TREAT EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY

Two men went to church in a city one Sunday. One came in an SUV. He wore a black designer suit and expensive cologne. The ushers fussed over him and took him to the plush seats in the front row of the church auditorium. The other man came on foot. So he was sweating from trekking the five kilometres from his home in a nearby village. His shirt and trousers were discoloured and threadbare while his rubber slippers were sewn in several places. The ushers frowned when they saw him. One blocked his way into the auditorium and directed him to a seat in a canopy outside. He protested because he had arrived early and the auditorium was half empty. An argument ensued and a senior usher intervened, directing the man to the wooden benches at the back of the auditorium where other poorly dressed and sickly folks were seated.

The story above is my embellishment of a Bible passage (James 2:1-9) that admonishes us against dishonouring the poor. It reminds me of another story of how a founding pastor disguised himself as a destitute and stayed outside some of his churches on Sunday mornings to see how church members will react. He later posted a video on Facebook about his experience which has since gone viral. (See video before Scriptural references below.)

The video shows that while not everyone did, quite a few of the congregants offered food, prayer, kind words and invitations to church to the homeless man. These are the things the Lord would have us do – help those in need whenever we can and not look down on them because of their unfortunate circumstances.

[bctt tweet=”It’s wrong to look down on those in unfortunate circumstances.” username=”edithohaja1″]

It’s very easy to rate people by the price of their clothes, their level of education or their bank balance and treat poorly those who don’t make what we in the university system call the cutoff mark (mark that must be earned to secure admission). But the value of human beings can only be properly assessed through the worth that their Maker has placed on them.

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(Related: The Value Of A Person’s Life)
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The most popular verse in the Bible tells us that, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” – John 3:16 (KJV) Now that’s our guide to relating with someone. God loves him or her so much that He sacrificed His only Son to save them.

And in case we’re still focusing on their present circumstances, Romans 8:32 should set us right: “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will He not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” – (NIV) The person we despise because they are living in penury today may be swimming in grandeur tomorrow because God is able to graciously give him or her all things.

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(Related: He Who Gave Up His Own Son For Us All …A Meditation on God’s Unparalleled Kindness)
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And this does not only apply to those who are in the church now. Everyone deserves to be respected because we can’t all be saved the same day. As Saul, the persecutor, became Paul, the greatest of the apostles, so today’s drunkard, swindler or whatever else they are entangled in now could be tomorrow’s saint and entitled to the covenant inheritance in Christ Jesus.

In sum, everyone is deserving of dignity. Even criminals should be punished according to law, not brutalised and dehumanised. And God in His matchless grace can transform and, through the proper human agency, rehabilitate them.

Therefore, let us approach everyone with godly love and dignity, spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ and affirming their true worth as special handworks of our Creator Father.

[bctt tweet=”Everyone is specially crafted by God. So approach them with agape love and dignity.” username=”edithohaja1″]

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(Related: But For His Grace – Short Story)
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Scriptural references

“1. My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3. and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4. have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5. Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6. But you have dishonored the poor man. … 8. If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” – James 1:1-6, 8-9 (ESV)

“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” – Proverbs 14:21 (NIV)

“God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone! He is mighty in both power and understanding.” – Job 36:5 (NLT)
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English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers

New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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290 comments

  • Nnamani Eunice chidinma

    Nice write-up. this is truly appreciated. It comes with the truthful meaning of impartial treatment. I am quite surprised at the rate of segregation in churches. I won’t say nowadays because it has always been happening. Why would churches discriminate amongst their members when they actually know that even the scriptures prohibit that. Most individuals after falling victim to the embarrassment from segregation won’t be active members of the church anymore. We should learn to tolerate and respect all individuals, regardless of their social and economic status.

    • Edith Ohaja

      May you experience God’s extravagant goodness today in Jesus’ name.

    • Ezike winifred udochukwu

      I feel no one except God should consider himself superior to others..we should all treat everyone equally and also wirh kindness in order to avoid others thinking low of themselves or feeling…we should treat others as our brothers and our sisters??

    • Nweke Ujunwa Linda

      It is so alarming with the rate of discrimination is our present society. The house of God not left out. This post, if digested would enable us to learn Equality before God (both in and outside the church). God created the rich and the poor in His image and likeness. Thus; everyone is equal before him. We should apply His Golden rule in our daily treatments with others.
      Thank you, Aunty Edith. Best regards from here.

  • ErnestValentine

    I don’t even know why one would think of himself as superior over others because of the amount of material wealth that he or she has acquired.

    Reality has it that whether rich or poor, all men belong to the category of the concept “man”.

    It is also important to note that every man will unavoidably suffer death, we all are equal in the face of mortality.

    Thank you, Dr. Edith Ohaja. Continued prayers from this side.

    • Edith Ohaja

      I appreciate your prayers. May God help us to cherish others no matter their levels in life in Jesus’ name.

  • Blessing Udeobasi

    This reminds me of the saying “dress the way you wish to be addressed”
    In as much as it is wrong to give preferential treatment to some people and look down on others because of their dressing, we as humans Should always strive to look good at all times no matter what… It doesn’t matter how cheap your dress is… You can buy a cloth of #100 and still come out looking stunning and neat.
    It pains me to know that these days, most people have taken to wearing dirty and unkempt clothes just to elicit pity from others which is not supposed to be.
    On the other hand, the ushers portrayed in the story were very wrong to have behaved in such a manner, it is their duty as ushers to treat everyone equally no matter their social status.
    But judging from the other angle, if I find myself in the shoes of those ushers, there are things I’ll consider, if the man came to church looking so dirty, smelling and sweating profusely without even a handkerchief, I will have no Choice than to give him a separate seat away from others because he will end up distracting and making other people uncomfortable, then I’ll advise him on the best way to dress to church to avoid distractions.. That way, there will be mutual understanding.

    • Edith Ohaja

      I agree with giving him a handkerchief and seating him where there’s a fan. But as to the haggard clothes, the bad economy has made them inevitable for many. Rather than advice such people, we can bless them with better clothes. Have a wonderful day and remain blessed!

    • Abah okpe Gabriel

      This video brought me close to tears, no one have the right to make us feel inferior, if u are fortunate enough to make money and become rich on time doesn’t mean u should look down on others, it’s just that your own set time has arrived, I strongly believe that if God says it’s our time even our clock will work without battery.

  • Onwusonye Promise

    Nobody knows tomorrow, a poor man you see today may turn out rich tomorrow. As the saying goes “be kind to the people you meet on your way up because you may meet them again on your way down”
    No matter how poor or wretched the man looked, the ushers should have at least given him some dignity instead of sending him away from the house of God and giving the rich man a comfortable seat in the church.
    God does not discriminate so no one should discriminate another.
    This is a lesson to us all, thank you ma for the wonderful post.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Yes, no condition is important. But I pray we move forward ever and never backward in Jesus’ name.

  • Ngbede Emmanuel

    This is so true Ma. People should know how to treat everyone equally with kindness, not because of their Status, but because it is the right thing to do & One of the greatest gifts we can give another is kindness, because the Dice of life hasn’t stopped rolling yet and no one knows what tomorrow holds. Thank you for this post Ma, it’ll help in changing wrong opinions of people about the topic.

  • ifunanya obidigbo

    This situation is rampant in churches today, rich members are not treated the same way poor ones are treated. The attention of both the congregation and the pastors should be called to put a stop to this, People do not come to churches to be compared but to serve God. I will like to recommend this post to every Christian to always be cautious of their attitude in church and watch the way they treat people.

  • Amaobi Precious

    Thank you Aunty for this post. If only we would get this, especially in Nigeria, we wouldn’t be treating people like cows. We rarely put value on human lives except when we have something we want to benefit from them. I am so sure that if that rich brother in expensive suit and cologne gets broke tomorrow to the point that he dresses poorly to church, he will also be shown the back seat. God help us to see people as He sees them. I pray Nigeria gets to a point where our leaders and people actually put human lives first before anything else.

    • Edith Ohaja

      God placed man above every other thing He created. So we should value one another in the same way. Thanks for pointing that out and remain blessed.

    • Lessons to learn from this post is numerous. While our social class makes or allows us to look down on others as poor, we should be aware that our creator Has asked us according to the royal law to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is only right that we leave our differences aside and treat everyone with dignity. For someone is poor does not mean he’s not human.

  • Euphemia Nwele

    This seem to be an unending problem. People do not abide by what they preach, they do not keep to the law they advise people to keep to. Quite unfair!
    Notwithstanding though, most times people’s attitude towards the rich or the poor is due to what they have gone through, there are some beggars who beg for the laziness and fun of it, some people even pretend to be sick just to get alms. This is heartbreaking.
    But we shouldn’t allow things like this get to us, we should treat people the way we would want to be treated, love as you would want to be loved, care as you would want to be cared for. Ka Chineke mèzié okwü.

    • Edith Ohaja

      You are lifted in Jesus’ name.

      • Nwanze Josephine Chidera

        It is really baffles me that in this our present world, people are judged the way they are dressed. What even baffles me that is that even the Church which is the body of Christ have also joined the bandwagon. Christ when He was on earth treated everyone equally as long as the person is humble. He was even at variance with the teachers of the law, because of their pride. Christ is our perfect example and so we should learn from Him. God is our Father and He is a just God, who does not show discrimination. In the sight of God, everyone is equal. Then, if God is our Father, we should walk like Him and with Him.

  • OKEKE CHINONYE

    Treating everyone with dignity is something most of us have failed to acknowledge. Sometimes it’s actually difficult in a class setting to see people treated with dignity. We tend to speak out of turn because you feel you are much more intelligent than such a person and thus should be allowed to speak first and be heard.
    I actually had a personal encounter where I underrated someone and spoke out of turn but then I thank God for how he helped me handle the situation as I apologized to the person at the latter end.
    Churches today place the rich on the high table, ignoring the poor which is so wrong. The Bible never admonished that just as u have rightly stated.
    This is food for thought!

    • Edith Ohaja

      You are highly blessed in Jesus’ name.

      • Ezekiel Stanley C.

        It is painful going through such an ordeal, social discrimination. One of the lessons I have learnt is that..
        First, We must understand that: All human beings are born free both in dignity and in rights, Discrimination is damaging, derogatory, and demeaning, it makes individuals who are either poor, deformed or mentally inbalnced second class citizens, which should not.
        All human beings belong to the same species and descend from the same stock. Thus, no illness—be it mental or physical, acute or chronic—should lead to discrimination of any kind whatsoever.
        One of the ways to correcting this problem is to uphold Social justice. It will help in promoting a society that is just and equitable, valuing diversity, providing equal opportunities to all its members, irrespective of their disability, ethnicities, gender, age, sexual orientation or religion, and ensuring fair allocation of resources and support for their human rights.
        I believe together we can being a change in Jesus name amen

  • Okoro Nneoma Anna

    This piece pierces our conscience as this situation has been the order of the day in many social gatherings these days. The rich/influential ones do not relate with the poor for fear of being looked down upon, we have become so concerned about impressing our fellow humans that we have totally gone astray forgetting the biggest sacrifice that was made for our sake, the death of Jesus Christ. this piece reminds us that we can always afford to be kind and respectful to everyone and always work to impress God not humans.

