"The Word of God Is Alive and Exerts Power"

Why did Abraham, Robert, Gabriel and Daniel change so dramatically?  How were they able  to erase deep-rooted hatred and grief from their hearts?

Each of these men read, meditated on, and learned the truth from the Bible, which is "alive and exerts power."  (Hebrews 4:12) The Author of the Bible is the Creator of mankind, who knows how to influence for good the heart of someone who is willing to listen and learn.  "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness."  Once a reader allows himself to be guided by the Bible, he takes on a new set of values and standards.  He begins to learn how Jehovah views things.  This process brings many benefits, including a healing of the wounds of war. -2 Timothy 3:16.

God's Word explains that no national, racial, or ethnic group is better or worse than another.  "God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him."  The reader who accepts this is helped gradually to overcome feelings of racial or national hatred. - Acts 10:34, 35.

Bible prophecies indicate that God will soon replace the present system of human rule with his Messianic Kingdom.  By means of this government, God "is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth."  Institutions that promote wars and urge people to fight in them will be removed.  Victims of war will be resurrected  and given a chance to live on a paradise earth.  No one will need to flee in the face of an aggressor or an oppressor. -Psalm 46:9; Daniel 2:44;  Acts 24:15.

Of humans living at that time, the Bible says:  "They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build and have someone3 else have occupancy . . .They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance."  There is no damage or injury that will not be healed.  Putting faith in such a hope gradually removes grief and sorrow from a person's heart. -Isaiah 65:21-23.

The Bible is indeed potent medicine for the heart.   Its teachings are already healing the wounds of war.  Former countries are being united in one international brotherhood.  This healing process will continue on in God's new system  until there is no more hatred or bitterness, sorrow and grief in the hearts of mankind.  The Creator promises that "the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart." -Isaiah 65:17.

Next time: BE BUILT UP BY LOVE

The Watchtower, 2001