“WHAT TYPE OF POLICE TROUBLE?” (SHORT STORY)

Ngozi was herding her children towards the church gate when she was accosted by Joyce, the financial secretary for the women’s group.

“Send the children home and join us,” Joyce instructed. “We’re going to visit Rhoda and her husband. And come along with your one thousand Naira contribution for the purse we’ll give them.”

“Rhoda …. What happened? I hope nobody died.”

“No, but they have a big problem.” Uju, Ngozi’s youngest began to tug at her arm. She was probably hungry. So Ngozi gave the house keys to her help, Amara, and told her to take the children home. She would know what to do about food when they get home since Ngozi boiled rice that morning and brought out some stew from the freezer to thaw.

She returned her attention to Joyce who was continuing her mission of stopping the women before they left the church grounds.

“If you cannot come, pay your money. Ngozi, help me to collect.” Many said they couldn’t pay that much at short notice but would stay for the visit. Some gave two hundred or five hundred Naira. Only a few readily gave the stipulated amount.

They carried on for about twenty minutes before a slight drizzle set on and they had to run into the church hall. Joyce began to count the money they got and it occurred to Ngozi that she hadn’t paid. As she opened her bag to fish out her purse, she repeated her inquiry.

“Joyce, you haven’t told me what happened to Rhoda and her husband.”

“My sister, they have a big police case.”

“What type of police case?”

“I don’t know the details yet. But we’re going to see them and then you can hear from the horse’s mouth.”

Joyce had grabbed two other women as they were heading out of the building.

“Please pay up.” They didn’t understand. So she added, “For the visit to Rhoda.” The women nodded and commenced to search for money.

One of them, Mma, complained, “I don’t have enough on me. And my widow’s mite cannot help with that type of police trouble.”

“What type of police trouble?” Ngozi asked.

“He was pirating people’s books and the police got a tip-off. So they came and seized the books in his warehouse. Two of the authors who pushed for the raid are threatening to take him to court,” Mma revealed.

“It’s not possible!” Ngozi exclaimed.

“What is not possible?”

“I mean, it can’t be true. It must be a setup!”

“You know he is a printer. His shop has been sealed because they were caught in the act.”

“Lord, have mercy!”

“Indeed!”

“And we’re contributing money for them! He should be facing a disciplinary committee. It’s hightime we began to follow the Bible.” Ngozi directed this to Joyce.

[bctt tweet=”Those who sin should be rebuked in church. This will be a warning to others. – 1 Tim. 5:20″ username=”edithohaja1″]

Other women had been attracted to the scene during the exchange with Mma and some of them affirmed that Ngozi was right.

“Even a pagan knows that piracy is stealing,” one of them stated.

“I wonder how we can call ourselves Christians, yet we disobey the word of God and pursue money so dishonestly,” Ngozi continued.

The women who hadn’t paid were now hesitating. Another wondered if she could get a refund as the money she had given was her transport fare.

“Have you seen what you caused? You should be the one facing a disciplinary committee,” Joyce accused Ngozi. Meanwhile, more women were trooping to the scene and those who were there before were apprising them of the matter.

“Does the priest know what he did?” one of the women ventured.

“Maybe your ring leader here should go and tell him,” Joyce offered sarcastically.

“No, you are a leader in the church, you tell him,” Ngozi replied.

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“You are quick to throw stones at others as if you’re without sin.”

One woman strongly suggested that they go to see Rhoda since she wasn’t the offender but needed words of encouragement.

“But do we still go with the money?” another asked.

As the women were arguing over this, Joyce rebuked them. “The women’s executive has already decided what should be done. You have no right to question their decision.” Then she turned to Ngozi, who had been waiting for an agreement among the women, “You see the fire you started is burning. Shame on you!”

Ngozi did not respond but as she turned to leave, the assembled women also began to disperse to Joyce’s consternation.

-The end-
Ⓒ Edith Ugochi Ohaja 2016

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148 comments

  • Ozor Chukwuebuka

    Wow… I didn’t want it to end!
    What a captivating short story.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Sorry, my dear! Just wanted to pass the message that we should live in line with the Scriotures. Have a blessed day!

  • Oh my. What a story. Wonderful what will.happen next!?

  • Ezeigwe Martin

    A wonderful story. Rhoda’s husband should face the consequences of his action, and the women should not contribute a penny for his release. After-all non of the women shared in the profit he made from the piracy

    • Edith Ohaja

      Basically, you’re saying they shouldn’t help him financially. Well, I think he ought to suffer for what he did but how about Rhoda? Seems like she’s an innocent victim.

  • ononso akwueke

    My main concern is that some women didn’t pay o, fincial secretary Joyce be aware. plus I need to repent from book piracy cause am always photocopying books, before someone will tip the police.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Lol, Ononso! I doubt that the authors will do so till you set up shop selling your photocopies. But seriously, you shouldn’t photocopy books that are within reach and you should copy only small portions of those their copies for sale are unavailable for your assignments and what have you. Thanks for your funny comment, though, and be richly blessed in Jesus’ name.

  • Ekeh Chioma Jennifer

    your words always educate, spiritually, morally and other wise…….d story is superb nd educative………..i remember the scripture says”YOUR WORDS OH LORD IS A LIGHT TO MY PATH AND A LAMP TO MY FEET”.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Indeed, my dear! How sad, then, when we choose to walk in darkness rather than in the light of God’s word. Thank you and God bless you awesomely in Jesus’ name.

  • This is so timely. Instead of crying foul we need to show His love and examine ourselves as to what we need to deal with before we act.

  • Onyeabor ijeoma

    Let Rohda’s husband suffer for wat he did, com to think of it, if the women helps Rohda, she wil inturn help her husband…its better they dont even help her at all, afteral Rohda knows that what they are doing is really bad

  • chika divine umunnakwe

    great! the story is really entertaining as well as educative. we all that read from this story will know that aunty edith did well to use the story to teach how bad it is to involve in piracy and the consequences. well done ma.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Thank you, Divine! Piracy is just an example. We should avoid things that make others mock God and our faith. You are lifted, my dear, in Jesus’ name.

  • Ejiofor Ekene Maduabuchi Olaedo

    I honestly want to remark that being a Christian doesn’t mean you are spotless. No one can ever be. In humans are flaws that no religion can remove. And humans can never be perfect.
    But what bothers the mind is that some who claim under the guise of Christianity to be holy, do things which morally are grossly unacceptable. That’s hypocrisy.
    The story brings this religious/societal flaw into play for all to see and learn from.

    Nice story my amiable tutor.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Thank you, Ekene! But this one is not a little mistake here and there. This is a calculated and long-term activity for making money off other people’s works. I think it’s inexcusable. You are blessed!

  • Eze Benjamin Oduma

    Though as imperfect as we may be, we can still attain perfection through Christ who strengthens us, but those who are believed to be christian should always desist from heinous acts so as not to discourage the lost sheep (unbelievers). Ma keep it up!

  • Obetta Collins Odinakachukwu

    Christ is truly the only by which we can attain perfection as humans… bless u auntie

  • Ishiwu victor .c

    your stories motivate me that each time i read them, i get inspirations to do the same, and i pray that the good God will contunue to inspire you the more

  • obianuju onyeama

    I cant help but smile whenever i read ur stories, Ma. Its lovely

    • Edith Ohaja

      Would you believe if I tell you I find them funny too? But it’s true. I do. Thank you, Obianuju. You are highly blessed in Jesus’ name.

  • chidiogo Georginah

    People should not be always jumping into conclusion, they should at least try to find out the details of something before making any harsh comment about them like N.gozi did

  • obeta osita

    No widow’s mite for pirates of other people’s hard work. People should learn to decipher between giving help and aiding wrong doing.
    This piece is nice but would have been more complete if the story cotinued till the end.

  • Akwolu Chiamaka MaryAnn

    Honestly. it’s good doing the right things all the time. imagine what lesson people looking up to that man would learn if they find out the reason for his arrest.

