OBIARUKU/Nigeria: Christians have been called upon to do the work of God cheerfully, willingly and joyfully.
This call was made by Venerable Pat Okoh at the St Peter’s Anglican Church, Obiaruku during the church’s 2017 Harvest Thanksgiving Service with the theme “Come Let us build the house of God”.
Ven.Okoh who read from Nehemiah 2:17-18 said that all that Christians have was given to them by God and God has a purpose for giving them such gifts. He added that, they should at all times display the right attitude towards giving and be willing to give cheerfully, because God loves cheerful givers.
According to him, “when we give generously, it shows that we are thankful to God for what He has done for us, for where we are and what He has given to us”. He stated that whatever Christians have was given to them by the mercies, love and grace of God and not by their power, beauty or connection.
In his words, “All that we own today was given to us because God loves us and He committed its possession into your care; it’s not because you are powerful or beautiful”, he said.
He therefore, advised Christians not to be like the rich fool in the Bible but rather they should follow Jesus’ example and develop the willingness to give no matter their level. “The most important thing about giving is not in the amount but in your willingness to give whatever you have with a cheerful heart”, he added.
He assured Christians of God’s blessings when they give for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. He encouraged the members to always endeavour to obey God’s command concerning giving; he admonished the church not to rob God by not paying the one tenth of all their incomes to God.
The clergy also enjoined the congregation to always remember that it is God that gives the power to make wealth.
Speaking shortly after the service the Vicar-in-Charge of St Peter’s Anglican Church, the Rev’d Victor Okuazu expressed his gratitude to God for the success of the 2017 harvest thanksgiving and prayed God to continue to bless the members for their labour of faith.
