Pretoria – In celebrating the life of late former President Nelson Mandela, Senior Pastor at Touch the Nations Ministries, Dr Ben Kleynhans, has urged the nation to carry on with his spirit of forgiveness.
“Mandela believed that reconciliation is a spiritual process and as we celebrate the life of one of the most inspiring men in the world, we take comfort in knowing he leaves behind an indelible legacy of love.
“Madiba leaves the nation of South Africa as a sterling example of how good can overcome evil, and how forgiveness in the face of human assault can overcome retribution,” said Kleynhans as the world observes National Day of Prayer and Reflection in honour of Mandela.
He said Mandela could have chosen to be bitter after being imprisoned for nearly three decades, instead, he rose above the din of anger to speak out about the virtues and healing power of love.
His life was yet another reminder and proof about the origin, nature and peculiarity of the human species, said Kleynhans, adding that the true legacy left behind by Madiba went further than his international accolades and political influence.
“Mandela established his legacy based on reconciliation, restoring relationships as a way towards freedom from violence and self-destruction.
“His legacy of reconciliation supports a number of core ideals of the Christian faith. The ideal that we were created to be reconciled sits at the heart of the message of Jesus Christ and his demonstration of forgiveness ‘turns the other cheek’. Mandela, no stranger to political opponents, reflected the heart of loving one’s enemies.”
President Jacob Zuma declared today as a National Day of Prayer and Reflection following the passing on of Mandela on Thursday evening.
Zuma is expected to attend a service at the Bryanston Methodist Church in Johannesburg.
“We should, while mourning, also sing at the top of our voices, dance … to celebrate the life of this outstanding revolutionary, who kept the spirit of freedom alive and led us to a new society.
“As South Africans, we sing when we are happy and we also sing when we are sad to make ourselves feel better. Let us celebrate Madiba in this way, which we know best. Let us sing for Madiba," said Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za
