A clergyman, Rev Duke Akamisoko of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has said Nigerians must learn to bear with one another to promote peace and development.

Akamisoko gave the advice in a sermon at the opening  of the Third session of the 11th Synod of the diocese of Abuja.

The synod with theme “The Bond of Peace: The inner structure of the life of the church”, was drawn from the book of Ephesians 4 verse 3.

According to him, God is the  God of peace and we must emulate him to avoid negative vices in the country.

”Without peace, the church also cannot exist or move forward,” he said.

He added that if peace could not be found in the church where the body of Christ dwells, then how would there be peace in our families, society and country.

He stressed that if there was peace among us, the country would witness growth and development.

He advised  that as children of God, we should learn to accommodate one another also to promote peace.

The clergy reminded Christians that without peace ,God would not answer our prayers.

“Depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it with your all,” he said.

He prayed that may God have mercy on us and bring us peace for us to enjoy all his goodness.

The clergy added that God is happy where peace exists.

He further prayed that may God intercede for Nigerian after the synod for peace to dwell in our hearts, families, homes and church.

He backed up his sermon with scriptures from the holy book of Ephesians 2:14 “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

He also prayed from the holy book of

Romans chapter 16 verses 20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you”.

The cleric reminded the church of the promise in the book of Matthew 5 verse 9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”.

His Grace Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, the arch bishop, metropolitan and primate of all Nigerian Diocesan bishop of Abuja presided over the event. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola