A reflection on the importance of being supportive and nurturing growth in relationships and communities—supportive humanity.
An adage states: “If you cannot help, do not hinder.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares the Parable of the Weeds, where a man sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, so that when the wheat sprouted, the weeds grew also. After reading the first part of this Gospel, I was thinking how it could have been if the so-called enemy had nurtured the growth of the seeds.
In our world today, there are many people who go the extra mile to hinder others. They sow seeds of discord, when they see that family members, marital couples, or friends are living in harmony, through their gossip and backbiting. What would it be like if everyone supported his/her neighbor and is happy about his/her development?
Benefits of Supporting Others
When individuals support each other, they create an environment where everyone can flourish. Encouragement and positive reinforcement lead to greater self-confidence and motivation, fostering personal development and growth.
Supportive behaviors strengthen the bonds within a community. Trust, cooperation, and mutual respect are the foundations of a robust and resilient society. When people help each other, they build a network of support that can withstand challenges and adversity.
In a supportive environment, individuals feel safe expressing their ideas and take risks. This freedom leads to increased innovation and creativity, as people are not afraid of being judged or hindered.
Supportive interactions contribute to emotional and mental well-being. Knowing that one is valued and supported reduces stress and anxiety, promoting overall mental health. Encouragement from others can provide the strength needed to overcome obstacles and pursue goals.
When individuals support one another, the collective progress of society is accelerated. Each person’s success contributes to the greater good, creating a cycle of positive development that benefits everyone.
Overcoming the Tendency to Hinder
To move towards a supportive humanity, it is essential to overcome hindering behaviors. How do we do this?
Address Insecurity and Fear: Building self-esteem and confidence reduces the fear of others’ success. When individuals feel secure in their own abilities, they are less likely to see others as threats and more likely to offer support.
Cultivate Empathy and Compassion: Encouraging empathy helps individuals understand and share the feelings of others. Compassionate people are more inclined to support rather than hinder.
Shift from Competition to Collaboration: Societal norms that prioritize excessive competition over collaboration need to be re-evaluated. When a man dies, he takes nothing with him.
Promote Altruism and Generosity: Altruism and the joy of giving inspire people to support others. The act of generosity helps us to cultivate the selfless attitude needed for better co-existence with others.
It could be that the so-called enemy in today’s Gospel was insecure, lacked compassion with regard to the efforts of the man who sowed the seeds, had a competitive spirit, and did what he did because he felt that the seeds would not benefit him.
At the end of this reflection, I am thinking about what it would be like if everyone decides to speak words that build up and not destroy. What it would be like if parents start recognizing and rewarding supportive behaviors in their children. That is the way to build a world where support is the foundation. Let us remember that we have a divine call to love and care for one another.
[Readings: Jeremiah 7:1-11; Matthew 13:24-30]
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