    • Edith Ohaja

      The sad fact is that many deliberately do wrong when they think it will be profitable. Sometimes, they justify their actions by saying that everyone is doing the same.

  • Onyekaozuru Florence

    Well the story is very interesting, the women are in a dicey situation, I think in my own opinion that they should help him, we have cimitted worse crime and God forgave us, although he should not be applauded for what he did but then he should not be condemned

  • Anunukem Geraldine

    Despite the fact that Rhoda’s husband did wrong, he should be chided in love and not scorned at.

  • Benjamin Thelma

    Na wa ooo. This na serious palava.. The saying that we should be slow in our speech is true ooo. Imagine Mma didn’t run her mouth all this confusion of to pay or not to pay wouldn’t rise up. Anyways they women should endeavor to pay the money because no one is a saint or knows tomorrow. It could be anyone in same situation or worst including our beloved Ngozi.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Sweetheart, you missed the point of the story entirely. We should’t rebuke people who err because we sometimes err too? Did you hear what the man was said to have done? Shouldn’t there be a difference between people who claim to follow Christ and others? Yes, rebuking should be done gently but people should not bring a reproach to the name of God and receive a pat on the back for it. You are blessed!

  • Dorcas Philip Nkwonya

    na wa for Ngozi o!…she didn’t even wait to know if the accusation was true or not,hasty conclusion,she’s not just a giver jare dats y shes gining herself a reason not to

  • Ishiwu Victor Chinonso

    Well, I will that this story calls to mind what our Lord did for us at the cross of Calvary. A righteous man came and died that sinners would be redeemed. relating it to this story, I will say that the women, who have no involvement in Joyce’s husband’s case should contribute the money for his release… u know what i mean ma???

    • Edith Ohaja

      The story doesn’t say he was arrested. His shop was sealed. We should balance our eagerness to help with the need to maintain discipline, otherwise people will do whatever they like with no sense of accountability. That is not a correct picture of Christian life. Bless you, Victor!

  • Jennifer Adaeze

    lovely story Ma, pity or self sacrifice am not against,but doing this two for the wrong reasons is one thing we should be careful about, love the use of words in the quote for illustration, it is self explanatory

  • emekaobi ijeoma rita

    for me, rhodas husband should rot in jail

  • one ought not to be fast in everything he/ she does in the sense that so many women that contributed did not know actually what happened or what was the case. That’s why Mrs Ngozi was anxious to know what happened.

  • Ike Faustina Uchechukwu

    well what Rhoda’s husband did was wrong but we should consider Rhoda the wife and also we shouldn’t be quick to judge, what if it was actually a setup

  • Ifechukwude Egbune

    Well as nice as the women’s gesture is, Ngozi was right. what Rhoda needs is word of encouragement and visits, not money. the help the church wants to give to the family is necessary and so is discipline too. they should think of a way to talk to people like Rhoda’s husband so that such societal ills will be reduced.

  • Okafor Kingsley

    I think Rhoda’s husband should face his crime,And even if the women should pay a visit they should visit only Rhoda because she seem to be innocent.
    That was a captivating story ma#thumb up ?#

  • okereke chukwuemeka matthew

    who are they to judge. even if the man had a case with the president, it is still not there duty to cast the judgement.The worst is that it is even the people who go about parading themselves as Christians are the ones who engage in such a rebellious act. Please Christians be aware!!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Are you saying that believers should not be accountable to one another, that Christians who misbehave should not be disciplined by the appropriate authorities in their churches? #smh

  • UMEREMADU CHETACHUKWU ESTHER

    As for me, in as much as Rhoda’s husband should suffer for his wrong act, shouldn’t mean that Rhoda should also suffer. Nevertheless, I still believe that her husband can be bailed and then be cautioned by the church. Remember, Jesus never chastised the adulterous woman in the bible before showing her love instead He showed her love first before chastising her. This He did by: (i) sending away her accusers; (ii) allowing her accusers not to see her dirty cloths(sin); (iii) making her realize that she can engage in something much better than she is into. Yes as good Christians we must show good example (fully in support) but at the same time, we shouldn’t reject our own by chastising wrongly. Ma, I love the story. I intend scrolling further only for me to see “the end.” Nice one, more grace for more educative and inspiring stories. Well done!

