By James Oyewole
God’s sovereignty transcends human boundaries. Faith and tribe are His to weave, not ours to dictate. No man decides whether to be born white or black; Muslim or Christian. Like clay in the Potter’s hands, we’re shaped by His design, not our own. No one chooses their birthplace, family, or path – these are God’s prerogatives.
Let us embrace His love, leaving judgments behind. For in His wisdom, all are equal, all are loved. I cannot understand why we have to fight over issues of tribe or faith; things that we do not have control over.
As the world spins with diverse threads of faith and tribe, let’s rise above the noise. God’s love is the heartbeat that connects us all. In His eyes, we’re not defined by labels, but cherished as children of one Father. Let’s shed the veils of division and embrace our shared humanity.
Like branches on a vine, we’re intertwined – strong when united, weak when apart. The world’s problems shrink when love grows. Let’s choose empathy over judgment, kindness over indifference.
God’s dream for humanity isn’t isolation, but unity in diversity. A world where differences are bridges, not walls. Where peace isn’t just a wish, but a choice we make daily.
Let’s be agents of love, spreading peace, one smile, one act of kindness at a time. For in the end, it’s not about tribe or faith – it’s about love.
It is the lesson we can draw from the convergence of both Ramadan and Lent. God, unlike man, does not make mistakes. He is intentional and deliberate in His actions.
It is therefore safe to conclude that ones religion or tribe does not matter to God. What matters most is humanity; the willingness to embrace love which is one of the attributes of God.
Where love rules, hate fizzles away. Peace replace war and bad governance is replaced by good governance. In the end, humanity will be better for it.
As we come close to end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and a few days to the end of Lent, we should allow the spirit of the season rule our lives. The lessons shouldn’t be momentary but life-long.
We should bear in mind all the time that God’s love transcends our human-made boundaries of faith and tribe. We’re all part of the same human family, connected by love.
We’re shaped by God’s design, not our own. Therefore, let’s choose love, empathy, and kindness over judgment and indifference.
The piece intends to highlight the importance of unity in diversity, where differences become bridges, not walls. And it is a timely reminder, with Ramadan and Lent converging – a beautiful opportunity for us to reflect on our shared humanity.
God’s love is the vibe that connects us all, making us all part of the same human family. It sounds wild how we get caught up in these things we can’t even control, like our tribe or faith – God understands and that is the more reason why we shouldn’t strife over what we cannot explain or what we do not have control over. That’s why God remains God, the Supreme Ruler on the affairs of men!
– James Oyewole is Executive Editor, The Graphic Newspaper and member, Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria).
