Stop preaching hell to Nigerians, they’re already in it – Pastor Ibiyeomie tells Christians

The Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has called on Christians to make love and compassion central to their evangelism, particularly when reaching out to Nigerians battling economic difficulties.

Ibiyeomie made the call on Sunday while preaching a sermon titled The Power of Compassion, stressing that messages centred mainly on the threat of hell may not resonate with people already overwhelmed by hardship.

He argued that Christians should instead reassure people facing difficult circumstances that God loves them and is capable of changing their situations.

“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?’

That kind of message can’t convert one soul. You go there and say, ‘If you don’t convert to Jesus, you are going to hell.’ The man will say he has not even seen food to eat, he has not bought petrol; already, he is in hell.

The cleric said compassion should compel Christians to communicate Christ’s love and mercy to people regardless of their present challenges.

“Compassion will make you tell them Jesus loves you. In spite of what you’re going through, He will show you His mercy. Compassion is the greatest tool that brings people to Christ. It is from your heart,” he said.

According to Ibiyeomie, compassion reflects the nature of God, and Christians who have experienced divine compassion should extend the same virtue to others.

He cited Psalm 103:8, saying: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”

The pastor further noted that God does not judge people solely by their past mistakes and failures, urging believers to extend forgiveness and compassion to others.

Quoting Ephesians 4:32, Ibiyeomie said: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

He described compassion as a significant expression of God’s character, explaining that it involves more than simply sympathising with someone’s difficulties.

According to him, genuine compassion requires three things: recognising another person’s situation, caring about it and taking practical steps to help.

Ibiyeomie also cautioned Christians against viewing assistance solely in financial terms, saying people could support those in need through their faith and other forms of help.

Citing Acts 3:6, he stressed that while financial support could be important, true compassion goes beyond giving money.