    • Edith Ohaja

      I like the advice to work to impress God, not humans. You are favoured in Jesus’ name.

      • Sunday, Ezekwesiri Daniel

        As Christians we are meant to understand that Christ is love and that the church of God is one body. But it is appalling how we Christians discriminate and award dignity based on material wealth even in the church. Everyone is deserving of dignity.
        And when we are privileged to be ahead of someone, let’s not use it against them, rather, we should be a blessing to them.
        Keep the candle of love burning in your heart always. May God help us all.

  • Anabude oluchi

    It is quite unfortunate that that is what we get to see everywhere but it shouldn’t be so because everyone deserves respect irrespective of their status in life because no one knows if is the person you actually looked down on would turn to help you tomorrow. and looking at the aspect of church I have personally observed such and it should not be so because everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect and not to look down on the those they feel that did not dress well

    • Edith Ohaja

      May God help us to look beyond people’s appearance and remember that we’re all equal before God in Jesus’ name.

  • Murphy

    What people fail to understand is that before God, we all are equal…treat your neighbor,d way you want him to treat you..

    • Edith Ohaja

      Yes, we call that the Golden Rule from the teachings of Jesus. Perfect for interpersonal interaction. Have a blessed day!

  • Ezeh Blessing

    We are all equal in the sight of God, no rich man no poor man. Christ while on earth abandoned his royal background and identified himself with fishermen and sinners to show equality. It is saddening that people are treated based on their status in the house of God, where love is meant to abound. May God help us and his church.

  • Precious

    treating people with dignity is something we don’t always practise… but we will love others to treat us with dignity.
    People treat their friends more with love and respect and treat others like they are nothing… But we forget that we are all one in the sight of our Creator…..

    I have learnt in my life that whatever pleases my Creator, that is what I’ll be happy doing….

    The Bible says we should treat others the way we will want them to treat us…

    And my advice is that…. What ever you do in life…. Do it to please God, not man….

  • Kat

    Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. It is no mistake that this is a fundamental human right because it has been recognized that everyone deserves respect no matter their status in society. It is painful that the church today seems to have completely forgotten the whole essence of being an embodiment of Christ here on earth. Our Lord Jesus Christ never looked down on anyone, sinners and believers alike. He even stressed that he didn’t come to call the righteous but the sinners and unbelievers. So it hurts when the poor do not feel at home in Christ’s own house. This trend of fussing over the rich members of a congregation while completely ignoring the poorer ones should be stopped. Christ would never have wanted it. In fact, he would be saddened at the situation he would find if he comes again today. I pray that this situation changes and soon too through Christ our Lord. Amen

  • Chukwu Oluebube juliet

    I don’t see the reason why we feel superior over one another, from dust you came and to dust you shall return.we should treat another as one because we are one in the sight of God.if Christ can abandons His royalty and identified with sinners like us ,who are we to discriminate? May God help us.

  • Eya paschal uz

    I wish everyone would have this pasted on their front doors for them to view once they are going out and coming in.
    …. If we could only understand that we are visitors to this world, with death, we are one, regardless of riches, level of intelligence.. etc.
    Dr. E O, keep inspiring the world, you have a place with with God for that.

  • Nnaka Chiagoziem Prince

    I totally agree ? with you. You see, treating someone base on appearance, is totally bad because, you don’t know if the person you looked down on today, might be the ladder you’ll need to climb up tomorrow.
    Let’s treat everyone with respect, love, care e.tc.
    I know God will help us to keep doing good.
    God bless you ma.

  • Heriet

    Respect! Respect!! Respect!!!
    Looking down on people is everywhere.
    I attended a service at enugu where sits are strictly reserved for the poorly dressed. And people do not associate with them.
    I think everyone is equal because christ died for the rich and poor , we are all equal even before Christ
    God bless you ma

    • Oguamanam Favour Adaeze

      What if God treats us the way we treat our fellow human beings? I think only the righteous will benefit from him, as for the wicked, only God knows their fate. I don’t see any reason why some people dehumanize others, its really wrong to look down on people, because we all are wonderfully made by God and equal before him.

  • Ezeoyili Ogochukwu Perpetual

    Money, fame or academic qualification should not be a criteria on how we treat people. Every individual, as far as God is concerned is equal and has inherent Value which is what makes everyone Unique. People should be treated with respect and Dignity and not the opposite. It becomes a big problem when this bad act is being done in the temple of God;where a pace should be set for others to follow. God placed a value on every individual and therefore should be treated equally and with Dignity.

  • Orji Chidiebube Prudence

    Hmmm…. that was really touching! truth be told, it is naturally difficult to treat everyone same way, that is, with so much love and respect as yourself… Because, starting from that person(at the receiving end)he/she don’t even respect himself to start with. I’m not saying that this is not feasible, but there is need for people to first know that they are of great value both in the eyes of their maker and in the earth where they inhabit as this will go a long way in fostering a health, Godlike relationship between them and fellow men.

  • Bessong Faith A.

    It’s quite unfortunate how people treat the poor and low class individual in our society today. Although it’s said that ‘the way you dress is how you will be addressed.’ This saying shouldn’t rob us of our shared humanity and the fact that we all are created equal, therefore, all humans, rich or poor, should be respected and treated fairly. It is worthy of note that the golden rule also comes to play every now and then.

  • Onyeka Stanley

    Love your neighbor as yourself not as your dog. We treat many people like trash and that’s not good .What goes around ,comes around. Do unto others what you want people to do to you. Its quite unfortunate that we judge a book by its cover, we judge people by their appearance and has missed so many opportunities in the process. May God help us.

  • Onu Tochukwu

    It is quite unfortunate but this is a sad truth, even in kindred meetings the not too well to-do ones’ opinions are neglected. No one knows tomorrow so it is advisable to treat everyone equally

  • Chinenye Lucy

    The truth is that no matter how much we say we want to treat everybody equally subconsciously we were built rather trained to segregate the supposed good from bad on the basis of all fingers not being equal. I believe the only way out is to make a conscious decision to try to treat people that seem lower on the social scale abit better than we would have on a normal day, because it would take alittle more effort than normal, and God helping me I will try.

  • Heriet

    Treating people with dignity and respect is very necessary.
    I attended a service at enugu and the cas was worst, a position was left for the poor and underdressed people, even in churches!?
    We need that respect now more than ever
    Great post ma

  • Favour Nwanze

    This is so insightful. Truly the poor are dishonoured and looked down on both in churches and other places and it is disheartening. How many of these rich people are rich in spirit? Just a handful. People should be mindful that having only earthly wealth does not please God.
    God bless you richly for this ma.

    • Pamela Chigbu

      All men are born equal and are equal in the sight of God so therefore, this discrimination between those of higher and lower status or level should be stopped. At the end of the day which is the judgement day, we shall all be judged equally.Thank you Ma for this post

  • Ejiofor Emmanuel

    t pains me to see that some people ignore anybody who isn’t wearing classic clothes, shoes, canvass. They forget that everything is vanity and that things might turn around tommorow. Show love and respect everybody no matter the type of clothes he is wearing or whether he is rich or poor.

  • egbo Rita Somtochukwu

    This is an important topic we as Christans should learn to adopt. We should treat people with dignity, it should not be restricted to only the wealthy. What goes around comes back around, that is what we should know as Christans. We should learn to treat people equally, it is one of the things God expect us to do. Being a Christian doesn’t stop there, it extends to the relationship we have with people around.
    God bless you and continually enrich and make way for you Ma, Amen!!

  • Ibe Arinzechukwu Christian

    The early we keep prejudice aside in the service to humanity and God the better for us. Abraham was blessed just because he welcomed strangers that were Angels without his knowledge. Every living human being has dignity and worth no matter how poor he or she may be. God help us.

  • Idika Uloma Sophia

    This is wonderful. It takes me back to a church in Aba where I was invited. Those who came earlier to the church where asked to go to the back. After the service, I asked the person that invited me, to know exactly what that means. Then she said, people who are poorly dressed are asked to go to the back in other not to occupy spaces for the rich ones. This is annoying and embarrassing. Luck Dube said, “Be good to the people on the way up the ladder because you need them on your way down”. No one knows what tomorrow brings. Enough of this segregation. Imagine if God starts treating us the same way, then no man will remain. Thank you ma’am.

  • CORNELIUS ODINAKA

    May GOD help us not to take judgements into our own hands.
    The truth of the matter is that, largest number of people are involved in this kind act in one way or the other, only few exception. And it is quite cold-blooded that these acts are mostly this days perpetrated in the House of God. People are being accorded the best position no because they merit it but because of what we are expecting that will come out from their pocket, the same thing goes to respect yet day and night in the same church we keep on singing that whatever you do to the least of my brother that you did to me. May God open our eyes to see our sins, so as not to be like the seven foolish maids.

  • Awaka vivian

    This stuff is what we see everyday ,and most of us are guilty of it. we judge people based on looks,clothes they wear and material possessions. This is very wrong as this are not criteria for judging people, and we shouldn’t even judge at all.

  • Okibe Mercy

    Discrimination among people mostly among believers, due to how rich or poor the person appear is really not encouraging. Christ never discriminated among us when He died for the whole world and if that be the case, Christ would have brought salvation only for the rich people. We should try as much as possible not to discriminate among people( poor and rich). Someone may be poor today does not mean the person will be poor tomorrow.

  • The saying which goes “nobody knows tomorrow”, or “tomorrow is pregnant, nobody knows what’s just going to give birth to”. This saying goes for this post, some people are being scorned and despised because of one situation or the other, it’s not meant to be because you don’t know what they will become, we just need grace in this world to treat people with respect no matter the differences or circumstances. Thanks Aunt Edith for the post, at least people should learn from this post.

  • we should treat everybody equally. this story reminds of a song ” what so ever you do to the needs of your brother that you do unto me” we should not look down on anybody just because that person is poor or that the person is not educated as you. no one knows tomorrow, that stone you rejected might be the chief corner stone. we should know that no condition is permanent

  • Onah Chiamaka

    I will start with the saying “No one knows tomorrow”
    The person you undermine today might be your helper tomorrow so let’s be guided.

  • Chioma Kristy Agbaraka

    This is really common and appalling. Everyone should be treated equally irrespective of their financial status. The house of God is a place to even uphold this and not a place to make anyone feel less of himself. We are the same in the sight of GOD.

    I have learnt never to look down on anyone, especially in the financial aspect. Most people I once looked down on and thought they would amount to nothing, marveled me at the end. I had to treat and view everyone on the same light. You never can tell how financial buoyant the person would be tomorrow.

  • ifunaya chukwuemeka

    In our world where almost everything is done by preferential treatment, is that feasible?? I personally will make an effort to become better. Thanks, Ma, you inspire me everyday to become better. Have a nice weekend!

  • Akuma Victor

    A good number of us so called Christians are characterized by this attitude. We lack the discipline of true Christians. If the poor man is relegated in the Church, where then is he accepted? As true Christians, there are things expected of us and recognizing and helping the poor are not left out.

  • Victor Nzubechi

    It is heartbreaking that this is the issue of with most present day churches. Greater privileges are accorded to the wealthy and the poor gets tossed aside. And such is not right. I really hope Christian authorities do something about this

  • Afiadigwe Nnedinso Rita

    In the church which is supposed to be a place where Christians show love and see everyone as equal before God is now where you can easily notice the rich and the poor because of the way they are being treated.
    May God help us all!

  • Just as the saying “Be good to people you meet on your way up because you might meet them on your way down “, the person you dishonored today may be the one to help you tomorrow. The way we treat people shouldn’t be based on the qualifications or the positions we find ourselves because nobody knows tomorrow.

  • Ugama Gloria Nkechinyere

    Some people call themselves Christian but hey don’t know Christ or the what makes a good Christian, one of them is LOVE, love everyone around you and treat them with dignity and love to make ourselves good ambassadors of Christ. May God help us.

  • Chineme Njoku

    People should really stop this habit of looking down on others because you feel you are more superior. As christains, we should learn how to treat everyone equally

  • Adonu Ifeanyichukwu B

    I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
    Mahatma Gandhi.This was borne out of his experience in church.
    Religious discrimination is the worst form of discrimination as the faith and spiritual life of many Christians has gone South as a result of such experience. Christians should live a Christ like life because that is the essence of our faith. Imitating Christ and following his exampls. Discrimination is bad and should be shunned by both Christians and non Christians.

  • Chukwuma Wilfred

    Our God is the God of all and not for a certain aristocratic group of people. We christian need to extend this great fruit of our lord God (Love) indiscriminately. Jesus Christ died to save all and as such, we should extend respect, agape love, equal human treatment to all as christian. I pray that God should strengthen us as we live our christian live.

  • Epuechi Chinwendu Almira

    We are all one in the eyes of our Heavenly Father, it is wrong to discriminate others based on their appearance; rather we can help them out by giving out good clothes we no longer need

  • Lawrence Cletus

    This is where Muslims have it better than us. I have witnessed Muslims in their affluence lay their prayer mats next to cobblers, sugarcane sellers and the like on the road without minding who was next to them.
    Giving clothes to these indigent individuals is a sure way to encourage their faith and willingness to be in church rather than the segregation.
    Wish we can all have our eyes open to the most important issues of life.

  • Onoyima Juliet

    Everyone deserves respect, love, care, kindness, and trust. In as much as there are a lot of insincere personalities around the world, we shouldn’t stop been good at each slightest given opportunity.
    We should treat everyone with dignity not because of what they are putting on but because we want to and they deserve it.

  • Ukwueze Oluchi B.

    I think that though we should always dress well and be neat especially in the presence of God, the Church of God is not a place to show off. So, those ushers did evil by maltreating the poor man either on account of his style of dressing or poverty or both. The Church of God, unfortunately, has been converted to market place these days where the highest bidder gets the highest blessing from pastors. This is abominable!

  • Nkwocha Chibueze Innocent

    This is a good article everyone deserves dignity sometimes I observe all this things in our churches did Christ not die for all, did Christ not accept all if he did we as Christians should also do so

    For God so loved the world not only the rich it is even difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God and now which is greater being honored in the church on Earth or heaven?

  • Nnachetam Favour

    Everyone is meant to be treated with respect, yes! I agree with that 100% but my advice is this, the little you have, take good care of it. Cloths washed, beard shaved, hair properly combed. You can look good with the little you have. I know a guy who only appears in two outfits, but he always appear clean and handsome. Let’s not sound so religious. If am an usher in church and you appear haggard, you are taking the back sit. The little I will do is to approach you after service, talk to you and if possible get you some new outfits. We walk in Love.

  • Stephens Chinecherem Grace

    He who mocks the poor mocks his creator. It’s appalling how our world judge people based on appearance, making a lot of people live “borrow pose” life. Its a good thing this post is reminding us to treat others equally and not favour one to the detriment of others.

  • Henry

    Sadly so, i watched the video when it came out then on Facebook. Howbeit, my grouse is on Church workers and leaders who favour the rich than the poor. This recurrent act in Churches has sent more out of Church than into Church. It simply shows they worship Money all in the guise of treating the rich man well because he contributes more to the Church. We should treat all as equals just as God does to all men. Thank you.

  • Ezeh Onyekachukwu c

    We all are humans and have to be treated as one. No matter the level or status we find ourselves, rich or poor, we should always bear in mind that we all are dust. And we shall return to dust.
    The preferential treatment we experience in churches this days is alarming. Something has to be done very fast to curb this problem.

  • igbo chukwuemeka kingsley

    nice write up , i hope everyone gets to read this beautiful write up and learn some good lessons of what it is to treat one with dignity regardless of the persons class(rich or poor), the above story is very common in the Nigeria society where the rich are classified as dignified and the poor dignity-less.m this are seen in social gatherings and to make matters worst in churches too as the story above portrayed, which is very bad.

  • Ogbozor Chiamaka Zillah

    Actually, looking down on people, especially the poor is appalling, the worst part is even in church, they pay attention to the rich and respect them more than the poor. Are we Christians practicing what we are teaching?, are we worshiping money?, we can’t serve two masters at a time. it is better if we would be the doers of the works of God and remember that the world is turning around, that poor man that you see today can become a rich man tomorrow and that rich man that you are looking up today can become a beggar tomorrow.

  • Uzor Victoria

    In the things that really matter our covenants, the commandments, and following the prophet we need to be completely united. In the non-essentials, we have our agency to handle things as we see fit. But, in all things, regardless of whether we make the same choices or not, we are to treat each other with dignity and respect, both of which are evidences of charity in our hearts and lives.

  • wow this video blessed me greatly, made me think about people i have seen in time past and ignored. thank you very much ma for sharing this information with us.

  • CHUKWU MICHAEL

    we should emulate our heavenly father.he created us in his image and likeness.he as a loving father favour no one above the other.we should learn to respect,treat all men equally irrespective of their status.we should never judge or criticise cause no body knows tomorrow.the first shall be the last.the world is always turning,nice piece ma.

  • NGWU RITA MMESOMA

    This is a major issue we have in our society today.even in our churches today,it is still done.why would our creator instruct us to show kindness to people and still some would turn a blind eye.it is even in the bible where he said that those times you show love to others(poor) you are showing love to him,this rule is forgotten with most people preferring showing love to the people in their rank or status. forgetting the world revolves around.nice piece ma.we should developed a peaceable and loving attitude to everyone irrespective of status.

  • Iwoba Añulika Lilian

    I’ve always wanted to read a post as this!

    It’s crushingly sad to see how most people perceive your worth through the lenses of your material acquisition.
    I recall a story of a billionaire who on a disguise, visited a bank as an impoverished elderly man. He was greeted with disdain and of course, the bank which according to the story had sought after his patronage lost him to their folly.
    Christ a Divine Being came all the way for sinners and healed the sick from the most repulsive sicknesses, not once did he act as though we were unworthy of His goodness.
    But poor human beings as ourselves are all high and mighty and ever ready to disparage you on account of your poverty.

    May this be a valuable reminder to us all.

    • Adeke Chukwuka

      Respect is one of the smallest gifts we can give to someone, irrespective of his age, sex, race, religion etc. When we repect people, we pave way for numerous blessings unknown to us.

  • Annabelle Orji

    They saying treat everyone they way you want to be treated is what comes to my mind when I read this post. It is terrible to say that you see the segregation everywhere even and most especially in the churches where the leaders praise and look up to the rich and pay very little attention to those that are not so well of, forgetting we are all equal in the eyes of God

  • Agugbua chisom

    This world is full of partiality. In present times, especially in churches, people are treated according to their social status. If u are a rich man you will have the good things, the good seat etc. If you are a poor man you will have the bad things of the society. People seem to have forgotten the bible story of the rich man and lazarus. They seem to have forgotten that we are all equal in God’s eye. I pray God will open our eyes to the bad things of the world and bestow his grace upon us all.

  • Ayigbo Chineme Edna

    I totally agree with you Ma on this. It’s such a pity that this type of discrimination is happening in our Churches. Funny enough it happened during Paul’s time and he kicked against it. I pray we all Learn to tolerate and accommodate one another irrespective of status….. Preach on ma.

  • Ugwoke Victor Nnabuike

    Thank you, Dr. Edith Ohaja. I feel so much joy reading through this very post. The content of this post is not uncommon in our today’s society. I’ll end by saying that “those who think themselves masters of others are indeed greater slaves than them.” Its only when we understand this, and the golden rule of God (respect for one another), that we will stop discriminating and disrespecting others, no matter how highly placed we think we are. Everyone is equal before God!

  • Uche, David Ihechukwu

    I know somebody who has been a victim of this malicious treatment the society gives. It’s a very terrible feeling that can prey on one’s esteem and pride. When we treat someone unjustly because of his class or social status, we are unconsciously telling God his creation isn’t relevant. Personally, I believe in equality, and I always wonder why the society will choose to favour one person over the other. This is a deep post right here. And a strong message to all those that embraces the concept of inequality.

    • Chioma Rita

      This post is really nice✨but no one should consider himself superior to others apart from God. We tend to speak out of turn because we feel we are much more brilliant than de other person, but in de eyes of God everyone is equal. All thanks to Dr Edith for de encouraging post.

  • Ifeanyichukwu Eunice Onyinye

    This kind of discrimination against poorly dressed people in churches is one of the vices churches face these days, I wish this message would be circulated widely and people would be thought not to look down on someone because of the way they are dressed, May God help us all threat people equally no matter the social status

  • Ikea Joy Chiamaka

    The Bible says, “thou shall not judge, that thou may not too receive judgement”. Its amazing how people forget that. During his time on earth, Christ accepted people who were considered as the worst sinners. Now what we have in the church is segregation based on how much money a person has.
    I pray that God would open our eyes to actually see people and not just the size of their wallets.

  • Chikodi Obu

    Do unto others what you want other people to do to you. Its quite appalling and unfortunate that we judge a book by its cover, treating poorly those who are poorly dressed is so not nice and this class divide between the rich and the poor shouldn’t be taken to the house of God.
    Everyone should be treated equally irrespective of their financial status. The house of God is not a place to make anyone feel less of himself. We are the same in the sight of GOD.
    Nowadays money is what we serve, no more no less. Nothing done for clout or cash should be surprising. God help us.

  • Amaugo Stephanie Chidinma

    Classism everywhere even in the church! Terrible! The truth remains that no one knows tomorrow. The beggar you see today may be the the richest man tomorrow. Everyone should be treated equally and by equality I mean everyone should be treated with love. Looking down on people doesn’t tell good of anyone who is into the act. God loves everyone and He expects us to do the same to people around us. I pray God helps us in this world where discrimination abides.

  • onah ukamaka blessing

    what a wonderfully written post, this post cuts across almost everyone daily activities ether as a worker or student in one or the other we have treated people without dignity, so the above post pushes us to teat people with dignity you matter the people appearance , because its most of the time through appearance that people are treated badly in the society.

