Let's examine the Scriptures every day 2025
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Continue to forgive one another generously (Col. 3:13).
The apostle Paul was aware that his brothers were imperfect. For example, when he first 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 Corinthians 10:10). Then Paul saw a mature brother make a bad decision that could have caused other Christians to stumble (Galatians 2:11, 12). He also became deeply disappointed with Mark, one of his closest companions (Acts 15:37, 38). Paul could have felt that he had ample reason to stop associating with the brothers who had offended him. But instead of letting all of this distance him from Jehovah, he maintained a positive attitude toward them and continued to serve him faithfully.
What helped Paul not to distance himself from his brothers? (Colossians 3:13, 14).
Paul loved his brothers so much that he focused not on their imperfections but on their fine qualities. Love also helped him to forgive, just as he recommended at Colossians 3:13, 14 (read it). For example, did he make amends with Mark? Yes, he did. Although Mark deserted him during his first missionary journey, Paul did not remain angry with him. Later, he wrote a warm letter to the congregation in Colossae, saying that Mark was very valuable and “a source of great comfort” (Col. 4:10, 11). Also, while he was imprisoned in Rome, he asked Mark to come and assist him (2 Tim. 4:11). Clearly, Paul did not give up on his brothers. What does his example teach us?
What will help us to continue showing love to our brothers despite their imperfections? (1 John 4:7)
The lesson. Jehovah wants us to continue showing love to our brothers and sisters (read 1 John 4:7). If someone in the congregation has treated us in an unchristian way, we can give them the benefit of the doubt. Let us consider that they did so without malice and are striving to do what is right (Prov. 12:18). Despite our imperfections, Jehovah loves us very much. He does not turn his back on us when we make mistakes, nor does he hold a grudge (Ps. 103:9). It is vital that we imitate our Father and forgive others (Eph. 4:32–5:1).
Furthermore, we must not forget that, with the end so near, we need to remain very close to our brothers. We can expect to face more persecution, and we may even end up in prison. At such times, we will need our brothers more than ever (Prov. 17:17). Something like this happened to an elder in Spain named Josep. Because of his neutrality, he was imprisoned along with other brothers. He relates: “Since we had no privacy, it was very easy to become irritated with the brothers. So we had to put up with each other and forgive generously. That helped us to stay united and to protect each other from the non-Witness prisoners. I remember one time when I injured my arm and had it bandaged and immobilized. Since I couldn’t take care of myself, a brother washed my clothes and helped me in other practical ways. I saw what true love was when I needed it most.” How important it is that we resolve any problems with our brothers now!
What problems do married couples face?
The problem. All marriages “will have difficulties in life,” as the Bible frankly states (1 Cor. 7:28). Why? Because both husband and wife are imperfect. They also have different personalities and tastes. They may come from different cultures or have very different backgrounds. And, in time, certain flaws that went unnoticed during courtship may come to light. All of this can strain the relationship. Instead of acknowledging that both are wrong and working together to solve problems, they may blame each other or even think that the solution is to separate or divorce. But is that the best course of action? Let’s consider a Bible character who did not give up despite having many difficulties in his marriage.
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