The ABC's of Love

By Rotondwa Masindi

The ABCs of love is an engrossing, conversational guide to a
mentee’s meaningful, intentional romantic relationship, where
the author shares on delicate topics that parents often shy away
from teaching their children.
It is a striking masterpiece that considers challenges that juveniles
are likely to encounter when they spread their wings into romantic
relationships.
This self-help book is a must-have guardrail to safeguard young
people from repeating the mistakes that their forerunners stumbled
on. It carefully pinpoints how they are to navigate in the ways of
life and get the best out of love.
“This book will be profitable to those who want to pursue Godly
relationships as it touches on mistakes to avoid while pursuing
love: the dangers and extremes to avoid when dating in the early
years. I am confident that as you read through these pages, you
will find practical and yet spirit-filled guidance poured out from
a heart of a young man whom I believe God has raised to touch
the lives of many amongst us. Enjoy and be blessed.”
Tshilidzi Lidzhade

• Language: English
• Publisher: Digital On Demand
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780620993111

Book preview

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THE ABC’s OF LOVE

Copyright © 2021 Rotondwa Masindi

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

First published: 2021

ISBN: 978-0-620-94094-8

EISBN: 978-0-620-99311-1

Rotondwa Masindi 076 5639 754

[e-mail]

Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. ™

Edited by Kwanele Mncube 084 578 1945

Photographer : Siniko Xolo 060 449 5008

Cover photo : Vincent Mofokeng & Seluleko Mpanza 063 180 3285

Cover design, layout and type setting by Richy Publishers 082 755 0703

Printed by Digital Action

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my siblings: Shalom Mutondi, Muimeleli and Anoint Masindi. One day you will leave the nest, and I hope it will be handy in your endeavours. I love you!

Acknowledgements

To my dearest mentees: Ritshidze Nemauluma, Anelisa Jwili, Rofuniwa Nemauluma, Avhonaho Mbedzi, Rithuse Munzhelele, Tshililo Netshivhazwaulu, Vhukhudo Munyai, this book is for you.

Cherish it and let it be written on the tablet of your heart.

To my beloved parents: T.M Masindi and T.L Nemauluma, thank you for always supporting my dreams. May God bless you.

To Kwanele Mncube: I am indebted to you for your editorial assistance, keep on doing the Lord’s work.

To Wanga Netshivhambe, Ipfi Tshivhase, Samkelo Gasela, Tshilidzi Lidzhade, Olwethu Ndlovu, Mishumo Nefolovhodwe, Melissa Nkala, Ronewa Phamphe, Shumani Rambuda, Luvhani Makwarela, Tsireledzo Netshieneulu and Ndzalama Makhubele: This book would not have materialised if it wasn’t for your sincere contributions. The cover may bear the author’s name, but your inputs brought this book to life. Thank you and may God bless you.

Preface

On the 25th of March 2020, I was blessed to publish my debut book A letter to my mentee. The feedback I received on this masterpiece has been enormous, and it is incredible how the book was well received by people.

If you had told me earlier that within a year from my debut book, I’d be launching my 2nd book, I would have looked into your eyes and told you that you were bluffing. However, by the grace of God, a new book is birthed and I’ve concluded that God works in mysterious ways.

Matric results are out, and the mentees are coming out of their nests for the first time. They have been released from the high school wings that played a prominent role in their protection. A new chapter awaits them, and that’s what nudged me and gave birth to this enchanting book — The ABCs of love. It is a mentee’s guide to a meaningful, intentional and beautiful romantic relationship.

Upon observation, I saw the necessity to prepare them for college life. As their forerunner, who has been to varsity for years, it would be negligence to let them leave the nest without adequate guidance.

This book touches on delicate topics that parents often shy away from teaching their children. I’ve noticed how parents are mostly reactive instead of being proactive. They talk about things once we get into trouble instead of educating us about those things while all is well. Authoring this book felt like changing the narrative, and starting to teach about things that are considered as taboo by parents.

It is a striking read that considers challenges that juveniles are likely to encounter when they spread their wings into romantic relationships. I found it to be a must-have guardrail that protects them from falling into the pit that generations that went before them stumbled upon.

In this book, I’ve shared candidly, and allowed my own vulnerability to drive the lessons home to my mentees. I’ve shared with them things that I firmly believe have the power to either build or destroy their lives if they are not careful.

It’s a relatable and conversational book that is saturated with critical life lessons. I cordially invite you to come aboard this journey of becoming with me, as I lay down the principles that are likely to make you succeed in your romantic relationship.

I must say as a disclaimer: This book is not a one-size-fits-all. I firmly believe that we ought to have our own unique love stories. Let it serve as a guide to pinpoint how you are to navigate in the ways of life.

With God leading our hearts, I believe that love is one thing we should enjoy and glorify Him with. I am rooting for your success, and may it go well for you spiritually and physically.

Yours with love,

Rotondwa Masindi

Foreword

In this book, Rotondwa shares pearls of wisdom from an authentic voice of a young Christian graduate. He reveals I mysteries on lust mistaken for love. For example, he writes these powerful words, Dear Mentee, allow me to point out that love is not sex. Sex is something that God designated for people to consummate in marriage. However, scores of people in our generation believe otherwise, as they think it is a formidable part of their relationships.

It is my strongest desire that young people should focus on seeking the Lord more than anything. In the book of Matthew 6:33, we are told to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto us. This means that even the relationships we sought after should come after seeking God first.

God knows all the things we need, including love and relationships, and He assures us that when we pursue His kingdom, all these things are bestowed on us as an added bonus.

As Rotondwa writes, it becomes clear that he wants the young generation to be reminded of their worth, hence, he shares these words, Love with your mind, I’ll stress it again, don’t be a doormat that someone can always come take their dirt out on. Dear lady, you deserve a whole queenly treatment. My dear brother, that kingly treatment must not be taken away from you. Don’t settle for less.

The Bible talks about God’s will, which is good, pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2). Wouldn’t you rather be in a perfect will of God for your life concerning that relationship or marriage? We serve a God of free will. He is a loving God and He will not by any chance force you into anything. He will let you go with your choice because of His undying love for humanity, but keep in mind that in as much as we are permitted to make choices, we are not exempted from facing the consequences that yield from our choices.

In the same tone, wouldn’t you rather be in a meaningful relationship ordained by God? If we are not wary, the era we live in might consume us greatly such that we lose ourselves in the world even when we are told not to conform to the pattern of this world.

The truth is, Godly love does exist, although it comes at a price; seeking God’s perfect will, praying and waiting in God. The world we live in makes it difficult to uphold the Christian values and standards because once we are seen seeking to live in a way that God wants, the world describes us as those who think they are better than others.

To my dear sister or brother waiting in God, keep waiting while doing right. Don’t be shaken or moved or lied to, God will answer you and when He does, it will be like a dream, too good to be true when you find the one God created and designed for you. Keep waiting, keep your priorities in check and make God come before anything else for when you do so, you are to partake in the benefits of the kingdom. Your reward is on its way.

It was in my pursuit for God that I found true and Godly love. Love so pure that it still feels like a dream. I found love that makes me grow more in God, love that