PASTORAL LETTER FROM HIS GRACE, THE MOST REVD DR HENRY C. NDUKUBA, ARCHBISHOP, METROPOLITAN AND PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA AND THE BISHOP OF ABUJA DIOCESE TO THE CHRISTIAN MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

We welcome you to this year’s Father’s Day and congratulate all our fathers in the Diocese on this auspicious occasion. This year’s Father’s Day theme is PEACEFUL HOME: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHRISTIAN FATHER. TEXT: ROMANS 12:18: JUDGES 6:24; MATTHEW 5:9

The Christian home is a foundation of faith, love, and values, where the teachings of Christ are central to family life. The Bible is clear on the role of husbands as Christ-like leaders, loving their wives sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s love for the church. (Ephesians 5:25)  Christian fathers play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s spiritual growth and character. Proverbs 22:6 instructed parents to train their children in how they should go. Ephesians 6:4 urges fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. A Christian father’s example of faith, integrity, and love reflects God’s fatherly nature, in guiding in his people in righteousness.

The family has been under the fiercest satanic attack on many fronts. This challenges include secularism’s, technological distractions, balancing traditional values with modern lifestyles, and navigating diverse family structures and beliefs in an increasingly pluralistic society, poverty, and revisionist agenda. The Christian father’s role as a pastor, teacher and model spiritual leader in the family helps to address these challenges and ensures peace in the home.

Ensuring a peaceful home is a shared responsibility, but the Christian father plays a significant role in fostering it. This involves leading by example through love, patience, and humility, providing spiritual guidance, resolving conflicts peacefully, and prioritizing family well-being over worldly pursuits. Ultimately, it’s about nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported in their faith journey.

In a peaceful home, tension, hostility, and fear are overcome with the spirit of cooperation, understanding, and empathy. Family members feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or reprisal. They can work through disagreements and challenges constructively, seeking resolution through dialogue and compromise.

The admonition of Philippians 2:1- 4 is very important in having a peaceful home:

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Peaceful homes are built on the foundation of trust, respect, and love. Family members treat each other with kindness, compassion, and patience, and they prioritize each other’s well-being and happiness. There is a sense of unity and belonging within the family, with everyone working together to create a supportive and nurturing environment.

Ultimately, a peaceful home is not just a physical space but a state of being—a reflection of the positive and healthy relationships that exist among its inhabitants. It is a place where individuals can find refuge from the stresses and pressures of the outside world, where they can recharge, rejuvenate, and find solace in the company of their loved ones.

Creating a peaceful home is a spiritual act. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As a follower of Christ, I am called to pursue peace with everyone. “If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).

The Role of the Christian Father in a peaceful home:

As Christian fathers, we are called to be spiritual leaders and role models for our families. Our role extends far beyond providing for their physical needs; it encompasses nurturing their spiritual well-being and fostering an atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding. We are entrusted with the task of creating a home where faith flourishes, where values are instilled, and where God’s presence is felt in every aspect of our lives.

Leading by Example

One of the most powerful ways we can cultivate a peaceful home is through leading by example. Our actions speak louder than words, and our children look to us as models of behaviour and integrity. As fathers, we must strive to embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, demonstrating patience, kindness, forgiveness, and humility in all that we do. By living out these virtues, we create a positive and nurturing environment where our families can thrive.

Fostering Open Communication

Effective communication is essential for maintaining harmony within the family. As Christian fathers, we must create an atmosphere of openness and honesty where all members feel valued and heard. We should encourage our children to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns freely, without fear of judgment or retribution. By fostering open communication, we strengthen the bonds of love and trust within our families and resolve conflicts in a constructive and peaceful manner.

Practicing Forgiveness and Reconciliation

In any family, disagreements and conflicts are inevitable. However, as Christian fathers, we are called to approach these challenges with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. We must teach our children the importance of humility and the power of forgiveness, both in seeking forgiveness from others and extending it to those who have wronged us. By practicing forgiveness, we break down barriers, heal wounds, and restore harmony within our homes.

Cultivating a Culture of Prayer and Devotion

Central to creating a peaceful home is cultivating a culture of prayer and devotion. As Christian fathers, we should lead our families in regular prayer, scripture reading, and worship, nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their relationship with God. By prioritizing our spiritual lives and making time for prayer and reflection, we set an example for our children and create a foundation of faith that sustains us through life’s challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the responsibility of creating a peaceful home rests squarely on the shoulders of the Christian father. Through our actions, words, and deeds, we have the power to shape the atmosphere of our homes and cultivate an environment of love, harmony, and peace. By following the teachings of Christ and living out the values of our faith, we can build homes that serve as havens of hope and light in a world that so desperately needs them.

THE MOST REVD DR HENRY C. NDUKUBA,

BISHOP OF ABUJA AND PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA