THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
While numerous individuals fasted alongside the Jews, which raises the concern of sin, my beloved, do not disclose this suffering within the church; rather, strive to mend it. If anyone claims that many participated in this fast, silence them to prevent the spread of such rumors, and affirm to them that you know of no one. You are mistaken, my friend, and you speak untruths; you have observed just a few who have erred, yet you assert that there are many. Therefore, silence the gossiper and do not neglect the misled, so that the church may reap great benefits—not only by preventing the rumor from circulating but also by restoring those drawn away to the true fold. Let us avoid broadcasting the sins of others; instead, let us find ways to help those who have strayed.
Read more (400 words)
It is a serious flaw, a genuine flaw, to criticize our brethren without offering care; to make the struggles of the ill known, yet neglect to provide healing. Let us, dear ones, eliminate this harmful trait, as it does considerable damage. For someone might overhear from you that many are fasting with the Jews and, in ignorance, pass this news to another; this cycle continues, and thus this malicious gossip spreads gradually, leading to greater glorification of the Church while failing to benefit the lost, and indeed, causing harm to them and many others. Even if the transgressors are few, we amplify their number through numerous stories, weakening those who remain steadfast and pushing those on the verge of falling into despair. When a brother learns that many have fasted, he may become more restless; similarly, the weak may seek solace among those who have faltered. Thus, even if there are many who have sinned, we should not take pleasure in their downfall, speaking of them as if they are numerous; rather, let us refrain from such talk and silence others as well. Do not tell me of the great number who have fasted; instead, work to restore those many. I have not spoken at length merely to condemn the multitude but to transform them into a lesser number, or even ensure that each of these few is salvaged. Therefore, let us focus not on exposing sins, but on healing them. Those who choose to gossip, preoccupied only with that, may perceive a few as many; conversely, those who restrain the voices of rumor and tend to the fallen, no matter their number, can correct them more readily and prevent further damage caused by hearsay. Have you not heard what David lamented for Saul? “How the mighty have fallen! Let not the foreign children rejoice; let not the uncircumcised exult.” If David wished to keep such matters private to prevent enemies from taking joy, how much more should we shield the sins of Christians from not only outsiders but even our own; lest our foes rejoice at such news, and our brethren falter upon hearing it? Instead, we should strive to keep this matter concealed and restricted in every way. Do not tell me that you merely confided in someone; keep it from him, for just as you could not remain silent, he too will struggle to hold his tongue.