Unity, Love, and Forgiveness: President Mnangagwa’s Easter Message to Zion Christian Church

By Staff Reporter

MBUNGO ESTATE – In a touching speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Local Governance and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe at the Easter Conference of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) today at Mbungo Estate, Masvingo, His Excellency, President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa challenged Zimbabweans to make unity, love, and forgiveness the pillars of national development and peace.

The conference, being a major occurrence for ZCC believers, was blessed by high-ranking government authorities among others Hon. E. R. Chadzamira, Hon. A. J. Masuka, church elders, and church members. His Grace, Dr. N. Mutendi, ZCC Bishop, received the guests to Mbungo affectionately referred to as ‘City of Peace’.

Minister Garwe started by passing on President Mnangagwa’s greetings and noting the honor of being part of the ZCC to meet at this particular Easter service. Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 2:19-20, he stressed that the believers are no longer aliens but fellow citizens with God in his household, the sure foundation of Jesus Christ as the capstone cornerstone.

In a world grappling with challenges such as climate change, sanctions, and geopolitical uncertainties, the President underscored the enduring relevance of the message of peace, love, and unity. He referenced the conference theme, “Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, who endured the cross, despite the shame, and is now sitting at the right hand of the throne of Almighty God. Original Conveyor of Peace through Love and Forgiveness,” as a timely reminder to emulate the love, harmony, peace, and unity exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Citing Hebrews 12:1-2, President Mnangagwa encouraged the country to shed all the obstacles and run patiently the race laid before them, gazing unto Jesus. He reaffirmed the importance of Resurrection Sunday by assuring Christians that death had been conquered and in Jesus, they live eternally and are co-heirs of the Kingdom of God.

The President called upon all citizens to rely on Jehovah God in constructing the nation, brick by brick, serving communities, and industrializing the nation step by step. He referenced 2 Timothy 3:16 to reinforce the sufficiency and usefulness of the word of God for teaching, rebuking, correction, and training in righteousness to equip God’s followers for every good work.

Reiterating ZCC’s rallying cries, “Kotso maZion” and “Famba Zion,” Honourable Garwe affirmed that Zimbabwe testifies that Jesus Christ is its peace. Quoting John 14:27, the President’s message conveyed, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

President Mnangagwa stressed that national unity must continue to foster peace, for where there is unity, God commands his blessings, leading to divine favour and eternal life. He referenced John 13:34, where Christ commanded, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” He further cited Ephesians 4:3-6, urging everyone to make every effort to keep unity through the bond of peace, recognizing one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all.

The President cautioned against seeds of disunity, confusion, or division, and calling for unity to cross lines of religion, tribe, race, colour, age, or geography, and cherishing the unifying strength of common purpose and shared aspiration in turning people into drivers of development. Recalling all Matthew 18:19, he warned the nation against the strength of prayed agreement.

President Mnangagwa invoked the nation and the Church to recognize and leverage individual and collective capability in a bid to propel socio-economic development, modernization, and industrialization. He prayed for the nation using Ephesians 3:16-19, that God would grant them strength with might by His power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ would take up residence in their heart by faith, and that Zimbabwe would be filled with Jesus’ love that is above all knowledge.

He emphasized that Easter is not only a celebration of Christ’s victory over death but a constant reminder of the call to be peacemakers. Quoting Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” the President stressed the critical importance of reflecting God’s character. He called for the creation of communities where peace and unity flourish through love and forgiveness, urging kindness in everyday interactions at all levels.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the President’s message described the qualities of love: patience, kindness, not envying, not boasting, not being proud, not dishonouring others, not being self-seeking, not being easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, not delighting in evil but rejoicing with the truth, always protecting, always trusting, always hoping, and always persevering.

In conclusion, Honourable Garwe exhorted the congregants and the nation to live in the guidance and counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ and become conveyors of peace. He challenged Zimbabweans to carry forward the development path of their beloved motherland, praying for God’s blessings and the enduring presence of the joy of the resurrection in their hearts.
“God bless you. God bless Zimbabwe. Kotso maZion. Famba Zion. Rugare. I thank you,” concluded Honourable Garwe, delivering the President’s heartfelt Easter message.