“God Reads Hearts, Not Skin,” Says Mike Abdul Amid Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Tattoo Controversy

Image;Instagram 

Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Mike Abdul has sparked conversation on social media with a reflective post about tattoos, following the public debate surrounding Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo and a tattoo he revealed on his 50th birthday.

Taking to his Instagram page, Mike Abdul offered a thoughtful perspective on the spiritual and cultural significance of tattoos, urging the public to reconsider the stigma often associated with ink. 

He stated;

“Tattoos were used for identity, memory, status, covenant, and storytelling across ancient cultures, nothing more,” Abdul wrote, emphasizing that markings on the skin do not diminish a person’s sanctity. “Tattoos don’t dishonour the body. What dishonours a temple is not writing on the walls; what matters is what the mark points to, not the mark itself. God reads hearts, not skin.

'Ink without conviction is decoration.Ink with conviction is remembrance.If a tattoo leads you closer to gratitude, identity, or reverence, it has served a good purpose for you.Faith is not proven by unmarked skin, but by transformed lives".

The gospel star drew a distinction between ink as mere decoration and ink with purpose, noting, “Ink without conviction is decoration. Ink with conviction is remembrance.”

He explained that a tattoo can serve a meaningful role if it brings someone closer to gratitude, identity, or reverence, framing the act as a personal and spiritual expression rather than a moral failing.

Mike Abdul concluded his post with a reminder that faith is measured not by unmarked skin but by transformed lives, challenging societal assumptions that external appearance reflects spiritual maturity. 

His message comes at a time when Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo’s tattoo a symbol he reportedly got to commemorate a milestone birthday has drawn mixed reactions online, highlighting the tension between contemporary expression and traditional religious expectations.

Abdul’s post has since resonated with fans, sparking dialogue about the intersection of faith, personal identity, and cultural expression. By shifting the focus from the body to the heart, he encourages believers to see tattoos not as a distraction from spirituality, but potentially as a meaningful testament to personal growth and devotion.

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