The English language is rich in synonyms, yet subtle distinctions often carry profound meaning. One such critical difference lies between affinity and love. While affinity fosters connection among like-minded individuals, love—particularly as exemplified by Jesus—transcends familiarity, comfort, and even shared goals. Understanding this distinction is essential, not only for personal relationships but also for genuine Christian living.
- Affinity: The Comfort of Shared Identity
The adage “Birds of a feather flock together” aptly illustrates affinity. Humans, much like animals, gravitate toward those who reinforce their beliefs, values, and objectives. This tendency provides security, validation, and a sense of belonging.
However, affinity alone does not equate to love. Drug dealers may share mutual trust, soldiers may fight side by side, and political allies may collaborate closely—yet none of these bonds necessarily reflect love. Affinity can exist among both the righteous and the wicked, as it is rooted in commonality rather than moral virtue.
- Love vs. Affinity: The Jesus Standard
Jesus’ life and teachings dismantle the notion that affinity equals love. He dined with sinners, healed the outcast, and forgave His executioners—actions that defied the societal norms of His time. The Pharisees, who prided themselves on religious affinity, rejected Him precisely because He refused to conform to their exclusivity.
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:46)
Jesus’ love was disruptive. It extended beyond racial or tribal loyalty, cultural preservation, or mutual benefit. He loved not because others agreed with Him, but because love was His nature.
- The Danger of Mistaking Affinity for Love
Modern Christianity often falls into the trap of prioritising affinity—denominational loyalty, cultural solidarity, or ideological alignment—over Christ-like love. Institutionalised religion sometimes fosters insular communities that value conformity over compassion.
Pan-Africanism, nationalism, or any group identity, while appearing valuable for cultural preservation, must not supersede the universal call to love impartially. They yearn for a hero who will rescue them from this predicament. However, their ultimate hero is Jesus, whose teachings inherently reject the pursuit of significance within an oppressive system.
Mob psychology can be described as the suppression of individual conscience in favour of collective approval. This unrestrained acceptance thrives on shared affinity rather than the selfless love exemplified by Jesus. In our nation, while the ruling class often faces significant criticism, the pervasive influence of mob psychology warrants careful examination. This phenomenon traces back to the era of independence, when overwhelming support for ZANU PF emerged, despite the clear shortcomings in its policies at the time of independence in 1980.
Hypocrisy emerges when individuals pretend to uphold virtue in order to preserve social harmony rather than confronting reality. This behaviour characterises those who evade facing the truth, often disregarded by those accustomed to deceit. Ultimately, those who find solace in falsehoods do so due to their inclination toward untruths rather than a genuine commitment to honesty.
- True Affinity in Christ
Genuine affinity begins with Jesus. When believers unite under His teachings, their bond transcends worldly divisions. This unity is tested not in comfort but in sacrifice—“taking up the cross” (Matthew 16:24). One cannot feign to be in affinity with Christ when rejecting this reality. Such a person would be in affinity with those of this world, rather than with Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) is not cultivated in echo chambers but in selfless service to both friends and enemies. Those who depend solely on emotion cannot cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit, grounded in God’s Spirit, empowers individuals to bear the cross without bitterness, as exemplified by Jesus in His selfless act of redeeming sinful humanity.
- The Path Forward: From Affinity to Love
To embody Christ’s love means:
Rejecting tribal mentality or any other consideration that elevates group identity over truth. The comfort derived from group identity is as fleeting as the temporary nature of the material world. However, the love of Jesus is eternal. Embracing an affinity with Jesus allows one to attain eternity, as true love is inherently eternal.
Loving enemies—not as a passive act but as a defiance of worldly logic. From a physical perspective, this is unattainable. Therefore, the call to affinity with Jesus necessitates the sacrifice of the physical body, rendering it impossible to harbour prejudice against even those considered to be worst enemies.
Embracing discomfort, as Jesus did, to serve rather than be served. The safest choice for those pursuing love is to take comfort in inconvenience. True Christians know that after the death of Jesus, it is unnecessary to be fussy about being inconvenienced.
Conclusion
As evident in physical humanity, affinity is natural, whereas love is transcendent. The world functions on shared interests, but the Kingdom of God thrives on radical, impartial love. The profundity lies in understanding that Jesus did not die for those who shared affinity with Him—He died for those who crucified Him. To be in affinity with Him requires embracing His character, without which one is not a Christian.
If our faith is founded solely on affinity, we risk becoming merely an echo chamber. However, if it is rooted in love, we embody the living testimony of Christ—steadfast in the face of rejection, resolute amidst inconvenience, and unwavering in truth. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Final Thought for meditation:
Are we loving like Jesus—or merely flocking with those who resemble us?
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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