This isn’t one of my usual stories.
This actually is an uplifting article. Something I feel I should share with you all personally.
I will try to be as simple as possible so here it goes.

Finding purpose through pain is something most people experience but few talk about openly. I think everyone has gone through a form of pain. It could be physical or emotional or both. My point is we have all gone through pain. It reminds us that we are human.
Purpose. Purpose is something everyone should have. Not everyone has realized it but everyone has it.
I recently went through an emotionally painful season in my life. It was a series of painful things that happened within a period of time and because there was no time to deal with each of them individually, I had to compartmentalize and then I went through something psychiatry calls “isolation of affect”. I detached the emotions from the situation and had to move on, to act.
When I first wrote this years ago, i remember the circumstances surrounding it vaguely but I know it wasn’t compared to what I have gone through over the years.

At the same time, my purpose wasn’t really revealed to me. I had an inkling of the things I would do and become but I wasn’t implementing anything and I felt waiting for a relationship would be my starting point. It was then in 2018, I made the decision to heal and accepted that everything else will fall into place as time goes on. I didn’t have much clarity but I just knew I had to grow and to keep going.
I am glad I made that choice because I am still single even now. Imagine I had waited to live😂

Back to the healing journey. I discovered I had layers of pain hidden, well tucked within me but I also discovered my purpose. You can say the pain gave me a probe to look within. It gave me a reason to turn inwards and find out what was missing.
Jesus came and began the process. I became more serious with my spiritual life and I opened myself to Jesus to take away the pain.
There was shame at first and regret, and at some point, there was a rock bottom that I thought couldn’t go much deeper, but it did. Oh it did.
Then light came on that road. I stopped looking within, and I looked up, and I saw light.
Light made me see.

Many times, we get consumed by our own burdens that we cannot see anything else and I get it. It feels like you are literally drowning.
But something happens when you let go and look up. Looking up here means looking to Jesus.
Looking up here means taking away the focus from that which plagues you so badly.
Look. Up.
It is when this happens that you finally see your pain in a different lens. There is a change that occurs.
>A change that forces belief. A change that forces faith. A change that makes people question your sanity because you start to smile genuinely even in the midst of hurt.
If you want to allow pain to change you, let it be that you become a better version of yourself.
Do not let it mould you into a model that is supposed to be outdated.
When light comes, you realize how closely tied that pain is with your purpose. With your destiny.

I wrote this originally in 2018 and looking back, I survived and even thrived. It seems so minuscule now and that’s what it will continue to look like.
Just imagine a space craft leaving earth, the farther it goes, the tinier earth becomes to it. Even an airplane in the sky, the higher it goes, the tinier things look on the surface.
Pain gives you perspective. It gave me perspective.
I still don’t know why some things happened to me, I may never know but I know a fact; that all things work together FOR GOOD to them that love God and are called according to his purpose(Rom 8:28).

You must also be brave. Deciding to rise higher means looking inwards and then looking up. The Ayo of 2018 wouldn’t have been able to handle what Ayo of 2025 passed through but it is by Gods grace I am who I am today and who I’ll be tomorrow.

To end this, I comfort you with the same comfort I have received. Like Samson’s riddle in Judges 14:14: “…Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet…”- Honey was found in the carcass of a lion.

Look up and be carried up.
Yours with so much love,

Ayokunle.

P.S: You can also read one of my posts here

The post Look Up by Ayokunle Adedipe appeared first on The Olive Branch.

Last Sunday, during service, my pastor preached about listening to God and allowing Him to direct our course in life.

As we bowed our heads in prayer, I suddenly remembered a song God gave me many years ago, and I found myself reflecting on it once again.

“Se bioitife ninu aye mi (Do as you please in my life)

Se bi wo loni mi (You own me)

To mo mi (you created me)

To mo mi (you know me)

Se bioitife o ninu aye mi (Do as you please in my life).”

I was 16 at the time, a new student in a beautiful secondary school. Mind you, I had already completed high school, but as a science student, I failed two major subjects. Even after attempting them again through GCE, I still did not pass. By then, I had completely given up on my dream of becoming a doctor. I had pivoted to something else. Perhaps I would have been a geographer today (a good one at that; I did so well in that subject).

Many of my friends know this story, and one day I will tell it fully (Just stick around)

A few people close to me know the many chapters of my life, but very few know that song. No one, except the Holy Spirit and myself, truly understood how I felt during that season.

