Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear - FEAR OF DEATH

 The Bible acknowledges that death is an enemy.  (1 Corinthians 15:25, 26) We may feel anxious at the thought of death, especially when we of our loved ones are critically ill.  Why do we fear death? Because Jehovah created us  with the desire to enjoy death forever.  (Ecclesiaste 3:11) A balanced fear of death can help us to protect our life.  For example, it can motivate us to make good  decisions about our diet and exercise routine, to seek the help if physicians and medications when necessary, and to avoid needlessly putting our life in danger. 

Satan knows that we cherish our life. He claims, however, that we would sacrifice everything we have -even our friendship with Jehovah-just to preserve our present life.(Job  2:4, 5)  How wrong Satan is! Still, since he is "the one having the means to cause death," Satan tries to exploit   our natural fear of death in order to make us abandon Jehovah. (Hebrews 2:14, 15) In some cases, Satan's agents threaten to kill Jehovah's worshippers if they do not renounce  their faith.  In some cases, Satan may take advangage of a life-threatening medical situation to try to get us to compromise.  Medical doctors or unbelieving family members may pressure us to accept a bloos transfusion, which would violate God's law. OR someone may try to persuade us to consider another therapy that goes against Scriptural principles. 

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Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear - FEAR OF MAN

 We can take comfort from the beautiful truth reflected at Psalm 27:10. (Read.)  When we remember just how much Jehovah loves us, we feel secure in the face of opposition.  And we are confident that he will reward us for our endurance. Jehovah will take care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs far better than anyone else can!  That is what Biniam mentoned earlier, discovered.  

Biniam became one of Jehovah's Witnesses despite knowng that he could face vicious persecution.  Consider how his knowing that Jehovah  loves him helped Biniam to overcome fear of man .  "The persecution was beyond imagination, "He says.  "But what I feared even more than  persecution was opposition from my family. I was afraid that my decision to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses would disappoint my unbelieving father and that my family would think I was a failure."  However, Biniam was convinced  that Jehovah always cares  for those whom he loves.  Biniam explains:  "I reflected on how Jehovah had helped others to endure economic hardship, prejudice, and mob violence.  I knew that if I stuck with Jehovah, he would bless me.  When I was arrested multiple times and even tortured , I experienced firsthand just how much Jehovah helps  us in  our time of need if we remain faithful."  Jehovah became a real Father to Biniam, and His peoplee proved to be a real family to him. 

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Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear - FEAR OF MAN

Humans  have a bad record of harming one another.  (Ecclesiastes 8:9)  For example, people abuse their authority, criminals commit violent actas, bullies at school insult and threaten their classmates, and some people even  treat their family members brutally. No wonder humans fear other humans!  How does Satan try to take advantage of our fear of man?

Satan uses fear of an to try to forces us to make compromises and to stop us from  preaching.  Under the influence of Satan, governments have banned our work and persecuted us.  (Luke 21:12; Revelation 2:10)   Various elements of Satan's world spread misleading information and vicious lies about Jehovah's Witnesses.  People who believe these lies may mock us or even attack us physically.  (Matthew 10:36) Are we supprised at Satan's vicious tactics?  Not at all.  he was already using them in the first century. - ACTS 5:27, 28, 40. 

Fear of opposition from governments is not the only weapon Satan uses.  For some, fear of how family members will react to the truth is greater than any physical abuse.  They love their relatives very much and want them to come to know and love Jehovah. It pains them to hear their relatives speak disprespectfully of the true God and of his worshipperss. In some cases, however, relatives who were initially opposed later came into the truth. But suppose or family members cut all ties with us because of our new beliefs?  How will we react? 

Next time:  Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear - FEAR OF MAN 

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Love Helps Us to Ovecome Fear - FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY

 When we are convinced that Jehovah loves  us and that he loves our family, we have no trouble believing that we will have the things we need.  (Read Matthew 6:31-33) Jehovah wantst to provide for us, and what a loving, generous Provide he is!  When he created the earth, he did more than just give us the basic things we would need to surivive. He lovingly filled the earth with things that  would give us immense pleasure.  (Genesis 2:9) Even of at times we have just enough to get by, we do well to focus on the fact that we are getting by. Jehovah has not failed to provide for us. (Matthew 6:11)We need to keep in mind that any material sacrifice we make now is nothing in comparison to what our loving God will give us, both now and in the future. That is what Nestor and Maria came to realize.  - ISAIAH 65:21, 22.

