The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised Christians on the need to stay away from contentious people.
He mentioned that such people believe only in their opinions and see anyone who disagrees with them as an enemy, warning Christians to be cautious in their interactions with them.
Apostle Nyamekye shared this advice in a live televised sermon on PENT TV as part of his series on “Bitterness,” during a ‘Special Evening Service With the Chairman’ on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
In his sermon, Chairman Nyamekye quoted Mike Murdock, stating, “Any contentious person who refuses to change must not continue to have access to you.” He highlighted the unchanging and malevolent nature of contentious people, citing the story of Nehemiah and his adversaries Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem (Nehemiah 6:1-4) to illustrate his point.
He stressed the importance of not engaging with conflict-driven individuals and advised Christians to walk away from them, referencing Proverbs 26:20.
“If someone permits the spirit of conflict and disputing to enter their life, it is best to walk away from them as such people are unlikely to change and can potentially cause harm,” he stated.
Apostle Nyamekye discussed the story of Joseph and his brothers, emphasising Joseph’s decision to distance himself from his brothers after he was released from prison due to their wicked intentions. He revealed that in their encounters, Joseph experienced moments of weeping and contemplated seeking revenge on his brothers for their actions, but ultimately chose to forgive them for the fear of God (Genesis 42:18).
The Chairman believed that Joseph’s third cry helped him release the bitterness from his heart, as shown by his reconciliation with his brothers (Genesis 45:1-5). He, however, pointed out that while crying can be a natural emotional response, it does not always indicate repentance or forgiveness, as bitterness can still remain even after tears are shed, saying, “One can release bitter feelings without crying.”
Apostle Nyamekye also stressed the significance of Christians maintaining quietness and controlling their mouths when offended, drawing parallels from the behaviours of Joseph and Jesus in the face of adversity (Mark 15:1-5, Isaiah 53:7). He urged Christians to trust in God’s timing for vindication and not to fret over issues, as their destiny is secure in Him.
Reading from Luke 21:16-19, the noted theologian emphasised the inevitability of disturbances and offenses in life and urged Christians to practice patience, saying, “Quietness goes with patience, and in patience, shall you save your souls.”
Apostle Eric Nyamekye concluded his sermon by reminding Christians of the demand of their newly found faith, stating it is required of them to live to please Jesus who loved them and gave His life for their ransom.
“As a people of God, we need to be men amongst men. People should see that we are born of God,” he said.
Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah