“They will perform a sacred service with their reasoning ability” (ROM. 12:1).
1, 2. a) Why can we say that the Bible is a very old book?
We can say that the Bible is a very old book because it began to be written about 3,500 years ago and was completed almost 2,000 years ago. Although it was written in times very different from our own, it remains “the Word of God,” which is alive and powerful. For this reason, it continues to help millions of people face the challenges of life today.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can say that the Bible is a very old book because it began to be written about 3,500 years ago and was completed almost 2,000 years ago. However, within its pages is found the Word of God, which is alive and powerful.
The Bible remains relevant for two reasons. First, because its message comes from the living God, our Creator and the wisest being in the universe. Second, because it contains principles that never change over time.
1, 2. b) Why is the Bible still relevant?
The Bible remains relevant for two reasons. First, because its message comes from Jehovah, the “living God,” the wisest being in the universe and our Creator, who perfectly understands human nature and our needs. Second, because it contains principles that never change and remain useful regardless of the era or the challenges we face.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it is mentioned that, being inspired by God, the Bible remains very useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Although it was written long ago, it continues to be a very useful book.
The Bible remains useful because its Author, Jehovah, our Creator, is the eternal God, the only wise one, and he is alive. Therefore, no matter where we are or what time of year we live in, the advice it gives us will always be helpful in making good decisions.
3. What questions will this article answer?
This article will primarily answer these three questions: What are biblical principles? Why are they so important to us? And how can we identify them when we read the Bible? Furthermore, it will show how Jesus' teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, highlight the value of these principles.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This article will answer the following questions: What are biblical principles? Why are they so important to us? And how can we identify them when we read the Bible? It will also show how the teachings of Jesus highlight the value of these principles.
WHAT ARE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES?
4. What are biblical principles?
Biblical principles are fundamental truths that underpin God's laws. They could be described as the reasons behind those laws and reflect Jehovah's way of thinking.
Unlike laws, which tend to be more specific and apply to concrete situations, principles have a broader application and can guide us in different circumstances and eras. While laws may change, principles never become outdated or obsolete.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Biblical principles are fundamental truths that serve as the basis for God's laws. One could say that biblical principles are the reasons that justify the existence of these laws.
Bible principles are superior to laws because they reflect Jehovah's thinking. Furthermore, they never expire or become obsolete.
While laws apply to very specific situations or have a limited scope, principles reflect Jehovah's way of thinking in a broader way and can be applied to different circumstances or times.
We also know that principles stem from love for Jehovah. Although laws may sometimes be obeyed out of fear of punishment or consequences, principles, as we see at Psalm 119:111, are obeyed wholeheartedly out of love for Jehovah.
In some cases, Bible principles can be expressed as laws. For example, Matthew 22 mentions the command to love Jehovah with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with your whole mind. Although it is a principle, it is also a law.
Some characteristics of Bible principles are that they form the basis of God's laws, they can be applied to a wide variety of circumstances and situations, they never expire, they are based on love, and they reflect Jehovah's personality.
5. What example could be used to explain the difference between laws and principles? (See also the images).
The difference between laws and principles can be explained with the example of a mother telling her young child, “Don’t touch the stove.” That is a law or a specific instruction to protect him.
The principle behind this rule is to avoid touching any hot object that could cause injury or burns. This principle applies not only to stovetop flames, but also to irons, heaters, and other hot appliances.
As the child grows older, they may be able to use the kitchen, so the specific law may change. However, the principle of acting with care to avoid injury will still apply.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The paragraph illustrates the example of a young child who is taught the rule not to touch the stove or any other hot object. However, as the child grows, this rule no longer applies in the same way, since they now know how to handle fire safely. What never changes is the principle of acting prudently to avoid getting burned. Therefore, the principle does not expire.
The difference between laws and principles can be explained with the example of a small child and fire. When the child is young, their mother gives them a specific instruction: “Don’t touch the fire,” because they need a clear and concrete rule. However, as the child grows, that instruction can be applied to many other situations, such as an iron, a heater, or other hot objects.
The principle behind the law illustrated in the example is to be careful not to get burned. Thus, a law applies to a specific situation, while a principle is broader and can guide us in different circumstances.
