“Church people must not ridicule others’ struggles” – Pastor Otabil

Accra, Ghana — Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has called on Christians to be intentional and sensitive in their use of words, especially when addressing others’ struggles. 

Speaking during his sermon series ‘Living for God (7) – For His Name and Glory’ at ICGC Christ Temple East in Teshie, Accra, he emphasized the importance of words in communicating the love, compassion, and mercy of Christ.  

“Whatever we do in word or deed, we must do it in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Pastor Otabil stated, referencing Colossians 3:17. He explained that words carry power and should be used to uplift rather than harm. “Our words are doing something. The question is, what are they doing? Do they heal, or do they harm?”  

He highlighted common scenarios where careless remarks cause pain, such as questioning childless couples or assigning blame to those facing hardships. “If a couple has been married for years and has no child, it’s not your place to ask, ‘When are the babies coming?’ Think about their pain before you speak,” he cautioned.  

Pastor Otabil also criticized the tendency to attribute misfortunes to sin or ancestral curses. “When the disciples asked Jesus whether a blind man’s condition was due to his sins or his parents’, Jesus responded, ‘No, it’s so the glory of God will be revealed.’ That’s the example we must follow.”  

He urged church members to build a “sensitive and sensible Christian community” by being mindful of their words. “If you can’t encourage someone, keep quiet and pray. Carry sellotape if you must!” he quipped, emphasizing intentionality in speech.  

Pastor Otabil concluded with a powerful reminder: “Church people must not ridicule others’ struggles. Instead, let us be the voice of Christ that inspires hope and strength.”