27/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

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Seeing God in all things A NYONE who has received religious instructions – whether in school or a place of worship – is taught that God

passive acceptance. The same principle applies in business. Success is never guaranteed. A new product may fail to gain traction, requiring refinement or withdrawal. At times, the issue lies not in the product itself but in its execution or marketing. Similarly, a retail venture with low customer turnout may signal the need for improved service or engagement rather than immediate closure. Ethics remain central in all circumstances. A fruit seller who conceals spoilage to make a sale compromises not only the customer’s trust but personal integrity. If one truly believes in an omnipresent God, that presence extends to every interaction, including with the buyer. In this sense, recognising divine omnipresence is not passive acceptance but an active commitment to responsibility, adaptability and ethical conduct. In our careers, we may assume that when opportunities arise, we are the natural choice. In reality, decisions involve multiple considerations. Not being selected does not necessarily signify failure; it can prompt honest reflection on effort, performance and growth. Awareness of divine presence also calls for a shift away from self centredness. If the divine resides within each of us, then our actions should reflect consideration for others, not merely personal gain. Harm inflicted on others ultimately reflects back on oneself. Self-centred behaviour is, therefore, not only ethically flawed but also self-defeating. This awareness extends to how we treat ourselves. If the divine resides

waiting for the other party to act, one takes responsibility for making the first move towards dialogue and reconciliation. This mindset begins within the family. It is a shared responsibility to nurture empathy, respect and moral awareness at home. Parents play a central role in guiding children to treat others – siblings, peers, teachers and elders – with dignity. These values help prevent conflicts from escalating and foster harmony in private and social settings. When practised widely, such values contribute to a broader culture of goodwill. Their relevance extends beyond personal relationships to the global stage. At the international level, many conflicts persist due to a lack of mutual recognition and empathy. Competing interests and historical grievances often hinder reconciliation. A more constructive path forward requires acknowledging differing perspectives and addressing legitimate concerns on all sides. Ultimately, conflict – whether personal or geopolitical – reflects a failure to recognise shared humanity. Lasting peace depends not only on institutions but also on a deeper commitment to empathy, restraint and mutual respect. A sustained awareness of interconnectedness and responsibility can guide individuals and societies towards more peaceful and cooperative outcomes. JoachimNg champions interfaith harmony. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

within us, then caring for our physical and mental well-being becomes a responsibility. Maintaining good health, hygiene and balance is part of that duty. A life lived with such awareness fosters peace and contentment. Even in difficult times, there may be value and opportunity. What appears as misfortune can, over time, yield positive outcomes. Gratitude, therefore, need not be limited to favourable circumstances. Humility, too, should not be misunderstood. To deny one’s abilities is to overlook the potential within. Each individual possesses talents that can be developed and used meaningfully. Recognising and applying these abilities in service of others is a constructive expression of purpose. In personal relationships, conflicts are at times unavoidable. Awareness of divine presence can steady emotions in such moments. Recognising that the same presence exists in the other person encourages restraint and a willingness to reconcile. Reconciliation, however, is not always immediate. When faced with hostility, the response need not be retaliation. Justice may still be pursued but without vindictiveness, guided instead by balance and mercy. When we fail to see beyond ourselves, we become narrowly focused on personal desires and interests. This inward focus often breeds mistrust, leading us to assume hidden motives in others. By contrast, recognising the divine in both ourselves and others promotes a more balanced approach – one that seeks mutual benefit rather than one-sided gain. Such awareness encourages initiative in repairing relationships. Instead of

is almighty, the supreme being. Yet, the depth of what “almighty” truly means is often left unexplored. To describe God as all-powerful is to recognise divine omnipresence – a presence that exists everywhere, at all times and in every circumstance. This understanding has profound implications for how we interpret life. If God is truly omnipresent, then the divine is present in every situation we encounter – favourable or otherwise. Yet, this is a reality we seldom acknowledge. In times of hardship, our responses tend to be selective. During drought, we pray for rain; during storms, we pray for calm. While such reactions are natural, they reveal a tendency to seek outcomes aligned with our immediate needs rather than to accept life in its entirety. Embracing omnipresence requires a broader perspective. Life unfolds through opposing forces – gain and loss, success and failure, victory and defeat, birth and death. These are not disruptions to be resisted but essential elements of the natural order. To accept divine omnipresence is, therefore, to accept life as it comes and to respond with resilience and wisdom. Fluctuating conditions challenge us to think critically and act responsibly. Consider a farmer affected by drought. Awareness of divine presence does not lead to blame but to action. Instead of attributing hardship to fate, the farmer studies weather patterns and adopts irrigation strategies. The outcome becomes a matter of informed decision-making rather than

“Awareness of divine presence also calls for a shift away from self centredness. If the divine resides within each of us, then our actions should reflect consideration for others, not merely personal gain.

Under One Roof

The art of grandparenting: Supportive without overstepping Q: How can grandparents support new parents without wearing out their welcome? I am excited to play an active and positive role in my grandchild’s life but I want to be careful not to overstep my boundaries with my son and daughter-in-law. raising your grandchildren, be careful how you broach the subject, especially with a daughter-in-law or son-in-law.

Remember, as parents, they have the final say and responsibility for how their children are raised. In nearly every situation, your role is to respect and support their decisions. The exception, of course, is when a parent’s behaviour or neglect puts a child at harm’s risk. Otherwise, offer advice only when it is asked for and focus on building a relationship where you can compare notes and share the benefits of your parenting experience. Q: I am in a serious relationship but I am struggling with fear of marriage because my parents divorced when I was a teenager. I am still dealing with the hurt from that experience. I don’t want to lose her but I also know we can’t wait forever. How can I move forward with confidence in this relationship? Focus on the Family Malaysia: We commend you for recognising that you are carrying “baggage” from your parents’ divorce, and especially for taking proactive steps to address it. This can be approached in three key areas: First, focus on yourself. Take time to honestly address your own

The greatest gift a grandparent can give their grandchildren is their time. – PIC BY FR EE PI K

Focus on the Family Malaysia: As a grandparent, you can have a profound impact on the lives and outlook of your children and grandchildren. The perspective you have gained from raising your own children is invaluable. It is an incredible gift to help your children see their children through the eyes of a love-struck grandparent, rather than viewing them as a source of non-stop responsibility. Perhaps the greatest gift you can offer is your time. New parents need a break now and then, especially single mums but it applies to married couples as well. Instead of saying, “Let me know if I can help”, suggest a specific plan: “How about I come over Wednesday at 6pm so you can go out for a couple of hours?” You can also extend an open invitation for them to call whenever they feel they have reached the end of their rope. However, here is an important piece of advice: if you don’t fully agree with how your children are

growth and commitment.

you. Honest communication can strengthen your bond. Finally, focus on the relationship. When the time is right, consider premarital counselling to build a strong foundation together. Eighty percent of couples who get premarital counselling stay together. Dating and marriage are a journey. You can intentionally work towards “divorce-proofing” your relationship before it begins – a process that requires patience,

struggles towards becoming emotionally healthy, whether you are in a relationship or not. This may include professional counselling to help process past hurt. Second, focus on her. Be open about what you’re going through – your fears, hesitations and emotional barriers. Make it clear that these stem from your parents’ divorce, not your current relationship. Let her know how she can support and work

This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com