Port Harcourt, Nigeria Pastor Mathew Eleojoh James, the lead pastor of Solemn Faith International Church, has declared that love becomes fake when forgiveness is difficult to practice.
Speaking during today’s service held at the church headquarters located at Road 21, Plot 14, Federal Housing Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, the revered cleric delivered a powerful message titled “The Spirit of Love (Part 2).”
Preaching from texts drawn from Matthew 19:26, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Romans 5:5, Pastor Mathew emphasized that the ability to forgive is one of the most authentic expressions of love, and without it, any claim to love becomes questionable.
According to the man of God, love that struggles with forgiveness is not grounded in God’s nature, and therefore, cannot produce genuine transformation in the lives of believers.
In illustrating the power of divine love, Pastor Mathew drew extensively from the life of King David, describing him as a man who dared the impossible out of his love for God.
He highlighted David’s deep affection for God and His kingdom, shown through his desire to build a house for the Lord and his consistent presence in God’s dwelling place.
The pastor noted David’s zeal to defend the name of God, as seen in his confrontation with Goliath, and his unwavering honour for God’s anointed servants.
Pastor Mathew praised David’s parental care, compassion for the less privileged, and his heart of repentance, referencing key scriptures such as Psalms 51 and Acts 2:37.
He also admired David’s sacrificial lifestyle, his unshakable forgiveness toward his enemies, and his rich, multi-dimensional prayer life which included intercessory, judgmental, and inquiry-based prayers.
Moreover, he described David as a man of relentless praise, highlighting his refusal to complain even in adversity.
From praises for deliverance to praises for vengeance, Pastor Mathew pointed to 2 Samuel 22 as evidence of a man deeply connected to God through gratitude.
He urged believers to emulate David’s heart for God, emphasizing that such love is made possible through a good heart, the right spiritual associations, and a firm understanding of God’s word.
He stressed that love is not merely an emotion but a force that should drive one’s actions and decisions.
In the course of his sermon, Pastor Mathew delivered several thought-provoking quotes that left the congregation in deep reflection. Among them were: “When love is displayed, restoration can be obtained,” and “What you have affection for is what affects your life.” He added, “It is possible to give without love, but it is not possible to love without giving, because love expresses itself in giving.”
Perhaps the most striking statement of the day was his assertion that, “If forgiveness is a hard thing to do, then Christianity is a fake life to live.” He concluded by encouraging believers never to give up, to pursue excellence through a pure heart, and to live out their faith with sincerity and love.
The service ended on a high note with the church’s music team, Solemn Voice, leading the congregation in heartfelt worship, leaving attendees spiritually stirred and deeply inspired.
