Love That Binds Us, Honors Our Ways, and Glorifies God

Here in Africa, our understanding of love and relationships is deeply rooted in our traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations. We believe that strong, meaningful connections, built on respect for our culture and faith, are the very foundation of a life that honors God. This guidance explores the journey of love – from preparing our hearts, to nurturing the bonds of marriage, and even navigating the difficult paths of broken relationships – all within an African context.

The Greatest Gift: The Heart of Love (Omutima Gw’Omukwano)

Just as the Good Book teaches us, love is the most powerful force:

“Even if I could speak all the languages of humankind and the languages of angels, but did not have love, I would be no more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy and understood all mysteries and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but did not have love, I would be nothing. And if I gave all my possessions to the poor and surrendered my body to the flames, but did not have love, I would gain nothing at all.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, adapted for an African understanding)

Let us, therefore, pursue love with all our hearts, alongside the spiritual gifts that uplift our communities (1 Corinthians 14:1).

Remember the powerful words of Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another deeply” (John 13:34-35).  

True Love for Each Other: The Strength of Our Unity and God’s Power (Omukwano Gumu: Amaanyi Ag’Obumu n’Ag’Obwakabaka)

God’s love embraces every single person in this world (John 3:16). Just as Jesus felt deep compassion for the lost, the suffering, and the sick:

“Jesus travelled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were weary and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35-36)  

So too, we are called to have genuine love and compassion for one another, reflecting the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are.”

Unity Brings Blessings from Above (Obumu Bureeta Emikisa Eriva Eriigulu)

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity! It is like the dew of Mount Hermon falling on the hills of Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1 & 3)

Just as a family thrives when united, our communities and our faith grow stronger when we stand together in love.

The Early Church: United in Power (Ekkanisa Eyasooka: Nga Eri Mu Bumwe n’Amaanyi Mangi)

“Through the apostles, many signs and wonders were performed among the people. And all the believers were united in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32, adapted)  

Even Jesus Himself taught that division leads to downfall: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall” (Luke 11:17). Unity is key to building strong families, strong communities, and strong churches.

The Qualities of True Love (Engeri Z’Omukwano Ogwa Nnaggonvu):

True Agape love, the selfless and unconditional love, is not just a feeling; it is how we live and act:

• It is Patient and Kind (Kugumiikiriza na Kisa): Like a loving elder guiding a young one.
• It is Not Envious or Jealous (Si Kwetenga oba Kwesiga): Celebrating the blessings of others as our own.
• It Does Not Boast or Parade Itself (Si Kwewaana oba Kwelikiriza): Humility is the crown of love.
• It is Not Rude or Self-Seeking (Si Kukakanyala oba Kwagala Byayo): Respecting the dignity of every person.
• It is Not Easily Angered or Bitter (Si Kukasuka Busungu oba Kukwatira Ekiruyi): Forgiveness is the path to healing.
• It Does Not Delight in Evil but Rejoices in Truth (Si Kusanyukira Bubi wabula Kusanyukira Mazima): Standing firm on what is right.
• It Bears All Things, Believes All Things, Hopes All Things, Endures All Things (Kugumiikiriza Byonna, Kwesiga Byonna, Kusuubira Byonna, Kwegumira Byonna): Like the enduring strength of our families.
• Love Never Fails (Omukwano Tegulemwa): It is the eternal bond.

Love in Action: Practical and Real (Omukwano Mu Bikolwa: Ogw’Omugaso n’Ogw’Olwaliro):

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales, and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” (Acts 4:32-35, reflecting the spirit of communal sharing in Africa)

Love Shows Forgiveness (Omukwano Gwoleka Okusonyiwa):

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)  

Just as we seek reconciliation within our families and communities, forgiveness is essential in love.

Love Puts Others First (Omukwano Guteka Abalala Mu Maaso):

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) This echoes our African value of considering the well-being of the community.

Love is Sacrificial (Omukwano Gwa Kweewaayo): Like a parent’s devotion to their children.

Jesus Himself said: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).  

It is in laying down our lives for others, in being true disciples, that our lives will bear lasting fruit. If we do not consciously choose each day to follow God’s plan, we risk being distracted by the fleeting concerns of this world (Luke 8:14).

Jesus taught us: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24). Our sacrifices for love will yield a bountiful harvest.

Every Believer Can Love Unconditionally (Buli Mukiriza Alina Obusobozi Okwagala Abantu Bonna Awatali Nsonga):

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the gifts that empower us to love.  

What Hinders the Flow of Love Among Believers (Ebintu Ebiyinza Okuziyiza Omukwano Okukulukuta Mu Bakiriza):

• Lack of Deep Connection with Jesus (Obutaba na Mukwano Ogw’Amaanyi ne Yesu): We must continually abide in His love (John 15:4-5) and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18). A lifestyle of worship and prayer, involving God in every part of our lives (John 4:23-24), is essential.
• Negative Attitudes (Emitima Emibi):
  • Being critical and judgmental of others (Matthew 7:1-5). Remember the wisdom of our elders: “The pot calls the kettle black.”
  • Being envious and jealous (James 3:14-16). “The eye that sees another’s success weeps.”
  • Having selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3). True leadership is about serving.
  • Having pride (Colossians 3:12 & 4:6). Humility opens the door to love.
• Fear of Rejection (Okutya Okugaanibwa): “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). Love is a safe haven.  

In Conclusion (Mu Nkomerero):

Where there is love and unity, God’s power is evident (Acts 4:32-33). We are all called to choose to love one another (1 John 4:7 & 11), just as Jesus commanded (John 13:34). Without a deep connection with Christ, our lives will bear little fruit (John 15:4-5).

When we have intimacy with Jesus, we begin to share His compassion for the lost and hurting in our world (Psalm 37:4). With His love flowing through us, our lives will make a profound difference, guiding many towards the gift of eternal life (John 14:12).

Let us embrace the spirit of Ubuntu in our love relationships, honoring our culture, rooted in our faith, and glorifying God through the unity and love we share. Just as our ancestors valued strong family and community bonds, let love be the unbreakable thread that weaves our lives together in Christ.