I was deeply sad, yet still moving, living, breathing, and confused. The student who was once the best had suddenly become a failure. I lost my sense of identity and self-confidence, carrying shame and constantly second-guessing myself. The only place I could run to was God. That was where my journaling journey began. I poured my heart out on paper, and God used people around me to speak to me.

That morning, shortly after I turned 16, I was walking into the bathroom to start my day before leaving the hostel when God placed that song on my lips. I sang it with a heart full of uncertainty, fear, shame, and pain, but it became the song for my journey and for that season of my life.

It was a song of surrender. I allowed God to lead me and told Him to do as He pleased, because my life ultimately belonged to Him.

Gradually, I grew in my walk with God; I experienced him as a Father, and my faith grew strongly while I learned to rely on him alone. Aside from that, God gave me good friends during that season.

I remember songs from Donut Man’s club about Jeremiah at the potter’s house and also the potter and the clay song. God molds us into what He wants us to be and takes us through processes, and we come out beautiful and changed at the end. But that molding process can be tough.

“He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.” Jeremiah 18:6 NIV

The years have passed, and now everything is a story we can laugh about and be happy about, but that season was a tough one. The ‘making’ process indeed. I passed my WAEC, gained admission into the university to study medicine, graduated, and became a doctor.

The journey through medical school was not all smooth, but God held me through it all. The noise came, but it was silenced. I learned to tune my ears to his voice alone, and whenever I felt overwhelmed, I remembered that song that carried me once before.

I am deeply grateful for Godly parents who allowed God to use them to direct our lives. They introduced us to God early, mentored us, and helped us grow spiritually, knowing they could not do it alone.

The ‘me’ you see now is a refined one who continues to be pruned by God into the vessel he wants me to be. When you walk with God, everything about you changes.

When you have a relationship with the God who made you, made the world, and made everything in it. Why do you fight to do things on your own? The arm of flesh will fail you. Allow Him to lead you and take you on a journey of total surrender to His will and purpose for your life.

As the psalmist says in Psalms 16:2, “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’” NIV

“I said to Yahweh, “You are my Maker and my Master. Any good thing you find in me has come from you.” TPT

Let your heart trust God; let Him have your ears.

Don’t forget to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Thank you for walking with me. You can catch up on my previous posts here

With Love

Estee

The post Let God Write Your Story appeared first on The Olive Branch.

Happy New Year to you all, as I welcome you to the first edition of Singles’ World for the year 2026. It is my prayer that 2026 will indeed be a New and prosperous year for us in the name of Jesus Christ

In the previous editions, I discussed how people practice physical and emotional adultery in gross violation of the Word of God. I showed us very clearly that the Lord strongly condemns adultery and its various shades of practices.

In this edition, I want to discuss another form of adultery. My prayer is that the Lord will use this message to liberate and deliver those already ensnared in adultery and also keep the innocent from being victims, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Adultery goes beyond the physical act.

3. Digital Infidelity

The advent of information technologies and the proliferation of social medium have led to the prevalence of digital infidelity in society. Both the young and the old, Christians and unbelievers, deploy these technologies, albeit wrongly, both for personal and business purposes. Digital infidelity is common among the married and the unmarried. It occurs through private chats and sexting between a married man and another man’s wife. Both of them exchange honeyed and seductive chats that are considered inappropriate and immoral, such as “I am lonely, I am missing you, I can’t control how I feel right now, and I will not let you go. If I had seen you, I would not have married my present wife. Your thoughts make me go crazy, etc.”

Regular exchange of these seductive chats between a married man and another man’s wife through social media amounts to digital infidelity. This is because both of you have expressed your lustful thoughts in unmistakable terms for each other even though both of you have your legal partners. Besides, sexting also involves the acts of sending or receiving sexually suggestive photos or videos through phones or social media. It is common today to see a married man asking another man’s wife to send her nude or semi-nude images and sexual voice notes or emojis used with sexual intent. Married wives that are interested send them with relish to the married that they like. The point they are making is that even though we are miles apart, we can watch our nakedness online to spice our ‘love.’ Even when it is practiced between a man and his wife, it is considered an uncleanness; when a married woman sends her nude photo to another man, she is committing adultery with him digitally.