Nestor and Maria had enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle in Columbia  "We thought about simplifying oru life and expanding our ministry," They said "but we were afrauid  that we wouldn't be happy living on less money." What happened to overcome their fear?  They reflected on the many ways that Jehovah had provced his love for them.  Convinced that he would always take care of them, they quit their well-paying jobs.  They sold their home and moved to a part of the country where there was a greater need for Kingdom preachers. How do they feel about their decision? Nestor says:  "We have seen the truthfulness of Matthew 6:33.We have never lacked anythin materially. And we live a happier life now." 

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Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear - FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY

 A Christian family head takes seriously the responsibility to care materially for his family.  (1 Timothy 5:8) If you are a family head, perhaps during the recent pandemic there as a real possibility that your would lose your job.  You may have worried  that you would struggle to put food on the table and pay the rent or the mortgage on your home. You may also have been afraid that if you lost your job, you would not be able to find another one.  Or like Nestor and Maria, mentioned earlier, you have hesitated to make and adjustment in your secular work that would affect your lifestyle.  Satan has had a lot of success in exploiting such fears. 

Satan tries to make us believe that Jehovah does not care about us personally and that we are on our own when it comes to procviding for our family. As a result, we might conclude that we need to do whatever it takes to hold on to our present employment, even if it means ignoring Scriptural principles. 

Jesus, who knows the Father better than anyone else does, assures us that our God  "knows what [we] need even before [we]ask him." (Matthew 6:8) And Jesus knows that Jehovah is ready to provide for our needs. As Christians, we members of God's household.  We can be sure that as a family Head, Jehovah will respec the people he had recorded at 1 TIMOTHY 5:8.

Next time: Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear - FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY  

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Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear

When we are convinced that Jehovah loves us-that he is on our side-we can defeat Satan's efforts.  (Psalm 118:6) For example, the writer of Psalm 118 faced some cvery distressing situations.  He had many enemies, including some in high places. (Verses 9, 10).  At times, he was under great pressure (verse 13). And he had receied strong discipline from Jehovah  (verse 18). Still, that psalmist was moved to sing:  "I will not be afraid." What made him feel so safe and secure?  He knows that although Jehovah had disciplined him, his heavenly Father loved him very much.  The psalmist was convinced that no matter what situation he faced, his loving God would always be ready to help him. - PSALM 118:29.

We need to be convinced that Jehovah loves us personally.  Our having that conviction will help us to overcome three commone fears, namely, (1) fear of not being able to provide for our family,  (2) fear of man, and (3) fear of death.  The individuals mentioned in the opening paragraph were able to overconme their fears because they were convinced of God's love. 

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How Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear

 "Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid." - PSALM 118:6.

CONSIDER the following real-life situations. Nestor and his wife, Maria, wanted to serve where the need was greater.  In order to accomplish that, however, they would need to adjust their standard of living.  But they were afraid  that they might not  be truly happy if they had to live on less money.  When Biniam became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in a country where our work  is opposed, he realized that as one of God's people, he could be persecuted.  That scared him. But he was even more fearful of how his family might react when they found out about his new religion.  Valerie was diagnosed ewiht an aggressive form of cancer, and she struggled  to find a surgeon who would respect her Bible-based beliefs regarding blood.  Understandably, she feared that she might die.  

Have you experienced such fears?  Many of us have. If we do not learn to control  our fears, we will likely made bad decisions that could even have a negative impact on our relationship with with Jehovah.  That is what Satan wants. He also tries to use our fears to make us disobey Jehovah's laws, including the command to preach the good news.  (Revelation 12:17)  Satan is wicked, relentless, and powerfu8l. But you can protect yourself from him. How? 

Next time: How Love Helps Us to Overcome Fear -  Continue

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - JEHOVAH'S PERFECT JUSTICE

 What a relief it is to know thatwe do not have the burden of deciding how individuals should be judged!  As the Supreme Judge, Jehovah wil care fo this important work.  (Romans 14:10-12) We can have complete confidence that he will always judge in harmony with his  perfect standard of right and wrong. (Genesis 18:25; 1 Kings 8:32) He will never do anything  unrighteous! 

We long for the timee when Jehovah will completely undo all the bad effects of human imperfection and sin. At that time, all our physical and emotional wounds will be permanent healed.  (Psalm 72:12-14; Revelation 21:3, 4) They will never come to mind again. While we wait for the wonderful time to arrive, how thankful we are  that Jehovah has empowered us with the ability to imitate him by being forgiving.

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive -BLESSINGS OF FORGIVENESS

 In 1985, Peter and Sue were attending a meeting at the Kingdom Hall when suddenly there was a massive explosion. A man had planted a bomb inside the Kingdom Hall!  Sue suffered serious injuries that permanently damaged her sight and hearing. She also  her sense of smell.  Peter and Sue often 'ask themselves, 'What kind of person would do such a evil thing?'  Many years later, the perpetrator, who was not a servant of Jehovah, was arrested and sentenced to life in prison.  When asked if they forgiven this man, Peter and Sue said:  "Jehovah teaches us that harboroing anger and resentment can harm us physically, emotionally, and mentally.  So very early on, we asked Jehovah to help us to put aside anger and resentment and get on with our life." 

Has it been easy for them to extend forgiveness?  Not always, the continue:  "Every now and the when the effects of Sue's injuries impact our life, anger swells up.  But we do not dwell on the matter, so these feeling quickl fade. In fact, we can say from our heart that if the bomber becomes our brother on day, we will welcome him.  This experience has taught us that Bible principles  are really liberating; they set us free in more ways than we can imagine! We also take comfort in knowing that Jehovah  will soon undo all the damage." 

Myra learned the truth when she was already married and had two small children. Her husband did not accept the truth.  In time, he committed adulter and abandoned the family.  Myra says: "  When my husband left me and our two children. I felt the emotion that many do after being betrayed by a loved one-shock, disbelief, grief, regret, self-blame, and anger."  Although the marriage ended, the pain of betrayal remained.  Myra continues:  "Those feelings kept me in turmoil for months, and I realized they were affecting my relationship with Jehovah and with others."  Myra now says that she has let go of her anger and does not harbor any ill will toward her former husband. She hopes that one day he will draw close to Jehovah.  Myria is able to focus on the future. A s a single mother, she raised her two children to be servant of Jehovah.  Today Myra has the joy of serving Jehovah along with her children and their families. 

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive -JEHOVAH'S PERFECT JUSTICE

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - BLESSINGS OF FORGIVENESS

 Many of our Christian brothers and sisters decided to forgive even when they were deeply hurt by the action of others.  What blessings have they experienced from doing so?

Long before he learned the truth, Tony, who lives in the  Philippines, found out that one of his older brothers has been murdered by a man named Jose. At the time, Tony was a very aggressive and violent person, and he wanted revenge.  Jose was arrested and imprisoned for his crime. Later, when Jose when Jose was released from prison, Tony vowed that he would hunt him down and kill him.. He purchased a gun for that purpose.  Meanwhile, Tony began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. He says, "As I was studying, I learned I needed to change my ways, and that included letting go of my anger."  In time, Tony got baptized and was eventually appointed as a congregation elder.  Imagine his surprise when he learned that Jose had also become a baptized  servant of Jehovah! When the two met, tey warmly embraced each other, and Tony told Jose that he had forgiven him.  Tony says that this act of forgiveness brought him such great joy that it was difficult for him even to describe that wonderful feeling. Yes, Jehovah blessed Tony's willingness to forgive. 