  • Ogbobi Blessing Ojonoma

    The way human being value the rich and treat them is different from the way they do to the poor. Treating everyone with dignity is best a humans. How I wish everyone could feel how they feel when be treated differently from the others. Treating one with dignity also brings about loving people unconditionally. Churches this day are fond of valuing those that have fame, wealth etc.
    They make them leaders, chairman etc of whatever they do and make the commoners feel less important. This is indeed a great lesson and teaching we need to learn. God Bless You mam!

  • Kalu Divine Ogechi

    This is one of the things that are rampant in our society, but funny enough is seen in churches, we don’t have any right to look down on poor people because they are God’s creation and he sure has better plans for them..God will help us
    Thanks ma for this piece.

  • Joseph Chizoba Kingsley

    In churches today just as you have pointed out in the case of the usher and the poor man, I also experience it in the life of most of our religious leaders. They tend to be giving more attention to certain set of people – the rich, just for the sake of money. This is wrong. Let’s always remember the life of Lazarus and the rich man.

  • Amarachi Duru

    I remember a portion of the bible that states that ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me’.

    Isn’t that wonderful? I have read from the bible and heard of true experiences how people helped strangers and they unknowingly, helped angels. I have also heard of how help rendered to poor persons have counted and spoken as favour unto the doers from God.

    The bible makes us know that wealth shouldn’t be a basis for either giving a man honour or dishonor. Infact, we should learn to honour all people irrespective of what they have or what they can give.

    We should learn to treat everyone as we would want to be treated.

  • Abugu faith chinecherem

    I don’t know for anyother person, but for me, there is this good feeling I get when I treat poor people with dignity or help the less priviledged. It is the best feeling in the world and many people don’t know. People don’t know what it means to be the best person someone has ever met. They can treat you like trash because you are not dressed well. But I believe and pray that with this post, people like that will change in Jesus name. Amen.

  • Obi Chisom Vanessa

    This is a common problem in our society, people treat the rich or will I say better looking people better than they treat others, they offer help to these people instead of the people who need it. Its not only seen within the church but in our daily lives, helps are only offered when its beneficial to them and its a very bad thing. They feel like a person is better than the other because the person dresses flashy and nicer without knowing who the rugged looking person would be in the future. As for me, I rather just treat people the way they deserve to be treated because i believe in the rule that says “Do unto others what you want them to do to you”.

  • Chukwu Stella

    Treating people with dignity is something everyone should do …we are all equal in the eyes of God so we should have it in mind that the way we treat someone we should expect people to treat us the same way.Everyone deserves respect irrespective of their age or status because no one knows tomorrow…May God help us all .

  • Nnamani Oluoma Esther

    Everyone should be treated as one because we were created by ome God. No one is greater than the next person. No matter how poor or shabby looking a person is, it should be no criteria for judging the person. We should also remember that the house of God is the house for all and no one should be treated lesser. May God help us to be wise and understand what love for our neighbour is all about.

  • Ndiwe Vivian

    Just like you said ma , “Everyone is specially crafted by God, so approach them with agape love and dignity”.
    We, as rational humans should learn not to judge tge book by it’s cover. Everyone deserves to be treated well, irrespective of appearance, age, gender and social status in the society.

    Respect everyone you come across and treat them as you would want to be treated.

  • Onwuamaeze Ikechukwu John

    The day we, as humans, learn to accept others shortcomings financially and in every other social aspect, then, we’re really portraying the image and likeness to which God created us. It’s quite appalling how we treat destitute.

    Very painful how we forget we came from one creator. Looking down on people’s present conditions isn’t advisable. God ask to love our enemies, and I surmise, this poor individuals aren’t even enemies to us because of their inability to cater for their wants and needs. So why do we treat them unfavorably.

    “Take up your cross and follow me…”, He said. Not in sidelining the poor, making them look irrelevant. I was opportuned to watch the aforementioned video of the man of God who disguised himself as a destitute. I must confess, I, unavoidably, will fall victim of not rendering assistance, just like other members of his congregation did. Very disheartening! That wasn’t the path Christ laid down for us to follow.

    Ms. Edith, thanks a lot for this piece, and I hope every individual who reads this will take one or two from it. For me, I’ve taken thousands already. (Smiles).

  • Bryan Casey

    We should never look down on the poor and remember that we are all equal in the sight of GOD..

  • Adumike Winifred Munachimso

    The world has no specific arithmetic formula, no one has monopoly over wealth or comfort,someone’s life can change in minutes, in the video above, I could imagine the countenance of the congregation when the preacher removed his camouflage and changed instantly from the homeless man to their respectable preacher,that’s how God can change the condition of a person in a twinkle of an eye.
    The preacher in the video said “Do you know your father in heaven is giving graces to the person it’s hardest for you to love”. This is to say that we are all God’s children and should see everyone as a member of God’s family.

  • Salome

    Yes Ma I strongly agree with you that respect doesn’t only apply to those who are in church. In our daily activities we should ensure we don’t look down on people no matter their background May God help us to actually accept people they way they are because we all deserve Dignity.

    • If God had treated us according to how filthy our sins are,, no man can stand in front of God. This reminds me of the common saying ” IF MEN WHERE GOD” ..
      Let us bear it mind that everyone is equal before God,, both the rich and poor.
      Why do we answer Christians when we keep discriminating and looking down on people.
      Let’s all treat people with the same measure of respect and the world will surely be a better place.

  • Okoye Chilotam Annabel

    Well said ma, but the problem about treating everyone with dignity is that some people live their lives as though there’s no dignity left in their own life, and they even act as such to others. This makes it difficult to treat this group as people with dignity. Mummy remember the Igbo adage that “madu mee onwe ya oke, nwamba achuo ya oso”.

  • Eze Nathaniel Izunna

    This has to do with the love of God, because he love everyone equal, therefore the journey here on earth is just for a sojourn, then, everyone should be treated with equal dignity, because in heaven there is no separate seat, even though, it is painful that such act is everyday skyrocketing in our churches.
    it is important to know as far such act still exist in our society, corruption cannot be wiped out, until the demise of such act.
    If not now who knows when?
    But if it persist, corruption will insist.
    Heaven await us and it has no separate seat, either for the richly dressed or the shabby dressed ones.

  • Chiwetelu Stella

    Everyone is created and wonderfully made by God. This being the case, it is wrong to discriminate against Beings created by God.

    This is the highest point of the write up for me. Thanks

  • Otti Augusta

    I don’t know why but this article just reminded me of a book I read “Animal Farm”. How the rules gradually changed from equality to a total class hierarchy.
    Obviously, we all are not equal and if you find yourself on the higher ladder of the society be compassionate to others below.
    Nobody ever wanted to be poor and I understand that you (the rich) didn’t put them in that state, if you can’t help better their lives do not try to make it worse.

    All humans should be treated with dignity for their is a value attached to everyone of us. Let’s all just be humane, we can do this by placing our selves in the shoes of the person we plan to mistreat

  • Joseph joy

    Nice write up, that’s the reason judgement will start from the house of God because many evil men are being treated nice in the church because of their present contributions, which doesn’t make sense in the presence of God because God is Love,
    It’s not talking about the church alone we should apply this in our daily lives.

  • Thomas Rebecca Ina

    I know in some places at the end of the service, some people would go to fill this man’s ears with advice, such as ; don’t you know you should dress presentably to church? and so on and so forth, instead of blessing him with the things he needed for the change.
    I pray God opens our eyes to ways we could be blessings to others.

  • Treating people with respect should simply be part of the fabric of society. We shouldn’t have to write it down. It’s just the right thing to do. We’re all humans, we’re all in this together and, for the most part, people are good and want good things for society. So treat everyone with respect.

  • I Have learnt over the years that even the poor has class. it will really be downgrading for a responsible person to look down on people just because they do not reach some certain standards. Everybody were born the same way but status and class differentiated us. but it is our duty to carry these fellows along. until then, the world can not be a better place

  • Daniel Chukwuemeka Madu

    Degrading someone not only form a bad impression on ourselves, but also in whatever that we represent. Lets try to be good ambassadors by treating people – regardless of their social status – the way we’ll want to be treated if we happen to be in the same situation

  • Jibulu Ngozi

    We live in a world where people are given honour according to their affluence and where most poor people are being despised because they can’t afford what those who live wealthy lifestyles afford. In all we should treat everyone as we would want them to treat us.

  • Onyejekwe favour kosisor

    A life is not measured by physical qualities and material things but the fact that they are human beings and they deserve the same opportunities that more privileged persons enjoy. A soul to God is priceless notwithstanding the fact that they’re rich or wretched. Love the person next to you and let’s start living truly!

  • Ugwu Ogochukwu A

    This particular article should be addressed to the snobs of this world. Those who think that a person’s worth and value is measured by the type of clothes and handbags you carry. They make you feel very bad and think so low of yourself. But I tell every snob of this world that everything that glitters is not gold. Some people are humble by nature, and it takes more than just physical appearance to know this type of persons. Therefore, treat everyone fairly, equally and with dignity because you don’t know where your help might come from. They say what goes around surely comes around. Do unto others what you will want to be done unto you?

  • Elvis remedy

    Nice write up ma,I remember this English adage that says “it is good to be good”
    We just have to be good to one another no matter One’s economic status we should treat people with respect and again I’ve learnt not to look down on anybody no matter what.

  • Ebere

    I really wish everyone will get to read this post and understand that everyone is entitled to be treated with respect, no matter who the person is.The poor man today can be the richest man tomorrow… No condition is permanent in this world

  • Paschal Odigonma Victoria

    EVERYONE is deserving of dignity. I will always keep that. This has become an issue even amongst students, we tend to rate people according to the outfits they put on (expensive or not, trending or not etc). May God help us to never look down on his creations..and also uplift the poor. Amen.

  • ogbodo somtochukwu

    the day i watched that video of that pastor eeeh
    i felt gossbombs .
    everyday ,thay try talking to churches to mind the way thay treat people but u hear things like “give honour to whom honour is due”
    thank you ma ..
    i believe the change begines with me…i have learnt this one

  • Chinonyelum

    People are judged based on what they are,their looks and wealth.just like a post I saw on Fb “no one cares unless you’re beautiful or Rich” .in our society today,the poor ones are always neglected,their opinions don’t count.this is so bad.i would like to make refrencre to the story of the rich man and Lazarus,we should all bear that example in mind because no one knows tommorow.

  • Chidera Nwokolo

    Everybody should be treated equally and with dignity no matter what their circumstances; which means nobody should be tortured or treated in an inhuman or degrading way. Equal does not mean that we are all the same. Each of us is different in our own special way but we also have the common qualities that make us all humans. So each of us should be treated with respect and dignity and treat others in the same way.

  • Okoli Ezinne

    Thank you ma for this nice story. This happens in our everyday lives and is bad. No condition is permanent and I learnt that we should always respect and be good to people no matter the status

  • Urama Emmanuel

    This is really touching to heart…..
    This is the problem we face in our everyday lives… The rate of impartiality in our present generation is really heart breaking. No one wants to listen or even help the poor ones. The rich keep on growing richer while the poor keep on becoming poorer…..I so much believe that on the last day , we Wii give account of how we spent our daily lives on earth, by then every one will be equal before God , no rich , no poor…. Let’s try and respect everyone no matter his or her condition for we are all equal and one before God
    God bless u ma!