From the biblical perspective, it is only your spouse that is legally and biblically allowed to see your nakedness. In Genesis 2:25, the Bible says both Adam and Eve were naked as husband and wife, and they were not ashamed. It is therefore right, by inference, to say that it is shameful for a married man and another married woman to be naked before each other or to see each other’s nakedness when they are not married to each other. Sexual expression through any medium is expected to be shared only with one’s partner. This is because sexting involves sexual desire and attention even if there is no physical contact. If you practise this with another man’s wife or another woman’s husband, you have committed digital infidelity because sexual exclusivity has been broken.

Besides, sexting is often kept secret. It can be hidden from the partner, especially for those that have inquisitive spouses. Some also quickly delete such sexting and nude photos. This is because it violates the Word of God and the trust between the couple. When you are involved in sexting, you are creating room for emotional attachment to the person. It will deepen your emotional bonds while you are disconnecting yourself emotionally from your legal spouse.

You cannot be exposed to sexting and the nude photos of another man’s wife or another woman’s husband without experiencing sexual arousal and romantic connection with the person when this is what you should be experiencing with your legal partner. You have crossed the boundaries set by the Lord between your husband and your wife. Remember that part of the common marriage oath says that you will forsake others and cleave unto your partner till death do you part. Sexting and uploading your nude or semi-nude photos for another married man or woman to see violates your marriage oath. Even when done between two married people, it is morally questionable. A long-distance relationship is not an excuse for getting involved in sexting. What if your children see it or it leaks onto social media accidentally?

From the Bible perspective, sexting amounts to dishonoring your marriage and making your bed impure—Hebrews 13:4. Jesus expanded adultery beyond the physical by saying a lustful look at a woman amounts to adultery—Matthew 5:28.  In Ephesians 5:3-4, we are warned against sexual immorality and uncleanness (obscenity). Uncleanness or obscenity involves obscene speech, obscene images, sexual imagination, and arousal outside God’s boundaries. What is considered sinful by the Bible cannot be made holy by the digital platforms. Those who engage in sexting, explicit photos, and pornography are practicing digital infidelity. If it is between a married man and the wife of another man, they are practicing digital adultery. God will judge all those that commit adultery—Hebrews 13:4.  If you are involved, repent now before it is too late. If you are single and you are involved in sexting, you are practicing sexual immorality and obscenity. You have opened the gate of your life to sexual bondage. Repent now, and the Lord will have mercy on you.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World January ’26 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

Hi, I’m Olawumi Oladejo, and I’m 25 years old. I’m a content writer, a ghostwriter, and I’m also a fashion designer.

What motivated you to do this?

I’ve always loved seeing words beautifully woven together, and that made me want to write and tell stories of my own. I’ve always loved fashion and was really interested in learning how to make my own dresses.

 How long have you been doing this and what drew your attention to it?

I used to write poems as a teenager, but I started writing essays and articles about 5 years ago, honestly just because my friend believed I could write. As for fashion, it started as a hobby when I picked up using my mom’s old sewing machine. I also started learning how to sew around the same time as a teenager.

What do you enjoy most about what you do now?

The fact that it doesn’t feel like a chore. I love being able to write content that people can relate to and tell stories that they actually want to read. I also really enjoy sewing. I could honestly do it all day without getting tired. And I love that I get paid to do the things I love to do.

Can you describe a challenge you’ve faced in your role now and how you overcame it?

One of the challenges I’ve faced is dealing with clients who don’t communicate well. It can be difficult, but I’ve learned to ask important questions before starting any project.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What keeps you motivated and driven?

The passion I have for what I do. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, it keeps me grounded all the time.

How do you stay updated and continue to grow?

I’m a big believer in continuous learning and upskilling. I take new courses, watch YouTube tutorials, and read books on the things I do.

Can you share a significant accomplishment or project you’ve worked on recently?

Last year, I wrote a story for a client that later turned into a movie, and I got credit as the writer. That was my first time working on a film script.

What goals do you have in the near future?

I want to work with different brands as a brand storyteller, write my own book, and teach people how to write better. I also want to build my fashion brand into something worthwhile.

How do you maintain work-life balance, and in what ways does your faith influence your motivation and vision?

I’d like to believe I’m doing a great job balancing it all. Even when it feels like I’m doing more work than anything else, it can get hectic sometimes, but it’s worth it.

Being a believer has also shaped the way I see things, tell stories, the kind of contents I write and how I present myself to the world.

How have marriage or significant relationships impacted your personal and professional plans?

I wouldn’t say any relationships have impacted my personal or professional plans.

How do you see what you’re passionate about evolving in the coming years, and what steps are you taking ?

I see content and fashion merging in interesting ways.  There’s so much storytelling happening through fashion now, and I want to be at the forefront of that. I’m taking steps by experimenting more, collaborating with people outside my usual circle, and being more intentional about the projects I say yes to. I’m also working on building a stronger online presence to showcase both sides of what I do, because I think that’s where the real opportunities will come from in the next few years.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What will you tell their younger self?

Grab opportunities the moment you see them. Don’t overthink things, you can always learn on the job. What they will tell their younger self. Don’t be anxious about knowing how and when it will happen. You’ll definitely figure it out as you go.

The post Olive Volunteer Spotlight: Olawumi Oladejo appeared first on The Olive Branch.

‎Why does it seem like some people find the right path effortlessly, while you’re left trying, failing, and starting again? Why do some locate the right “well” to dig almost immediately, while you keep digging and hitting dry earth?

‎In those quiet spaces, comparison creeps in. Doubt settles. And slowly, you begin to believe you are behind. But the truth is simpler and kinder: You are not behind. You are just in a different season.

‎Life do not go on a straight line; it is a cycle. Some seasons are designed to stretch you, drill you deep into wisdom, and test your roots. Others are for gathering, reward, and visible harvest. What truly matters isn’t rushing the clock, but learning the specific lesson that your current season was sent to teach you.

‎In Yoruba philosophy, life is understood through the symbolic movement of the day: Àárọ̀ (Morning), Ọ̀sán (Afternoon), and Ìrọ̀lẹ́ (Evening). These aren’t just hours on a clock; they are stages of life and becoming.

‎Morning (The Season of Self-Discovery): This is the stage of awakening and preparation. It’s often uncomfortable because it’s filled with questions: *Who am I? What am I meant to do? It’s a time of inner searching that prioritizes clarity over speed and identity before achievement.

‎Afternoon (The Season of Persistence): This is where effort meets reality. It is the season of trying, failing, adjusting, and trying again. Many people feel “stuck” here because the work is hard but the results aren’t yet visible. This season isn’t about the harvest; it’s about building the endurance and discipline required to handle it.

‎Evening (The Season of Gathering and Refinement):For some, this is a visible harvest. For others, it’s a time of continued labor but with greater wisdom and structure. It is the moment where the “why” of the morning and the “how” of the afternoon finally clicks into place.

‎Transitioning between these phases often feels like a delay. But delay is not the same as stagnation.

‎Progress isn’t just the big launch or the new title; it is found in the quiet lessons, the small steady steps, and the character built when no one is watching. In the Christian faith, we are reminded that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” It’s a promise that darkness is a temporary bridge, not a destination.

‎A popular Man of God once said, “God did not bring you this far to dump you.” What feels like a setback is often deep preparation. What feels like silence is often preservation.

‎So, keep pushing. Keep believing. Keep showing up. Even when the ground feels dry and the “well” seems far off, you are moving forward. You aren’t behind. You are right where growth is happening.

‎Written by Olawumi Oladejo, Sharon Akingbade, and Pelemo Bisola

The post You’re Not Behind, You’re in a Different Season ‎ appeared first on The Olive Branch.

As the year 2025 draws to a close, reflection becomes both natural and necessary.

It is a time to pause, to look back honestly, and to acknowledge the journey that has unfolded over the past months.

For many of us, this year came with its fair share of highs and lows, moments of excitement and progress, as well as seasons of uncertainty, delay, and quiet struggle. Yet through it all, one thing remains clear: there is still so much to be grateful for.

When we reminisce on the year, gratitude should be our starting point. Gratitude for life, for strength, for lessons learned, and for the grace that carried us through moments we didn’t think we would survive. Not every plan worked out the way we imagined, and not every goal was achieved on schedule, but the

fact that we are still standing, still learning, and still dreaming is worth celebrating.

This year demanded resilience. It required patience in moments when progress felt slow and faith in seasons when the future looked uncertain. Looking back now, it has become evident that even the challenges played a role in shaping growth. There were opportunities that came unexpectedly, ideas that surfaced without warning, and experiences that stretched capacity in ways that could not have been planned.

