Christianity did not conquer the world through the sword of its enemies but by the power of love, compassion, and forgiveness as preached by Jesus Christ, according to Fr. Ehusani.
He made this assertion during a training program for peace actors drawn from selected crisis-prone states in the Middle Belt, held at the Lux Terra Leadership Institute, Apo, Abuja. The program was sponsored by the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA), as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen peacebuilding and interfaith understanding across the region.
Fr. Ehusani explained that Christianity’s enduring strength lies not in violence or coercion but in its message of peace and reconciliation.
Citing the example of the Roman Empire, he noted that although the empire ruled the world for over five centuries and persecuted countless Christians, it was ultimately conquered by the same faith it sought to destroy — through love and compassion, not by the sword.
He emphasized that the message of Jesus Christ remains relevant in today’s world where hatred, division, and intolerance continue to threaten peaceful coexistence. According to him, “It is only through genuine love and forgiveness that humanity can experience lasting peace.”
Fr. Ehusani also commended the efforts of Lux Terra Leadership Institute for consistently building platforms that promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, especially in regions affected by violence.
He further appreciated the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA) for its commitment to empowering peace actors and fostering community resilience through training and collaboration.
He urged participants to carry the lessons from the training back to their communities, serving as agents of transformation. “Every act of kindness and forgiveness,” he said, “is a step toward healing our broken society and restoring hope to those who have lost faith in peace.”
He concluded by reminding all that the true measure of faith is not found in power or conquest, but in the courage to love even in the face of hostility. “When we choose compassion over retaliation,” he said, “we follow in the footsteps of Christ and become true builders of peace.”
WALBE ORGAK BARTHOLOMEW was a participants from Jos North. Plateau state
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