  • Amah Damian Uchechukwu

    It pains me when all these are bein committed in the house of God,the church that supposed to be fair and just are doing opposite of it,if these should be the case one can also imagine happenings outside church,I pray that God will put the spirit of wisdom to go against any bad notion towards our neighbors in associating with them

  • Onoyima jane

    I am quite surprised at the rate of partiality/discrimination in churches. I won’t say nowadays because it has always been happening. Why would churches discriminate amongst their members when they actually know that even the bible speaks against it. Everyone is entitled with respect whether poor or rich. You never know tomorrow.

  • Njoga Izuchukwu

    The usher was lacking one vital quality which ia respect and value of human life.
    All fingers of human hand are not equal but each one of them have important function to perform, collectively they perform vital function of human hand.
    So all so, God in his infinite wisdom created man with different qualities and purpose but with the same image of God.

  • Okonkwo Franklin chukwuebuka

    These does not only happen in the church but also in the social setting were the havenot are being excommunicated ,if these should be looked into in our society there will be peace and harmony.Thanks for the post.

  • Agwu Tochukwu Frank

    Ma, I’m really touched by this post. Partial treatment is one of the trending bad behaviours in different churches nowadays, especially those political churches that value money more that souls.
    At times I begin to wonder if those people are really serving God or money.
    If a politician comes to the church, a common man will be ordered to evacuate seat for the so-called important personality, forgetting that everybody is equal before God.
    I ask rhetorically, who is an unimportant personality? It is high time Churches should stop such kind of partial treatment. It is ungodly for God sake!

    It’s really touching.
    God bless you ma.

  • Ogbonna blessing

    This reminds me of how poor people are treated like they are less humans and the rich are respected and honored in my local church. Even we Christians are guilty of this this act forgetting the fact that a poor man today, tomorrow might be rich.

  • Edeh Chinaza Jennifer

    The saying that everyone is deserving of dignity and even criminals should be punished according to law, not brutalised and dehumanised are more said than done in our society today.

    We all have fault when it comes to equal treatment. We become choosy and preferential, despite the fact that we are crafted by one Creator.

    We look forward to those of same rank, status, position, education, beauty, affluence, good wears, qualified or perhaps quality as it appeals to our personalities and treat them special, regarding the shabby hungry looking and destitutes as nothing.

    Most of us even dispise their greetings in the streets, when they walk in to your offices and stop us on the way for help.

    How then do we preach and teach of equality and dignity in treatment while even in our local churches, offices, fueling stations, police stations, hospitals, classrooms and other social gatherings …etc what is practiced is preferential treatment to treating with dignity.

    Hmmmmmmm…. I pray that God should discipline us from A-Z.

  • Brown Bethel Ogadimma

    It is quite unfortunate that this case of preferential treatment, favouritism and partiality is found in the house of God (Church). Its really alarming how some Churches now value money and personality. I believe everybody should be treated equally and with dignity no matter their circumstances in life. I’m not really surprised because its now a trend, not only in the Church but the society at large. It really unfortunate that we live in a society where people are valued based on their personality and affluence.

  • Izuogu, Ozioma Precious

    Good post, that’s why is not good to feel inferior, be yourself! Because some people normally take their fellow humans for granted, maybe because how wealthy and material things they have. But forgotten that everything will end here on earth, and is the same land poor man enters is where rich man will also enter.

  • Iroegbu Chinatu Amara

    Hmmm… This is a very reoccurring act in the church as well as other spheres of the society. A rich and well dressed man would walk into the banking hall and be attended to immediately while those considered average or poor would be made to stand. Indeed just like you said, the value of human beings can only be properly assessed through the worth that their Maker has placed on them. Tomorrow can give birth to anything and change they say is constant. A destitute today can be the owner of estates and even the blind today can see tomorrow. We always need to remember that we are all human and just like we’d love to be treated with respect, we should also endeavour to treat others in the same fold.

  • Ugwoke Jennifer

    Treat everyone fairly because nobody knows tomorrow. A rich person can become poor tomorrow and a poor person can become rich tomorrow, you don’t know who your saviour would be, so treat everyone equally not minding the person’s status.

  • Ochei Anthony Arinze

    What a sad sorry for the man. But truly this is what is happening in today’s church, people are easily looked down on because of the way they are dressing as if our God whom they came to serve is checking our cloths.

  • Nwannah Juliana ngozi

    Discrimination in the house of God has become a regular thing,it is very discouraging for a non Christian and people who are trying to build their faith.everyone in the society needs to be respected no matter what the person owns and who he or she is in the society.every one deserves to be treated right.good write up.

  • kokoro martins seunfunmi recluse

    A man’s self worth shouldn’t be judged by his facial look, but by the quality of what his heart carries… Discrimination only exist within the ignorants; a washer today may be destined a manager tomorrow, and why discriminate when at last, we all get the same 6ft? I hope we wised up and treat everyone around us to meal with the same plate.

  • Oshana Oyaku Endurance

    In present day churches, preferential treatments are always given to the rich and exotic people, and less attention is given to the poor members which is not supposed to be. Every man is equal before God and its right to treat all as such.

  • Onyekachi confidence

    The grace to treat everyone rightly shall be given to us all in Jesus name .. amen.the Bible says love your neighbors as yourself,there is no segregation of which neighbor it should be,should it be the rich or the poor? Treating everyone with love, respect and understanding is fundamental.

  • Otinga ifunanya Ruth

    Do not treat a priest because of his cloak but treat him because it is right to do so.. nobody should be looked down on no matter how small he is . We do not know our meeting point tomorrow. This is a really nice post.

  • Ezekiel Stanley C.

    Honestly after going through this post, I learnt a lot, but to enable me make a concrete contribution based on what I learnt I did a little research on social discrimination.
    Social discrimination is said to be a sustained inequality between individuals on the basis of illness, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other measures of diversity.
    We must understand that: All human beings are born free both in dignity and in rights,
    Discrimination is damaging, derogatory, and demeaning, it maks individuals who are either poor, deformed or mentally inbalnced second class citizens, which should not.
    It has been shown in the case of racism (UNESCO, 1967 UNESCO. (1967). All human beings belong to the same species and descend from the same stock. Thus, no illness—be it mental or physical, acute or chronic—should lead to discrimination of any kind whatsoever.
    Social discrimination appears to be lodged in the system and, therefore, can be pervasive and intrusive, and stop people from reaching their full potential and, more importantly, labelling them changes their identities. Micro-identities related to race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and other components all get trumped by the label of being poor or mentally ill.
    One of the ways to correcting this problem is to uphold Social justice that is aimed at promoting a society which is just and equitable, valuing diversity, providing equal opportunities to all its members, irrespective of their disability, ethnicities, gender, age, sexual orientation or religion, and ensuring fair allocation of resources and support for their human rights.
    Together we can bring a change…

  • Adeke Chukwuka

    Respect is one of the smallest gifts we can give to someone, irrespective of his age, sex, race, religion etc. When we repect people, we pave way for numerous blessings unknown to us.

  • Ekwuagana Fabian Ikechukwu

    Discrimination in high places, even in the church where people are supposed to be taught on the essence of equality no matter the strata of the individuals coming to worship.
    I read in the bible that the early church, used the resources of the rich members to take care of the poor ones, treating everyone right. But what do we get in today’s churches? If you don’t come to church with benz, if you cannot purchase the expensive anointing oils, how do u think the holy spirit will locate you.
    Talk about Hypocrisy, where you teach one and practice another ,its plenty in today’s churches.

  • Precious

    Deja Vu. I’ve heard this somewhere, that’s when it hit me real hard. My grandfather would always stress on respect especially to those whom we considered poor or lower than our standard in all ramifications. He always had a way of reminding us after each conversation with him that we honour, respect and try to help anyone we come in contact with. Ma’am your words really caught my fancy. The world would be a better place if we all showed kindness, respect and paid attention to the poor.
    Psalms 9:18 (KJV) For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

  • Bob Charles Ngene

    I personally live by this code and I’m happy that this particular blog post is totally promoting it…Forget blood ties..I believe we are all expected to see each other as family..that’s the only way the world can quit being dark!!!

    Totally loving this piece ma

  • Cynthia

    I thought it only me me who have observed it .some people just come to church to show their latest hairstyles, clothes and all and those set of people are treated more important than others and it not meant to be. The church is for everyone to come in one accord no matter status or position to worship God. It should be filled with love .

  • Anekwe Paschaline

    Most people look down on the needy and the homeless because they feel they are worthless but we are all from the same creator and we were all created equal. Why not offer a helping hand today. You must not have the whole world to be able to offer even a little, everyone has one way or the other he can give, it must not be money. Offer a helping hand today and you might end up changing someone’s life.

  • Amah Damian Uchechukwu

    This reminds me of one poor woman that stole plantain in the market,people around them brutalized her the worse part is that she was carrying her child which the out look of the child shows that they have not eaten, people at that scene maltreated the woman regardless of her condition
    How I wish the Nigeria society should know how to treat an offender according to the law of the land and also with the fear of God,this post is didatic ma thanks

  • Okechukwu Obiora C

    This post teaches against discrimination. We should never discriminate against our fellow human beings because they are poor. Besides, the riches we have on earth will not go with us when we leave this world. We should all be wise and treat everyone equally.

  • Ezema onyekachukwu Gideon

    Some persons base their segregational attitude on the saying that all fingers are not equal. Of a truth, all fingers are not equal as we can practically see from our individual hands but this is however not the way God views man.like Murphy one of the commentators here stated , Man before God is equal. It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that this indignation towards some persons in the society is established and better perpetuated in the church. The church now worship the high and mighty in the society. Infact, the sermon of some churches on some Sunday’s are structured to the suiting of any visiting aristocrat.that is why a preacher once said that the church has gone into the world and the world has gone into the church.

    • Agnes

      Very true ma, the society has unconsciously made segregation a common thing, like the maxim that says ‘the rich gets richer and the poor, poorer’. But nothing ever remains permanent, so we should learn to treat every one the same way, identify those who need help and aid them rather than segregate them.

  • Chukwurah Nnenna Chisom

    As sad as it is, we still see this in Churches today. I just really to get to wonder , if churches that is meant to be ‘one’ actually discriminates then ….May God help us

  • E Mary Enem

    Such a beautiful write up indeed.. it comes with so much zeal to be impartial and also to take everyone along.
    Some individuals actually seems to forget the fact that how you treat others is how you invite them to treat you as well. Treating people with dignity doesn’t simply entails one to be sensitive to people’s needs and doing one’s best for them, but it also means:
    Respecting their Individuality, engage them in decision making and the rest. Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future.
    Just as 1st Peter 2:17-25 tells us:
    17 Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government. 18 You who are servants, be good servants to your masters – not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. 19 What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. 20 There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God. 21 This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. 22 He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. 23
    They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.
    24 He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. 25 You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
    I hope people learn form this wonderful write up you have set and emulate how everyone should be treated with love etc..GOD bless you ma’am

  • Ezeh Chimezie Amos

    Thanks for this exposition ma. May God bless you so kindly. Going by the sociological theory of functionalism, social inequality is inevitable in life, even in the scripture, take for instance, slavery is never condemn by God (I stand to be corrected) Biblical era itself is characterized with slavery. Slave masters were told how to buy and treat slaves. In new testament, slaves were ordered to obey their masters. All this amounted to ill treatment of human, class is always there in our society. Our churches inclusive.

