The Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has urged Christians to emphasise the love and compassion of Jesus Christ when preaching to Nigerians facing economic hardship.
Ibiyeomie said messages centred on the fear of hell may have little impact on people already struggling with severe economic challenges.
He made the remarks on Sunday while delivering a sermon titled “The Power of Compassion.”
According to the pastor, Christians should assure people going through difficult times that God loves them and can transform their circumstances.
He said, “You can imagine preaching hell to Nigerians; they are already in hell. There is no way you will preach hell to Nigerians and anybody will be born again.
“Just tell them God loves you; He can change your story. Come to Jesus. But if you say, ‘You’ll go to hell,’ the man will say, ‘The suffering wey I dey suffer now, na wetin e be?’”
Ibiyeomie urged Christians to demonstrate compassion by assuring people that Jesus loves them despite their circumstances and that God can show them mercy.
He described compassion as a powerful tool for winning people to Christ, saying it comes from the heart and should translate into action.
Citing Psalm 103:8, he said God is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”
The pastor also referenced Ephesians 4:32, urging Christians to be kind, compassionate and forgiving towards others.
He explained that compassion goes beyond feeling sorry for someone and involves seeing a person’s situation, caring about it and taking action.
Ibiyeomie added that helping people should not be limited to financial assistance, noting that Christians could also support those in need through prayer, faith and other practical means.
Citing Acts 3:6, he stressed that while financial assistance may sometimes be necessary, genuine compassion extends beyond giving money.