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - BLESSINGS OF FORGIVENESS

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive -WHY JEHOVAH ENCOURAGE US TO FORGIVE

 Vengeance belongs to Jehovah.  Jehovah has not authorized us to seek revenge when someone sins against us.  (Read Romans 12:19-21.)  With our limited and imperfect viewpoint we are simply not in a position to judge matters correctly, as God can.  (Hebrews 4:13) And, at times, we allow our emothions  to interfere with our good judgment.  Jehovah inspires James to write:  "Man's   anger does not bring about God's righeousness." (James 1:20) We can be certain that Jehovah will do the right thing and make sure that perfect justice will be carried out.

Forgiveness slows our confidence in Jehovah's justice. By leaving  matters  in Jehovah's hands, we show that we are confident that Jehovah will undo all the harm that has been caused by sin.  In his promised new world, painful emotional wounds "will not be called to min d, nor will they come up into the heart " ever again.  (Isaiah 65:17)  But when we have been deeply  hurt, is it really possible to let go of the anger and resentment we might have in o ur heart?  Consider how some have been able to do so.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - BLESSING OF FORGIVENESS

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHY JEHOVAH ENCOURAGES US TO FORGIVE

Being forgiving show appreciation.  In one parable,  Jesus compared Jehovah to a master who cancelled an enormous debt that one of his slaes could not repay.  Yet, the forgiven slave  failed to act mercifully toward a slave who owed him  a much smaller amount of money.  (Matthew 18:23-35) What was Jesus teaching us?  If we truly appreciate Jehovah's great mercy toward us, we will be moved to forgive others.  (Psalm 103:9)  The Watchtower expressed it this way years ago:  "No  matter how many times we forgive our fellow creatures, it could never equal the extent of God's forgiveness and mercy to us through Christ. 

Forgivers will be forgiven.  Jehovah shows mercy to those whjo are merciful. (Matthew 5:7; James 2:13) Jesus made that clear when he taught his disciples how to pray. (Read Matthew 6:14, 15.) Earlier, Jehovah made the same point in connection with his servant Job.  That faithful man had been deeply hurt by the cutting remarks of three men name Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  Jehovah instructed Job to pray in their behalf. After Job did so, Jehovah blessed him. - JOB 42:8-10.

Harboring resentment is damaging. Jehovah wants us to enjoy  the relief that comes from unburdening ourselves of resentment.  (Read Ephesians 4L31, 32)  He urges us to "let go of anger and abandon rage." (Psalm 37:8) There is wisdom  in following that advice. Harboring resentment can be harmful  to our physical and mental health.  (Proverbs 14:30)   Our harboring such resentment will not affect the offender any more than our drinking poison would harm the one who offended us.  Rather, when we forgive others, we are giving ourselves a gift.  (Provervbs 11:17)  We find peace of mind and heart, and we are able to move ahead in our service to Jehovah.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHY JEHOVAH ENCOURAGES US TO FORGIVE

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive -WHEN A CHRISTIAN COMMITS A SERIOUS SIN

 Suppose that a person is not repentant when the elders meet with him.  In that case, he will be disfellowshipped from the congregation.  If he has violated the law of the land, the elders will not shield him from the consequences.  Jehovah allows governmental authorities to judge and punish anyone  who violates the law-whether he is repentant or not.  (Romans 13:4) Yet, if the person later comes to his senses and sincerely repents and turns around, Jehovah is willing to pardon him. (Luke 15:17-24) That is true even if his sins were very serious . - 2 CHRONICLES 33:9, 12. 13; 1 TIMOTHY 1:15.

What a relief to know tha twe not need to decide if Jehovah will pardon a sinner!  Still, there is something that we do need to decide. What is it?  In some cases, an individual has sinned against us-even seriously -but then he may apologize and ask for our forgivensss.  In other cases, the person may not. Even so, we can choose to forgive the person in the sense that we can decide to let go of any resentment and anger that we feel toward him. Realistically, this may take time and effort, especially if we have been deeply hurt.  The Watctower  of September 15, 1994, says: "When you do forgive a sinner, this does not mean that you are condoning the sin.  For the Christian, forgifeness means trustfully leaving the matter in Jehovah's hands.  He is the righteous judge of all the universe, and he will carry out justice at the right time."  Why does Jehovah encourage us to forgive and to leave justice where it belongs-in his hands?

