In this Jubilee Year, themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, we are reminded that forgiveness is not only a moral imperative, but also a spiritual necessity. By embracing forgiveness, we can experience the liberating power of God’s mercy, and we can become instruments of healing and reconciliation in our families, communities, and world. BETTY AMUKPO chats with some teens on the importance of forgiveness in the Jubilee Year. Their views:
‘Jubilee Year of Hope is a year set aside to embark on pilgrimages and forgive’
The Jubilee Year of Hope, with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, is a particular year set aside to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others and renew a focus on the spiritual life. Forgiveness is a core principle that promotes reconciliation, compassion and love. It is a way to heal from resentment and bitterness and to experience joy and peace. Forgiveness is also a way to grow spiritually, get closer to God and to reflect God’s character. Colossians 3:13 states, “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Note: Forgiveness is also a way to heal.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘God forgives us at any point we seek for forgiveness’
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” states Colossians 3:13 (NIV). From this verse, we are meant to understand that one of the importance of forgiveness is the remembrance that God forgives us at any point we seek for it and we are cleared which is a path of seeking spiritual growth.
• Eyinade Gideon
‘Forgiveness fosters peace and healing’
Forgiveness is essential in Christianity, reflecting God’s mercy toward us. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15 that forgiving others leads to God’s forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 urges believers to be kind and forgiving, just as God forgave us in Christ. Forgiveness fosters peace and healing.
• Arnold Kamsy Akalezi
‘When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment and anger’
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of our faith, and it is essential for us to understand its significance. Jesus taught us to forgive others just as God forgives us (Matthew 6:14-15). This lesson is crucial for our spiritual growth and well-being. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment and anger. Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and hurt, causing harm to ourselves and others. On the other hand, forgiveness brings healing, peace, and restoration. As the Bible says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). This scripture emphasises the importance of forgiving others, just as God forgives us. In conclusion, forgiveness is a vital lesson for us. By forgiving others, we demonstrate our love and obedience to God. As we practice forgiveness, we experience the freedom and peace that come with it.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘If you harbour unforgiveness, you will be holding onto bitterness and thinking badly of others’
Forgiveness is good for you. If you harbour unforgiveness, you will be holding onto bitterness and thinking badly of others, sinning and opening a door to the enemy to get into your life and cause havoc. Mark 11:25 tells us whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your father also who is in heaven may forgive your trespasses.
• Laura Okorafor
‘Unforgiveness stands between you and God’
Unforgiveness stands between you and God, because we are all sinners, and through grace, God has forgiven us and see us as righteous. If God can forgive us all, we can also forgive others. Mathew (6:14 -15) tells us that if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you, but if you don’t forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly father won’t forgive you.
• Justin Okorafor
‘Jesus said forgive seventy times seven’
Forgiveness is important because it brings peace and helps us live like Jesus. Jesus taught us to forgive always: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). He also said, “Forgive seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22), showing that forgiveness has no limit.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Forgiveness promotes emotional freedom and strengthens relationships’
Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows us to focus on ourselves and help us to go on with life. Jubilee Year of Hope helps us to repent from our sins and enable us to forgive others. We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. Unforgiveness, can lead to spiritual bondage. Matthew 6:15 says, if you do not forgive others their sins, our heavenly Father, will not forgive you of your sins. Forgiveness brings freedom, promotes healing, and it strengthens relationships. St Paul, wrote, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free, stand firm and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).
• Chima Anita
‘Forgiveness draws us closer to God’
Forgiveness is a process, and we often have to forgive someone or a situation over and over again until we feel at peace (Matthew 18:22). Forgiveness is also a path of prayer, as we cannot forgive by our own power, but only through the grace of God (Matthew 6:14- 15). Forgiveness makes us experience inner peace, draws us closer to God, releases one from the burdens of resentment, promotes healthy relationships, reflects God’s character by extending grace to others, and ultimately achieving spiritual growth and healing by letting go of past hurts. Ephesians 4:32. If we don’t forgive, God will not forgive us too (Matthew 18:23- 35).
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘Forgiveness is a vital part of the Catholic doctrine’
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of Catholic doctrine, and it plays a crucial role in the lives of Catholics. Forgiveness brings healing and liberation from the burden of resentment and anger. Forgiveness can restore relationships and promote reconciliation. Forgiveness is essential for spiritual growth, as it allows us to let go of sin and focus on our relationship with God. Forgiveness is a powerful witness to God’s love and mercy, and it can inspire others to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Pray for the ability to forgive and for the person who has wronged you. Forgiveness is a vital aspect of Catholic doctrine, and it plays a crucial role in the lives of Catholics. By practicing forgiveness, we can experience healing, liberation, and spiritual growth, and we can witness to God’s love and mercy.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘Forgiveness is mainly for your own benefit, not the person you forgive’
Forgiveness is mainly for your benefit, not the person you forgive, as long as you feel like a victim. Colossians 3:13, tells us to be tolerant with one another. Whenever any of you have complaints against someone else, you must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you.
• Goodness Matthew
‘Forgiving helps us to grow’
Choosing not to forgive gets us stuck in our own path, preventing us moving forward. Without forgiveness you are constantly stuck in your own path. Forgiving helps us to grow; once you have forgiven anyone in your life you fill relieved. As it is written in the book of Ephesians 4:32. Be kind to one another and tender hearted, forgiving one another. As God in Christ forgives you.
• Okereafor Chisom
‘By forgiving, we obey God’s commandment’
The Jubilee Year theme: Pilgrims of Hope is to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others, The Bible emphasises forgiveness as a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. In both the Old and New Testaments, God is portrayed as merciful and forgiving, encouraging believers to seek forgiveness and extend it to others. Mathew 6; 14; Ephesians 4 ;31- 32, Spiritually, forgiveness connects us more deeply with God. It allows us to mirror God’s mercy, fostering a closer relationship with Him. By forgiving, we obey God’s command, opening ourselves to receive His forgiveness and grace. Mentally, forgiveness can lead to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. Colossians 3:13, Luke 6:37, Mathew 6;14-15. In conclusion, forgiveness is a spiritual growth: Forgiveness helps you grow spiritually.
• Sobayo Dorcas
‘Forgiveness frees us from bitterness’
Forgiveness is essential for ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. As Matthew 6:14-15 states, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.” Forgiveness frees us from bitterness, allowing us to walk in hope and experience God’s forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32).
• Agbo Josephine
