The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, in a candid moment of reflection, has publicly apologized for past statements made in defence of his wife.
In a recent address, Adeboye expressed regret for his oft-repeated comment that if anyone touched his wife, he would “kill” them. “I am sorry,” he said.
He reiterated, “I am sorry I said that because the Bible says thou shall not kill. So, I apologize.”
The General Overseer clarified that his apology did not mean he was opening the door for attacks on his wife. Instead, he shared a new approach, using a biblical reference from Acts Chapter 9 to illustrate that God has the power to stop trouble before it even arrives, just as He did with Paul on the road to Damascus.
“By the time he [Paul] arrived among the people he was going to kill and take to prison, he had already become a brother,” the Overseer remarked, emphasizing the power of prayer over violence.
In another part of his speech, he addressed his followers, encouraging them to correct him if they notice any mistakes in his teachings or behavior.
He assured them he would not react with pride or anger. “If you are my son and you discover I am wrong, come and tell me. I will not chase you away… By now, you should know if I have any weakness, by the grace of God, pride is not one of them,” he said.
However, Adeboye stressed that such corrections should be handled discreetly and not made public.
He cautioned against airing grievances on the Internet, warning that a child who exposes the “nakedness of his father” is in serious trouble.
He then asked, “Have you forgiven me for anything I have said wrong?”, acknowledging the possibility of past missteps.
Shifting focus, he encouraged his congregation to embrace the prosperity God intends for them, citing 3 John, verse 2: “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
He warned that prosperity can attract criticism, referencing the backlash a bishop received for driving a luxury car. “If you die poor, they will blame you… If you prosper, they will attack you,” he stated, urging his followers to choose abundance despite potential opposition.
This message of humility, correction, and prosperity was a reminder of the spiritual leader’s evolving perspective, urging his congregation to stand firm in their faith while embracing God’s blessings in all forms.