  • Ibekwe Vincent Chukwuebuka

    Disparity should avoided in our society, most importantly in the house of God.
    Wether rich or poor, should be treated with respect and dignity.
    They should be other better ways to motive the rich to support the church and not to the detriment of the poor ones.
    He is the God of the rich and the poor

  • Chidimma Vivian

    There’s a good lesson from this. We should be fair in dealing with people and how we approach people shouldn’t just be based on looks. According to Christ, we should treat everyone equally and with love.

  • Osisioma Princess

    Exactly like the passage in James, as children of God even if government or society says we aren’t equal, in the church we are, in God’s eye we are, so I admonish that we stop this special treatment we give to people who have more privilege than others

  • Obiaga ifunanya steph

    This is so common in churches nowadays
    Inhumane treatment, very unjust,very selfish and dishonouring!
    For crying out loud we are all human,no oine is better than another.not even because you’re richer or more popular or whatsoever ,treating every human equally should be a priority we should because we actually do lack it

  • Ajibe Chinonye

    I personally detest discrimination or inequality.Dont discrimnate any body either by their colour,race,body shape,size or finance.i have been helped by someone I never expected could do it,I was amazed.Seriously,the people you look down on are the most amazing ones in their little way.

  • Nweke Ujunwa Linda

    This kind of unfair treatment has become a tradition in our society even iny church.
    I pray we all learn how to treat people rightly not minding status and position in society.
    Thank you ma

  • Epunam obianuju

    Humanity is more than just being alive, how you treat others is also a big part of it. When you treat the poor with disdain simply because they don’t have money or because they look unkempt, you have not added any value to anybody’s live. So, we must treat everyone equally and with love.

  • Otinga Ifunanya Ruth

    The foundation of the world strongly rests on love, unity and oneness of heart. The summary of the commandments of the church is anchored on “Love of God and Love of Man”.
    The problem the church faces today, which by extension reflects in our country is the lack of love for one another. We go to church claiming we love God when we do not love our neighbors out there, who should be treated with dignity.
    But the big question is “how can we claim we love a God we do not see when we don’t love our neighbors, created in the image of God”?
    Greet everyone with kisses of love, with dignity, treat the least of a brother, love God and it shall definitely be well with us.
    Thanks a lot Ma, this piece is insightful.

  • Arthur Ukaga

    I personally believe that no one deserves to be treated poorly or dehumanized because of certain monetary factors. God even clearly said that it would be hard for the rich to enter his kingdom. This just goes to show that no matter how high you think you are, there are others, even the poor ones, Who are better off than you. People need to humble themselves and accept every individual as equal and so treat them equally.

  • Kooyon Abigail A

    I don’t know where some people actually get their ethics from but the holy Bible made us to know that ” love is the greatest ” and without love a people can never be in oneness.
    Most times we fail to understand that God is watching and He is not man..God is not partial that’s why He commanded us to live at Peace with our neighbors and look out for them, the Bible never emphasized on the class of neighbors you should show love to whether poor or rich, it says love your neighbor as you love yourself(rich or poor).
    It’s best we take note of all these.
    No human being is a slave, we were all created in the image and likeness of God!
    Amazing post!

  • Otung Theresa

    Treat everyone with dignity. The Bible even admonished us to ‘do good to all men ESPECIALLY those of the household of faith. If the less privileged can’t feel at home in the presence of God then where else? The Bible further said in Matthew, that as much as ye do these things (feeding the hungry, sheltering those in need of shelter, clothing the less privileged) ye have done so to Me. No condition is permanent, remember the law of karma. So do unto others the way you’ll like them to do to you. Thanks Ma for this eye opener

    • Edith Ohaja

      Law of karma? It’s not biblical o! Even though there are usually consequences for wrongdoing, for the Christian these things are not cast in stone because the mercy of God can cancel the judgment. Bless you!

    • Ukpai-uma Lucy

      As the saying goes “a word is good enough for the wise”. It may shock that this would be one of the judgements of Christ on the last day. Thank you for a reminder.

  • We must know that all fingers are not equal, not everyone is destined to be extremely rich so we should mind the way we act towards people that dont have as much as u have. We are one people and we must learn how to love the poor ones and care for them because one day the table can turn and it will be you needing their help.

  • Rex goodness enechukwu

    Whether black or white, poor or rich, Christian or Muslim . we ought to treat each other with dignity. And remember the beatitudes their is always a reward for the poor and those persecuted for his name.
    Be Wise .

  • Godson chimaobi ogenyi

    It is a pain to the Heart, on how the poor, the less privileged are been maltreated in our society this Days, some are not respected because of the situation they are in. This Piece of work inspires our Heart and Our Character on how we ought to treat our fellow people with dignity, it doesn’t matter the level they are. But we tend to treat people with fairness and justice, Respecting their Humanhood because God Created all equally. Thanks For this piece ma’am

  • Aniebo Beauty

    It is so sad that after all the gospel preached on love there is still no love in the church. Thank you ma for this message would make sure my pals see this

  • okoye paschalmary

    I’m still perplexed why our society today is filled with segregation even in the house of God, of all places. Everyone is deserving of dignity no matter how poor or lowly looking the person is, even criminals deserve to be judged by the law and so it is pertinent we do away with the idea of ‘jungle justice’. It is really killing our society infact we’re really killing our society. We are all born to die and that alone makes us equal. Christ emphasized that we should treat others the way we want to be treated and obviously no one would want to be treated bad. So we should try to treat everyone good. May God help us all. Thank you ma for that wonderful one

  • Paul-kayode praise c

    A person’s value or worth doesnt or shouldnt be determined by their aopearance,just because we are priviledged to have gotten to a certain stage of comfort in life gives us no right to look down on others..we should also bear in mind that we are nothing without the provision and help of God and therefore do whatever we can be it prayers,food,or anything at to help the poor and weary,remembering also that whatever help we render can and will be reciprocated someday when we need it most!

  • Anorue John-Daniel Kelechi

    It is painful to see Christians segregate in any form, segregation is present even among the communion of Christians (the church). We should imitate Christ in total who loved all regardless.

  • Nwosu Victoria

    the same is the case not just in the church but in the world as a whole, where people are treated according to how much they have or how wealthy they look. there is this respect and honor given to the rich while the poor are being mistreated.such that during an argument or a meeting, when a poo ,am raises a suggestion, he is most times ignored,little or no attention is given to him. the rich man,on the other hand, will have everyone applauding at anything he says, whether reasonable or not. it is just really sad to accord people respect based on how they appear. it is very important to change and get rid of this mindset.

  • No matter the economic and financial situation of any individual he or she should never be underestimated or underrated, because every individual makes up the holy church and one cannot function without the other. In all intents and purpose, the ushers did what I see as an eye sore and improper in the eyes of the lord. Therefore the church should be careful, because of the wrath of the lord

  • UMAR GIDEON GONI

    Our creator Jehovah humbles the proud and promote the needy.irrespective of people’s social status we should treat others they way we expect others to treat us. This is what is now common in our society nepotism and favouritism everywhere. This should not be known among us Christians.

  • OBI CHUKWUNONSO EMMANUEL

    Treating everybody with dignity should be something that should be known of us.As Christ accepted everybody wholeheartedly, he didn’t discriminate or choose.even when james and john were vying for post in heaven taught and counselled them against it.God is a father of all so we should not discriminate, favour or be impartial in all dealings.

  • SUGBAZA BENJAMIN VICTOR

    We all as Christians should treat everyone with respect, pride and dignity irrespective of any situation or predicament. People forget that God loves the humble.we should never disrespect, disregard a person despite his current status.

  • ASogwa chibuzor henry

    Treating everyone with respect should not be found lacking in us.the poor and the rich should be treated equally.that is what should define us as Christian and believers.we are the folllowers should never turn oiur back on the needy, we should treat everyone fairly and equally.

  • obeto clinton

    this story teaches us that we as christains should not discriminate anyone because of their apperance or looks but we should rather treat everyone with respect and the same type of equality.

  • SUGBAZA BENJAMIN VICTOR

    we are all equal in the sight of God and since we are christ like we should behave and treat everyone as one with the same amount of love no matter their situation

  • MADUABUCHI EBUBE PRECIOUS

    since the lord Jesus christ never chased or placed anyone as more important than anyone so also as christians we should do the same.

  • MADUABUCHI EBUBE PRECIOUS

    Everyone on this planet has a special place in God’s heart.so we should not discriminate because our lord jesus neither chose with favour nor discriminate.

  • Izuogu, Ozioma Precious

    All prominence ends on earth. So we should try to see and love our fellow human being as we love ourselves. Because Christ Jesus came because of the poor and sinners.

  • Ernest Sixtus

    A lot have being happening. Though, we constantly experience such in our different churches, honor, title and front sit are always reserve for the biggy man, who donates more money to the service of the church, while the back benches or possibly standing up, becomes for the poor and hapless fellow.
    I pray that God continue to give us wisdom to accept that we all, are one and equal in His presence and we should be treated with some respect.

  • Eze chikadibia Joan

    No matter the circumstance, everyone should and must be treated with respect and shown love because we are all products of one being who indeed is the definition of love.

  • Bob Charles Ngene

    This is one tenet the late HipHop legend Tupac Amaru Shakur advocated for. We are all equal and special. No one should ever be treated like a rag doll

  • Emmanuel Steve Sunny

    Morality and Religion teaches us to treat all man with dignity. No matter what station a man is, he must be treated with respect and dignity. It is saddening to note that such discrimination of wealth and positions happens even in the house of God. May God help us all to realise that we are all one irrespective of how we appear.

  • Willie Albert Zikiye

    All men are born equal therefore, deserve the same respect. The same fate await for the the rich and the poor. The Sun spread his beam on the rich and the poor alike. Good or bad, beautiful or ugly, white or Black, rich or poor we all are the images of God. Give equal treatment to everyone. ” Together we’re one.”

  • This is one of the things we tend to find difficult doing…Its normal for us to love some set of people around us more than we love the other, but we should learn to treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter where they are from which is why we should pray for Gods grace in whatever we do

  • It’s extremely inhuman to discriminate against someone because He/she is not up to your standard. Remember there is a God in heaven who sees all and can even bring you down to your knees in order to teach you a lesson. So let us treat everyone with equal respect because that is the christian thing to do.

  • Ijoma Chisom Jessica

    God bless you so much Ma for this beautiful post and video, I am really blessed my it… The video almost got me crying, sincerely I do not know what to say .. my prayer is that God will grant me the grace to Love Humans and the world in the same manner He loves us . Thank you so much for this beautiful work …

  • Okonkwo Goodness Chiamaka

    Treat everyone that comes across you with the same measure or level of dignity or respect there shouldn’t be any discrimination both poor and rich are the same. Be love exemplified in all ramifications.

