By Emeka Odogwu
Last Sunday, August 9th, 2026, the latest Canon of the St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka Diocese, Reverend Canon Augustine Otiji delivered his first sermon after being pronounced canon by the Archbishop Province of the Niger, and Bishop Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD at the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka.
Speaking on the theme: “Practicing Christian Benevolence”, Reverend Canon Augustine Otiji, Priest Assistant with the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka encouraged Christians to demonstrate love like Christ.
He insisted that all Christians are expected to behave like Jesus Christ in all they do for the society to see the difference between them and non believers.
He narrated that a Christian is one who has denied himself of the world and embraced God, adding that demonstration of love, is showing benevolence.
Reverend Canon Otiji encouraged those who truly are Christians to love unconditionally like Jesus Christ, even as he described Christianity as a function of the heart, a way of life and an action.
He advised that Christians should not be seen using their influence to intimidate others but to show benevolence which is the nature of Christ and the Almighty God.
He added that benevolence strengthens fellowship and expands the mission of Christ in the world.
Adding to the sermon, the Vicar, CHS Awka Archdeaconry, Ven. Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu noted that only those who are wise in Christ acknowledge the benevolence of God and extend such benevolence to others.
He added:” Wisdom and opportunity differentiates children of God from others” , adding that begging isn’t a way of life because he who gets benevolence should have plans.
He noted that a Christian who finds it difficult to give love, warmth, time, counsel, encouragement and guidance to those who need them is yet to grow fully in Christian maturity.
He warned that church isn’t merely a place where Christians gather but a family where Christians bear one another’s burdens.
He described the set apart retreat for pupils in primary schools, students in secondary and tertiary schools as eye opening on the need for more spiritual involvement of the children as over 203 were in attendance.
