FROM SAMSON Baba ALFA, MINNA.
Christians have been admonished to observe the Lenten period with forgiveness and reconciliation.
Bishop of Kutigi Anglican Diocese, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, Jeremiah Kọlọsi stated this in his Lenten message to the people of the diocese.
He pointed out that the Christian faith is embedded in the demonstration of forgiveness and reconciliation.
“This year’s lenten theme, “the confession of faith and its confirmation” is crucial to a true worshiper of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness and reconciliation means to no longer hold grudges against a person who has sinned against you”.
Bishop Kọlọsi re-enphasised that forgiveness has to do with an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger towards someone.
According to him, reconciliation on the other hand, means having fellowship and peace with God where there was enmity. It has to do with the relationship between God and man or man and man, as this is the next step after asking and receiving forgiveness.
“Your reconciliation with others is truly a blessing from God and one should seek it. It requires humility, patience, endurance and a lot of truth. Forgiveness and reconciliation originated from the book of Genesis to the New Testament”.
The bishop, who took his teachings from the books of Acts 11:23,Eph 4:32, Matt 6:14-15 and Luke 6:37, said God continues to showcase the act of forgiveness despite man’s iniquity, which is the reason why he sent his son, Jesus Christ in the form of man to die on the cross so that mankind can be reconciled to him.
The cleric noted that today, many families are in confusion because of lack of forgiveness, brothers and sisters hating one another and killing themselves.
“During this holy season of Lent, we are focusing on forgiveness and reconciliation as taught by the Bible. Let us seize this opportunity to pray for ourselves, family, diocese and the nation at large that God will forgive, restore, renew and reconfigure our lives and destiny.”