In the example shown in the paragraph, the rule is: “Don’t touch the stove fire.” And what is the principle behind that rule? The principle is the reason why rules exist; in this case, it’s that fire is hot and can cause harm. Therefore, that principle can be applied to many other things that give off heat.
The law, according to the circumstances or according to what Jehovah determines, may change, but the principle always remains and continues to be the same.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of a woman with her son in the kitchen. 1. While she cooks, she warns her young son not to touch the fire so he doesn't get burned. 2. Years later, she prepares a salad while he cooks.
The law may change, but the basic principle behind it does not. (See paragraph 5).
WHY ARE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES IMPORTANT?
6. a) How does Jehovah guide us through his Word?
Jehovah guides us through his Word in various ways. He gives us specific laws that help us avoid dangers and bad decisions. He also enables us to understand the principles behind those laws, which guide us in different aspects of life where there are no specific rules. Thanks to Bible principles, we can make good decisions and do what is right.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah guides us through specific laws that enable us to avoid many dangers and also help us understand the principles behind these laws. In this way, we can make decisions knowing what is right and understanding the consequences we might face if we do not act in accordance with them.
The reason Jehovah guides us is because of his love for us. That is why he gives us these specific laws for our good, to protect us from dangers, and to help us understand the laws and principles. In addition to the laws, we also have principles on which we can base our decisions.
6. b) How does Jehovah dignify us?
Jehovah dignifies us by granting us the freedom and responsibility to make decisions based on Bible principles. In this way, we show that we love him and respect his standards, not simply because we are forced to obey, but because we want to please him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In James 2:11 we are given two specific laws: “You shall not commit adultery” and “You shall not murder.” If we obey them, we will save ourselves much grief and trouble.
Jehovah gives us the reasons through the principles behind those laws, and this helps us in every area of our lives. He also teaches us the importance of obeying or disobeying. In this way, Jehovah dignifies us.
7. Explain the value of biblical principles with an example (see also the image).
Biblical principles can be compared to traffic signs. Some signs indicate specific rules that drivers must obey, while others warn of potential dangers so they should act with caution.
Similarly, Bible principles not only help us avoid conduct that the Bible clearly condemns, but they also enable us to identify situations or attitudes that could lead us to disobey Jehovah. By applying these principles, we demonstrate good judgment and make decisions that protect our friendship with God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
These principles can be compared to traffic signs in various countries. Many of them indicate that drivers must be careful, as in the illustration, both to avoid penalties and to prevent potential accidents on the road. Similarly, if we obey these instructions, we can avoid serious consequences.
Some traffic signs can warn us about road conditions, while others alert us to dangers. Therefore, we must use good judgment, just as we do when applying Jehovah's principles.
The paragraph highlights the importance of sound judgment because, while the image shows a regular car, if we were driving a bus or a truck, our response to those signs would be different. We would certainly need to be more cautious and drive more slowly. Similarly, we shouldn't decide how to apply these principles based solely on what others do, but rather use sound judgment to analyze how our personal circumstances influence their application.
A Christian not only avoids any behavior condemned by the Bible, but also avoids any thought or action that could lead him to disobey God's laws. In this way, he demonstrates good judgment.
ILLUSTRATION
A car is driving at night along a winding mountain road. Its headlights illuminate several hazard signs.
Many traffic signs warn of potential hazards. Bible principles help us in a similar way. (See paragraph 7.)
8. According to Romans 12:1, 2, how does seeking the principles contained in the Bible benefit us?
When we strive to find the principles contained in the Bible and live in harmony with them, we learn to think like Jehovah on various matters. By analyzing the accounts in the Scriptures, we seek to draw practical lessons and understand why they were included in the Bible.
Furthermore, we learn to use our reasoning ability to serve Jehovah and we prove for ourselves what his good, pleasing, and perfect will is, as mentioned at Romans 12:1, 2.
By using the principles contained in the Bible, we learn to employ our ability to reason, think, and always extract practical lessons for ourselves, in order to apply them in our lives.
