DAILY TEXT, Tuesday, September 23, 2025. You have endured for my name's sake (Rev. 2:3).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2025

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

You have persevered for my name's sake (Rev. 2:3).

How wonderful it is to be part of Jehovah's organization! Although life has been going from bad to worse in these last days, thanks to Jehovah, we have a close-knit spiritual family. (Ps. 133:1) God's guidance helps us have happy families. (Eph. 5:33–6:1) And he also gives us the wisdom we need to fight negative feelings and be happy.

Even so, in order to remain faithful to Jehovah, we sometimes need to make great efforts. Why? Because the things others do and say can offend us. We might also become discouraged when we make mistakes, especially if we repeat the same ones over and over again. We must continue serving Jehovah 1) when a brother or sister offends us, 2) when our husband or wife disappoints us, and 3) when we feel disappointed in ourselves.

What problem do Jehovah's servants face?

The problem. Realistically, some brothers will do things that drive us crazy. Others may disappoint us or treat us inconsiderately. Sometimes, the elders make mistakes too. All of this can cause some to doubt that this is God's organization. Instead of continuing to serve Jehovah "shoulder to shoulder" alongside their brothers, they may decide to stop speaking to those who offended them or even stop attending meetings (Zeph. 3:9). Is that a good decision? Let's see what we can learn from a biblical figure who went through similar situations.

What problems did the apostle Paul face?

The biblical character. The apostle Paul was aware that his brothers were imperfect. For example, when he began attending the congregation in Jerusalem, many there distrusted and feared him (Acts 9:26). Later, some spoke ill of him behind his back (2 Cor. 10:10). Then, Paul saw a mature brother make a bad decision that could have stumbled other Christians (Gal. 2:11, 12). He was also deeply disappointed with Mark, one of his principal companions (Acts 15:37, 38). Paul may have thought he had every reason to stop associating with the brothers who had offended him. But instead of letting all this distance him from Jehovah, he maintained a positive attitude toward them and continued to serve Him faithfully. What helped him?

What helped Paul not to become estranged from his brothers?

Paul loved his brothers so much that he didn't focus on their imperfections, but on their beautiful qualities. Love also helped him forgive, as recommended in Colossians 3:13, 14 (read it). For example, did he mend fences with Mark? Yes. Although Mark abandoned him during his first missionary journey, Paul didn't remain angry with him. Later, he wrote a warm letter to the congregation at Colossae in which he called Mark precious and "a source of great comfort" (Col. 4:10, 11). Furthermore, while he was imprisoned in Rome, he asked that Mark come to his aid (2 Tim. 4:11). Clearly, Paul didn't give up on his brothers. What does his example teach us?

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