The Sacredness of Humanity
Every human bears the image of God—a truth that demands reverence. When we despise someone, regardless of their actions, we risk dishonouring the Creator Himself (Proverbs 17:5). While self-defence against evil may be necessary, hatred toward wrongdoers distorts our spiritual perspective. Jesus’ radical command—“Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44)—challenges us to rise above vengeance and recognise the divine imprint even in their brokenness.
The Paradox of Fighting Evil
Evil feeds on hostility, just as a fire intensifies when fuelled by the wind rather than being extinguished. Many Christians, in their zeal to oppose wickedness, inadvertently fuel division. Yet God’s love is unconditional—He “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). When we demand repentance without extending grace, we mirror the judgment we condemn, so that there is no difference between the offender and the victim. True justice begins with understanding evil’s root: humanity’s choice to rebel against God.
The sin in the Garden of Eden set off a ripple effect, influencing every human behaviour. Without addressing this root issue, attempts to fix things only make matters worse. True change in a flawed mind isn’t possible without Christ. Humanity’s biggest need is to trust in Jesus, let go of personal ideas and begin to embrace His teachings. To tackle the immense injustice in the world, we must completely and consistently rely on His guidance.
Dominion and Divine Authority
Genesis 1:26 reveals humanity’s sacred role as stewards of creation. Satan usurped this dominion through deception, but God’s redemptive plan was never derailed. From Abraham’s intercession for Sodom to Moses’ liberation of Israel, God works through people, but never overrides the free will component in the individual. Jesus, Emmanuel (“God with us”), restored humanity’s broken authority. However, this requires the individual to submit to the divine authority and respect His laws, through Jesus.
God’s Word should not be taken lightly. For God to act in worldly matters, He works through humans, who hold the authority over earthly affairs. This is why Abraham played a role before Sodom’s destruction and why Moses was chosen to free the Israelites from Egypt. God consistently used prophets as His messengers, leading up to Jesus. This also explains why Jesus said that whatever is bound on earth will be bound in Heaven (Matthew 18:18).
Satan couldn’t interfere with man’s dominion without first deceiving Adam, gaining unlawful access to worldly dominion, thereby subjugating humanity to relinquish its original dominion. Like God, Satan operates through humans since the responsibility of dominion remains with man, as stated in Genesis 1:26. The events of the Old Testament all pointed toward the future restoration of the lost Kingdom, with the Messiah’s mission focused on bringing that restoration.
The Purpose of Prayer: Surrender, Not Control
The Lord’s Prayer is often misused as a ritual rather than a model. Jesus taught, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask” (Matthew 6:8). This prayer isn’t a wish-list but a total surrender: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10). When we pray, we grant God legal access to act through us—His chosen vessels. Material requests fade in light of eternal purpose. Faced with the turmoil at Gethsemane, Jesus prayed three times,imploring God, but ending by submitting to God’s will. Christians are called to behave like Jesus, aware of their own helplessness without Him.
Referring to it as “the Lord’s Prayer” might shift the focus from its role as a guide for prayer to a fixed script to recite. Its purpose is to help people build a personal connection with God rather than adhere to a rigid routine. The term “the Lord’s Prayer” might even inspire individuals to develop their own unique ways of praying instead of strictly following this example. While many ask for blessings from God, personal requests may not always be necessary since God already knows our needs.
The Cost of Obedience
Following God’s will invites persecution (Matthew 5:11-12)—hence, a Christian can not be one who constantly asks God to remove persecution. Jesus was crucified for embodying divine love; His followers must expect resistance in their desire to obey God. Yet persecution confirms God’s work within us and is necessary for perfecting us (James 1:2-3). Those who blame God for the evil in the world display a misunderstanding of His purpose and design: He permits human agency, even at great cost, for one’s Spiritual growth. True Christians take responsibility, refusing to scapegoat “sinners” while ignoring their own calling.
A Call to Redemptive Action
Judging others has no place in the hands of those called to reflect Christ, who did not come to judge but to save. Instead of condemning, we must guide with humility and practical love. Social media, workplaces, and everyday interactions are mission fields—even a cup of water given in faith carries eternal reward (Mark 9:41). God’s kingdom advances not through outrage but through ordinary people yielding to His extraordinary purpose.
Final Invitation
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20). This isn’t about any specific group but for anyone who values God’s work above everything else. Are we prepared to embrace God’s will, even if it pushes us out of our comfort zone? The brokenness of the world won’t mend through resentment but through people who live with grace. However, such individuals don’t dwell on the enormity of sin, especially in these final days. Let’s set aside hatred, take up our cross, and contribute to Heaven’s restoration—using one loving act at a time.
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, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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