Next time:Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHY JEHOVAH ENCOURAES US TO FORGIVE

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Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHEN A CHRISTIAN COMMITS A SERIOUS SIN

 Serious sins must be brought to the attention of the elders. Examples of such sins are found at 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.  Serious sins are gross violations of God's Law. If a Christian commits  such a sin, he must approach Jehovah God in prayer, and he must  go to the elders of the congregation.  (Psalm 32:25; James 5:14) What role do the elders play?  Only Jehovah has the authority to forgive sins fully, which he makes possible on the basis of the ransom sacrifice.  Jehovah, however, had entrusted the elders with the responsibility of determining from the Scriptures whether the sinner can remain in the congregation.  (1 Corinthians 5:12)  Among other things, they will endeavor to answer the following questions:  Was the ins intentional?  Did the person scheme to do what was wrong?  Did he practice the sin over and extended  period of time?  Most important, is there evidence that he is sincerely repentant?  Are there indications that Jehovah has forgiven him? - ACTS 3:19.

When the elders meet with the wrondoer, their goal is to reach the same decision on earth tghaty has already be reached in heaven.  (Matthew 18:18) He does this arrangement benefit the congregation?  It ensures that unrpentand wrongdoers who might harm Jehovah's precious sheep are  removed. (1 Corinthians 5:6, 7, 111-13; Titus 3:10, 11) It may also help a sinner  to repent and benefit from Jehovah's forgiveness.  (Luke 5:32) The elders pray in behalf of a repentant one and ask  Jehovah to help him recover spiritually. - JAMES 5:15. 

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHEN A CHRISTIAN COMMITS A SERIOUS SIN -Conclusion

From the  jw.org publications

Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive

 "Just as Jehovah forgave you, you must also do the same." -  COLOSSIANS 3:13.

ALTHOUGH Jehovah is our Creatore, Lawgiver, and Judge, he is also our loving heavenly Father.  (Psalm 100:3; 33:22)  When we sin against him and are sincerely repentant, his is not only able but also eager to forgive us.  (Psalm 86:5) Through his prophet Isaiah, Jehovah gave this warm assurance: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made white as snow." - ISAIAH 1:18.

Because we are imperfect, we all say and do things that offend others.  (James 3:2)  That doe snot mean, however, that we cannot enjoy close relationships with them. We can if we learn to be forgiving.  (Proverbs 17:9; 19:11; Matthew 18:21, 22)  When we hurt one another in small ways, Jehovah wants  us to forgive.  (Colossians 3:13) We have good reasont to do so.  After all, Jehovah freely forgive us "in a large way." - ISAIAH 55:7.

In this artcile, we will consider how imperfect humans can imitate Jehovah's forgiveness.  Which sins must we being to the attention of the elders?  Why does  Jehovah encourages us to forgive others? And what can we learn from some of our fellpow believers who suffered greatly because of the sins of others?

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Forgive - WHEN A CHRISTIAN COMMITS A SERIOUS SIN

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Jehovah -The Greatest Forgiver - HAVE CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH'S FORGIVENESS

 Let us briefly review some of the key points we have discussed. Jehovah is truly the greates Forgiver in the universe.  On what basis can we say that?  First, he is always ready to forgive.  Second, he knows us through and through.  He is perfectly familiar with our makeup, and he is he in the position to determine whether we are  truly repentant. And third, when Jehovah forgives us, he wipes the slate clean, so to speak. This allows us to have a clean conscience and enjoy his favor.

Of cours, as long as we are imperfect, we will continue to sin.  However, we can gain comfort from the words found in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, page 771: "Since Jehovah  mercifully considers the fleshly weakness of his servans, they need not be in a constant state of remorse due to their errors resulting from inherent imperfection.  (Psalm 103:8-14; 130:3) If they are conscientiously  walkng in God's ways, they may be be joyful.  (Philippias 4:4-6; 1 Jphn 3:19-22)." What an encouraging thought!

