Make Forgiveness A Hallmark

Reverend Mrs Patricia Akpene Tegbe-Agbo, has appealed to Ghanaians irrespective of their religious beliefs, political inclinations and ethnicl backgrounds to forgive one another for peaceful co-existence for national development.

She said unforgiveness is a canker, which has eaten deep into the national fabric resulting in the numerous satellite conflicts within homes, families, communities, institutions, political parties among others.

“The interesting thing about unforgiveness is that, it breeds resentment, rancour and eventually the desire to retaliate or pay back.

“Let us all remember that what begins as just a misunderstanding between two individuals can swell to become tribal conflicts or even wars among nations where none of the parties is willing to forgive,” she observed.

Rev Tegbe-Agbo, who is the Public Relations Manager of the Global Evangelical Church, made the appeal during her maiden sermon on the theme: “Forgive” after a Post Commissioning Thanksgiving and Homecoming Service held in her honour at Agape Chapel of the Church at Hohoe, in the Volta Region.

She said several people have been treated unfairly while others have had bitter experiences from friends, families, superiors, partners etc which have resulted in mistrust and bred a sense of revenge, carnally speaking.

“People have become meticulous ‘Book-Keepers’ of wrongs done against them. They can easily recall dates, place, witnesses (dead and alive) the offender’s dress at the time, the gait he assumed. Beloved in Christ, meanwhile, they have forgotten last week’s text for the sermon.”

Rev Tegbe-Agbo who is also attached to the Women’s Desk at the Head Office as an Assistant to the National Coordinator of the Women’s Ministry said the Holy Scripture admonishes us, thus, “Love does not keep accounts of wrongs.”

“People of God, let us remember that anytime we pray Our Lord’s Prayer according to Matthew 6:12 “… and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…” we admit that, we wrong others just as people offend us. We must therefore forgive all, unconditionally, just as God forgives us all our sins when we confess,” she said.

Rev F.C. Agboada, Hohoe Presbytery Chairman encouraged people not to feel let down by the comments of other people saying such comments are mere distractions as ones true state or identity is determined by God and not by any man.

Rev Daniel Manyo, the Agape Chapel Parish Pastor said, it is historic and an honour for the Church to host the first female Reverend Minister from Hohoe.

Rev Tegbe-Agbo with the help of her family made presentations to the Agape Chapel and the Gbi Traditional Council.