Chester Diocese
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A Tsunami reflection by Diocesan Giving Adviser Martin Smith
SO often in times of crisis and disaster, such as the tsunami last Boxing Day, we see the very best side of humanity, as people click swiftly into action to help those affected, often without being asked. At times of disaster our compassion is activated because we have an overwhelming and instinctive need to respond to the distress of others. This has been all too evident in recent months as the world responded to the terrible events in south-east Asia. This has been a demonstration of love and compassion for our neighbour, not with words but with action. It is the response that the First Letter of John encourages: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18). At times disaster we are reminded that possessions and life itself can vanish instantly. This realisation can move us to stop worrying about our own lives and trigger within us compassion for those most obviously affected. (04/02/2004)
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Martin Smith
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