  • Catherine Anokwuru

    This is what Jesus kept on teaching the church-how to love the God-kind of love. We find it easy to overlook the poor while Jesus taught us to love everyone equally. Let us remove partiality from our midst and walk in love and unity.

  • Orji Chidiebube Prudence

    Hmmm…. that was really touching! truth be told, it is naturally difficult to treat everyone same way, that is, with so much love and respect as yourself… Because, starting from that person, it might be that he/she don’t even respect himself to start with. I’m not saying that it is not feasible, but there is need for people to first know that they are of great value both in the eyes of their maker and in the earth where they inhabit as this will go a long way in fostering a healthy, Godlike relationship between them and fellow men.

  • ugwu Ozioma joy

    At the end….let love lead,because if you have love in you to give to people you come across and all,I’d go a long way..it doesn’t necessarily have to be financial help, plus..everyone deserves to be respected and treated right(not minding their gender,ethnicity,background etc)no one should feel superior to any person except God…

  • Agu ginika

    This is really a very sensitive issue because it happens virtually every where in our society now, not only in places of worship. People discriminate unnecessarily on the basis of who is more influential than the other. The less privileged are treated with contempt because they are believed to be insignificant and have nothing to offer, as such on many occasions, their rights are being denied them. Such treatment should be shunned because we are all images of God and have equal rights in his sight.

    • Chukwunwenwa Chinenye

      Honestly, if I were in the shoes of the ushers, consciously or unconsciously I might not allow those haggard looking members to sit on the plush seats at the front row for obvious reasons. Sad to admit but that’s true.

      However, I know that I’m not snobbish but sometimes we find ourselves giving preferential treatments to people because of their affluence.

      May God give me the grace to practice all that I’ve learnt from this thought provoking piece.

  • Ugwu Chiamaka

    This post brings to my mind a movie I saw where something similar happened. It is really sad that the aim of churches are not being met any more. A church should be a place for comfort and a home for all, but these days there is discrimination in the church and preference. we all need to encourage our brothers and sisters to love regardless of status.

  • Immanuella Uwa

    Discrimination has become a plague in todays society, it has in fact become too much. It affects schools, offices too and the house of God not left out. We need to assimilate this post and one-by-one, change our own little part of the world. We should strive for equality, as that is how we are all seen before the most high. We are all created in His image and likeness. Treat others how you want to be treated.

  • Nwachukwu Chidinma

    Aunty this post teaches us to treat everyone equally . On judgement day everyone will be judged equally so why the need for partial treatment .GOD loves each and everyone of us and we are all equal in his presence . Remain blessed Aunty

  • Favour Nnaemeka

    Treat everyone with kindness, not even because they can help you in the nearest future but because our Father in Heaven admonished us to do so. It doesn’t even take anything from you but adds to you because the hand that gives, never lacks!

  • Ozukwe mirian chisom

    We should treat everybody the same way irrespective of our social status. We all where made from dust and dust we shall return. We shouldn’t discriminate against one another. Love your neighbour the way you love your self.
    Stay blessed ma.

  • Euniprecious

    Descrimination is now the order of the day in the society especially in the church where every ought to be carrying along and treated equally but the rate in which we segregate hmmmm is too bad, however their is a long demarcation between the rice and the poor, so far you can bring money and support the church you are allowed to do anything in the church were as the poor among us are now restricted. Church suppose to be a place of comfort zone for all but it now the other way round even though it is very hard to treat every one equally, nevertheless we should have a sense of humanity and to treat all with dignity and get to tender help to them as much as we can cos the gap between the rice and the poor is too wide this days.

  • IBEH CHIAMAKA JENNIFER

    Every man should be treated with respect. We have looked down on people too much because we feel that they are not worthy or up to our standards. We don’t know who God will send to us tommorow, as our helper. He or she maybe in disguise like the pastor in this story and once we look down or take them for granted we miss our opportunity of being helped or promoted.

  • Onuoha Divine

    It is important we do not disregard or disrespect anyone we come across.if for nothing else,for the fact that we do not really know them,or where we’ll meet them tomorrow.
    This is beautiful ma.

  • Onuoha Divine

    It is important we do not disregard or disrespect anyone we come across. If for nothing else, for the fact that you really do not know them, or where you’ll meet them tomorrow.
    This is beautiful ma

  • Ebe John Chimuanya

    This reminds me of the golden rule that said do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. Treat all man humanely no matter what they are or who you are because it is the right thing to do and it is also pleasing to God. We should make our center of worship a place where people can find love and solace and not discrimination and rejection. Nice one ma’am.

  • Okemiri Ifunanya Diana

    Honestly this story is so real, the act of selecting people based on how they look is so common these days that sometimes I get scared of going to some places. we are taught to love our neighbors as ourselves so I don’t understand why we still act the way we do.

  • Ojimadu kingsley

    We are all created in His image and likeness, so I see no reason why we should discriminate. It is written in the Lord commandment, “love you neighbor as thy self”. We should love one another. The beggar we see today can be the merchant of tomorrow. We as Christians ought to observe love towards one another. Yet another beautiful post. Let the good Lord continue to bless the works of your hands.

  • Mirian Ndawe

    Some people just don’t know the concept of life. There’s no difference between the president and the cleaner, we’re all dust in the wind, it’s not worth most of the stress. Nice write up Ma.

  • IKECHEBELU GINIKA

    According to the quote above;”everyone is specially crafted by God”, so we should not in anyway compare or treat anyone as if he/she is less of a human cause we are all equal before God.

  • Obi-eze Adaobi

    We should learn to treat ever the same way, no matter the social or economic status, everyone deserves to be treated equally.

  • orakwue kosiso

    A wise quote says “treat everyone with kindness – not because they are kindhearted, but because you are. You can not be indifferent to people needs just because you are privileged to have more than them. We are given these things so that we can bless others. Never you look down on other people except you are looking at their shoes.

  • Abasiofon

    It happens every day in the society not only in churches but everywhere. I must say I am also guilty of this to an extent. May God give us the grace to welcome everybody, honour everybody and give everybody the dignity the deserve no matter their status

  • Rose Mary

    These goes to everyone who thinks they are higher than everyone and will not treat all equally, we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.

  • Chioma P

    Everyone is equal before God. Jesus the head of the church gave us a perfect example. He treated everyone with respect and dignity, even sinners found favour in his sight.

  • Eze chinyere

    This is so true. Most persons tend to treat others based on their physical appearance, looks or position in the society. The Bible calls us to treat each other with love and respect, irrespective of socio-economic/political background.
    Even in some churches, this discrimination is still eminent. I pray that God will enable us show love and treat all equally.

  • Aleke Juliet C.

    You are very right ma. We’re all one and deserve good treatments not minding one’s status or personality.

  • Janefrances Nwaduche

    This write-up is an eye opener for any one who cares to grasp the message. If Jesus could leave his his throne in heaven, to save people like us, then who are we to look down on our fellows?

  • Eunice

    We should not neglect people because you don’t know who will help you tomorrow. It’s inspiring. Thanks ma

  • Jumbo Gold

    Only if humanity was still at its best. Then we’d know better than despise anyone because of a pitiable state they’re in. (It could be us, a sibling, a friend. Things change.)It’s more important to sympathize and help out when we can. God is the rewarder, the word of God says, (and I may misquote but you get the concept) “blessed is he who considers the poor (or low in heart) for the Lord shall deliver him in time of trouble”. The word of God never fails. Never has and never will. An everlasting shield to those who believe. Yet another inspiring post aunty, I love your post honestly, so insightful. More grace to soar higher.

  • Anyasor Emmanuel Gerald

    God bless you Ma for this post! I actually watched the clip attached and i was almost moved to tears. The words of the pastor which emphasised on the need to give selflessly without having favourites;really pricked my conscience.
    I’m guilty ;I’ve learnt!

  • Jane Anthony

    Is it indeed possible for people today to be selfless in rendering assistance? To love like the heavenly father loves? To love without having favourites?

  • Chidinma Obasi

    It is so disheartening how people treat their fellow human beings, not minding the fact that the rejected stone will one day be the chief corner stone. We are all equal before God, therefore, let us treat all men with love, care and respect just as Jesus Christ did.

  • Favour obi

    This is very true. This issue of looking down on people because of what they wear is very rampant in our society today. Everyone wants a slayer. It’s not all about the looks anyway. After all, all that glitters are not gold. Being nice to people really pays. No matter what class they are.

  • Unwana Ekere

    The rate at which this is happening is alarming, Not just dressing sef, you see people not just in churches paying more attention and giving more respect to people with car,This is appalling, we are human being created by God and as such should be treated equally. May God deliver us from this critical situation.

  • Eunice

    We should not neglect people because you don’t know who will help you tomorrow. Be nice to all. It’s inspiring. Thanks ma

  • Ogbuagu chinenye

    This is very heartbreaking as today most youths make friends with only people they feel are up to their class… I hope people can learn from this post. Thank you ma

  • Obi-keguna Ebele Princess

    it is appalling how Christians discriminate and award dignity based on material wealth in the church and also in the society. We as Christians are meant to observe love towards one another.

  • I learned to avoid neglect. But its unnecessary to neglect people because if their appearance or who they are. Every deserves to be treated right. Its always advised to treat people right. The Bible also said “The measure you give is the measure you get”. Which ever way we treated people will be same way we gonna be treated. Let’s treat people right.

  • Chigbo Victor

    I just wish people will actually take note of this write up and heed to it. This would actually help the society to become a better place. If we treat everybody equally this world will actually be a better place to leave in

  • Chigbo Victor

    No matter the status we are of in this world we deserve to be treated equally. And this world will be better if it was actually run that way

  • Awforkansi Kamsi Salita

    This is So important. Everyone should be treated with dignity. Everyone should be equal irrespective of social status. The idea of treating people according to their class is rampant in the society now and it’s wrong. God can lift anyone.

  • This admonition is golden ma. It’s disheartening to see this scenario playing out in our places of worship.
    Apostle James would admonish us to treat everyone With love and respect, through this the church will serve as a role model to the society

  • Ojukwu Mmesoma Favour

    Can’t remember the particular passage, buh there’s a verse in John that says “dont judge by appearances buh judge with right judgement”. If only people could understand that we’re all equal in the sight of God… What surprises me is the fact that segregation is practiced even in the church of God. You go to a church and see an inscription ‘VIP section’; really? May God really help us

  • Very nice write up ma, people are being segregated and avoided like they are inflicted with disease just because of money. We don’t know tomorrow, the table can turn around at any time, let’s learn to treat people with respect no matter their statue.

    Thank you ma

  • Oleighibe Oluebube Tessy

    I do agree with this post; everyone should be treated with dignity especially in the house of God, but sometimes, it’s difficult to treat everyone equal,take for example, some people dress so tattered that apart from their untidy clothes, they also have body odour. Therefore, in as much we all want to be treated with dignity, we need to work towards it by dressing well to church, and I’m not talking about buying or wearing expensive clothes to church, but keeping our wears washed and clean even if it is the cheapest clothes and also amending the clothes when it is out of shape before wearing it to church.

