Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
All nations will hate you because of my name (Matt. 24: 9).
Jehovah created us to love and be loved. That is why it hurts us and maybe we even get scared when someone hates us. One brother writes: "When the soldiers beat me, insulted me, and threatened me for being one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I felt scared and humiliated." Although it hurts, we are not surprised that they hate us, for Jesus predicted that would happen. Why does the world hate us? Because, like Jesus, we are not “part of the world” (John 15: 17-19). So while we respect human governments, we refuse to worship them and their symbols. We give Jehovah exclusive worship. We defend God's right to rule mankind, while Satan and his descendants attack him (Gen. 3: 1-5, 15). We preach that only the Kingdom of God will solve all the problems of humanity and will soon destroy all its enemies (Dan. 2:44; Rev.19: 19-21). This is good news for the meek, but bad news for the wicked. w21.03 20 pars. 1, 2.
What does Yasmín's example teach you?
Yasmín explains that the love she showed her husband paid off: “She started to trust me more because she knew that I never lie. He began to listen to me respectfully when we discussed religion and agreed to keep the peace at home. Now he even encourages me to go to meetings. We get along so much better and enjoy real peace. I am hopeful that one day I will accept the truth and we can serve Jehovah together. "
Yasmin's example is proof that love "bears all," "hopes for all," and "endures all" (1 Cor. 13: 4, 7). Hate is powerful, but love is more. Hatred can cause injury, but love wins the hearts of others. When we show love, we make Jehovah happy. Now, even if the opponents continue to hate us, we can continue to be happy. Let's see how.
Why can we be happy despite hatred?
Jesus said, "Blessed are you when [...] people hate you" (Luke 6:22). Of course, we do not seek to be hated or made into martyrs. So why can we be happy despite hatred? Let's look at three reasons. First, because when we endure we get God's approval (1 Pet. 4:13, 14). Second, because our faith grows better and stronger (1 Pet. 1: 7). And third, because we will receive a priceless reward: eternal life (Rom. 2: 6, 7).
Why were the apostles happy despite being beaten?
Shortly after Jesus' resurrection, the apostles felt the happiness that he had spoken of. Despite being beaten and ordered to stop preaching, they were happy “because God had deemed them worthy of dishonor because of the name of Jesus” (Acts 5: 40-42). They loved their Master more than they feared the hatred of their enemies. And they demonstrated that love by preaching the good news "non-stop." Today, many of our brothers continue to serve faithfully despite difficulties. They know that Jehovah will not forget their works and the love they show for his name. --Heb. 6:10.
All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.
Comments
Post a Comment