Pastor Redefines ‘Thanksgiving’ At Grace Re-builders Word Royal Assembly Church In Lagos

By Frank Oshanugor

As different churches in Nigeria hold their annual thanksgiving services in this last month of the year, Pastor John Obichukwu Nwaikwo of The House of Israel Ministry has given a clearer explanation of what thanksgiving means spiritually.

Preaching today as a guest at the Thanksgiving service of Grace Re-builders Word Royal Assembly church, Owode Lagos, Pastor Nwaikwo noted that over the years, many Christians have often perceived Thanksgiving as a time to appreciate God with food stuff, money and other substances.

According to him, such gesture is acceptable unto God but the real Thanksgiving to God should be evidence of people’s commitment to the commandments of God, paramount of which is showing of love to fellow human beings the way people love themselves.

While reminding Christians that “nobody can help God in fulfilling His expectations as some pretending Christians would want to do; since God Himself holds the entire world in His palm,”

he posited that God has ordered us to love one another and hold no grudges or evil-mindedness against others.”

However, he wondered how some Christians would audaciously claim to love God and boldly go for church Thanksgiving while their hearts are full of hatred and unforgiveness for their fellow human beings.

He subsequently posed a question, “is it possible to love God whom we do not see, while we hate our fellow human beings whom we see?”. He explained that if human beings must love God, they should first show love to their fellow human beings because love takes priority in God’s order.

The Pastor has therefore encouraged all Christians to always show love to their fellow human beings irrespective of tribe, religion, sex or social class. He enjoined people to always forgive the offence of others so that while they embark on Thanksgiving to God, their prayers and praises would be accepted by God.

Earlier in his brief sermon, the General Overseer of Grace Re-builders Word Royal Assembly, Apostle Valentine Ogheneochuko Chukwuemeka said he was grateful to God that his Ministry was celebrating another annual thanksgiving to appreciate God for sustaining members and their families throughout the year.

The service which was well attended by members and invited guests was a good

time to rejoice and give God thanks for His mercy, divine protection and provision.