Group tells Christians to emulate Christ, show love to one another on Easter
Engr.Christian Mike Onyekachi, Muslim and Christian leader.
As Christians in Nigeria join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate Easter, which falls on Sunday, March 31, 2024, to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Chairman of the Muslim and Christian Youth Council of Nigeria (Imo State branch), Engr. Christian Mike Onyekachi has called on Christians in Imo State and beyond to emulate the Saviour whose resurrection is being celebrated on Easter and show love to one another.
Onyekachi made the call in a statement in Owerri on Wednesday, saying that with love, “we can contribute to our various communities and help address the security, social, and economic challenges we face.”
He said: “As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter on Sunday, a season of hope, renewal, and love, it is essential to reflect on how we can contribute positively to our communities, especially in addressing the prevalent social, economic and security issues in Imo State.
“In recent times, Imo State has faced social, economic, and security challenges, leaving many people in fear and want. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light of the world and to spread love and compassion to those in need. I believe that this Easter presents an opportunity for all of us to come together and leverage the power of love to make a meaningful impact in the fight against insecurity, economic, and social inequality.
“Love, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, is a powerful force that is capable of transforming individuals and societies. Embodying the principles of love can make Christians contribute in several ways to address the root causes of insecurity and socio-economic dynamics and promote peace and stability in the state.
“I believe sincerely that there are so many ways we as Christians can demonstrate love, some of them being through acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity towards those affected by insecurity and those in need. This can include providing support to displaced families, offering assistance to victims of violence.
“Christians can also use the Easter period to promote reconciliation and forgiveness as pathways to peace and security in Imo State. Extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us and fostering reconciliation among divided communities, we can help to break the cycle of violence and build a foundation for lasting peace.”
Noting that Easter has become more than just a holiday, Onyekachi added that Easter has become a symbol of unity, kindness, and the transformative power of love. He said that over the years, Christians have learned that by showing love on Easter and every other day, they could make a positive impact on the world around them and spread light in even the darkest of times.
Onyekachi said that “Love lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ’s teachings emphasized love for one another, forgiveness, and compassion. In the spirit of Easter, we are called to exemplify these values and show love not only towards our families and friends but also to strangers, enemies, and everyone in need.
He called on Christians to take the lesson of love demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan as told by Jesus Christ, noting that the parable is a timeless and powerful story found in Luke 10:29-37, which teache a profound lesson about love, compassion, and kindness.
He said: “This parable serves as a guide for how we should treat others and emphasizes the importance of showing love to those in need, regardless of our differences, and Easter provides an auspicious time for all of us ro show love.
“The story of the Good Samaritan emphasizes the importance of practising love and compassion towards all human beings, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or beliefs. The Samaritan did not let societal norms or prejudices dictate his actions but chose to show kindness and care to a fellow human being in need. That is what we should do every day.”
