- by Deborah Longe
- February 23, 2026
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The following is a transcription of On the Lord’s Side Podcast presented on GospelBellsRadio on February 23, 2026 by Olufemi Oguntokun. It may not fully match with the audio, but represents a near perfect transcription of the broadcast.
On Words That Cannot Be Taken Back
It’s Monday, the 23rd of February, 2026. The program is On the Lord’s Side — Christian perspectives on news and current events. My name is Olufemi Oguntokun. You can follow me on X, and you can follow GospelBellsRadio on X at Gospel Bells Radio.
There is an old saying often attributed to ancient wisdom: words are like eggs dropped from great heights. You can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall. That wisdom reminds us to be careful about what we say.
In the early days of social media, many people treated it as a dumping ground for whatever crossed their minds. It is not that people have stopped thinking horrible things. It is that many have become more careful about writing them publicly. The internet never forgets.
Consider the case of Anthony Weiner, former U.S. Representative for New York’s 9th Congressional District. In 2011, his career imploded when he accidentally posted a lewd photo meant for a private message onto his public Twitter account. Words and images, once released, cannot be retrieved.
Jesus said in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” What we say and write flows from the heart.
On Simi’s Resurfaced Tweets
Popular Nigerian singer Simi has been trending after old tweets from 2012 and 2013 resurfaced. In those tweets, written when she was about 23 or 24, she made comments about four-year-old boys in sexualised terms.
Many have pointed out that 23 is an adult age. The internet does not forget. Even if she says she did not mean it in the way people now interpret it, the words came from somewhere. We may not know the state of her heart at the time, but as Christians we must reflect on what such expressions reveal.
It is possible she has changed. If she has truly changed, that is something to celebrate. God does not hold our past against us when we repent. But the condition of the heart always matters.
On Eric Gugua and a Disturbing Old Tweet
Another Nigerian social media personality, Eric Gugua, also faced backlash when a 2014 tweet resurfaced in which he trivialised rape in a shocking and disturbing way.
He initially claimed he had bought the account from a blogger and was not responsible for the tweet, but evidence suggested otherwise. Even if someone has changed, we must confront the seriousness of such words. They reveal the depravity of the unregenerate heart.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
The permanence of the internet is an allegory of spiritual truth. Every idle word will be brought to judgment. We thank God for the forgiveness available through Christ, but forgiveness does not excuse carelessness. Guard your heart.
On a Newborn Abandoned With a Note in Bida
A newborn baby was reportedly abandoned at the gate of a residence in the GRA area of Bida on February 19, 2026. A note accompanied the baby: “Please help me to save my child, please.”
We do not know the circumstances of the mother. She may have been abused, raped, impoverished, or overwhelmed. We must be careful not to be judgmental.
What stands out is the note. It is possible to accompany wrongdoing with words that attempt to soothe the conscience. Like Pilate who washed his hands, or a judge who says, “My hands are tied,” statements do not absolve responsibility.
If abandoning the baby was wrong, the note does not excuse it. Empty words and platitudes cannot cancel failure to do what is right.
On the Killing of Sherif Shitu in New York
A Nigerian immigrant and aspiring fashion designer, Sherif Shitu, was shot dead inside Kwilox restaurant in Brooklyn. According to reports, a drunk patron was groping women, including Sherif’s girlfriend. A confrontation followed. When Sherif returned to retrieve his phone, the man allegedly shot him.
Galatians 5:19–21 lists drunkenness and orgies among the works of the flesh. First Peter 4:3 speaks of carousing and debauchery. Some ask where the Bible says not to go to a nightclub. While the word “nightclub” is not used, the principles are clear.
We live in a fallen world. Bad things can happen anywhere. But believers must exercise wisdom about where they place themselves. This does not excuse murder. The perpetrator must be brought to justice. But as Christians, we must walk circumspectly.
I pray the Lord will comfort the grieving family.
On a Troubling Bible Translation of Ecclesiastes 3:5
A Christian woman recently shared her shock at reading Ecclesiastes 3:5 in a modern translation that rendered it as “a time for making love and a time for not making love, a time for kissing and a time for not kissing.”
Most established translations, including the King James Version, New King James Version, New International Version, and others render it as “a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.”
The context of Ecclesiastes 3 is about seasons in life. While conjugal relationships have their proper place within marriage, inserting language that was not used in the original text raises concern.
We must not be naïve. Scripture must be interpreted within context. Radical departures should be examined carefully. This is why it is vital to raise children in the knowledge of the Word, so they can discern truth from distortion.
As believers, let us guard our hearts, guard our words, and hold fast to the faithful Word of God.