  • UMEREMADU CHETACHUKWU ESTHER

    Ya, that’s right. Pampering and covering of immoral acts in the body of Christ should be put a stop to. Some of we believers just think anything goes as far as Christianity is concerned irrespective of the source. In this story, it is good as the offender went in for his offence. But I’m highly against the wrong act taken on his wife, Rhoda. This is exactly what happens in most christian bodies, when one commits an offence another person bears the consequences, you see children, wives and even husbands being neglected and humiliated just because their parents, husbands or wives respectively, did something wrong. I think it’s high time we Christians take a U-turn, redirecting some of our ugly ways of doing things. Ma, well done. Grace will never fail you neither will you be short of wisdom as you continue in this might. It is indeed a nice write-up.

  • Ekechukwu Nkechi

    wow,what a short and straight to the point story. i like the way the story started,you maintained my interest till the end. Kudos aunty edith

  • The part of the story that got to me was where ngozi mentioned that Christians behave dishonestly in some of.their dealings which is quite true. Christians do not.even have love for one another.I love your stories ma because they open our eyes and minds the more

  • As Christians, we don’t need to pay evil with evil. The women should forgive and help out.
    Well composed, ma.

  • odo chidera s

    many a time, other peoples problem seems not to be our bussiness but little do we know that we are part of that prolem..
    somepeople find it very easy to pass judgement and still they aint saints.. ngozi here is trying act like the holiest person on earth or like someone that doesnt sin

  • Eze Valentine Chibuike

    Rhoda’s husband should not have had that kind of problem if he kept things realer. If one breaks the law and is caught, one should follow the tune one started. Ngozi asked the right question and reacted correctly according to morals. To keep out from trouble, stay away from starting one, then people can understand there was a mistake somewhere and find reasons to help.

    • Edith Ohaja

      You’re right, brother! People of the old may pursue money in unscrupulous ways, but should someone who calls himself a Christian do the same?

  • keswet mercy

    well we all know what Rhoda’s husband did was wrong as a christain but we all are humans we make mistakes and besides to err is human and to forgive is divine….

  • Amedu Blessng Amarachi

    why would rhoda’s husband engage in such?

  • Okoroafor ijeoma Mary

    Well what Rhoda’s husband did was wrong,we are Christians and should live our lives by example and shouldn’t let lust for money sway us.

  • Ugwu Patience

    Rhoda & her husband were wrong so they need to be rebuked. Giving them money is like encouraging them. I strongly support Ngozi

  • Okpe Nnedinso

    What an educative piece ma..really learnt a lot from this..bless you

  • Nnamani Adanna Mary

    Its not always easy to stand for the truth like Ngozi but it is the right thing to do. There are no exceptions to sin. We should always act in accordance with the Scriptures.

  • Henrietta Okoye

    Is true Rhoda’s husband didn’t get it right but at least they should be released for the sake of the children and the wife with a promise never to involve in book piracy

    • Edith Ohaja

      I don’t think the man was locked up but his workshop was. He would need to compensate those he had been stealing from either through out of court settlement or paying damages when convicted should he be charged for the offence.

  • Chiwetalu Ugwu

    There are a lot of lessons to learn from this story but the most significant one is that we shouldn’t judge others unjustly.. Even when they have done something wrong, doesn’t mean we should throw stones at them because we all are sinners.. Good one Ma!

    • Edith Ohaja

      While that may be a valid lesson in any other context, it is not what this story intends to teach. The intended lesson can be seen in the graphic. Bless you!

  • Demola Adeleke

    I always love your posts, Ma. Your stories are always captivating and educational.
    More grace.

  • onu victor tochukwu

    i love this article. But i think it lacks suspense.

    • Edith Ohaja

      My dear, I think you’re under the erroneous impression that every story must have suspense. That is not the only technique for telling an interesting story. And there was a little suspense when Ngozi was asking, “What sort of police trouble?” It’s a very short story, you know. Bless you!