The footnote next to the text also provides some context, because it speaks of transformation. For many first-century Jews, this principled way of thinking was practically new, since the tradition was to follow a large number of rules. This teaches us that Jehovah helps us develop our ability to reason.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we strive to seek out the principles we find in the Bible and live in harmony with them, we reap other important benefits. For example, we learn to think like Jehovah on various matters.
Romans 12:2 says that we must transform our minds. Seeking Bible principles helps us to reason spiritually, not just emotionally, so that our decisions honor Jehovah.
9. What other benefit do we receive from living in harmony with Bible principles? (Hebrews 5:13, 14).
Living in harmony with Bible principles helps us to reach Christian maturity. By applying them, we develop the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, as Hebrews 5:13, 14 mentions, and our relationship with Jehovah improves.
Furthermore, Jehovah demonstrates his trust in us by allowing us to make decisions based on principles, not simply by following a list of rules. When we act in harmony with his will, we demonstrate our love for him and it makes our hearts happy.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Another benefit is that we mature spiritually. It's like a child who initially needs clear instructions, but over time matures and learns to make better decisions. Jehovah is so good that he trusts that, as we mature spiritually, we can make decisions that benefit us and please him.
Jehovah has provided us with solid food in his Word and trusts that we will use it to make right decisions that are in harmony with his will. In this way, we will be following the words of Hebrews 5:14 and will be able to distinguish right from wrong.
In the world, people sometimes say, “It’s a matter of common sense.” However, that doesn’t always align with biblical principles. Common sense may suggest a tendency, but biblical principles teach us that, as mature Christians, we must make decisions about matters such as clothing, friendships, and conduct, among others.
Biblical principles lead us to make decisions that differ from what the world's common sense deems acceptable. Therefore, when a Christian gradually makes decisions based on principles, it demonstrates a clear development of spiritual maturity.
Proverbs 27:11 says that if we live according to these principles, we will make Jehovah’s heart happy. And not only that, he will also be able to use us as an example to show Satan that we serve him out of love and that our loyalty to him is above all else.
HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES?
10. How can we identify biblical principles?
We can identify Bible principles by looking for the lessons contained in Bible accounts and by analyzing the reasons behind Jehovah’s laws. To do this, we must ask for his help in prayer and develop our thinking ability.
We can also ask ourselves questions such as: “Why did God establish this law?”, “What does this account teach us about Jehovah’s way of thinking?”, and “How can I apply this lesson in my life?”
By finding the reasons and lessons behind Bible laws and accounts, we will better understand Jehovah's will and be able to make wiser decisions.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we try to draw lessons from the Bible, we find principles that help us understand how Jehovah views things. We also identify principles when we strive to discover the reasons behind certain laws that Jehovah gives.
When we first discover the reasons for a law and think about why Jehovah has put it in place, we find the principles behind it.
The paragraph quotes Proverbs 2:10-12, which tells us that through wisdom, critical thinking, and discernment, we can make good decisions. In this way, we can identify the principles and understand the reasons behind them.
The paragraph discusses Jehovah's way of thinking and the difference between his thinking and ours. Clearly, there is a great difference because he is superior to us. However, the goal of developing our thinking ability is to better understand his way of thinking. The more we understand him, the easier it will be to act in a way that pleases him.
One of the questions was: “If Jehovah does not approve of this conduct, what will he think of similar conduct?” If we understand Jehovah’s character, it will be easier for us to apply principles related to similar situations when faced with new ones.
If we know that we are not under a law, but we also know that Jehovah established certain laws and that he does not change his mind, then, even though we are not under that law, by studying it we can identify the principles behind it. This helps us to act in harmony with Jehovah's standards, respect them, and thus make his heart happy.
11. How did Jesus teach us in his Sermon on the Mount to identify biblical principles? (See also the image.)
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to identify Bible principles by first stating a law and then revealing the underlying idea or principle. By meditating on what he revealed, we can better understand Jehovah’s way of thinking and how to apply those principles in different life situations. Furthermore, we can see the practical benefits of those lessons.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed how to identify Bible principles by reading beyond the law itself and explaining the reasoning behind it. He first mentioned a commandment and then revealed the principle that justified it, helping his listeners to understand Jehovah’s viewpoint. This teaches us to delve deeper into Bible laws, meditate on the principles that underpin them, and apply those principles in our daily lives.
