Ivica Pavlović, Bijeli Brijeg, Bosnia & Herzegovina
It Is Good to Do Good
Author: Ivica Pavlović
The reason behind my decision to write about the indicator of willingness to help one’s neighbors is rooted in my personal experience of relying on others for assistance. Being a wheelchair user, I have encountered numerous situations where even the smallest acts of help have held immeasurable significance for me. Due to the lack of wheelchair-accessible ramps, I often find myself in need of assistance from others. People exhibit different responses in such circumstances, with some readily offering their aid without hesitation, while others may lack an understanding of the importance of helping others. There have been instances where certain individuals have declined to assist me. However, I do not harbor any resentment towards them; instead, I strive to empathize with and refrain from passing judgment on them. Such individuals undoubtedly carry their own reasons, stemming from childhood traumas, personal hurts, or feelings of rejection… They are the ones who are in greatest need of help.
At times, I find myself having doubts about the kindness of people, but those doubts are quickly dispelled. Acts of kindness often arise unexpectedly, in the most unlikely places. After such experiences, I express gratitude to Jesus and pray for His grace to strengthen my faith on my life’s journey.
I was brought up in a Catholic family, and I can say that my faith was relatively lukewarm until I reached the age of 30. However, God sent a priest into my life who helped me experience my faith in a whole new way. Through my involvement in a prayer community, my faith began to transform and flourish. I encountered a living God, a God who embodies unconditional Love. Now, I perceive everything through the lens of faith, and I make an effort to spread the message of joy to those I encounter.
The words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” hold a deep and cherished place in my heart. At first, this statement may seem perplexing, prompting us to question its validity. Does the act of giving truly bring more happiness than receiving? However, through countless personal experiences, I have come to witness the undeniable truth of these words. Each time I extend a helping hand to someone, I not only bring assistance to them but also find a deeper sense of fulfillment and gratitude within myself.
Sometimes, in times of vulnerability, I experience inner unrest. I am aware of my weaknesses and recognize the need to invest more effort in personal growth and trust in the people around me. My faith acts as a guiding force, enabling me to overcome such moments. I have a strong inclination to assist those in great need, and I aspire to share my faith and positive mindset with others. My hope is that this will empower them to embrace a more joyful and fulfilling life journey. Undoubtedly, the most challenging task is being a witness of faith and a source of peace within my family and immediate environment. Rather than being disheartened by this, it serves as a motivation to live life with increased courage and understanding. Demonstrating love through gentleness and patience is crucial, as it is the most effective way to touch others’ hearts. I am driven by the desire to inspire both myself and the community at large to actively engage in acts of kindness. A simple, genuine smile and a kind greeting have the potential to brighten the day of those we encounter.
I firmly believe in the importance of performing acts of kindness in every situation. It is a fundamental aspect that signifies peace and harmonious communal living. We should listen attentively to the needs of others and strive to find the best solutions to help them. Many people experience feelings of loneliness, fear about the future, and a deep longing to be heard and share their worries and fears. I believe that organizing workshops in our community focused on helping others would be highly beneficial. Through meaningful conversations, we can gain insight into people’s challenges and strive to seek ways to offer support. Engaging in conversations with psychologists or participating in small group workshops would undoubtedly offer support to those carrying the weight of anxiety and inner dissatisfaction. It is crucial to remember that every person we encounter deserves both God’s love and our love.