LOVE AND RESPECT WOMEN

First lesson: Luke 8: 1-3 “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him. And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils. And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Sussanna, and many others which ministered unto him of their substance.” Second lesson: 1 Peter 3:7-9 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having, compassion, one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, he courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" Golden text:: Romans 8:17 "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together". The texts above discuss the various times when our Lord Jesus Christ came in contact with women. They further analyze the contributions of women to support His mission. Now, these tests will assist us to prove that women are no weaker sex as wrongly alleged. They are not inferior to men either. Many empires had risen and fallen, but the contributions of women to the successes of such empires cannot be underestimated. 2.1 Encourage and admit women into governance and other active roles Consequently, for the purpose of peace, stability, unity, equitable distribution of wealth generally, women should be encouraged to pilot the affairs of their states and nations. This is in line with the basic intent of God for His Kingdom. In Brotherhood of the Cross and Star which is God's Kingdom on earth, equity, justice, fairplay, love, oneness and freedom are the major characteristics. These are the characteristics which the Holy Spirit operates with. 2.2 Men and women are equal Most men who disagree with the working of this tenet of the Holy Spirit, have ill-treated their wives, and women have suffered great tribulation. God who is the controller of destiny promotes equality. For this reason it is totally wrong for a man to see himself as the most favoured in the sight of God or as a superior person than the woman before God. Know that men and women are equal. As woman is the glory of a man; her husband, similarly, a man is the glory of our Lord Jesus the Christ. However, the conception of women's inferiority to men which forms the basis of their being ill-treated by their male counterparts is completely false and unacceptable, This should be stopped. Rather love and equality must prevail henceforth. 2.3 Follow my example I am the embodiment of this teaching. My daily life examplifies it. For instance, I kneel down before the Holy Mother to make request. My decisions are not at variance with those of the Holy Mother Elizabeth Obu. Hence, my home is not divided against itself; for it is recorded in Matthew 12:25 that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Henceforth, therefore, I exhort the men-folk to treat women with some decency and due respect. 2.4 Cherish and love your wife A wise man cherishes and loves his wife. It is rather surprising that this recondite wisdom eludes most men in the world. Till this moment, you will notice with amazement that the worldly governors professors, lawyers medical doctors, among others still indulge in the primitive and savage act of ill-treating their wives. Conversely, women should stop nagging their husbands. Being the glory of her husband, she has to radiate peace and love to him, encourage and be his life confidant and partner. 2.5 Women are the spiritual source of mundane things As illustrated by me, women are the source of mundane things. That is why I always call on you to support the Mother's envelope so that you may be blessed with every material thing. The Father's envelope grants blessing also but it concentrates on the spiritual aspects. It is desirable that you love your wife so that you may be blessed abundantly through this act of love. 2.6 Progress where women serve For a problem-free life to be ensured, men have to lay a proper foundation for it. That is, they have to love their wives. If you doubt this teaching, set aside a particular period and practise. It is only through your experience that you will confirm the truth. A lot of success and progress are often noticed where women are given equal opportunity to serve. This is even seen here in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. In some of the fellowships where women play active role, the fellowships function better than the ones where women do not play active role. 2.7 Co-heirs in God's kingdom This is the kingdom of God. We are brothers and sisters and heirs of this kingdom. There should be no discrimination between the sexes. No sex should ill-treat the other whether in the marital home or at the work place where they are giving service to God or to their nation or community. Love and oneness should be the watchword. Let those who have ears hear. May God bless His holy Word; Amen THANK YOU FATHER