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HOW TO BE HUMAN

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Nov 13, 2022
  • 3 min read

 

Readings:

Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-2,7-10; Luke 10:25-37

 


Our world needs humans who are indeed HUMAN. This calls to mind the sweet words Saint Therese of Liseux: “I wish to spend my heaven in doing good upon the earth.”


What does it mean to be human?

It means that you see God’s image and likeness reflected in yourself and in everyone else, irrespective of ethnicity, beliefs or social status. Every human person is valuable beyond measure and worthy of care from conception to natural death. This is how God sees you.


What “being human” is not.

Being human is not priding yourself in being imperfect, flawed and broken. It is affirming your God-given value and striving daily to be a better version of yourself, striving after perfection in your relationship with God, treating others as you wish to be treated, being excellent in your work and offering everyone the wonderful gift of your time, talent and treasure.


What then does it mean to be inhuman?

  • Being INHUMAN means that you define yourself and others in terms other than how God sees us. An inhuman action is mostly motivated by selfishness.

  • How does God treat us?

  • God is compassion. He looks on us with eyes of mercy. God knows and see all our flaws but chooses to show mercy. He knows our thoughts and action and does not condemn us. He knows the good we are capable of and gives us the graces needed to accomplish it.


How can I be human?

  • Respect the dignity and sanctity of every human person. Treat everyone with respect and compassion. Do what the Samaritan did – He was a neighbour to a total stranger:

  • He was moved to compassion upon seeing this stranger injured;

  • He bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them;

  • He lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to an inn and looked after him;

  • He handed some money to the inn-keeper for the upkeep of the stranger;

  • He promised to make good any extra expenses incurred.

  • What are the benefits of being human?

  • The stranger you take care of today might be your saving grace tomorrow.

  • Why are we sometimes afraid of treating strangers with compassion?

  • You can never go wrong when you do good to others. People who fail to show care (like the Priest and Levite in the Gospel) might be reacting to previous bad experiences or afraid of being roped into a crime case. But the story changes if we are the victims. Would you want someone to take care of you if you are in a bad situation or not?


What are some human things to do today?

  • Speak politely to people (using the magic words; thank you, I am sorry, excuse me, please, you are welcome);

  • Call your friends and family and assure them of your prayers;

  • Offer financial assistance (for a meal or medical bill etc.);

  • Be generous with your time (be a listening ear);

  • Refer others to where they can get help or a job;

  • Give back to society by supporting a good cause (it could be a media cause, charitable cause, an advocacy platform, an outreach etc.);

  • Teach others compassion and generosity by your actions.

KEEP SAKE – No matter how badly you have been treated in the past, do not lose your humanity.

JUDE-MARY OWOH


 

Prayer:

  1. Lord, help me to bring joy and laughter to others today, despite my need of care and support, in Jesus name.

  2. May I find you in serving others and enjoy your favour by meeting the needs of others, in Jesus name.

  3. Every Christian marriage that has been re-arranged by the enemy, be corrected, in Jesus name.

  4. Father, let the Kingdom of Christ come into every nation of the world, in Jesus name.

  5. All forces of darkness hindering the move of God in our nation, be rendered impotent, in Jesus name.

 
 
 

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