God tells us what He knows we will not understand.
What if everything the world celebrates is not only different from what God values, but actually the exact opposite? In the ever-busy streets of Lagos, where hustle is king and flashy success stories make headlines, it’s easy to assume popularity equals blessing. But, according to Jesus himself, “What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). Shocking, right? This bold revelation turns worldly wisdom on its head—and begs us to dig for a deeper truth about the love of God, especially in our unique Nigerian context.
The Shocking Truth: When the World Applauds, God Might Disapprove
Could God really abhor those celebrated by the world? It sounds outrageous, but Jesus spelled it out for his closest friends: “If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you… because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19). In stark terms, this means a true believer may never fit into society’s definition of success. This notion isn’t foreign in Nigeria—ask anyone who has tried to live uprightly, especially in a system where shortcuts and ‘connection’ often win the race.
Allegedly, some reportedly claim that global icons, despite public adoration, may not be favoured in God’s sight. While such visions are the subject of much debate, the core message remains: God’s values do not always align with trending headlines or social media praise. This is a reality check for any Nigerian striving for “status” at all costs.
Understanding the Love of God: Far Beyond Human Emotion
Love is one word that gets thrown around everywhere—weddings in Port Harcourt, family reunions in Enugu, and even in Lagos traffic jams, where you sometimes hear, “If no be your love, who go help me?” But the kind of love God offers is different. John explains it clearly: “Let us love one another, for love is of God…He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). However, the true love spoken of here is only accessible to those reborn in the Spirit—it’s not just the warm, fuzzy feeling you get in December, or that ‘ride or die’ talk we love in Naija movies.
Here’s the clincher: God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but rather “a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). In other words, real agape love—God’s brand of love—is a supernatural trait. It doesn’t belong to just anybody. Renowned prophet Balaam captured it when he said, “God is not a man” (Numbers 23:19). Our Almighty is on a different level, entirely. Think of it as comparing canteen jollof rice with grandma’s legendary party jollof. There’s simply no contest—the original is in a class of its own.
Counterfeit Love vs. Original: What Most People Don’t Realise
The core of the matter is this: To learn God’s ways, we have to unlearn some of the world’s lessons. Satan, the master deceiver, makes counterfeits that look almost right—but ultimately miss the mark. After all, “all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). That’s why, in Nigeria, someone may call a football star “wonderful,” the very same word attributed to Jesus (Isaiah 9:6). It’s not by coincidence; the aim is to blur distinctions and downplay Christ’s uniqueness.
God’s thoughts and ways are far beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). To truly embrace divine love, you must “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Remember: “God is greater than man” (Job 33:12). That means God’s love for us is not comparable to romantic love (eros), family affection (storge), or even the loyalty of friendships (philia). The highest form—agape love—is God’s exclusive gift to His own people.
Why God’s Love Stands Out: Breaking Down Agape in Everyday Life
In the language of the New Testament, there are many types of love—eros, storge, philia, ludus, pragma, even mania and philautia—but agape is the real deal. God himself says, “I love those who love me” (Proverbs 8:17). This is not love based on merit but on grace. The story of grace in Nigeria is familiar: just like receiving government palliatives when you least expect them, God chooses who receives his mercy—“I will show mercy to anyone I choose” (Exodus 33:19).
- Totally undeserved: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
- Costly sacrifice: “No greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).
- Eternal promise: “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
- Overflowing with joy: “He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Imagine hearing a melody of joy in your heart on a difficult Monday morning—that’s one way to sense God’s love in the chaos of everyday Nigerian life.
Two Kingdoms, Two Loves: Where Do You Stand?
Early in his journey, one believer reportedly heard from God: “There are only two kingdoms—the kingdom of your Father, and the kingdom of Satan.” That’s a clear-cut, no-nonsense statement, echoed in the biblical story where Rebekah was told, “Two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23). In real-life terms, this could be like the daily choice a Nigerian makes at the ballot box, or in refusing to pay a bribe—are you standing with God, or with the world’s system?
Human love often wears a beautiful mask but, deep down, it’s not the original. Only God’s love is real. To truly walk in this love, we must let go of the old ways—the attitudes and behaviours we once embraced without thinking. In the words of the psalmist: “You who love the Lord, hate evil!” (Psalm 97:10). Talk about tough love!
Jesus startlingly said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). In plain pidgin: To love God well, sometimes you’ll look stubborn to your own people—following a higher calling that even your closest relatives may not understand. Not everyone is ready for that kind of commitment.
When God Hides the Deeper Meaning: Lessons from Misunderstanding
Let’s be honest, God occasionally drops statements we struggle to grasp. According to Job, “You have hidden their heart from understanding” (Job 17:4). Even Isaiah was told, “Make the heart of this people dull…lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears” (Isaiah 6:9-10). It’s as if God sometimes lets confusion linger until we are really ready to seek the truth.
Case in point: In the Law of Moses, eating blood was forbidden (Leviticus 17:12). Yet, Jesus later said, “eat my flesh, drink my blood”—a statement so explosive it scattered his followers: “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” (John 6:60). Even today, some biblical teachings remain hard pills to swallow, leading to heated debates from Ajegunle to Abuja’s pulpits. Nuances like these challenge us Nigerians not to accept every word at face value but to dig deep and seek revelation.
What Does This Mean for Nigerians Today?
In the real world of Nigeria, where societal pressures can make or break you, God’s love shines as a rare light—unchanging, unbuyable and unshakable. The average Nigerian is familiar with struggle, aspiration, and chasing after recognition. But the message remains: being God’s own may not always look like trending success, yet it is the most valuable position of all. Are we ready to unlearn worldly values and embrace a love that stands the test of eternity?
So tell us, have you ever felt pressured to live up to worldly standards instead of God’s higher calling? How did you handle it? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let the conversation continue. And if you have a story to share, whether it’s a personal experience or an inspiring lesson, don’t keep it to yourself!
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