CONTEST; ONE LOVE

ONE LOVE

Love is a beautiful thing and everyone needs to love and be loved. "One love" is a concept that is originated from Jamaica, the rastafarian movement long time ago. I was about five years old when my dad used to play the reggae legend's song "one love" by Bob Marley.

My father told me that what inspired this song was because of how Africans, particularly the blacks were looked down on, maltreated and dehumanised by the whites. The philosophy of "one love" is one that entails embracing unity, compassion and equality regardless of our different tribes and race.

One love is the act of showing love, kindness, compassion and empathy towards other people and embracing our shared humanity regardless of our nationality. In Christianity, the Bible says "love thy neighbor as thyself" in the book of Mark 12:31. "One love" means appreciating and respecting our diversity and letting go discrimination among us. It helps us to see ourselves as part of a whole promoting unity, kindness and equality.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE CONCEPT OF "ONE LOVE"

I grew up as a member of "The Apostolic Church, Nigeria. The church has different branches, the smallest branch is called a prayer house, next is assembly which is larger that a prayer house, then we have the district, then area, field and territory which is the largest.

A screenshot from facebook showing our convention.

We have a movement called witness rally which all members in the prayer house, assembly, district and other branches meet as one to celebrate Christ together. This movement encourages unity and "one love" in the church.

How can practicing "One Love" contribute to building stronger communities and relationships?

The concept of "one love" has the ability to build stronger communities and relationship if we embrace it. When we live in unity we become stronger. For example in Nigeria now, if we can enforce the power of one love by rising up to protest peacefully on the high cost of fuel and other things, our voice will be heard but here we are just suffering in silence.

One love encourages equal right, opportunities and treatment but in my country only people with good connections have good opportunities, our government are treated better while nobody cares about masses so the rich gets richer and poor gets poorer.

The concept of one love is not practiced again in my country hence we now have weaker communities and relationships. One love fosters understanding and support, promoting collective responsibilities.

In what ways can we spread the message of "One Love" in our daily interactions with others?

In our daily interactions we must try to engage in respectful discussion and tipping in inspiring stories of love and unity. We must learn to utter words of encouragement and support to others. Let our smile be contagious and use welcoming body language while going about during the day. Share uplifting posts on your social media that promotes unity and love.

If you can, support people financially by giving them a capital for business and be kind to people. Live an exemplary life of practicing the concept of "one love" and the message will spread naturally.

How do you think embracing the idea of "One Love" can positively impact society as a whole?

The idea of "one love" can have positive impacts on the society in the following ways:

1. If we embrace the idea of "one love", we will have the spirit of unity, compassion, understanding and welcomes diversity.
2. One love cultivates a peaceful environment, self-love and confidence.
3. When we embrace the idea of one love, we will spread positive vibes and joy around us.
4. It promotes peaceful coexistence, team work and productivity because there will be no room for cheating.
5. One love promotes mental well being and quality social relationship between people.

CONCLUSION

One love can create a harmonious and compassionate society challenging any form of conflict that might arise. It opens the doors for happiness and growth. Let's spread love and positivity in our words and actions.

I invite
@blessedbee
@joan-na
@udybrown

Special thanks to @Sahmie

💕ONE LOVE💕

Regards @beevicsam