As the Lenten season deepens, Rev. Fr Pius Odediran has called on Christians to embrace one of the most demanding teachings of Christ — loving one’s enemies. Delivering his message on Saturday, 28th February 2026, marking the First Week of Lent, the cleric reminded the faithful that true discipleship is measured not by comfort, but by radical and universal love.
Drawing reflections from Deuteronomy 26:16–19, Psalm 118, and Matthew 5:43–48, he described love as both “a universal language” and “the greatest commandment,” stressing that while love is sweet, it can also be one of the most difficult crosses to carry without Christian charity and discipline.
Love as the Summary of the Law
According to Rev. Fr Odediran, Christ’s instruction to “love your enemies” is not a suggestion but a divine mandate that summarises the law and the prophets. He explained that this form of love goes beyond emotion; it is deliberate, spiritual, and sacrificial.
Akahi News gathered that the priest urged believers to see love not merely as affection for those who treat them kindly, but as a conscious choice to pray for, forgive, and show kindness to those who have hurt or wronged them.
He emphasised that the path to fulfilling the great commandment involves:
- Praying for one’s enemies
- Practising empathy and seeking to understand their background
- Showing kindness even when it is undeserved
- Setting healthy boundaries to avoid harmful contact
- Aiming at conversion rather than revenge
“God forgives our imperfections,” he noted, “especially when we remember how often we ourselves disappoint Him.”
Learning from Christ’s Example
The priest pointed to the ultimate example set by Jesus Christ, who prayed for His executioners on the Cross and interceded for Peter and the other apostles despite their failings.
For Rev. Fr Odediran, this radical love defines spiritual maturity. Loving beyond boundaries, he said, requires believers to become spiritually minded men and women who understand the unconditional nature of God’s love.
Akahi News learnt that he described Christian perfection not as flawlessness, but as the ability to love others despite their imperfections. This, he explained, reflects the perfection of the Heavenly Father — a perfection rooted in compassion and mercy.
“Love your enemies,” he stressed, “is a call meant for those determined to abide by God’s law regardless of comfort or condition.”
Obedience and the Promise of Life
Referencing the first reading from Deuteronomy, the priest reminded the faithful that obedience to God’s commandments brings the promise of life and divine inheritance.
Quoting the psalmist, he affirmed: “We shall be happy as we follow God’s law.” He interpreted this happiness as the peace that comes from loving beyond resentment and bitterness.
Lent, he said, is a season of introspection. He encouraged Christians to reflect on those who may have disappointed them — friends, relatives, colleagues, associates, even superiors — and to respond with Christian maturity rather than retaliation.
A Season to Heal Through Love
In his concluding remarks, Rev. Fr Odediran described love as healing and transformative. He urged believers to take practical steps this season by praying sincerely for those who have hurt them and allowing God’s grace to soften hardened hearts.
As the Lenten journey continues, his message stands as a reminder that the true measure of faith lies not in words alone, but in courageous acts of compassion.
Through prayer, forgiveness, and disciplined charity, Christians are invited to mirror the radical and universal love of Christ — a love that heals wounds and restores hope.
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