For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For Fiji’s half a million Christians, there is no more important verse in the entire Bible than this extract from the Gospel of John – Verse 3, Chapter 16.
Easter is the most solemn festival on the Christian calendar – the pain of Christ’s Crucifixion closely followed by the triumph of his Resurrection.
Good Friday is a time of intense reflection on the part of Christians everywhere as they recall God’s sacrifice in having sent his Son, Jesus, to redeem us through his suffering and “take away the sins of the World”.
On the third day – Easter Sunday – sorrow is replaced by joy as Jesus rises from the dead and fulfills God’s promise of eternal life.
The other religions in Fiji join their Christian brothers and sisters in commemorating this Festival, just as Christians increasingly join their Hindu, Muslim and other neighbours in commemorating their religious Festivals.
Irrespective of our personal religious beliefs, we can all rejoice in the central message common to all religions of love, tolerance and compassion.
This weekend, we come together as a nation to remember God’s love for all of us.
Jesus said: “Love one another, as I have loved you”. It is the most wonderful commandment, which every one of us must strive to keep.
I wish you all a Happy Easter.
J.V Bainimarama
Prime Minister