Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025
Wednesday February 12, 2025
You, O Jehovah, are good and willing to forgive (Ps. 86:5).
The apostle Peter made a series of mistakes. First, he overconfidently claimed that he would remain faithful even if the other apostles abandoned Jesus (Mark 14:27-29). Afterwards, he fell asleep again and again (Mark 14:32, 37-41). Then, when Jesus was arrested, he abandoned him (Mark 14:50). Finally, Peter denied knowing him three times, even with an oath (Mark 14:66-71). How did you react when you realized you had committed a serious sin? He broke down and began to cry (Mark 14:72). Jesus, instead of blaming Peter for what he had done, told his friend that he would receive greater responsibilities (John 21:15-17). Peter knew he had committed a serious sin, but he did not throw in the towel. Because? Because he was convinced that Jesus had not given him up for lost. What is the lesson? Jehovah wants us to be convinced that he loves us and is willing to forgive us (Rom. 8:38, 39. w24.03 18, 19 paras. 13-15).
What helped Peter not to turn away from Jehovah? (See the drawing).
Peter persevered and did not turn away from Jehovah. What helped you? He did not isolate himself, but sought the company of his brothers, who surely consoled him (Luke 24:33). Furthermore, once Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to Peter, probably to encourage him (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5). Then, instead of blaming Peter for what he had done, Jesus told his friend that he would receive greater responsibilities (John 21:15-17). Peter knew he had committed a serious sin, but he did not throw in the towel. Because? Because he was convinced that Jesus had not given him up for lost, and he had the support of his brothers. Let's see what we learn from his example.
What certainty does Jehovah want us to have? (Psalm 86:5; Romans 8:38, 39; see also image.)
The lesson. Jehovah wants us to be convinced that he loves us and is willing to forgive us. (Read Psalm 86:5; Romans 8:38, 39.) Sure, it's normal and okay to feel guilty when we sin. But we must never think that Jehovah has stopped loving us and that he will never forgive us. Rather, we should seek help right away. Robert, who we talked about in paragraph 12, explains: “What led me to sin was believing that I would be able to resist temptation without anyone's help.” He saw that he needed to talk to the elders. Robert says: “When I took that step, they helped me see that Jehovah still loved me. The elders did not give up on me. On the contrary, they showed me that Jehovah had not abandoned me.” Like Robert, we can be sure that Jehovah loves us very much and forgives us if we repent of our sins, seek help, and strive not to make the same mistake. (1 John 1:8, 9) Thinking that Jehovah still loves us will help us not give up if we stumble or fall.
Why do you want to continue serving Jehovah without giving up?
Jehovah values everything we do to serve him in these last difficult days. It will help us not to give up and not to walk away from it despite disappointments. We can cultivate love for our brothers and forgive them when they offend us. We can show Jehovah that we love him very much and that we respect marriage by doing our best to solve any problems that arise with our husband or wife. And if we commit a serious sin, we can seek help from Jehovah, accept his love and forgiveness, and continue serving him. “So let us not stop doing what is right,” because we know that Jehovah will bless us greatly (Gal. 6:9).
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