THE COMPASSION OF A NEIGHBOUR

This month at Annesley, our focus is on the value of compassion. Compassion is showing kindness or care, and a willingness to help others. It is about being thoughtful, decent, and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Compassion sees when others are hurt, disappointed, or in need, and doing something positive to help them.

Compassion is something we express, but it is also something we experience. Do any of these scenarios find their place in your own story?

• You were told some bad news, and a friend came around to keep you company and care for you.
  You were sick, and someone cooked you a beautiful meal
  Your car broke down and a “good Samaritan” (the RAA or another motorist who knows about car engines) stopped to help get you going again
  You recently had a baby and needed a bit of support to do things or go places
  You couldn’t get the gardening done because of physical limitations, and so an understanding neighbour offered to give you a hand, without expecting anything in return

In Luke 10:25-27, Jesus told the story of a Good Samaritan who showed compassion to a stranger. Even though this Samaritan didn’t know the injured man, Jesus was explaining to those who were listening, that it was the neighbourly and compassionate thing to do. And this attitude towards others was a value we should consistently model in our lives. Jesus wasn’t just meaning being polite to the neighbours who live next door at home. He was teaching us the significance of compassion towards the people who are around us – wherever we might be.

Again, compassion is experienced. But it is only because someone has chosen to express it. Each day provides plenty of opportunities to reach out and express compassion to a “neighbour”. Am I willing to lift myself above or across any boundary I may have put in place?

And I wonder, who is the neighbour you will notice today?

Peter Morton
Annesley Chaplain