This is why reflection is important. It invites us to go back to our journals, our vision boards, and our quiet thoughts.

Reflection is not about regret; it is about awareness. It is about recognizing progress, however small, and appreciating the courage it took to keep going.

One powerful truth to remember as the year ends is this: your dreams are still very much alive. It is not too late. You are not behind. And most importantly, it is not over yet.

As you go into 2026, have it in mind that your dreams are not too big. It’s very okay for the size of your dreams to scare you, but it should be your motivation to go for it all. You can achieve anything so far you set your mind to it.

However, dreaming alone is not enough. Planning and imagining are important, but execution is what turns intention into impact. Greatness is often defined not by how big a dream is, but by the willingness to act on it. As we prepare to step into 2026, it is important not only to reflect but also to plan intentionally. The coming year should be approached with clarity, not pressure. Be careful not to make decisions from a place of pressure.

Make sure to document this vision. Imagination is a God-given gift that allows us to see beyond our present reality. Writing your vision down gives it direction and structure. Journal your goals, dreams, and expectations for the year ahead.

Do the Research. We live in a global village. Someone has walked a similar path before you. Research equips you with knowledge, saves time, and strengthens confidence.

Start Small, Stay Consistent. Big dreams often start with small steps. Do not despise small beginnings. Consistency is the bridge between intention and achievement.

As this year comes to an end, choose hope over fear and gratitude over regret. Celebrate how far you have come, even if the journey is not complete. Keep your dreams alive. Plan with intention.

Move forward with confidence, because it’s not over yet. You’re only just getting started.

A piece written by Oladejo Olawumi, Akingbade Sharon & Pelemo Bisola

The post It’s not over yet appeared first on The Olive Branch.

Merry Christmas to you all, as I welcome you to the final edition of Singles’ World for the year 2025.

In the previous edition, I discussed infidelity in Christian marriage as one of the major causes of marital disharmony in the world today, including within Christian homes. We examined its prevalence and the clear position of the Bible on the subject. We also considered physical adultery as one of the forms of adultery practised in violation of God’s Word. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, I demonstrated that the Lord strongly condemns adultery and that there is no justification before God for committing it.

In this edition, I want to discuss another form of adultery. My prayer is that the Lord will use this message to deliver those already entangled in adultery and also preserve the innocent from falling into it under any guise, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Types of Adultery

Many people today congratulate themselves for supposedly withstanding infidelity. They confidently beat their chests and claim they are not involved in adultery simply because they are not physically engaged in sexual intercourse with anyone other than their spouses. However, such people may still be deeply involved in other forms of adultery beyond the physical.

Adultery does not manifest only in physical acts.

2. Emotional Affairs

This occurs when a person gives affection, attention, admiration, and emotional connection—which should primarily belong to their spouse—to someone else.

Many Christian men and women in marriage sometimes show more love and attention to someone outside their home than to their spouse. They may lavish the outsider with thoughtful gifts on birthdays, festivals, and special occasions, yet claim there is no money for their spouse. They freely praise the beauty, intelligence, achievements, and style of the outsider while rarely affirming their spouse.

They remember the outsider’s birthday with meaningful gifts but forget or give little on their spouse’s special day. Their attention is fully focused on the outsider, yet they interrupt, belittle, or dismiss their spouse, even when the spouse is right. They listen carefully to trivial matters shared by the outsider while ignoring important concerns from their spouse.

They tolerate and even enjoy the nagging of the outsider but view their spouse’s complaints as bothersome. Even during crucial family discussions, their spouse no longer has their undivided attention, while the outsider enjoys unrestricted access to their heart and mind.

When speaking with their spouse, their thoughts are elsewhere. They may be eager to leave home just to meet the other person, anticipating these encounters with excitement, yet feel little or no joy with their spouse. They are quick to hug, kiss, or show affection to the outsider, while rarely expressing the same warmth toward their spouse. Over time, they become emotionally bonded to the outsider, forming a deeper connection than they have with their spouse.

The spouse’s food suddenly becomes unattractive, while the outsider’s food seems delicious—not because the spouse cannot cook well, but because emotional affection has shifted. When a husband sincerely apologizes at home, it brings little satisfaction, yet when the outsider offers no apology at all, it is easily overlooked.

