The value of a plug lies in its function to seal something that is leaking. In the search for a reliable plug, the idea of a ‘sure plug’ has emerged as a local lingo among Nigerians to express something or an idea that is considered as certain or reliable. While it is possible to say this about objects, the reliability of humans can never be absolute since we are all fallible, broken, and limited. As humans we can make mistakes even in our sincere effort to love and care for the other. We can betray trusts. We can make choices that invariably hurt another person even when this is not the intended outcome.

If we are to consider our offer-of-trust as a plug that fixes the leakages of another person, then we can only be described as a sick doctor because of the imperfections that we have and our need for the reception-of-trust. God is the only one who can give without needing anything in return. Our best effort at imitating God is shown in the best stories of reliable friendships and exemplary lives of service of noble and saintly men and women. Yet, it is only the grace of God that can sustain such exceptional examples.

The point remains that the only ‘sure plug’ we can get is God rather than fellow human beings. Realizing this helps us to become patient, understanding and gentle with one another, recognizing the limits of our strengths and appreciating sincere efforts that we make. It also helps us to know that we can only find real trust and hope in the Lord, the One who guarantees our blessedness even in the most difficult seasons (Jer.17:5-8; Lk.6:20-26). And what is more: even if death should catch up with us, the Lord alone can guarantee our resurrection to life eternal (1Cor.15:12-20). Beloved friends, God alone is our sure plug, both here and hereafter.