We are grateful that Jehovah is ready to pardon us when we are truly sorry for the sins we have committed. How, though, can we  imitate Jehovah's forgiveness?  In what ways is our forgiveness similar to Jehovah's forgiveness, but what ways is it different?  Why is understanding  that distinction important?  The next article will answer these questions.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive

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Jehovah - The Greatest Forgiver - WHOM WILL JEHOVAH FORGIVE

 Another factor that  Jehovah considers is whether the sinner is sincerely repentant.  What does it mean to repent?  To repent means "to change one's mind, attitude, or purpose."  It includes  the idea that  a person feels regret and deep sadness about the bad things he has done or about  not doing the things he should have done.  A repentant person is grieved not only by the wrong doings he has committed but also by the poor spiritual condition  that led to those wrongs.  Recall that King Manasseh and David both committed serious sins; yet,  Jehovah forgave them because they were sincerely repentant.  (1 Kings 14:8) Yes, Jehovah must see evidence of repentance in order to forgive. But it is not enough for us to feel sorry about sinful course or a sin we have committed. We must be ready to take action.  That brings us another factor that Jehovah considers. 

Conversion is another important factor that Jehovah considers.  Conversion means "a turning around." In other words,  a person must change course by his bad way and pursuing the way of Jehovah.  (Read Isaiah 55:7.) The individual must transform his mind so that he is guided by the thinking of Jehovah.  (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23) He must be determined to leave behind his former bad ways of thinking and acting.  (Colossians 3:7-10) Of course, it is our faith in the sacrifice of Christ that provides the real basis for Jehovah to forgive us and cleanse us of  sin.  Jehovah will extend the value of that sacrifice to us when he sees that we are making a sincere effort to change our course of conduct. -  1 JOHN 1:7.

Next time: Jehovah - The Greatest Forgiver - HAVE CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH'S FORGIVENESS

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Jehovah - The Greatest Forgiver - WHOM WILL JEHOVAH FORGIVE?

 As we have seen, Jehovah's decision to forgive in not based on whether the sin was great or small.  Also, we have learned that Jehovah uses his knowledge as our Creator, Lawgiver, and Judge when deciding whether he will extend forgiveness. What factors does Jehovah consider?

One factor that Jehovah considers is whether the sinner knew what he was doing was wrong. Jesus made this clear, as recorded at Luke 12:47, 48. (Read.) A person who willfully schemes to do something to do something wicked and knows full well that he is doing something that is  offensive to Jehovah sins in a serious way.  Such a person is in danger ofnot being forgiven.  (Mark 3:29; Johb 9:41)  We must admit, however, that sometimes we are aware that what we did was wrong. Is there any hope for us in that case? Yes! And this brings us to another factor that Jehovah considers. 

Next time: Jehovah -The Greatest Forgiver - WHON WILL JEHOVAH FORGIVE?

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Jehovah -The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH'S UNIQUE ABILITY TO FORGIVE

 when we accept the fact  that Jehovah has forgiven us, we enjoy "seasons of refreshing,"including peace of mind and a clean conscience.  Such forgiveness cannot come from men but must come from Jehovah himself." (Acts 3:19)  When Jehovah forgives us, he restores his relationship wit us so completely that it is as though  we had never sinned.

Once Jehovah forgives us, he will will never accuse us or punish us again for that sin.  (Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34) Jehovah puts our sins "as far off as the sunrise is from the sunset." (Psalm 103:12)  When we reflect on how great Jehovah's forgiveness is, we are filled with gratitude and awe. (Psalm 130:4)  But who can experience this forgiveness from Jehovah?

Next time: Jehovah -The Greatest Forgiver - WHOM WILL JEHOVAH FORGIVE?

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Jehovah - The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH'S UNIQUE ABILITY TO FORGIVE- Continue

 Jehovah's judgments are always just and fair.   He is completely impartial.  His forgiveness is never determined by someone's appearance, wealth, prominence, or abililites.  (1 Samuel 16:7; James 2:1-4)  No one cab pressure or brife Jehovah.  (2 Chroniclers 19:7) His decisions are never colored  by frustration or sentiment.  (Exodus 34:7) Without a doubt, Jehovah's understanding and his pentrating insight make him the most qualified judge. - Read Deuteronomy 32:4. 

