Emphasizing Forgiveness, Reconciliation During Lent – Bishop Jeremiah Kolo.
By Our Correspondent.
In a heartfelt message for the Lenten season, the Bishop of Kutigi Anglican Diocese, Jeremiah Ndana Kolo, has urged Christians to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation as fundamental expressions of their faith.
Speaking to the Anglican Communion of Kutigi Diocese, the Bishop highlighted the importance of these virtues, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges faced by families and communities.
Bishop Kolo emphasized that true Christian faith is demonstrated through the sincere practice of forgiveness and reconciliation, which he described as the “lantern keywords” for this Lenten period. “This year’s Lenten theme, ‘The Confession of Faith and Its Confirmation,’ is essential for every worshiper of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he stated.
The Bishop outlined that forgiveness involves the deliberate choice to release feelings of resentment and anger towards those who may have wronged us.
Furthermore, he described reconciliation as the restoration of fellowship and peace—first with God and then with one another—highlighting that it follows the act of forgiveness.
“Reconciliation is a blessing from God that requires humility, patience, endurance, and honesty,” he remarked, noting that the messages of forgiveness and reconciliation span from Genesis to the New Testament.
Referencing scripture from Acts 11:23, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15, and Luke 6:37, Bishop Kolo pointed out that God continuously offers forgiveness despite human shortcomings, exemplified by the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, he lamented, many families today are plagued by conflict and division, with resentment leading to estrangement and even violence among relatives.
As Christians observe this Holy Season of Lent, the Bishop encourages individuals to focus on the teachings of the Bible regarding forgiveness and reconciliation.
He calls upon everyone to pray for healing and restoration within their families, their diocese, and the nation as a whole, invoking God’s grace to renew lives and destinies in the name of Jesus.
