A little sensitivity will not hurt

The times we live in are interesting. Speed characterises our lives because we are always on the move. It is everyone for Himself. Woe unto you if you are slow, especially in Nairobi streets; you will be pushed out of the way.

Money is king and without it, survival is next to impossible. In the pursuit of money, humanity has mostly been sacrificed. We are almost indifferent.

How many times do people rush to the scene of an accident only to help themselves to the victim’s valuables or simply stare in sympathy, without helping? Have we not been regaled with tales of bold thieves who help themselves even to the valuables of the dead? How about the blank, unfeeling stare levelled at a man charged with raping a six-month-old?

The sense of community that existed when people instantly responded to cries of help is fast disappearing. A person can go hungry while the neighbour fries sausages. A man owns ten flats and lives large while his brother languishes in the slums.

Central to the message of the cross is love, which covers a multitude of sins and is the sole reason many believers gather in places of worship every Sunday. God Himself is love, and He says we cannot possibly love Him if we have no love for fellow human beings whom we can see and touch. Without love, Paul says, we are nothing but a clanging cymbal.

Also, God reminds us that if we love Him, we will do as He has commanded. And His commandment is this: Love the Lord with all your heart and love others as you love yourself. That’s why we cannot afford indifference.

The following suggestions will help make us more sensitive

a) Those who are spiritually mature should practise some sensitivity towards the spiritually immature or non-spiritual people. Guard against appearing to know it all in matters spiritual. Cease prescribing biblical solutions to every problem presented before you.

True, the Bible contains every answer to every question but this can be a little intimidating.

b) Open your eyes and ears more. Your brother may have gone hungry last night but is too embarrassed to ask for food. You may be pushing a terribly frightened person to the podium to make a speech when they have no confidence in themselves.

c) Take more interest in the affairs of the community. You might be the one to save a would-be suicide victim, but you cannot know if someone has changed his disposition if you are not observant and have no interest. Sensitivity requires you to abandon selfishness and begin to genuinely care for others.

d) Be careful with your tongue. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Some words cut other people to pieces, are simply inappropriate, or may bring sorrow and embarrassment. The Lord God is our role model. His loving kindness is everlasting. His mercies are new every morning and His compassion never fails.