DAILY TEXT, Saturday, June 14, 2025, Jesus answered, “No, I do not say to you up to 7 times, but up to 77 times” (Matt. 18:22).

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Saturday, June 14, 2025

Jesus answered, “No, I do not say to you up to 7 times, but up to 77 times” (Matt. 18:22).

In his first letter, the apostle Peter used the expression “deep love.” That love covers not just a few sins, but “a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). As he wrote this, Peter may have recalled what Jesus had taught him about forgiveness in a conversation they had had years earlier.

When Peter told him he would be willing to forgive someone “up to 7 times,” he probably thought he was being very generous. But Jesus taught him that he would have to forgive “up to 77 times,” that is, without setting a limit. And that is a lesson for us too (Matt. 18:21).

Do you find this advice difficult to put into practice? Don't give up. Because we are imperfect, all of Jehovah's servants have found it difficult to forgive at times. So what can you do? The important thing is to do everything possible to forgive your brother and make peace with him. w23.09 29 par. 12.

Why can it be difficult for elders to shepherd their brothers?

Peter surely never forgot what Jesus told him after his resurrection: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:16). If you are an elder, you know you must also follow this instruction. But it can be difficult to find time to fulfill this important responsibility. First and foremost, elders must attend to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their families. They must also lead by example in preaching and prepare well to teach at meetings and give talks at conventions. Some also serve on Hospital Liaison Committees or with the Local Department of Design and Construction. Elders are undoubtedly very busy people.

Why do elders desire to shepherd the flock, and what can help them? (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Peter told other Christian elders: “Shepherd the flock of God.” (Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.) We know that elders love their brothers and sisters and want to shepherd them. But sometimes they may feel unable to fulfill that responsibility because they are too busy or tired. If that is the case, what can you do? Tell Jehovah how you feel. Peter wrote: “If anyone serves others, let him do so as one relying on God’s strength.” (1 Pet. 4:11.) Perhaps your brothers and sisters are facing problems that cannot be solved in this system. But remember, Jesus Christ, “the chief shepherd,” can do much more for them than you can, both now and in the New World. Jehovah expects elders to love their brothers and sisters, shepherd them, and be “examples to the flock.”

What does an elder do to shepherd the flock?

William, an experienced elder, places great importance on shepherding the flock. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he and the other elders in his congregation felt it was vital to contact all the publishers in their preaching groups every week. Why? He explains: “Many brothers were alone in their homes, with nothing but their thoughts for company. It was easy for them to think negatively.”

When a brother has problems, William listens attentively to find out exactly what he needs and what concerns him. He then looks for something specific to help him, usually a video on our website. William adds: “Shepherding is more important now than ever. We work hard to help people come to know Jehovah. We should do something similar to shepherd the flock, to help Jehovah's sheep remain in the truth.”

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