  • Chimezie Goodness Adimchinobi

    It isn’t just right to judge from the presemt state or life of someone,looking at someone as a poor person and disregarding him especially in church,bear it in mind that he might be richer than you spiritually,let’s not forget that there is a life after here.The end will certainly justify the means.God help us.

  • Truly everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. When we learn to treat others first as humans deserving of love, keeping aside the social class phenomenon which is a human made tool for discrimination and segregation, the world will become a better place. If we look at things critically we would see that the poor man in this story deserved much more attention than the rich man did. Jesus in this case would have given the poor man water to wash his feet having walked a long distance to get to the church, he would give the poor man food to eat seeing that he is exhausted from the long journey, these and more wonderful things born out of compassion Jesus would do. We should have compassion and be empathic about other people’s situations.

  • We ought to treat everyone we come across with dignity and respect no Matter the societal class or status having it in mind that we are all equal in the sight of God.

  • Olawole Ebenezer

    Everyone have the right to be treated nicely. That’s why he allowed all the animals enter the ark with Noah- including the pig. How much more we humans?

  • Kenneth Onah

    You know, so people think themselves God to judge others just because they are less privileged…. No one knows tomorrow, and as such we, especially Christians, should treat everyone equal for we don’t know what tomorrow holds in stock for us.

  • Ngwu ifeanyichukwu Kingsley

    Treating others right only shows that we have respect for God and in turn karma will always lift us high.donot walk on people’s head because you have the power to cause same people might save your life tomorrow. Life is vanity upon vanity.

  • Agbodike Ogochukwu Maryclaret

    Jeez! I actually got emotional over this. If only we know that God derives pleasure in helping the poor, since they are not in the position to repay us, for that is true charity. For when we do not help the poor, how then do we expect God to render us help in our poor state. In this context, our sinfulness.

  • Oluchi igboamalu vivian

    There is pride in dignity and respect not because of how you see a person today makes him loose he’s respect and dignity before you that person we treat with so much disregard shall rise one day and go higher above those that are fortunate and find themselves in comfortable state.

  • Nnamani chizoba

    No condition is permanent.. We should learn not to look at people outward appearance because appearance can be deceiving.. Christians should learn to practice the teaches of Christ because am sure he would not treat the man like that..

  • Nnorom Wisdom Hillary

    Though this situation is what is going on in the country. But what baffles the most is that this happens mostly in the church. its quite unfortunate that people are now recognized based on their wealth, position and affluence

  • Chisomebi Iroezindu

    Learning to treat everyone with dignity and value just as the maker would. It’s really sad how people are more mindful of their class than human beings. I know the world would be better if humans learn to place value on humans and even their environment.

  • Everyone should be treated equally regardless of the person’s status because it is even written in the Bible that it is not the duty of man to judge, rather judgment should be left for God. And it pains me most when I see how some people are giving preferential treatment while others are left behind because they are poor.

  • Dike Gerald

    For many, treating everyone with dignity is too hard, especially in our social milieu today. but the pains we take to do so is what we should allow to nurture the virtue in us. The good thing about it is that it makes us fear nobody in doing any good thing, apart from the fact that it pleases God, in whose eyes, we are all equal.

  • Sophia

    Pains my heart that is exactly what is happening in the society today, even in the church, I believe everyone is equal in the eyes of God,been poor should not warrant dishonor, because we can never predict the next day

  • Enwerem Chiamaka

    Prefrential treatment irks an unbeliever. Let alone in the body of christ. Everyone is deserving of dignity and respect. Above all I believe we should never look down on anyone

  • Anita amadi

    Everyone is equal before God. If we claim to be Christians (christ-like) we should follow Gods footstep, see everyone as equal and welcome them. If segregation, favoritism and partiality is practiced elsewhere, the church shouldn’t be part of it. Christians should live an exemplary life. Let love lead

  • Nkpozi miracle

    We should learn to treat everybody equally regardless of their class in the society

  • Ezeh John Onyekachi

    When we are selective in the treatment we give to people either in church or generally, we do not really portray the loving and caring image of our saviour Jesus Christ currently,whose love for us is both limitless and unconditional.He does not discriminate in the way he treat us, both the rich and the poor.It was on this bases Jesus Christ died for our sins. Those urshers should not forget that a pauper today can become wealthy tomorrow, life is just like that.A nonentity today can become somebody tomorrow. We must be careful the way we treat people meet today,for we don’t know where we will see them tomorrow.Mummy your blog is a nice place to visit. There is no time I come by, without leaving with something great.I learned a lot of morality from your work.It is my prayer that the good Lord will bless you and keep his oil in you flowing to infinitum in Jesus Name.

  • Ezema Uchechukwu

    The Bible tells us that He that gives to the poor gives to God. Prov 19:17.
    Very Inspiring story…But surprisingly this is one of the many problems that bedevil our societies. I believe if we can come together and cater for one another, We could reduce the level of Poverty and restore the Dignity of Man.

  • Joy Morgan

    Everyone of God’s creation is equal and deserves respect and to be treated with dignity. We should treat everyone as equals. Thank you ma for pointing this out.

  • Ezema Uchechukwu

    “…spreading the frangrance of the knowledge of Christ”
    This phrase reminds me of my cousin’s perfume. You can always tell when he is around by the unique aroma of his perfume. I believe Christians should be like that. We should be so full of God’s love and the God kind of life such that whenever we are present, we fill the whole space with Love and light, we exude grace, we leave drops of goodness that lingers like perfume when we leave.

  • Blessing lmoke

    The rate of discrimination in our society and the world at large is alarming. Individuals should understand that we are all equal in the sight of God. That you are swimming in wealth today doesn’t make you better than the other,the man you looked down on few days ago can be your boss tomorrow. This post is urge for us to put aside our differences and embrace each other because only then can we make our country a better place.

  • Egbo Paul Uchenna

    This is a clear cut reason to show that those people that discriminate or look down on anyone do not love God. Because it’s stated in the bible that “God is love”. We’re all equal in the sight of the lord. Sadly enough the embodiments of this life has created a difference. And to those out there that look down on people. Remember that “The stone the builder rejected might turn out to be the corner stone.” God bless us all.

  • Ogechukwu ukwuani Cynthia

    It is quite unfortunate that is what we get to see everywhere but it shouldn’t be so because everyone deserves respect n equal treatment irrespective of their status in life because no one knows if is the person you actually looked down on would turn to help you tomorrow. and looking at the aspect of church I have personally observed such and it should not be so because everyone deserves to be treated with equality respect and not to look down on the those they feel that do not appear so enticing

  • Chisom nwalutum

    Nice writeup ma
    Most people treat others anyhow not knowing whom they’d meet tomorrow
    People need to be treated equally without special treats
    If we r to give special treats it should b to God only

  • Azeta uyi

    We should learn to stop discriminating people and treat everybody with respect regardless of there class in the society because we are all equal in God’s eyes

  • Nwankwo Amanda

    I’ve been waiting for this to be addressed honestly, I have literally witnessed this happen at an event I attended, a woman who wasn’t looking as extravagant as the rest of those who attended was asked to sit in a very uncomfortable position at the event.
    It really annoyed me, like why was she now invited to the event if she was going to be asked to sit at a corner because she doesn’t have as much as the others ?
    It’s really disheartening to watch this things happen, especially at a church gathering, I really wonder what churches are turning into these days.
    May God help us and also help the poor and less privileged.
    On a lighter note, this is a very beautiful write up ma.

  • Ndieze Kelechi

    Treating everyone with dignity is a must. We must not look down on anyone because of their station in life. We must learn to treat everybody with dignity whether the person is a janitor in a restaurant or a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, we must learn to treat them all with dignity.

  • Idam Joy Ogwu

    Please ma. Permit me to start with this little story , someone came back from church on a faithful Sunday and was complaining that in church when it is time for contributions that everyone is compeled to contribute equal but when it is time for gift then preferencial treatment comes in, why is this so in our churches today?, Christ warns us to treat all men as we want to be treated, let’s treat people in love as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us

  • Constance

    All fingers are not equal and people should be treated with care and love not just because of tomorrow but because God loves us equally.

    This kind of preference is not only done in churches but also in schools and social gatherings.
    People should be treated with respect.

  • Constance

    People should be treated with care and love not just because of tomorrow but because God loves us equally. These days, this kind of preference is not only seen in churches but also in schools and social gatherings. People are more than what we may think of, they are leaders in different spheres of life and should be treated with respect.

  • Levi Ifeanyi

    It is important to treat everyone equal because sometimes, God uses those whom we relegate to test our faith in him. Remember, all is created in his image and likeness.

  • We should always treat people right irrespective of how they are, you don’t know where you’ll need them, I pray the lord gives people the heart to be good to people all the time..

  • Uzoma chidera

    We are all equal and we should treat people equal irrespective of their kind, segregation in church is rampant and its not meant to be so. All we need to do is to ask God for a heart to treat people right and equal.

  • Chidebe uchechukwu cyprain

    I really impressed with this topic, which is respecting people no matter their class. One thing I have observed since my childhood up to this moment is that people think that making heaven is only by going to church every Sunday, forgetting that prayers without good work is a waste of time. For me I believe that the best way to preach is through the way we behave towards others. Thank you so much for reminding us that our attitudes towards others matters a lot.

  • Ejiofor Emmanuel

    It is wrong and inhumane to treat anyone with disrespect no matter their financial status. Besides, who knows tomorrow? Treat everyone with integrity

  • Ogbonnaya Noble Comfort

    Treating people contemptuously is a sign that one does not have the love of God in him. Someone filled with love will treat everyone around him equally knowing that it is God’s command.

    • It’s quite disheartening and disgusting that some claimed to be Jesus followers but fail to depict the life style of Christ, In edit’s submission and in my view I feel any one who claims Jesus like should be Jesus in characters. Arms giving is the greatest thing that pleases God.. let us all emulate the spirit of Christ our Lord saviour……

  • Phillips faith

    Thank you Ma for this post. There are soo many lessons to be learnt from this post.In this our present state treating everyone with dignity is something many of us have failed to realise. I dont know why people are being treated judged the way they appear or are dressed. Cause I expect that we Christians are to show examples but instead it is more of Christians that behave like that. Even when christ was on earth, he treated everyone equally;even when he was in the temple with the teachers of the law. Christ indeed Is our perfect example and we are expected to learn from him.

  • Nice post ma, everyone should be treated equally because no one knows tomorrow.

  • Pearl Azuoma

    Discrimination based on social status is somewhat an age long vice especially among youths. I used to be a frequent offender but by the grace of God I’m working towards completely quitting the habit. All we need is the grace of God to overcome this vice, I sometimes do it unconsciously and when I do I immediately call myself to order. Nevertheless it’s a dangerous character humans shouldn’t possess especially if you’re a Christian. People have been deeply wounded because of social status discrimination. Let’s try to curb this vice and treat everyone with respect.

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