Learn to Forgive: Apostle Agbalenyoh

The Presiding Missionary of the Seventh Day Theocratic World Congregation, Apostle Kadmiel E.H. Agbalenyoh, has emphasized the age-old saying: “To err is human, but to forgive is divine.”

He has, therefore, urged humanity to embrace the power of forgiveness.

“The act of forgiveness is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish in the world. It is easy to offend others, but extremely difficult to forgive,” Apostle Agbalenyoh observed during a Sabbath school lesson on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the church auditorium in Homedakrom (Shalom Shalom).

He stressed that in light of this challenge, individuals should strive to avoid offending others—whether it be a spouse, child, church member, or any other person—because offenses are not easily forgotten or forgiven.

Apostle Agbalenyoh highlighted the difficulty of forgiving individuals such as rapists, those who destroy businesses, false accusers, fathers who rape their daughters, adulterers, teachers who impregnate schoolchildren, pastors and deacons engaged in immoral acts, and many more. He noted that most people struggle to control themselves when confronted with offensive situations. Hence, he urged believers to cultivate patience, tolerance, and respect for their neighbors.

Why Is It Difficult to Avoid Offensive Conduct? (Matthew 18:7-9)

Addressing this question, Apostle Agbalenyoh explained that aggressive spirits tend to control humanity more than any other force in the world. He identified the main causes of offensive behavior as a lack of self-discipline, tolerance, and the inability to manage aggressive situations.

“Couples experience domestic violence because they lack understanding and compassion when faced with unwarranted offenses. As long as day and night exist, offenses will continue to challenge humanity, but they can be overcome through understanding and divine tolerance,” he stressed, citing Matthew 5:19.

God Is Forgiving

Citing Matthew 18:23-27, Apostle Agbalenyoh underscored that God Almighty is always ready to forgive those who genuinely repent and seek His grace.

“Since He will not allow Satan to deceive the world, God forgives sinners and redeems them from the control of evil. To offer forgiveness and deliver His children from sin, Christ Jesus was sent by the compassionate Creator to save and protect sinners. God accommodates offenders who have genuinely repented, confessed, and sought His forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7),” he emphasized.

How Do People React When Offended?

The Apostle observed that some people are not only unforgiving but also ungrateful and resentful, being controlled by Satan. He lamented that while such individuals seek forgiveness and compassion from God, they are often unwilling to extend the same mercy to others.

“The children of Satan are those who encourage and support offenders in their aggressive conduct,” he noted.

What Does God Do to Such People?

Apostle Agbalenyoh asserted that the greatest enemies in the world are those who receive forgiveness but refuse to extend it to others. He warned that such individuals will first be judged by their neighbors before facing the ultimate judgment of God.

Did You Forgive Your Neighbor?

The lesson also focused on five thematic topics, including:

1. The importance of forgiving one’s offenders
2. The necessity of forgiving one’s spouse, neighbors, oneself, and children

By S.O. Ankamah