the Lord our God and diligently follow them, we will always be at the top, never at the bottom. The ultimate key to long-term and progressive leadership is to follow the Lord's ways—practicing righteousness in pursuit of a vision that benefits everyone. Considering these points, we should stop pondering whether we are born to be leaders or not. Such thoughts are restrictive and often used as convenient excuses by those who do not wish to rise to the challenge. The path to leadership is not solely about climbing the ranks; it is about enhancing the integrity of our character and naturally attaining promotion as a result. Our motivation should not stem from a desire for positions and the fear of losing or being demoted. Instead, let us be inspired by the kind of leadership that transforms lives and accomplishes God's purpose. It is a journey we embark on with joy, excitement, and diligence—a path that will leave a lasting legacy. By JESUS V. SISON, PTRP CRFV Deputy National Director "Do actions agree with words? There's your measure of reliability. Never confine yourself to the words." ~ Frank Herbert
A person’s reliability is one of the most esteemed traits in him/ her. It allows an individual to possess the capacity to handle simple or complicated challenging situations in providing timely solutions and execute accurate plans. It is a character of choice individuals endued with uncompromising values that we can count on amid perplexing times. It causes a person to be cherished as he/she projects that both his/her words and actions are reliable and that lives are protected. Put simply, being reliable means what we say is consistent in what we do. It emphasizes that those who can be trusted to follow through in the little things are the people to be trusted with the bigger things. Above all, reliability reminds us that the unswerving things in this world that we truly can depend on and aid us are the love of God and the word of the Lord. It has been God and will always be the One Whom we can rely on for He is perfectly consistent. And since we were all created in His image and likeness, we should also be the same. To be reliable, we must know exactly what is expected of us, whether the expectation is from ourselves or others or both. Expectations prepare us for the setting of targets and goals. Then be intentional to hit these goals and reach the objectives. Intention cuts through to any excuse. Observing archers, before they step on the archery range, they already know what their expectations and their coaches’ expectations is. Thus, they have a steady aim towards a specific target and not just randomly shoot arrows. Setting their targets lets them prepare sights and arrows to strike it accurately. As we understand the concept of archers improving their precision, it should be exciting to appreciate that the same concept applies to setting specific intentions for us to become reliable. The moment we define and commit ourselves to hitting a single bulls-eye, the paradigm shift towards success commences. You will now know that reliability is at work if we can control our thoughts, behaviors, moods and habits. We are not dominated by our whims but what we planned and said will be completely done. What we expect and honestly think, we carefully plan, truthfully declare and committedly do. Again, people who are reliable possess unwavering commitment. They do not fail others who depend on them. They would go through the fire of encounters without leaving you in the heat of the battle. They are willing to make selfless sacrifices as they go down and serve others disregarding their own titles, status or even reputation. In addition, reliable men and women are indefatigably consistent in excellence regardless of varying demands from the same people they help. First and foremost, they excel in service because their mindset is not only to work for God, but they allow God to work through them. Second, they are commendably consistent because God’s skill directs them, and His might empowers their inmost being to complete every task anytime and anywhere. In the stillness and confidence on God, they find their strength. They are indeed dependable because they depend on God. Moreover, individuals who are reliable retain unquestionable faithfulness. They are faithful to God, their family, agency and fellow people. They are steadfast on what they believe they ought to do according to the will of God and the One who appointed them. They have an unalienable possession in the love of God, family, country and fellowmen. Their devotion to the people and service were woven in the fabric of their very being which can never be obliterated or extracted. Thus, everyone is reminded of the faithful God whose goodness is incomparable and His loving-kindness is always available. Therefore, let our actions agree with our words and intentions. This will truly measure our reliability. by: Ms. Carol Lim The need for each other is not a weakness. It is called interdependence. It is both a fact and a truth that we need each other, as the Word says, “None of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself”. In fact, even in the most basic unit of society - the family, interdependence is very visible. Children need the love and care of their parents while the parents draws inspiration and motivation from their children to take the extra mile in providing and caring for them.
