DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday, December 3, 2021, Positively they will not die (Gen. 3: 4).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday, December 3, 2021

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021

Friday, December 3, 2021

When I was a little one, I spoke like a little one, thought like a little one, reasoned like a little one (1 Cor. 13:11).

Children have not fully developed their ability to think, reason, and recognize and avoid dangers. This is why it is so easy for an abuser to cheat on a child. He tells lies that will hurt him a lot, such as that he is the culprit of the abuse, that he must keep it a secret, that no one will listen or believe him if he talks about what is happening, or that sexual acts between an adult and a child they are actually sincere expressions of love. As a result, for many years the victim will not understand that these were all lies. The child may grow up thinking that he is dirty, that he is useless, and that he does not deserve consideration or affection. In light of all this, we are not surprised that sexual abuse causes harm for so long. We live in the last days a time when many people have no “natural affection” and when “wicked men and impostors” go from bad to worse (2 Tim. 3: 1-5, 13). w19.05 15 pars. 7, 8

a) According to 1 Kings 19: 5-8, what did Jehovah's angel do for Elijah? b) How can we copy the example of the angel?

Let's give practical help. When the prophet Elijah had to flee because his life was in danger, he became so discouraged that he wanted to die. So Jehovah sent a powerful angel to encourage him. He gave the prophet hot food and told him to eat (read 1 Kings 19: 5-8). This story teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes a simple gesture of kindness can go a long way to helping a brother who is suffering. Giving him a meal, a small gift, or a heartfelt note will ensure that we love and care for him. We can do these kinds of things if we feel uncomfortable talking about very personal or painful matters.

What other lesson can we learn from the Elijah account?

Let's make victims feel safe and comfortable. Let's go back to the story of Elijah. Jehovah miraculously empowered him to travel the long road to Mount Horeb, where centuries before he had made a covenant with his people. In that remote place, Elías possibly felt safe, finally out of reach of those who wanted to kill him. What other lesson do we learn? That if we want to help victims of abuse, we must first make them feel safe. For example, the elderly should be aware that people react differently. One sister may feel more comfortable and confident with a cup of tea or something else in a relaxed setting at home, while another may prefer to speak in a room in the Kingdom Hall.

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