Avoid violence, remain obedient during Easter
The Synod Secretary of the Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana, the Very Rev. Samuel Ofori-Akyea, has advised children to avoid all forms of violence and remain obedient to help build a peaceful country.
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He said when Jesus Christ was sent by His father to die in order to save mankind, he yielded to the father’s desires even though it was difficult, saying “that is what parents expect from every child.”
The Very Rev. Ofori-Akyea, who is also the Superintendent Minister of the Tema North Circuit of the church, was speaking to the Junior Graphic in an interview as Christians celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter to mark Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem, as well as His death on the cross.
He said Easter was regarded as the most important event on the Christian calendar and asked children to use the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to reflect on their lives and ensure that they did the right thing always.
The Very Rev. Ofori-Akyea further advised children to learn to be humble by imitating Christ who rode on a donkey when he entered Jerusalem, adding that " he could have ridden on any other animal but he chose a donkey to signify his humility.’’
He urged children to have a forgiving spirit and not pay others back when they offended them to prevent chaos in society.
The synod secretary, explained that Jesus, in spite of all the suffering he went through during his crucifixion, forgave His enemies.
He said the death of Jesus Christ had brought new hope to Christians and as children, they needed to be repentant whenever they went wrong so as to make it to heaven someday.
The Very Rev. Ofori-Akyea further explained that prayer and fasting during the period of Lent was important because it signified the shedding of one's sinful nature and drew one closer to God.
He, therefore, asked parents to help their children learn this practice and be guided by the Holy Spirit so as to lead an upright life.