Principal

Following on from my last newsletter article, and my explanation of the connection between faith and learning, this issue I am covering Caring.

From scripture in Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

If we reflect on this passage from Colossians, we can see how it connects with the IB learner profile of "caring." The scripture encourages us to "clothe ourselves with compassion." This means that we should make compassion a part of who we are and how we interact with others.

There are many other references in the Bible to being caring:  

Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done. 

Hebrews 13:16 – And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 

Another learner profile attribute is "knowledgeable." The scripture encourages us to put on "love" which binds all the other virtues together in perfect unity. This love is not just an emotion, but it is also a way of knowing and understanding others. This type of love allows us to have a deep knowledge and understanding of the people and world around us, which is crucial in being knowledgeable individuals. We hear a call to be knowledgeable in these verses: 

Proverbs 18:15 – An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 

Proverbs 2:10 – For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 

We hear of the importance to be thinkers in: 

Proverbs 14:15 – The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thoughts to his steps. 

The attribute of "reflective" is also included in scripture. When we are called to "bear with each other and forgive one another," we are asked to reflect on our own actions and thoughts and to consider how they may impact others. This type of reflection allows us to grow in our own personal and spiritual development, becoming more thoughtful and introspective individuals.

The passages mentioned provide us with a great reminder of the importance of developing the attributes described in the IB Learner Profile. By putting on compassion, love, and forgiveness, we can become more knowledgeable, reflective, and responsible individuals who make a positive impact on our communities and the world.