At his 76th birthday celebration, renowned evangelist and founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle Dr. John Okoriko, shared the profound secret to a long and fulfilling life—forgiveness and a heart free of hatred.
Speaking to a large crowd in Uyo on Friday, Okoriko urged the people to embrace forgiveness, emphasizing that harboring hatred can derail one’s life vision. Drawing from Genesis 41:51, he referenced the story of Joseph, who, despite being hated and betrayed by his brothers, chose to forgive and forget their wrongdoings, leading to his ultimate success.
Apostle Okoriko warned against allowing hatred and bitterness to take root, stating, “Remove Satan and evil spirit from your thoughts. Believe that all your challenges in life can be reversed one day.” He encouraged Nigerians to rethink their attitudes toward God, themselves, and others, reminding them that trials and temptations are essential for growth.
“Don’t kill the vision God has given you because of persecution. These are prerequisites for human development,” he added.
Sharing his personal experiences, Okoriko recalled his own trials, including losing his mother at a young age and being denied a scholarship by his stepmother. Despite pressure from friends to seek revenge on his father, he chose the path of forgiveness.
“I refused to let hatred consume me. Even when pastors conspired against me during my missionary journey, I never fought back. This is the gospel that empowers you to rise above revenge,” he stated.
His message of love and forgiveness resonated deeply with the crowd and received overwhelming praise on social media.
“If you want to live long, let go of the evil others have done to you,” Okoriko advised, adding that those who follow his teachings can live beyond 120 years. He credited his longevity to fasting, avoiding junk food, and eating freshly cooked meals.
“Don’t seek revenge—those who wronged you will eventually come back and kneel before you. Be happy with what others have done to you, and let love reign in your heart,” he said.
Apostle Okoriko also touched on the current state of Nigeria, urging citizens to change the negative narrative surrounding the nation’s challenges. “The hardships, hunger, inflation, and insecurity we face today will not last forever. It will end one day,” he assured, calling for faith and positivity in the face of adversity.