  • Ugwu chika

    This story is interesting,it is a big lesson for all,never get yourself involved in piracy,it is crime against the law and religiously it is stealing. One should avert any act that is unconstitutional and immoral.

  • Eze Levi Ifeanyi

    Nice one! But I don’t like how it ended( very short) However, I think that every leader to use his or her leadership position wisely to avoid disunity.

  • Okorie Adaora

    Follow the ways of the Lord and obey his scriptures and commandments……..Thank you so much ma for this kind of inspiring and motivational story….God bless you ma

  • For a group of people to achieve a common goal they have to walk together find a way of helping each other rather than apportioning blames. A nice one ma… but we need a part 2

  • Abonyi Chisom Eucheria

    Wow! This story is interesting. Rhoda’s husband should face the consequences of his crime but Rhoda should not suffer for what she doesn’t know. We all should learn from this story piracy is not good let avoid it. thank you very much ma for this wonderful story.

  • harmony

    of a truth we as christains suppose to be living, talking and acting as one .even if we ought to help those in trouble we should also be careful when helping and know the type of situation we should help a person .

  • The story is very interesting but i think the women’s first concern should be to go and sympathize with Rhoda who must have been very down because of the incident and not contributing money, whereas they don’t know the main details of the incident.

  • Ugwu Chiamaka

    Interesting story. Decisions to help should not be made when you do not know the reason for someone’s trouble. I support Ngozi’s opinion and Joyce should have consulted the women before deciding to help the family out.

  • Akuma Victor

    This has been the order of the day in Nigeria and it calls for redress. It is sad that Rhoda’s husband engaged himself in such illegal production.. i think there’s no justification for such grievous sin in the eyes of God but i believe they should have at least contributed the money for the sake of Rhoda the wife.

  • Judith okeke

    If Jesus rebuked every sinner like Ngozi did, no one would have been saved. Rhoda’s husband committed a grievous offense though, but it shouldn’t be hacked upon to totally ostracize him.

  • Iroegbu Amarachi

    In my opinion,contributing money to bail Rhoda’s husband is not a bad thing but the church should ensure that he would be punished according to the rules of the disciplinary committee.Bail him first as it is his first time then reprimand him but then if he does it a second time then they should allow him to stew in his own juice.Ngozi also has a point as regards to their not contributing to his bail but one should not be punished until he has been properly warned.

  • Agugbua Chisom

    For me i think what Ngozi did was not so right. Even though she’s right in inquiring and can inject her own opinion in the case, she should never have judged the man or jump into conclusions. No matter what the man did, she should have understood and tried to encourage other women to pay like joycee was doing because the wife of the man is their good friend. It is right to have a say in a matter but one should always remember that what you do to others is what will be done to you. Awesome piece, Ma.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Did you notice that Ngozi started by defending the man? She didn’t believe he would do such a thing. It was after the circumstances of the case were explained that she said discipline needed to be applied. And she was listening to see the outcome of the women’s deliberations on whether to take money for their visit or not before Joyce cut them off. It wasn’t a popular stance she took but these things need to be said.

  • Ugwuoke Blessing Nnedinso

    Ngozi did the right thing but shouldn’t have stirred the women against paying the money. People should learn to help others even if the person did the wrong thing.

  • Iheanyi Ugochi Elizabeth

    I will say that Ngozi did the right thing and also acted in an unreasonable way. she is right by inquiring about what happened and what her money will be used for, but at the same time wrong by making other women to lose their spirit of unity. We shouldn’t be fast in condemning others.

  • okoro nneoma

    I totally understand Ngozi’s view, sometimes some cases need to be treated with justice and discipline rather than mercy and unnecessary sentimentality. this piece teaches a lot, nice one ma.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Abi oh! Some people are quick to say, “Don’t judge.” I’m a teacher and I know that correction and discipline cannot be totally avoided if we want to help people live right. No one is above mistake or error but that does not mean no one should call the other to order. You are awesomely blessed in Jesus’ name.

