Bridget Nemi
Humanity is seeking answers to issues that defer solution, and has engaged in all manner of religions for divine intervention.
Right from time, man realizes that there is a supreme being that is behind creation who is all knowing and everywhere thus has answer to all problems of life.
Again, humanity globally, in search for peace and commonality have developed friendship in a bid to advance relationship for societal development.
Ironically, all these efforts have yielded not much result because the source of love is ignored by most people.
One cheering news about all religions of the world is the acceptance of love and need for peaceful co-existence.
Although generally accepted, peace seems elusive because genuine friendship is not cultivated by people of various religions.
Reason being that the Prince of Peace is not celebrated by all.
Interestingly, one religion that is founded on love is Christianity.
The bible book of John chapter 15:13 says “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”
Important and heart-warning as this is , loss of love and friendship in the church today has become an issue of great concern to many.
Orthodox, prostestantism, Pentecostalism, celestianism, and white-garment which are groupings of the body of Christ- the church, rather than uniting for common good of the cross are on daily basis tearing apart.
Proliferation of churches with all kinds of doctrine differences rather than being a blessing is now a curse and is giving Christianity sense of worry.
Foundation of love laid in John 3:16 where it is said “ for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” has become a mere statement without weight to many.
Friendship as exhibited by the Lord Jesus Christ if replicated by Christians is one important tool for evangelism and reaping souls into the kingdom of God.
The situation where unhealthy relationships occasioned by church affiliation and sympathy is treating sacrifice of the cross of calvary do not in any way speak well of the church.
For instance, messages by some men of God on public radios and television stations which encourage division and poison the minds of members against others should be discourage and condemned by all.
The love of Jesus Christ which brought about salvation to humility should be focus of all messages as against the hate speeches of the now.
It is imperative to stress that love God has for humanity through Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of life which need not to be trivialized.
Let it be known that church is not the passport through which anyone will enter into heaven.
Let it also be known that mere religious rituals of all sorts as well as self-righteousness shown in alms deeds are not also prerequisite for holiness and acceptance by God.
This does not in any way invade the usefulness of genuine sacrifices and alms deed but to say that such goodwill should be done with the heart of love and cultivated on friendship.
The church need to retrace its step and imbibe the culture of love and friendship which Jesus Christ exemplifies.
Time has come for all religious leaders irrespective of affiliation and inclination to come together and forge common front that will, make Christians to see themselves as children of God with other church members.
Friendship and the church should be such that demonstrate Christ to the world for one God.
It is also important for leaders to lead with such example that will make their followers to the benefit of all and the society.***
