LOVE THE PERSON (BY: MATTHEW STEPHEN KABIRAT)

LOVE THE PERSON
(BY: MATTHEW STEPHEN KABIRAT)

The philosophy of belonginess is that of existence. For we practically if not genuinely, see why we have to exist when we all belong, since the "I and thou" habitually interact for mutual upbringing. This philosophy explains why humans relate and characteristically share some certain traits and benefits. Summarily, it is a philosophy of affiliation and identification.

Belonginess builds relationships and brotherhood. And good relationships are however, definitively tied on family, tribal, national and religious recognition (not limited to these). This is why one often hears that "your family is your family come what may."

Belonginness has made people of different backgrounds create familial, tribal, national and religious associations in the various environments they find themselves. And geographical proximity is perpetually enjoyed among people who come from like environment.

People call themselves brothers or sisters only when they belong and profess one creed. The Igbo man for example sees his fellow Igbo man "more brotherly" than any other person. The Hausa man sees his fellow Hausa man "more brotherly" than any other person who's not Hausa. The Bajju man sees his fellow Bajju man "more brotherly" than any other person who's not Bajju. And so with the rest tribes.

No doubt that the creation of family, religions and tribes are a blessing to humanity. They are to make us belong to one group or the other. However, man's extreme and selfish operation of these institutions initiate a brotherhood that seems "more brotherly" than the human brotherhood. For the human person when in need is only loved "the more" if he 'belongs'. Hand of Charity is extended the more to one who's of same religious or tribal group. Employments and appointments are given based on regional, tribal or religious affiliation.

When one heeds to the regulations of his association, he enjoys its benefits and when he doesn't, he's barred from any benefit. Even if he's under pain or death, conscious negligence is shown him. Brothehood here is built on accidental belonginess than on substantial belonginess instead. For one is only called a brother when he belongs. A traitor or infidel when he abandons his group. A good example here is when one changes his religion to another. This person is no longer loved by his former religious group. But wait a minute, were we first of all humans or religious beings? of course "We were first of all humans not until religion, tribe and politics separated us."

Let humanity be our ideal bond of brotherhood. Love the person irrespective of his tribe, religion, nation and race. Don't wait for that your neighbor be converted to your religion before you help him. Don't also wait for him to speak your dialect before you consider helping him. Don't always extend a helping hand to a friend just because he's your fellow Christian or Muslim brother. Love the human person because it is God that you're loving.

Imagine how beautiful our community would be when persons are loved because they are fisrt of all considered humans. Imagine how wonderful our society would be when people are treated humanly, not on tribal or religious sentiments. Love the person for being a human like you. And for being created in the image and likeness of God. St. Augustine once wrote: "If we discover love, our conduct in relation to good and evil will be different."