Really sad story in the papers today, about a young woman who announced in her Facebook “status update” that she'd overdosed on pills and would soon die.
Many ignored her - some poked fun online - no-one went to help her, and she died.
In some ways, it's a kind of Good Samaritan story for the technological age - she was dying by the roadside, and people just cyber-walked by. But, sadly, there was no Good Samaritan in this real-life tragedy.
It got me to thinking (a bit, it was quite late). My first thought was: thank goodness our church community isn't like Facebook! In church, we bear one another's burdens; we take one another seriously; we care enough to ask others how they are and listen to the answer; we put ourselves out to love one another sacrificially.
This kind of thing just wouldn't happen in church. Phew!
REALLY?
But then I though: Is that actually true? Is my church really like that? And am I a church member who does look out for others; who does take an interest in others and put myself out for them?
Would I notice if someone wasn't there, and follow it up? Would others know they could ring my phone or my doorbell at any time they needed to?
Worryingly, I'm really not sure.
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13 v 34-35)
Tim Thornborough founded The Good Book Company in 1991. Today his roles include Chairing The Good Book Company Trust and working with the Rights team to grow TGBC's international reach. He is the author of The Very Best Bible Stories series and has contributed to many books published by TGBC and others. Tim is married to Kathy, and they have three adult daughters.
