Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Christ loved me and gave himself for me (Gal. 2:20).
We may ask ourselves: “How can I be sure that Jehovah does not see me as a hopeless case?” In a sense, by asking ourselves this question we are already answering it. Why do we say it? Decades ago, The Watchtower explained it this way: “Another problem sometimes arises when we find ourselves stumbling and falling many times because of some bad habit that has bit deeper into our former pattern of life than we realized.” And he added: “Don't decide that you have committed the unforgivable sin. This is exactly how Satan would like you to reason. The fact that you feel sorry and angry with yourself is proof in itself that you have not gone too far. Never tire of humbly and sincerely addressing God, seeking his forgiveness and cleansing and help." The apostle Paul committed serious sins before becoming a Christian. He remembered what he had done (1 Tim. 1:12-15). But he saw the rescue as a gift that God had given him. Thus he managed to avoid excessive guilt and focus on giving Jehovah the best from then on. w20.11 27 para. 14; 29 para. 17
Why is it not wise to constantly think that our life was better before? Give an example.
Why is it not wise to constantly think that our life was better before? Because nostalgia can make us remember only the good or downplay the problems we had at the time. Think of the ancient Israelites: as soon as they left Egypt they forgot how hard their lives had been and only remembered the rich foods they enjoyed there. They said: “How we miss the fish that we ate for free in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the watermelons, the leeks, the onions and the garlic!” (Num. 11:5). But was it true that what they ate cost them nothing? No. In fact, they paid a high price, since in Egypt they were subjected to cruel slavery (Ex. 1:13, 14; 3:6-9). But in a short time they forgot their problems and began to long for the past. Instead of concentrating on all that Jehovah had just done for them, they decided to focus all their attention on the old days. This greatly displeased Jehovah (Num. 11:10).
What helped a sister not to fall into homesickness?
What will help us not to fall into nostalgia? Consider the case of a sister who began serving at Brooklyn Bethel in 1945. A few years later, she married another Bethel and they served together for several decades. In 1976, he got sick. When he realized that he was going to pass away soon, he gave his wife some good advice for when she was widowed. He told her, “We have had a happy marriage. A lot of people don't know what that is." And he added: “Although the memories persist, do not live in the past. Time will help you get over the pain. Don't be bitter or feel sorry for yourself. Give thanks for the joys and blessings you have had. [...] Memories are a gift from God.” What sound advice!
What blessings did this sister receive for not living in the past?
The sister heeded the advice. She faithfully served Jehovah until he passed away at the age of 92. A few years earlier, she recounted: “As I reflect on my more than 63 years in Jehovah’s full-time service, I can honestly say that I have led a full life.” Why? She explained: “What fills me most is our wonderful brotherhood and the hope of living with our brothers on a paradise earth, serving our Grand Creator, the one true God, Jehovah, for all eternity.”* What a fine example of someone who always looked to the future!
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