Bible Society of Zimbabwe produces Selection to encourage reconciliation

HARARE, Zimbabwe — “God is in the business of making friends with everybody.” This is the message that the Bible Society of Zimbabwe is seeking to convey through a new Selection on the theme of reconciliation, as the country continues to experience political turmoil and severe food shortages.

The Selection, entitled Who is my Neighbour?, is due to be distributed before Christmas. It is the Bible Society’s “contribution towards peace and reconciliation” in Zimbabwe, according to General Secretary Edward Mutema. Producing this Selection is part of the Society’s strategy of being “ahead of the pack” in developing material to overcome the “despair, hopelessness, fear and discouragement” arising from the famine that has swept across Southern Africa (see Latest News #205 and #210). For Mr Mutema, the Society’s priority must be to “provide spiritual food to those who are hungry and, in some cases, dying”.

Through Bible passages on themes including forgiveness, breaking down barriers, conquering evil with good, showing love and serving others, Who is my Neighbour? challenges readers to “demonstrate the characteristics of neighbourliness,” as in this way it will be possible to “build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous nation to the glory of God.” Opening with the parable of the Good Samaritan, it goes on to remind people that they must show God’s love in their dealings with others and that they must live in peace with everybody, regardless of their background, emulating the humility and obedience demonstrated by Jesus.