Forgiveness, Faith Key to Peaceful Living, Says Anglican Bishop in Ilorin

 

Christians across Nigeria have been reminded of the need to prioritise forgiveness, deepen their faith and remain steadfast in righteous living as they commemorate Good Friday.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sunday Adewole, gave the charge during the 2026 Good Friday service held at the Cathedral of Saint Barnabas in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Delivering a sermon titled “The Way of the Cross,” the cleric stressed that forgiveness remains the bedrock of peaceful coexistence, warning that no relationship can thrive where grudges are allowed to fester.

According to him, “We must cultivate the habit of forgiveness. Forgive yourself and forgive others because we cannot live together without offending one another. Husband, forgive your wife, and wife, forgive your husband.”

Bishop Adewole also called on parents to be deliberate in shaping the future of their children through positive words and guidance, noting that spoken words have a lasting influence on a child’s confidence and direction in life.

“Let your confession be positive, especially over your children. Speak life into them and guide them in the right path,” he advised.

 

 

The bishop further challenged young people to see the care of their parents as a sacred duty, urging them to take responsibility for their wellbeing both morally and spiritually.

He encouraged worshippers not to lose hope in difficult times, reminding them that delays in life should not be misconstrued as denial from God.

“Delay is not denial. Stay faithful and do not lose hope. God’s plans will always come to pass at the right time,” he said.

Adewole also cautioned Christians against living in sin, urging them to remain disciplined and committed to God in all circumstances.

“Do not develop a taste for sin. Remain faithful and commit everything into the hands of God,” he admonished.

The service drew Anglican faithful from within and outside Ilorin, who gathered to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the lessons of the cross.

Also, on Friday at St. Jude Anglican Church, Osere, Ven. Gbenga Amoo,vthe vicar in charge, stressed the need for forgiveness even when we are not the offender.

According to him, the suffering, death and  resurrection of Jesus points to the need for Christians to be closer to God, be humble, be prayerful and shun sinful life.