DAILY TEXT, From today Thursday, January 9, 2025, Let everyone know that you are reasonable people (Philipp. 4:5).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025

Thursday January 9, 2025

Let everyone know that you are reasonable people (Phil. 4:5).

Elders should set an example and be reasonable (1 Tim. 3:2, 3). For example, an elderly person does not expect that his opinion will always be accepted just because he is older than others. He knows that the spirit of Jehovah can move any member of the body of elders to say something that will lead to a good decision. And, if no biblical principle is violated, reasonable elders gladly support the majority's decision, even if they see things differently. If we are reasonable, we receive many blessings. For example, we get along better with the brothers and there is peace in the congregation. We also feel that the variety of personalities and customs within Jehovah's united people enriches us. And the most important thing is that we are happy because we know that we are imitating Jehovah, who is a reasonable God.

How do we know that Jehovah is reasonable?

The Bible says that Jehovah is “the Rock” because he is firm and immovable (Deut. 32:4). But it's also reasonable. How do we know? Our God has been adapting to the changes that occur in the world to ensure that his purpose is fulfilled. Since he created us in his image, we too are capable of adapting to changes. Jehovah has given us very clear biblical principles that help us make good decisions regardless of the problems that arise. His actions and principles show that Jehovah is a firm but reasonable God.

What examples show that Jesus is reasonable like Jehovah?

Jesus is reasonable like Jehovah, and this was evident during his ministry on Earth. Although he had been sent to preach “to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel,” he once helped a woman who was not an Israelite. She begged him to cure her daughter, who was “cruelly possessed by a demon.” Jesus felt compassion and healed this woman's daughter (Matt. 15:21-28). Let's think about another example. Some time after beginning his ministry, Jesus said, “If anyone rejects me..., I will reject him also” (Matt. 10:33). But did he reject Pedro because he denied knowing him three times? No. He knew that Peter was repentant and that he was a faithful man. After being resurrected, Jesus appeared to Peter and most likely confirmed his forgiveness and love (Luke 24:33, 34).

What danger do we avoid if we respect the opinions of others? (1 Corinthians 8:9).

If we are reasonable, it will also be easier for us to respect the opinions of others. For example, some sisters like to wear makeup, but others don't. Some Christians are fine with alcohol in moderation, but others prefer not to drink. All Christians want to have good health, but they choose different ways to care for it. If we believe that our opinion is always the best and try to convince others to do the same as us, we could trip up others and cause divisions in the congregation. For nothing in the world would we want to do something like that! (Read 1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23, 24). Putting biblical principles into practice will help us be balanced and maintain peace. Let's see how to do it in two different situations.

What biblical principles should influence our way of dressing and grooming?

Clothing and personal grooming. Instead of giving us strict rules about how to dress, Jehovah has given us principles to guide us. Our dress should honor God and show that we are reasonable people and have “modesty and good judgment” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Pet. 3:3). Therefore, we do not want our clothes to be the center of attention. Biblical principles can also help elders not to make their own rules about clothing and hairstyles. For example, in one congregation some young people wore their hair short and messy because that was the fashion. The elders wanted to help these young people. But how could they do it without setting a rule? The circuit overseer recommended that they tell the brothers: “If you stand on the platform and those present pay more attention to your appearance than what you say, could there be a problem with the way you dress or groom yourself?” . This was enough to resolve the situation without setting a rule.

What biblical laws and principles guide us when making health-related decisions? (Romans 14:5).

Health care. Each Christian must decide individually how he will care for his health (Gal. 6:5). When choosing medical treatment, we must take into account the biblical commands to abstain from blood and avoid spiritualism and other forms of occultism (Acts 15:20; Gal. 5:19, 20). Other than that, the rest is a matter of personal preference. Some Christians only turn to conventional medicine, and others prefer alternative medicine. Although our opinions on these issues are very strong, we must respect the right of our brothers and sisters to make their own decisions about health care. That is why it is good that we remember the following ideas: 1) the Kingdom of God is the only complete and permanent remedy for diseases (Is. 33:24); 2) each Christian “must be fully convinced” of what is best for him (read Romans 14:5); 3) we do not judge others or put any obstacles before them (Rom. 14:13), and 4) Christians love each other and consider the unity of the congregation to be more important than their personal opinions (Rom. 14:15). , 19, 20). If we keep these ideas in mind, we will get along very well with our brothers and we will contribute to peace reigning in the congregation.

What blessings do we receive if we are reasonable?

If we are reasonable, we receive many blessings. For example, we get along better with the brothers and there is peace in the congregation. We also feel that the variety of personalities and customs within Jehovah's united people enriches us. And the most important thing is that we are happy because we know that we are imitating Jehovah, who is a reasonable God.

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