Reaching out for a Better World

One of our greatest needs is the need for other people. Although we are born with individual difference, we belong to one family destined to live and grow in the spirit of unity and brotherhood.

As a youth of today, I am full aware that the world is beset by poverty, injustice, conflict and violence. I believe that although I am in the most precious time of my life, my future remains unsure because of these never ending problems. I want to build my future in a community of brothers and sisters who share the burdens and joys of living.

We have a natural desire to help and serve other people, but differences in race, religion, social status, and values sometimes stop us from doing so. When we hear of people who are victims of violence, natural calamities, and injustice, we are moved to compassion, yet we remain unconcerned, because we allow our own well-being and enjoyment to occupy all our time.

Today, our lives have been so full of activities that we often forget other people’s miseries and need for comfort. We often forget simple acts of kindness that could bring joy to those around us. We all have the capacity to help other people because generosity does not always mean sharing our material possessions to the needy. We can be generous just by acting unselfishly for the benefit of others. We need to respect the ideas, beliefs, and feelings of other people in order to settle conflicts peacefully.

Expressing love and concern must not remain in words. There must be an act to reach out and share. Maybe we should start asking ourselves “When was the last time I helped someone and stood by his side?; or the last time I offered my hand to someone who stumbled and fell?” If we respond to the needs of others, we realize that there are people in worse conditions than ourselves. We discover that they are important to us, and above all, we recognize our value as individuals.

The secret to a better world lies in the bond that unites us with other people. The world was a perfect gift to us and we era the greatest miracle in it. It is our basic responsibility to preserve and protect the world and the human race. Let us join our hands and build a better world where there is love, respect and compassion, a world where each man is a brother, each man is a friend.