In our society, each one has gifts, skills, and talents that one can share to others and contribute to the overall wellness of the community. For instance, some are good in the sciences where doctors, engineers and scientists arise from; in the arts where singers, dancers, and artists emanate; in sports where different kinds of players and athletes excel from; and in other fields where we can see people with different skills who are able to contribute to the society. Although we have different gifts, skills, and talents, this does not mean that we are independent from each other. These are given so that we can be one whole body and be as one in meeting the different demands in our community and society. Since no one but God is omniscient or all-knowing, we need the expertise of one another in order to address a need. This way, we are knit together as one community that will progress and prosper as one country, just like what the Holy Scriptures says, “…As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Just like our bodies, we cannot just separate nor isolate one part from the other in a perfectly functioning body. We cannot separate the cardiovascular system from the body because if we do, no oxygen, nutrients, nor important substances can be supplied to other parts and organs. Nor can we separate the skeletal system because if we do, the body cannot stand because it lacks support and protection. Parallel to our society as one body, each one’s contribution is significant. We cannot afford to be part of the body that will bring forth its destruction or malfunctioning because others that are mutually dependent on us will also be affected. Our actions may bring either negative or positive effect to the bigger community we belong to. Say for example, the effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This has created a negative impact on many countries, ours included. Interdependence includes accountability. We must be circumspect in our actions so that we will not be the cause of others’ loss or suffering. As we are but in one nation, one world, one Earth, let it be that our contributions to our society be positive and significant. Let our interdependence bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity so that we could reach Ambisyon Natin even before 2040. by: Ame-Phil O. Saquiban Growing in humility has power. First, it gives us the power to reach out to others. It helps us connect genuinely and identify ourselves with others. It finds ways to effectively bring the message to people concerned. This power to reach out was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ that while He knows that He is the Son of God, He came in the likeness of man and took the form of a servant so that He could reach us out and bring us to where He is, to a level of holiness and righteousness.
Another is the power to spur reconciliation. Without humility, conflicting people cannot be restored back to their original relationship. They will never come in between and make amends with one another. But with humility, there is reconciliation that will eventually result to unity at home, in the community or in the workplace. Without humility, we tend to look down on others and consider ourselves better all the time. If we are leaders with such attitude, we cannot muzzle a group of people to believe in us and support us. Soon people will leave us because we tend to abuse our power and become harsh to them. But what was written for us regarding this? We must consider others better than ourselves. It is recognizing the grace working in the life of others and admitting that there are things that we cannot do that others can and that we need one another. Third thing that humility can empower us with is to bring restoration to an erring person. A person who is not humble finds it difficult to recognize and admit the mistakes committed. In so doing, this person will never be restored into his or her original state before he/she committed sin. Let us consider again the life of the prodigal son in the Scriptures. If he did not humble himself and went back to his father, he could not have been restored to his original position as a son. But the moment he humbled himself before his father, everything was restored to him. His rights, authority, and privileges as a son were restored back to him. Perhaps, in our case, our Almighty Father is just waiting for us to humble ourselves and confess our sins before Him so that we can be restored back to where we have been. Also, let us remember that we need the aid of the Almighty God as Filipinos. God also made clear His condition for the healing of our land – “if My people will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and heal their land”. by: Dr. Laurence A. Mascay In the book of Luke, a parable is told by Jesus about a king who gave ten of his servants a bag of money each before traveling to a country far away. The king commanded them, “Do business with this money until I come back.” The story is about God entrusting His resources to His stewards for them to be faithful. In this parable, faithfulness is not doing the same thing over and over again, rather, faithfulness is reflected as being very productive. When the king came back, the first servant who gave an account was found to be faithful or very productive by earning ten bags of money with the one bag of money he received and invested. As a result, the king said to him, “Well done! You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.”
To be faithful or productive in our day-to-day affairs is to know why we do what we do or as the popular TV commercial says, “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” That is to know God and His Son Jesus Christ and to glorify Him through the things that we do. Consequently, when we know the purpose of why we wake up each day, our lives becomes exciting and productive - not a mere monotonous cyclic routine. Tim Challies, a noted speaker, says, “Productivity is effectively stewarding your gifts, talents, time, energy, and enthusiasm for the good of others and the glory of God.” Each one of us has been entrusted by God with a lot of things - life, health, family, work, money, business, etc., wherein we are expected to be faithful. Such faithfulness has to be shown in the quantity and quality of outcomes or results of our labors, for one, as we fulfill our duties and responsibilities as civil servants. Moreover, promotions, incentives, or accolades are natural results of the faithfulness of good stewards and they come in God’s favor. Asaph, an author of the book of Psalm, says, “Promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. God is the judge. He decides who will be important; he lifts one person up and brings another down.” Let us continue to give our best shots and seek to be faithful or very productive in what is entrusted to us like the good and faithful servant in the story of Jesus. Because when we are faithful to little things, we will be entrusted with greater things. To be faithful then is to be fruitful. |
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