Loving Our Fellow Man: A Reflection of God’s Will

Loving Our Fellow Man: A Reflection of God’s Will 

By Lazarus Mungure

As I reflect on CAPS’ 20th anniversary year, the essence of love emerges as a guiding light. The act of loving one another, of showing kindness, compassion, and understanding… the very essence of God's will. This idea is beautifully captured in the poem I learned as a child, "Abou Ben Adhem" by Leigh Hunt:

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

And saw, within the moonlight in his room,

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

An angel writing in a book of gold:—

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the presence in the room he said,

"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,

And with a look made of all sweet accord,

Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"

Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,

But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,

Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night

It came again with a great wakening light,

And showed the names whom love of God had blest,

And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

When I think about what we do at PositiveFaith, I cannot help but think of Ben Adhem. We love and support each other through the bright spots and the dark patches of life. People who would normally not meet come together and share not only their common difficulties, but their successes, joys and hope. And I cannot help but feel that in so doing, we are in fact doing God’s will. That to share in love for each other, for the friend, and for the stranger, we also share in God’s love.

Let our love for one another serve as a beacon, reminding us that in acts of kindness, compassion, and service, we are loved.