  • Ogbu Nkiruka Gloria

    Truly as christians we should live according to the scriptures always and not cover up sins/evil when it should be rebuked.

  • Njoku chiamaka Constance

    We should not be quick to gives crime tag or weigh the sins of other. Christianity is about caring about others and helping them when they are down emotionally and physically or mentally. A good story and it reflects the current life of today’s christaians.

  • Joseph joy

    When ever things happen, we should hear directly from the horse’s mouth than rushing to conclude from what people say. What Rhoda!s husband did was wrong but we should consider Rhoda the wife and also we shouldn’t be quick to judge ?‍⚖️

  • Okorie Adaora Nneoma

    As good Christians we shouldn’t judge others but help and care in any way we can…..Rhoda really needed the women at that time for encouragement but everyone dispersed because they were divided all thanks to Ngozi.

  • Morgan Joy

    What the man did is wrong and Ngozi had a good point. This story is a warning to people that engage in piracy. We should also be our brother’s keeper and support them when necessary.

  • Nwankwo Gift.

    I love this post. Often times, people get the word Christian all wrong. I totally agree that what the guy did was wrong but like Joyce said ‘ he that is without sin should cast the first Stone’. We all make mistakes but that doesn’t mean that we should persecute others for a crime committed by people closest to us. What Ngozi did was uncalled for. She should try and put herself in Rhodas shoes. Thank u ma for a wonderful post.

  • Nnamani Eunice chiidnma

    Its not easy to stand for the truth like Ngozi did, but is always the best thing to do.Rhoda’s husband should face the consequence of his crime.

  • Every sin committed has a consequence. Rhoda’s husbands should face the penalty, that’s how to make him stop it. but also remember to administer justice with mercy.

  • Heriet

    Great post ma
    Rhoda needs the money more than ever so a little consideration is required but her husband has to pay for his offense.
    Pirating people’s book is an offense punishable by law and stealing is an offense punishable by GOD
    Remain blessed ma??

  • Oshana Oyaku Endurance

    Nice one ma! Most people in our contemporary Society are just carrying the label of Christians, but are not really what they claim to be, ask a Christian we must depict Christ in our everyday activities even in our business. Some people use cunning means in making money and still call themselves Christian.

  • Chukwu Oluebube juliet

    Despite the fact Rhoda’s husband deserves the punishment, but he should at least be shown some pity because if God could forgive the sins we commit everyday, who are we not to forgive our fellow humans?

  • Theophilus Blessing

    The Bible says ” open rebuke is better than secret love. but notwithstanding, they should pray for the detained brethren and urge him to repent of that sin.

  • Onwuamaeze Ikechukwu John.

    The money should be refunded biko. Piracy is stealing, so what’s the essence of contributing money for the impatience man who resorted to pirating others work to earn money. Joyce no try at all, tasking those innocent women for an offense they never partook in. Most people that carries church heavily on their head tends to be oblivious to the teachings of the scriptures.
    Nice story. Those women better go home and cook for their children and leave that man to face the consequence.

  • Emmanuel chibuike

    so touching! I think they should help the innocent victim Rhoda and if possible help release her husband then caution him in the church and then win his soul back to Chris. This is because no Christian is without sin and if we are to be judged by our abilities to keep the biblical rules then we all would go to jail because we do not keep the whole ordinance.

  • Duruji Veralin Ogochukwu

    This is indeed a captivating and thought-provoking story about our ethical standards as Christians. We should be sympathetic to people’s woes but shouldn’t be ignorant of the part they played in getting into such situations. Asking people to contribute money for someone who committed a huge crime like piracy without even giving enough explanation at first is a very immoral thing to do because it would not help to deter prospective offenders or stop those already into the act. I therefore commend Ngozi’s strong moral background and logical appraisal of things before acting.

  • Tiger Freda Jarip

    It is good to help quite alright. But in this situation it would be wrong because it is promoting sin in the house of God.

