LESSON 1 - I EXPRESS CONCERN FOR OTHERS

 There is a great difference between “being worried” and “being concerned.” A worried person sees a problem and yet does not intend to get involved, while a concerned person examines the situation and is moved and challenged to do something about it, usually by solving the problem. “Concern” begins when we feel the need to do somethingabout the situation because we can relate to the issue at hand. Concern is a common experience with family, friends, and people who are close to us. We are always concerned about those whom we are attached to or related to. We need to watch out for that kind of concern that develops into anxiety or worry. Concern should never take the form of anxiety. The Greek mathematician, Pythagoras, once said, “Concern should drive us into action and not into depression.”

Caring for others and helping them are clear indicators and important expressions that show concern for others. When we show concern for others, we are reinforcing a basic truth about people that everyone is inherently good. To be concerned for others is to believe that people are basically “good”, and when something “bad” happens to them,that “goodness” does not surface. Somebody who is concerned is, therefore, moved and challenged to bring back the goodness to that person. By reaching out to them and when concern is shown to them, people begin to appreciate themselves better. Concern can be expressed by greeting others warmly with a smile; helping others in times of need; understanding and appreciating their activities, attitudes, and behavior; giving allowances to their mistakes; making them feel important in our lives; listening to their wishes, dreams, and plans; encouraging them to go on despite the difficulties; and guiding them to make the right choices and decisions. These show our concern for others and in effect work wonders for others. Being concerned about people starts with simple but meaningful acts you do moment by moment, little by little, and day by day.

To be concerned for each other also obligates us to be responsible for one another. To be concerned for each

other is to work with and for one another. To be concerned for others further means to be “guardians” of others.

Being concerned means developing relationships based on mutual acceptance and appreciation of one’s well-being

and the well-being of others. We need to acknowledge this responsibility to others. Concern for others includes

desiring what is good for them. Today, there exists a threat to goodness. We need to persist in good acts and good

ways so that goodness will always prevail. Being responsible requires us to seek out the good in others, and at the same time commit one’s self to work constantly for the good of others. By affecting a positive impact on others, this can make a big difference for them. Consequently, they can also be encouraged to join in the goal of spreading goodness. By being concerned for others and therefore becoming responsible for them, there will be greater solidarity, justice, mercy, and compassion in the world.

To show genuine concern for others, we can start by recognizing their needs. It awakens in us a sense of compassion and empathy. Reaching out to others and opening our hearts and listening to their needs can become an opportunity for us to bring to others a sense of worth and dignity.

To show concern for the well-being of other people is also a way of showing respect for them. To respect others is to recognize their worth and dignity. When these are threatened and abused, concern becomes a means to show solidarity with others and reinforces a commitment to do something about it so that others may regain their worth and dignity. Respecting others is a natural extension of concern for others.

To show concern for others is to awaken generosity, most especially during times of need. In a country that is no

stranger to natural disasters and calamities, being concerned about the unfortunate situations of the victims of these

events can challenge us to do something to help them in these times. Being concerned also develops greater sensitivity to the conditions of others. Showing concern for others helps nurture the good qualities we have. The more we show concern for others, the more these good qualities develop and bear fruit in the service of others.