I shall spare readers a discussion in theology, but what I took from this quote is how serious a sin, or transgression, between people is. Surely neglect of one's fellow human beings is one of the greatest of all.

With the occasional exception, we humans are very social creatures. We have tended to live in tight communities, reliant on each other. An ancient form of punishment predating Christianity and Judaism was to shun a community member, to cut them off from their emotional and social sustenance. Even today, solitary confinement can be used as a punishment.

Growing up in a stable and nurturing environment, with no financial challenges, I was not directly touched by the poverty that exists all around us. But my grandparents lived through the Depression, and taught us to be very aware that life is unpredictable. 

When living in Japan, I was confronted daily by folk living under bridges, in parks, subway stations and underground malls. Many of these people, who tended to band together, were underemployed, or contract workers. Many workers came to Nagoya from all across Japan during the construction boom. When the bubble burst, most ended up homeless. I was always made uncomfortable by the way these people were referred to, and even I myself use words which create a sense of “them” and “us”. 

I always believed Australians were protected for the most part from the poverty cycle until I returned in 2010. Even in our beautiful community, there is a growing number of disadvantaged who find themselves cut off – shunned as it were – by the mainstream. More people are having to rely on charity to make ends meet, or finding themselves without a safe roof over their heads. What is so often forgotten is that, especially in the current economic climate, how precarious life really is for all of us.

It is so easy, especially with the way our language is, to describe those experiencing economic hardship without with dignity and inclusion. This creates and reinforces a sense of “them” and “us”, creating the illusion that we are immune.

One thing nearly everyone, irrespective of their standing and life experiences, needs is a sense of belonging, of being valued. Our financial value is too closely locked into our sense of worth, but I am realist enough to know that despite how much we preach about valuing someone for their qualities, that is not the world in which we live.

One thing to keep in mind when offering assistance: when you help another, they are also helping you. In a community, our fates are closely tied together. That person going through a hard time could be us tomorrow – how would we like to be treated?