Such individuals hardly stay at home where their spouse and children can enjoy their presence. Even when they are home, they are in a hurry to leave because they enjoy the company of the other person more. Their hearts are gradually drifting from their spouse to another person—and they are enjoying it.

Even if there is no physical sexual relationship, this is still adultery.

Biblical Perspective

First, the heart is no longer guarded “with all diligence,” as commanded in Proverbs 4:23. Once the heart strays, sin soon follows. In Matthew 5:28, Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” This clearly shows that adultery can be physical, and it can also be emotional.

Ephesians 5:25 commands, “Husbands, love your wives.” When a man gives the love meant for his wife to another woman, he commits adultery in his heart. Likewise, Titus 2:4 admonishes wives to love their husbands. When a woman gives the love meant for her husband to another man, she too commits adultery in her heart.

Conclusion

Both physical adultery and emotional adultery carry equal weight before God. God’s design is for the husband and wife to become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31). When either partner becomes emotionally attached to another person of the opposite sex, the reality of this one-flesh union is destroyed.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Is your heart truly with your spouse, or is it with someone else?

• Are you physically at home but emotionally invested elsewhere?

• Is there a growing pull away from your spouse toward another man or woman?

• Has someone else taken your spouse’s place in your heart, occupying your thoughts—even without sexual involvement?

If so, adultery has already begun. Such a person needs to repent, confess, and seek restoration. The Lord is merciful—He forgives, heals and restores homes.

If you are single, let this teaching guide you. Flee from adultery. It destroys lives and ruins homes.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World December ’25 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

I warmly welcome you to the November 2025 edition of Singles’ World. In the last edition, we examined Omugwo as a cultural and traditional practice which, sadly, has become a source of conflict in many homes today. I sincerely hope that the series was impactful. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you when you arrive at that stage in your marriage.

In this edition, I want to discuss infidelity in Christian marriage. My prayer is that the Lord will use this message to guide our families and restore those who have already become victims of infidelity, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction

Infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce and marital breakdown in society today, including Christian homes. Many believers assume—though wrongly—that marriage is a cure for adultery because 1 Corinthians 7:2 says, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
However, marriage in itself does not automatically end adultery; at best, it regulates and disciplines our sexual lives. Sadly, in these end times, the enemy is relentlessly attacking marriages. Many homes have been destroyed by sexual immorality. Adultery thrives today not because the Word of God lacks the power to deliver but because many people ignore the foundational principles of godly relationships.

Jesus Himself acknowledged that marriage does not eliminate the possibility of infidelity. Being married does not insulate anyone from temptation. Even when you are not seeking immorality, some people may be seeking you. That is why Jesus made sexual immorality the sole legitimate ground for divorce. In Matthew 19:9, He declared: “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery…”

Hebrews 13:4 further warns, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
This shows that even within marriage, the marriage bed can be defiled. Therefore, marriage is not automatically a safeguard against adultery; rather, it places upon us a divine obligation to keep the bed undefiled.

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s stance against adultery has remained consistent. In Exodus 20:14, Scripture commands, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Proverbs 6:32 adds: “Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding…” And in Galatians 5:19, adultery is listed among the works of the flesh. The message is clear: God forbids adultery at all times.

The Prevalence of Infidelity in Society

The rate at which infidelity is spreading today is alarming. It cuts across all social groups—the poor and the rich, the educated and the uneducated, and the religious and the unreligious. Born-again Christians fall into it, as do unbelievers. Ministers of God, who ought to be gatekeepers and watchmen over the flock, are not exempt. Leaders and followers alike are involved. Some married academics engage in sexual immorality with students or colleagues. Public office holders, law enforcement agents, politicians, and many others do the same. Unfortunately, adultery has almost become normalized.

The rise in DNA testing has also exposed paternity fraud cases. Many men have discovered—often too late—that the children they have loved, raised, and sponsored for years were not biologically theirs. Some have died from the shock and trauma of such revelations. Likewise, some husbands openly or secretly engage in adultery. The truth is that both sexes are deeply involved.

Infidelity remains one of the most destructive threats to Christian marriage today. Though modern society and some indigenous cultures may tolerate permissiveness, casual sex, polygamy, and infidelity, these acts destroy Christian testimony and bring reproach to the name of the Lord. Romans 2:24 warns that it is because of such sins that “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles.”