  • Catherine Anokwuru

    Wonderful story ma, but the question that rings in my head now is this- do we judge people just because their sins were revealed and ours weren’t? The women stated that he should be punished for his sins but yet Christ said that whoever is without sin should be the first to cast a stone. I have to say, this story has left me in a confused state.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Read my post, “Myself the Judge” under the category, Guest Posts. It will answer all your questions on this. You can also read the two guest posts by Joleisa. Still on the same matter. Cheers!

  • Willie Albert Zikiye

    Christians should obey the law. Obedience to the law is one of the civic responsibility of a good Christian. According to Obilade in his book Nigerian legal system defined law as a body of rules of human conduct. The Black’s law dictionary 10th edition defined Piracy as the unauthorized and illegal reproduction or distribution of materials protected by copyright, patent or trade mark law. Therefore, pirating people’s books is against the law.

  • Akupue chibuike

    Let’s always remember that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. We shouldn’t abandon our friends because of their mischievous act, rather let’s save them and caution them to desist from such act. Abandoning them in an awful moment doesn’t show good of us.

  • Stephens Chinecherem Grace

    Rhoda’s husband should be allowed to face the music, people know what is wrong but intentionally keep doing it and when they get caught, they rely on emotional blackmail to bail them out. If I were among the women, I wouldn’t give a dime. I would only visit Rhoda to encourage her and support with what I can because she might actually be unaware of her husband’s academic theft. No one is without sin, granted, but people should have to face the consequences of their actions otherwise, others won’t learn.

  • Ezike winifred udochukwu

    Left to me ….i dont think he should be pitied ,,he knew what he was getting into….if at all any money should be contributed it should be for Rhoda as she is the innocent victim here….and it shouldn’t be based on compulsion….words of encouragement would also go a long way.

  • Ibe favour kalu

    Even as Christians, we make mistakes . our minds sometimes lead us to sin in the quest of money, but Christians shouldn’t be too quick to judge one another. We should learn to help others even in their mistakes. I love this story!

  • Ossai Chidimma Linda

    They should try and find out from Rhoda the truth and even if her husband is guilty, she still needs help.

  • Agena Yimase

    I’m happy a pirate was caught, he should pay for his crime. But the women should still contribute to release Rhoda from there,shes innocent. But who knows if she knew her husband was a pirate.

  • Epunam obianuju

    piracy is a vice and a crime and everyone knows it, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore a person who is in dire need of our help, because he or she was caught in that crime, it could have also been anybody. Also just criticizing people the way ngozi did would help nobody. Even the Bible says “for all have come short of the glory of God” it means all and not just one person. Another part of the Bible states that “if we say we have no sin in us then we make God a liar”. Also remember when Christ said “let he who has no sin in him, be the first to cast a stone on her” and everyone left shamefully. That a person was caught in an hideous crime does not mean we are better than them, it could be that we have not gotten a good opportunity for that yet. Moreover, good counseling and a great show of could have helped in changing Rhoda’s husband , rather than just criticizing him.

    • Edith Ohaja

      What the role of discipline in all this? You think it’s a good idea to cuddle everyone who does wrong and brings a reproach to the name of God? No, my dear! Punishment is meant as a deterrent andGod certainly punishes wrong. That is not to say that we should feel proud and superior to the one who’s done wrong. The Bible says to correct those who do wrong in a spirit of meekness, watching ourselves too lest we be tempted. In homes, churches, schools and society at large, there should be commendation for doing right and punishment for doing wrong, otherwise people will do just what they want because there are no consequences. Bless you! <3

  • Ezera Favour

    Grace is not a reason for you to sin and Christ did not blame us for our sins so the women should not blame the wife and go and see her and give words of encouragement also and not judge her.

  • Nwanne Josephine Chidera

    Ngozi is right. It is high time Christians walk according to the dictates of the Bible. But the way she did it was wrong. Yes, it’s true grace us not the license for living in sin and rebuke is also good but that doesn’t mean we should let our fellow brethren suffer alone. Instead, while rebuking them, we should also help them stand.

  • Nwoye chiamaka favour

    Ngozi is right o. Christians should use the Bible as a guideline for living. Stealing is a sin no matter the form it comes in. We should also learn from this story to keep away from ungodly business too.

