Written by: Siphiwe Christopher Mathebula
Article source: JOY! Magazine

‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’ – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hurt people hurt others, and they struggle to get along with others. They are not able to tolerate people with different opinions from theirs, different backgrounds from theirs, or people who have different political and religious views from theirs. They simply struggle to get along with others. They are angry and exhibit it, even in public spaces and direct it to unsuspecting fellow civilians.

Every September we celebrate the blessing of our diversity, and the colourful Rainbow Nation we are. Heritage Month is a reminder that, as Devoted Citizens, we must embrace our diversity and embrace the beautiful heritage we have.

Vulnerable are let down
In July this year, eight women between the ages of 19 and 35 were gang raped by armed men at a Krugersdorp mine dump. It cannot be that crime can escalate to such despicable levels when there are leaders that have been elected into power to protect the vulnerable. Criminals are a menace as they cannot get along with others. However, our leaders are even more disappointing as they have let down the vulnerable every single day.

All these examples are signs that hurt people and cause harm in our society. Hurt and angry people are intolerant. Their intolerance starts to manifest itself in their communities and on wider social platforms. They even pass on the rationale of their hate to their children, who also start to build their worldview on this hate, thus delaying the process of social cohesion in society.

God doesn’t show favouritism
“For God does not show favouritism.” – Romans 2:11. This statement by the Apostle Paul is a clear indication that God is against the tendencies of our human nature to show favouritism. As human beings, we are naturally drawn to those who look like us and avoid anyone who is different. That is favouritism. God disapproves of such behaviour and is not pleased when we have regard for one group of people over another. This is normally drawn from language, gender, tribal lines, skin colour, or national origin. There is power in diversity. Every human being is unique. We are never going to look or behave the same.

After years of working in the ministry and handling all sorts of situations, I have learnt:
• It becomes easier to get along with others when you value them as you value yourself. This is an ongoing process. None of us are angels!
• Never compete with others.
• Our upbringing influences our perceptions.
• Don’t be unreasonable in your expectations of others. People are not perfect.
• What you give you get in return. What goes around comes around. You reap what you sow.
• Respect the differences in others. Just because they are different from you doesn’t mean they are evil. Differences don’t mean you cannot do life together.
• Forgive and move on.
• Each child in a family is different and needs to be handled differently. Apply this principle to one another.

Celebrate our diversity
This heritage month, let us be intentional about celebrating our heritage and our diversity. There is power in it. Let’s use it to create the Rainbow Nation our founding fathers envisioned. “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, his background, or his religion. Hate is a learnt behaviour, and if they can learn to hate, they can also learn to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela. Wishing you all a blessed Heritage Month.

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Date published: 26/08/2022
Siphiwe Christopher Mathebula – Lead Pastor: Hope Restoration Ministries. Visit hrm.org.za

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