Marriage is a covenant. When you break that covenant through illicit sexual relationships, you commit infidelity. The consequences are devastating, and infidelity is a grievous sin before the Lord.

Types of Adultery

Infidelity is more than physical sexual intercourse with someone other than one’s spouse. It manifests in several forms, including the following:

1. Physical Adultery

This refers to direct sexual involvement with someone other than one’s spouse (Exodus 20:14). When a married person engages in sexual relations outside marriage, adultery has been committed. Jesus further stressed that anyone who divorces a spouse for reasons other than immorality and marries commits adultery, and whoever marries the divorced person also commits adultery (Matthew 19:9).

This form of infidelity is rampant today. As Christians, we must cultivate self-control and remain content with the spouse God has given us.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World November ’25 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

I warmly welcome you to the October 2025 edition of Singles’ World. In the last edition, we examined Omugwo—a cultural and traditional practice that has, sadly, become a source of conflict in many homes. I discussed the major controversies surrounding the difficulty many couples face in deciding which of the two mothers-in-law should perform this practice.

In this edition, I wish to suggest possible interventions and practical ways to resolve such controversies. My prayer is that the Lord will use this piece to restore peace, harmony, and joy to your home in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Resolving the Controversy

As noble as this cultural practice is, if not properly managed, it can degenerate into a prolonged family feud and even breed deep-seated animosity. Therefore, it is essential for couples to discuss and agree on a plan that works best for both families.

1. Seek God’s Guidance Through Prayer

Since we are dealing with Christian homes, the first step is for the couple to pray together about it. They should jointly seek the face of God on who should come for Omugwo between the two mothers-in-law. The Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide, will reveal the right path.

Without the Holy Spirit, it becomes almost impossible to navigate the storms and rivers of life. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit may even instruct the couple not to invite either of the mothers-in-law. Whatever the divine direction, the couple must be sincere and united in knowing and obeying God’s will—without prejudice or deceit—especially when God’s choice may not please either or both parties.

The ability to discern the will of God depends on the couple’s spiritual maturity. When carnality and the flesh dominate, it becomes difficult to follow divine guidance. If either of the partners is not born again, it poses an even greater challenge, as the power and necessity of prayer may not be appreciated. Remember, a praying family is a winning family.

2. Alternate the Visits

Another option is to alternate Omugwo visits between the two mothers-in-law. This can serve as a fair middle ground for both families. However, the couple must ensure that they maintain a peaceful relationship with both mothers. If they strongly prefer one mother-in-law over the other, this arrangement may not work, as envy and resentment can easily arise.

For instance, how do you convince a husband’s mother to stay away when the wife’s mother comes repeatedly, or vice versa? Yet, if the couple’s relationship with both mothers is cordial and free from tension, alternating visits remains a practical and peaceful solution.

3. Communicate Openly and Honestly

The couple must engage in open communication—freely expressing their feelings, expectations, and genuine concerns. Such honest dialogue, conducted in love and without bias, will guide them to the right decision.

If it is known that one of the mothers-in-law is demonically possessed or spiritually or emotionally unstable, this must be discussed openly between the couple. Under no circumstance should one partner betray the other by revealing to the in-law the reason for her exclusion. The matter should remain confidential between the husband and wife. With godly wisdom, the couple should jointly prevent any troublesome or spiritually dangerous in-law from coming to perform Omugwo.

4. Seek Godly Counsel

 Finally, the couple may seek the guidance of a mature, Spirit-filled pastor or counsellor who is experienced in handling sensitive marital issues.

Conclusion

Flexibility, understanding, spirituality, and open communication are key factors in resolving Omugwo-related conflicts. May the blessings of God in your home never become a source of conflict, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World October ’25 appeared first on The Olive Branch.

I am delighted to welcome you to the September 2025 edition of Singles’ World. In the last edition, we considered the practice of Omugwo—a cultural and traditional institution that, unfortunately, has been the source of conflict in many families. I discussed one major controversy: deciding which of the two mothers-in-law should carry out the practice. In this edition, I wish to examine another sensitive aspect of Omugwo. My prayer is that this piece will bring light and peace to your family, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Controversy

When Culture Collides With Faith in the Home

One area of frequent conflict in Omugwo is the generational gap between the wife and the mother-in-law (or even the wife’s own mother). Many African mothers, despite education, exposure, and modern technology, still prefer to care for babies in traditional ways. On the other hand, most Gen Z wives, guided by education and medical advice, lean toward modern methods of childcare.