Many times in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said something like, “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors…” Then he would mention the law and add, “But I tell you…” In this way, he explained the principle behind that law using illustrations, hyperbole, or clear expressions. He thus reflected Jehovah’s qualities and helped them to reason.
The image shows Jesus in what we know as the Sermon on the Mount, teaching his listeners to identify the principles behind the laws they followed, which the Jews observed strictly. However, now they had to follow Jesus, and that meant changing their way of thinking. They had to reason; therefore, Jesus taught them how to do so.
ILLUSTRATION
Jesus sitting under a tree teaching a group of disciples.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to identify the biblical principles behind God's laws. (See paragraph 11.)
12. What is one of the principles behind the law mentioned in Matthew 5:21, 22? (See also the picture.)
One of the principles behind the “Do Not Murder” law is that Jehovah does not want us to hate others, whether through our actions, words, or even our thoughts. He looks not only at what we do, but also at what we say and what is in our hearts.
Jesus explained that a person may not commit murder, but if they harbor hatred, anger, or contempt toward their brother, they are acting against the principle behind that law. These attitudes and actions can lead a person to commit murder.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus first quoted the law: “You shall not murder.” But he went much further and showed that there are attitudes and thoughts that can lead a person to sin. For example, someone who hates their brother and harbors that attitude might express it through words or actions. Over time, that attitude could even lead them to commit murder.
Clearly, if they had followed the principle of loving their neighbor as themselves, the "Thou shalt not murder" law would no longer have been necessary, because they would have been complying with the principle that underpins it.
The idea Jesus wanted to convey is that anyone who remains angry with their brother or verbally abuses him will also have to answer to God. The reason is that these same attitudes or actions can lead a person to murder.
It is clear that the apostle John understood this relationship well, because in the words of 1 John 3:15 he says, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer.” So he immediately established the connection between the law and the principle. And that is precisely what we are asked to do: to seek the reason behind every law.
13. How can we apply the principle of Matthew 5:21, 22 in our lives? (See also the image.)
We can apply the principle of Matthew 5:21, 22 by fighting against resentment and bitterness. We must prevent these feelings from growing in our hearts, as they can lead us to say things or do actions that hurt others.
This means avoiding gossip, slander, and any kind of language that could damage a person's reputation. We must also be careful how we use social media, the internet, and messaging apps to avoid spreading hateful or harmful comments.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Matthew 5:21-22 teaches me to guard my heart. If I control negative feelings from the start, I will avoid doing or saying things that hurt others.
If we avoid resentment and bitterness, we won't resort to actions like gossip or slander, because we must always avoid any kind of language that fosters hatred. As mentioned in the paragraph, we can end up with "reputation assassination," since through gossip or slander we can damage the image that others have of a person.
Proverbs 20:19 warns us against revealing confidential conversations and associating with those who enjoy gossip. Although such conversations may seem harmless, they can hurt the person involved, harm us, and worsen problems instead of solving them.
Gossip and slander are dangerous both for us, because they express hatred, something Jehovah hates, and for the person affected, whom we may hurt or resent when they find out. Instead of solving the problem, we would be making it worse. Furthermore, we could negatively influence those around us.
We see that even before social media, blogs, or the internet existed, Jesus had already established a principle. This also applies to the concept of "reputation killing," which includes gossip and slander.
Ultimately, social media makes it very easy to spread these kinds of negative comments, which can even "kill someone's reputation." This happens because, in the privacy of our own homes and without anyone watching, it can seem easier to make hurtful comments, something that is very common in today's world.
If we find ourselves in a conversation that is turning negative or that could lead to speaking ill of someone, we can look for something positive to say and thus put an end to that conversation.
The image shows one sister seemingly disagreeing with what the other sisters are saying. Or perhaps she's participating in the conversation, but just a small spark can ignite a large fire.
This paragraph reminds us that negative comments can have serious consequences, especially among young people, who may be more vulnerable. Damaging someone's reputation can cause a great deal of emotional suffering and lead to very serious repercussions.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A text box displays the words: “Do not murder.” 2. Two sisters are gossiping while another listens with an uncomfortable expression.
(See paragraphs 12 and 13).
