By Olivia Obijiaku
Christians have been urged to forgive all those who have offended them, even if their offenders do not ask for forgiveness. Rev. Fr. Festus Ajibo of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina made this call on Saturday, February 8, 2025, during the Annual Prayer Camp of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Centre, Graceland, Zaria.
Speaking on the theme “Divine Favour,” the clergyman noted that some people intentionally offend others without seeking pardon. He advised developing a coping mechanism that absorbs and closes one’s heart against offences, preventing them from being harbored.
Fr. Ajibo warned about the consequences of anger, saying, “The enemy can access you from any point if you harbor anger, because you have the seed of anger inside you. You need to uproot those seeds. They are not planted by God and must be uprooted.”
The priest emphasized the importance of listening to the Word of God daily, stating, “The Word of God will help you have what you are looking for. Often, the enemy works to close people’s ears to the Word of God. When you hear and work with the Word of God, you will be disposed to receive every blessing that comes with it. Sometimes, God does not answer your prayers because you are deaf to His Word (Zechariah 7:11-13).”
Fr. Ajibo led the congregation in rejecting and renouncing sins of unforgiveness, envy, and hatred. He prayed that the Blood of Jesus would reclaim them from every form of captivity, offering themselves – spirits, souls, and bodies – to God.