Take, for example, exclusive breastfeeding. Medical science recommends it as the healthiest practice for the first six months of a baby’s life—no water, no pap, nothing else but breast milk. To a traditional mother-in-law, this sounds strange and unnecessary. After all, she never practised it, yet her children—especially her son, now the husband—grew up strong and healthy.

Similarly, if it is the wife’s mother, she might remind her daughter: “I raised you with pap and local concoctions alongside breast milk, and you turned out fine.” Such differences easily breed conflict. Yet the Bible reminds us that “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). Godly wisdom helps us balance cultural practices with sound knowledge.

Another area of tension is the use of local herbs (agbo) for bathing or feeding the baby. Many mothers-in-law strongly believe these herbs cure infections and skin conditions, yet they are administered without any measurement or scientific backing. In contrast, orthodox medicine prescribes precise doses with tested safety. Similarly, traditional feeding methods—like forcing pap into a baby’s mouth—clash with modern, medically advised practices.

While a wife may be able to correct her own mother, opposing her mother-in-law often feels culturally disrespectful and risky. Scripture guides us here: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother” (Ephesians 6:1–2). Honour must be shown, but obedience is limited to what aligns with the Lord’s will.

The conflict deepens when some mothers-in-law resort to traditional medicine from diviners (babalawo), incisions or cultic rituals to address conditions like convulsions or persistent night crying. For the Christian wife, such practices are incompatible with her faith and convictions.

While spiritual attacks are real (Ephesians 6:12), such traditional solutions often expose children to demonic influence from infancy, without their knowledge or consent. This is deeply unfair and spiritually dangerous. The Bible warns us clearly: “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 6:16).

Born-again Christian wives particularly struggle when their mothers-in-law hold polytheistic or syncretic beliefs. To them, there is nothing wrong with traditional or cultic remedies, but to the Christian, these are spiritual traps. The Bible says: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

Another controversial practice is the chanting of panegyrics (oríkì) to calm or lull a baby to sleep. While beautiful in cultural context, many of these chants invoke ancestral ties that may carry spiritual baggage. As the baby responds, the ancestral spirits behind the words may lay claims on the child. A Christian mother, taught in spiritual warfare, will oppose such chants.

Yet, if the husband is spiritually weak or overly attached to his mother, the wife bears the brunt of the conflict. Scripture says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Training must begin with guarding the child’s spiritual atmosphere.

Even if it is her own mother who chants the oríkì, the disagreement remains sharp. The mother may dismiss her daughter’s concerns with words like: “What do you know? I am your mother. These chants are harmless.” This generational and spiritual clash can easily poison the atmosphere of Omugwo. The Bible cautions: “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Other conflicts arise in matters of hygiene. While the wife insists on washing hands, sterilising items, or even using masks where necessary—based on antenatal training—the mother-in-law may dismiss these precautions as unnecessary. After all, she raised her children without them. This difference leaves the wife worried whenever she leaves the baby at home. Yet, sending the mother-in-law away may cause lasting offense, resentment, and animosity within the family. The Bible advises: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

Sadly, what should be a joyful, supportive tradition—Omugwo—often turns into a source of strife, tension, and unending battles.

Conclusion

Omugwo is a tradition that should bring joy and support to families, yet the realities show that it often becomes a breeding ground for generational clashes, cultural disagreements, and spiritual conflicts. The tension between modern medical practices and age-old traditions, between faith in Christ and ancestral customs, and between honouring parents and protecting the newborn reveals how fragile this season can be. What should be a moment of peace after childbirth sometimes becomes a season of battles that test the unity of the home. The Bible is true when it says, “A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands” (Proverbs 14:1). The wisdom or the lack of it displayed during Omugwo can determine whether the family experiences harmony or strife.

The questions remain: how should Christian couples navigate these storms? How can they embrace help without opening doors to conflict? How do they honour their parents without compromising their faith? These are weighty matters that must be carefully examined, because the future of the family—and the spiritual destiny of the child—often hangs in the balance.

As the prophet asked: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World September ’25 appeared first on The Olive Branch.