Many people take advantage of the Holy Week holiday to go on vacation and rest. Have you been around “toxic” people and places, and you need rest? Learn from Jesus how to deal with the toxicities of life in today’s devotion.

Bisperas na noon ng Paskwa. Alam ni Jesus na dumating na ang panahon ng kanyang pag-alis sa daigdig na ito upang bumalik sa Ama. Mahal niya ang kanyang mga tagasunod na nasa daigdig, at sila’y iniibig niya hanggang sa wakas.

Juan 13:1​

Recently, the term “toxic” is used in a different light. Originally used for harmful substances, it can now be used to label people, places, and practices. Pero ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng salitang “toxic”? Sabi sa dictionary, this term simply means poisonous. Kapag inapply ito sa area ng relationships, ang term na toxic ay tungkol sa behavior ng isang tao na nakakapinsala sa iba tulad ng abuse and manipulation.

Jesus had to deal with one of the most toxic people in His lifetime, si Judas. This Holy Wednesday, of all days, we remember what he did. Hindi niya lang ninanakawan ang pondo nila (John 12:6), pinagtaksilan niya rin si Jesus sa pamamagitan ng halik (Mark 14). Binenta niya ang identity ni Jesus that ultimately led to His crucifixion. How did Jesus deal with such a toxic person?

Jesus dealt with Judas with grace and truth. Sa John 13, mababasa natin na minahal ni Jesus ang mga disciple Niya hanggang sa wakas. He washed their feet, Judas included. Knowing he would eventually betray Him, Jesus chose to still serve him. Pero hindi ibig sabihin nito ay pinalagpas na ni Jesus ang toxic acts ni Judas. He told the truth about his toxic behavior multiple times as if to warn him and everyone else (John 6:71; Mark 14:18-21; John 13:26-27).

We may never be able to escape dealing with toxic people. But thankfully, Jesus provided His life as a model for us to follow. By displaying grace and truth in love, maaari natin silang tulungang makawala sa kanilang maling gawa, at makilala ang Diyos na kayang bumago ng kanilang mga puso at kaluluwa.

May we all experience God’s grace and comfort this Holy Week season. Join us again tomorrow for another encouraging reflection on the last days of Jesus here on earth. Don’t miss it!