  • Aroh Cynthia Chioma

    The women wouldn’t have judged Rhoda’s family so quickly. They would have gone to her house to hear from the horse’s mouth like Joyce said rather than accusing them.

  • Egelebe uzoma geraldine

    We should indeed live in line with the scriptures but doing that as human’s takes the grace of God because no one is perfect therefore we should not criticize our fellow humans because of their mistakes and make them look bad before others because if we are in their shoes we wouldn’t want same. Therefore we should always ask for God’s grace to abide by his word

  • Akarule Adaeze Goodness

    Would have loved to read more, it is indeed a beautifully created short story, emphasising on the need to always choose the right part, not what is generally accepted. As for contributing, it has to be willing and not forced in this kind of situation. Cheers ma.

  • IKECHEBELU GINIKA

    Well, Ngozi has a point there; what the man did was a punishable offence but as one body in Christ, we should show love and support to one another in time of need and not serve as agent of disunity.

  • Wow really interesting. Ngozi is a bold woman because it’ll take a bold person to speak up against ills. I strongly believe that wrongs should not be indulged but in doing this we should remember these people are our brothers hence correcting in love comes to play.

  • Eze vivian Nkiruka

    The story is a wonderful one,Ngozi was right to have told Joyce straightly considering the fact that, anyone found guilty of wrongdoing,should be allowed to face the wrath of the law

  • Chukwunwenwa Chinenye

    A spade should be called by its name. Rhoda’s husband deserved no pity at all. I support Ngozi’s judgement anyways.

    However, I don’t see any reason why they should contribute such amount for Rhoda’s family. I mean, the man should face his warrant Abeg. Giving him money is another way of encouraging him because he’d continue pirating people’s work and expect the church to contribute for his bail if things go wrong.

    Moreover, if they offer him financial support, other people’s husband might eventually involve themselves in some crime with the hope of getting financial favour from the women’s wing.

    The women might pay a visit as Christians but I don’t support them contributing a dime.

  • Egenti Blossom Mmesoma

    It’s a nice thing to help people out in their times of troubles. But it doesn’t mean if people do something wrong we should aid them. Everyone knows pirating is a wrong thing, you are basically ripping the original authors of their rightful gains just because of your own personal greed. But at the same time nobody is perfect, if I were I their shoes I would help him out in any way I can, cause I believe he has already learnt his lessons. We all make mistakes and that’s why we are human.

  • Ezeh Chimezie Amos

    There’s this huge difference between what one did to himself or herself and what happened to the person. For me, I don’t usually sympathize when you caused your own problem. Rhonda’s husband caused his own problem, he should face the law.

  • Onyia ujunwa sandra

    Pirating people’s work is bad but I think they should help him with the money for the sake of his wife.

  • Duru Joselyn Amarachi

    What a funny story. Truly, Ngozi was right and I think Rhoda and Joyce are very best of friends for Joyce to have hidden the detailed story from Ngozi at first maybe knowing that Ngozi would have outrightly kicked against it.
    To me, I learnt from this story that if you live well as a Christian, people that do wrong will automatically be ashamed of their actions in your presence.
    Kudos Ngozi!!

  • Nwankwo Amanda

    Christians should learn to live in line with the word of God, Piracy is a terrible act to be honest.
    We should learn how not to chase money the wrong way.
    May God help us all.

  • Ejiofor Emmanuel

    Ngozi is right. The culprit is meant to face the law. Also,the woman who was collecting the money didn’t tell those she was collecting money from, the clear reason for collecting the money. She was just saying that it is a police case. It is bad for a Christian to do such. If she told them the whole story and asked them to help in contributing money for releasing the culprit, it would have been understandable

  • oboni veronica

    As Christian we should learn to show love to one another, I know that what the husband did was wrong and he to face the consequences of his actions but we know that this is the time he needs the support friends and we’ll wishers, to get out of the police station and after that serious warning should be given to him not to engage in such act again.
    As Christian we learn to be like Christ and show them mercy in difficult time even when they not deserve it.

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