14. What principle is behind the law mentioned in Matthew 5:27, 28? (See also the picture.)
The principle behind the law “Do not commit adultery” is that Jehovah not only expects us to avoid immoral sexual conduct, but also to keep our thoughts and desires clean.
Jesus explained that a person can sin in their heart by harboring immoral desires, even if they haven't committed a wrong act. Therefore, however difficult it may be, we must strive to reject immoral thoughts at all costs.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The law is clear: “Do not commit adultery,” meaning avoid any immoral act. Jehovah hates this. But Jesus wanted us to go further. We must not only avoid falling into the act of immorality; even harboring wrong thoughts or desires in our hearts can lead us to sin against Jehovah.
In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus encourages us to identify the thoughts we may be having and take steps, if necessary, to eradicate them. This demonstrates once again that thoughts can become a problem and that we must be mindful not only of our actions.
Matthew 5:29-30 speaks of plucking out one's eye or cutting off one's hand. In reality, it refers to sight and actions. The truth is that today, although it may be very difficult, it is necessary to take firm measures, because we live surrounded by such an immoral world that simply maintaining moral conduct can be considered frowned upon.
15. How can we apply the principle of Matthew 5:27, 28 in our lives? (See also the image.)
We can apply the principle of Matthew 5:27-28 by avoiding feeding immoral desires and rejecting any content or situation that might arouse those desires. This includes avoiding pornography, sexually suggestive content, and any practice that promotes immoral thoughts.
Although electronic media did not exist in Jesus' time, the principle he taught helps us to understand that Jehovah wants us to guard our mind and heart.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first clear idea is not to indulge in immoral desires. The paragraph mentions the example of King David, recorded in the second book of Samuel, chapter 11. David watched a woman, Bathsheba, bathing, and continued to delight in what he saw. We all know how that situation ended: it led him to commit immorality.
The image shows a brother deleting a social media account. It might seem odd, since pornography is usually prohibited on social media; however, it's true that, as the world gets worse, inappropriate images could appear.
Each person should analyze their use of social media, since many of us use it, but always keeping in mind the advice mentioned: stay away from anything that could lead to sexual immorality.
Just as we delete an app from our phone that we know could cause problems in our personal lives, we should also eliminate any content, app, or habit that could awaken negative desires. We don't have to wait to fall; we must act beforehand. In that way, we will demonstrate our wisdom.
As the paragraph clearly states, nothing justifies or excuses viewing immoral content. Why? Because we know that this displeases Jehovah. Therefore, as mentioned at the end, we must avoid anything that could lead us into sexual immorality.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A text box quotes these words: “Do not commit adultery.” 2. A brother deletes a social media account from his phone.
(See paragraphs 14 and 15).
16. What principle is behind the law mentioned in Matthew 5:43, 44? (See also the picture.)
The principle behind the law “Love your neighbor” is that Jehovah wants us to see all people as our neighbor and treat them with love, regardless of their race, nationality, or any other difference.
Jesus explained that the purpose of this law was not to love only those we like or to allow us to hate our enemies, as some Jews taught. The purpose was to reflect the impartial love of our Heavenly Father and to consider others as our neighbors.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The principle is clear: Jehovah wants us to see everyone as our neighbor and to treat them with love. He expects us to treat others as our neighbor, regardless of their race or nationality, when showing kindness and love.
The law in Leviticus 19:18 says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This command is very clear, but the study note on Matthew 5:43 explains that some Jewish rabbis believed this teaching automatically implied that they should hate their enemies. Therefore, they twisted the meaning of the law and taught other things.
Matthew 5:45 elaborates on this way of thinking of Jehovah, saying that he makes his sun rise on the good and the bad. We would have no merit if we only loved those who love us, because people of the nations do that too. Therefore, we should reflect Jehovah's perfection as far as we can, showing love to all our neighbors.
17. How can we apply the principle of Matthew 5:43, 44 in our lives? (See also the picture.)
We can apply the principle of Matthew 5:43, 44 by showing love to our neighbor in all circumstances. This involves remaining neutral in the conflicts and wars of this world and treating people with kindness and respect regardless of their race, nationality, or religion. Furthermore, we can forgive those who harm us or our loved ones.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Virtually all of us can apply this principle in almost every area of our lives. For example, by not getting involved in wars and conflicts, because we know they generate hatred, and by treating others with kindness.