The writes of the Hebrew Scriptures recognized that Jehovah's forgiveness is unique.  In some cases, they used a Hebrew word that one reference work says "is reserved especially to mark the pardon extended to the sinner by God,, and is never  used  to denoted that  inferior  kind and measure of forgiveness which is exercised by one man towards another."  Only  Jehovah has the power to pardon a repentant sinner completely.  What results when Jehovah forgives us? 

Next time: Jehovah -The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH'S UNIQUE ABILITY TO FORGIVE - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

Jehovah - The Greates Forgiver - JEHOVAH'S UNIQUE ABILITY TO FORGIVE

 Jehovah is "the judge of all the earth." (Genesis 18:25)  A good judge needs to have a deep understanding of the law.  That certainly is true of Jehovah because in addition to being our Judge, he is our Lawgiver.  (Isaiah 33:22) No one besides Jehovah has such a deep and strong sense of right and wrong.  What else does a good judge need?  He needs to be able to consider all the revelent facts in a case before he renders judgment.  In this respect, Jehovah is uniquely qualified as judge.

Unlike human judges, Jehovah always has a perfect grasp of the facts of any case that comes before him.  (Genesis 18:21. 21; Psalm 90:8) He is not limited by what humans see or hear.  He completely understands how a person's actions  are influenced by his genetic makeup, upbringing, and environment as well as by his emotional and mental condition.  Jehovah also reads the heart.  He fully perceives the motivations, intentions, and desires of each person.  Nothing  can be hidden from Jehovah. (Hebrews 4:13) Thus, Jehovah's  forgiveness is always based on his complete knowledge of a situation. 

Next time: Jehovah - The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH'S UNIQUE ABILITY TO FORGIVE -Contined 

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Jehovah -The Greatest Forgiver -JEHOVAH IS READY TO FORGIVE -Conclusion

 Jehovah has proved that he is eager to forgive.  He understands  that because of the actions of the first man, Adam, we all came  under the curse of sin and death.  (Romans 5:12) Thre was no way for us to free ourselves or any other person from that curse.  (Psalm 49:7-9) However,  our loving God showed  compassion and arranged for us  to be set free.  What did he do? As John 3:16 reveals, Jehovah sent his only-begotten son to die in our behalf.  (Matthew 20:28; Romans 5:19)  Jesus took our place-suffering the penalty of death-to set free any who exercise faith in him.  (Hebrews 2:9) How painful it must have been for Jehovah to see his beloved Son die and agonizing and humiliating death!  Surely, Jehovah would not have allowed his Son to die if He did not want to forgive us. 

The Bible is filled with examples of individuals whom Jesus freely forgave. (Ephesians 4:32)  Who comes to your mind?  Perhaps King Manasseh. That wicked man sinned against Jehovah in terrible ways.  He took the lead in false worship.  He killed his own children, offering them as sacrifices to pagan gods.  He even went as far as to place a carved image of a false god in Jeovah's sacred temple. Of him, the Bible says: "He did on a grand scale what was bad in Jehovah's eyes, to offend him." (2 Chronicles 33:2-7) Yet, when Manasseh showed heartfelt  repentance, Jehovah freely forgave him.  God even restored  him to his position as king.  (2 Chronicles 22:12, 13)  Perhaps you think of King David, who committed serious sins against Jehovah including adultery and murder. Yet, when King David repented and acknowledge his error, Jehovah forgave him as well. (2 Samuel 12: 9, 10, 13, 14) Yes, we can be certain  that Jehovah is eager to forgive.  And as we will see, his ability to forgive is unique when it is compared with that of humans.

Next time: Jehovah-The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH'S UNIQUE ABILITY TO FORGIVE

From the jw.org publications

Jehovah-The Greatest Forgiver- - JEHOVAH IS READY TO FORGIVE

 God's Word assures us that Jehovah is ready to forgive.  When Jehovah revealed himself to Moses at Mount Sinai, He said through an angelic spokesman:  "Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and abundanct in loyal love and truth, showing loyal love to thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin." (Exodus 34:6, 7) Jehovqah is a warm and merciful God who is always ready to forgive repentant sinners. - NEHEMIAH 86:15. 

