Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Monday, September 12, 2022
The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost (Luke 19:10).
How does Jehovah want us to see his lost sheep? Jesus gave us the example. He knew that all his sheep are precious to God. So he went to great lengths to help “the lost sheep of the nation of Israel” return to Jehovah.—Matt. 15:24. Since Jesus is the fine shepherd, he also did his best not to lose any of his Father's sheep (John 6:39). The apostle Paul told the elders of the Ephesian congregation that they should copy the example of Jesus. He told them: “You must work this hard to help those who are weak and […] you must remember these words that the Lord Jesus said: 'There is more happiness in giving than in receiving'” (Acts 20:17, 35 ). As we see, the elders have a serious responsibility. An old man from Spain named Salvador puts it this way: “When I think of how much Jehovah loves his lost sheep, I am moved to do all I can to help them. I have no doubt that Jehovah wants me to take care of them.” w20.06 23 paras. 15, 16
What could happen if we don't follow the advice in Colossians 3:13?
(Read Colossians 3:13). There are servants of Jehovah who feel that a brother has hurt them. The apostle Paul recognized that sometimes we may have a valid reason to complain about another. We may even have been treated unfairly. But if we are not careful, we could become resentful and end up drifting away from Jehovah's people. Let's look at the case of a brother from South America named Pablo. He was falsely accused of doing something wrong, and as a result, he lost a service responsibility. How did he react? He says, "I was so angry that I walked away from the congregation."
What can feelings of guilt lead us to?
It may also be that those who committed serious sin in the past still feel guilty and even believe that they are not worthy of God's love. Even if they were repentant and were shown mercy, they may feel that they no longer deserve to be part of their people. This is how a brother named Francisco felt. He recounts: “I was censured for falling into sexual immorality. Although at first I continued to go to the meetings, I became depressed and felt that I did not deserve to be among Jehovah's people. My conscience bothered me and I was sure that Jehovah had not forgiven me. Eventually, I stopped preaching and going to the Hall.” What do we think of the brothers who face situations like the ones we have seen? Do we see them with empathy? And, more importantly, what does God think of them?
All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.
Comments
Post a Comment