We know that more and more people are forced to leave their countries, and we must treat them with kindness, regardless of their race, religion, or gender, to the best of our ability. The best way to demonstrate this love, as the image shows, is by preaching to all kinds of people.
Matthew 18:21, 22 shows that Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. Peter thought seven times was enough, but Jesus replied that he should do it “seventy-seven times,” indicating that we should forgive without limit.
Matthew 18:21-22 encourages us to forgive when someone hurts us, even if the person doesn't realize they've hurt us. We must remember that we are all imperfect and need to show that same willingness to forgive.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A text box quotes these words: “Love your neighbor.” 2. A married couple is preaching to a man of another race in a marketplace and shows him the pamphlet “Enjoy Life.”
(See paragraphs 16 and 17).
RESOLVED TO LIVE ACCORDING TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
18. a) What should we be determined to do?
We should be determined to use Bible principles to make good decisions every day and to understand Jehovah’s will. Our desire should be to please him out of love, not out of fear of punishment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must be determined to understand God's will. To do this, our love for Jehovah will motivate us to use the Bible principles we have learned to make good decisions in our daily lives.
Ephesians 5:17 says that we should stop being foolish and understand what Jehovah's will is.
18. b) What will we talk about in the next article?
In the next article, we will discuss another gift Jehovah has given us to help us make good decisions: our conscience. We will see how it can work together with Bible principles to guide us in our daily lives.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In the next article we will talk about another gift from Jehovah: our conscience, and how it can guide us along with Bible principles.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What is a biblical principle?
A Bible principle is a fundamental truth that serves as the basis for God's laws. It could be said to be the reason behind his laws and reflects Jehovah's way of thinking. Because principles express his values, they can be applied to different circumstances and times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Biblical principles are the foundation upon which laws are created.
There's a very clear illustration to understand this. A mother gives a child a rule: "Don't touch the fire." The reason, which would be the principle, is that they could get burned. As the child grows, they understand how to apply that principle in different situations. For example, if they think, "What would my mother say if I touched the iron?", they'll understand that they could also get burned and will avoid touching it.
Over time, the child who learned not to touch fire grows into an adult who knows how to cook or iron because they have put into practice the principle that certain actions can harm them. That's why we say that principles transcend time and place, and never expire.
What is the difference between principles and laws?
Laws tend to be more specific and apply to concrete situations, while principles have a broader application and reflect enduring values. Therefore, laws can change, but principles never expire or become outdated.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Paragraph 4 indicates that laws are specific and have a limited application. They are given for a particular time or situation, but principles are broader and can be applied to different circumstances and eras.
Principles never change, they are eternal, while laws can change at certain times.
With laws, the only option is to obey or not obey, but principles give us the opportunity to show that we apply them because we love Jehovah.
What are some principles that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount?
Jesus taught the principle behind the law “Do not murder,” which shows us that Jehovah looks not only at our actions, but also at our words, thoughts, and motivations.
Jesus taught the principle behind the law “Do not commit adultery,” which reminds us that Jehovah wants us to keep our thoughts and desires clean, avoiding anything that could lead to sexual immorality.
Jesus taught the principle behind the law “Love your neighbor,” which emphasizes that we should treat all people with love, regardless of their race or nationality, thus reflecting the impartial love of our Heavenly Father.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Matthew 5:21, 22, the law is: “Do not murder.” But the underlying principle is that Jehovah does not want us to hate others, whether that hatred is expressed in our actions or words, or remains only in our thoughts.
Another example is found in Matthew 5:43-44, based on the law of “Love your neighbor.” This principle teaches us that we should see everyone as equal and treat them with love. This means not getting involved in wars, treating everyone with kindness, and forgiving even when they hurt us.
Finally, in Matthew 5:27, 28, the law is: “Do not commit adultery.” However, the principle goes further, because Jehovah disapproves not only of immoral sexual conduct but also of the thoughts that can lead to it. This applies to both married and single people, because Jehovah wants us to avoid all forms of sexual immorality.
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