By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
As Christians celebrate Easter, the Anglican Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has called on them to eschew all forms of extravagance and spend within their means.
Akinfenwa gave the advice in his Easter message on Sunday in Ibadan, warning that there is a high level of poverty in Nigeria, and so profligacy or waste at a time such as this was not only irresponsible but cruel.
“Let us all celebrate with modesty, and avoid going into debt. Instead, our surpluses should be channeled into providing succour to the needy.
“Most importantly, let us all seize the occasion of this season to draw closer to God and to know Him better through His Son, Jesus Christ,” he said.
The Anglican Bishop remarked that Jesus Christ laid down his life for the salvation of our souls and “where we deserved judgment, He showed us mercy.”
“In doing so, He left us an example of how to pursue reconciliation and promote love.
“We appeal to all Nigerians, especially our politicians, to learn from this example and lead the nation along the path of true reconciliation and healing.
“Furthermore, as we approach a new political dispensation, let our in-coming leaders learn from Jesus Christ, ho showed showed us that leadership should be exercised for the pursuit of the good and wellbeing of others.
“Let us all reflect on this lesson as we celebrate; and let both leaders and the led resolve to shun selfish, self-centered lives henceforth. A major lesson of Easter is that we must all learn to live ‘for others’,” he said.
Akinfenwa enjoined Nigerians, especially Christians never to allow the hardship being experienced in the country lately to weigh them down but to keep their hopes alive.
He urged them to emulate the lifestyle of Jesus Christ who forgave His enemies not minding the great harm they did to Him.
Forgiving one another, he said, would restore peace in the country, promote unity and foster national development.
The Bishop felicitated with the Oyo State government, Christian Association of Nigeria and all Christian faithful on the occasion of Easter.
“May the joy of Easter be ours both now and forevermore, happy Easter,” he said. (NAN)
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