As our Creator, Jehovah knows everything about us.  Just think! He knows every detail about every person on this earth. (Psalm139:15-17)  So he can see the imperfections that we inerited from our parents.  Even more, he is aware of all the experiences that have molded and shaped our personality.  What does this initmate knowleged  of humankind move Jehovah to do? It moves him to act mercifully toward us. - PSALM 78:39; Read PSALM 103:13, 14. 

Next time: Jehovah - The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH IS READY TO FORGIVE

From the jw.org publications 

Jehovah-The Greatest Forgiver

 "You, O Jehovah are good and ready to forgive; you abound in loyal love for all those who call on you. - PSALM 86:5. 

King Solomon observed: "There is no righteous man on earth who always does good and neve sins." (Ecclesiastes  7:20) So all we need forgiveness from God and from fellow humans. 

No doubt you remember a time when you offended a close friend. You wanted to correct the matter and repair your relationship, so you offered a heartfelt apology. How did you feel when your friend freely forgave you? Relieved? Yes, and happy too!

We want Jehovah to be our closest Friend, but at one time or another, we will say or do things that offend him. Why can we be certain, though, that Jehovah is eager to forgive?  In what way is Jehovah's forgiveness unique in comparison with the forgiveness that we can extend?  And finally, who can gain God's forgiveness? 

Next time: Jehovah-The Greatest Forgiver - JEHOVAH IS READY TO FORGIVE

From the jw.org publications

Victims of Hatred Everywhere

 The human family is afflicted by a pandemic of hatred

News and social media increasingly speak of hate speech, hate mail, cyberhate, and hate crimes. Consider, too, the countless acts of prejudice, stereotyping, ridicule, insults, threats, and vandalism, victims of dehumanization and hatred are everywhere!

This magazine shows the how the cycle of hatred can be broken. This is no mere fantasy. It is a real, lasting transformation that is already taking place worldwide.

Next time: Jehovah-The Greatest Forgiver

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/4 Conquer Hatred With God's Help - Real-LIfe Experience -Waldo

 Conquered Violent Hatred

Waldo explains: "One day, my study conductor, Alejandro, asked me to read Galatians 5:22, 23. . . .Alejandro explained that my developing those qualities did not depend on my own strength but, rather on God's holy  spirit.  That truth completely changed my viewpoint!" 

By relying on God's help, Waldo has successfully  broken the cycle of hatred in his life. He says:  "My relatives and former friends cannot believe how much I have changed." He adds: "Jehovah has transformed me from a violent man to a peaceable one." 

Next time: Victims of Hatred Everywhere

From the jw.org publications 

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/ 4 Conquer Hatred With God's Help -Real-LIfe Experience -Waldo

Conquered Violent Hatred

 Waldo had a rough  upbringin that filled him with hatred. He relates:  "I was regularly involved in street fights with drug dealers . . . On one occasion, a rival gang hired an infamous hit man to kill me, but I managed to escape with only a stab wound.

Waldo was not happy when his wife began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. He says:  "I hated the Witnesses, and many times I screamed obscenitiers at them.  But they always responded peaceably." 

Eventually, Waldo started to study the Bible.  He says:  "It was not easy to apply whagt I was learning. I was convinced that would never  be able to control my violent temper ." But something he learned from the Bible made a big difference.  

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/4 Conquer Hatred With God's Help -Real-Life Experience -Waldo

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/4 Conquer Hatred With God's Help

 What You Can Do:

Pray to Jehovah, sincerely asking him for his holy spirit.  (Luke 11:13)  Ask him gto help you display godly qualities in your life.  Study what the Bible says about qualities that counteract hate, such as love, peace, patience, and self-control.  Look for ways to cultivate those qualities in your own life. And associate with those who likewise try to develop such qualities. Such people can help "motivate  [you] to love and fine works." - HEBREWS 10:24,  

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/4 Conquer Hatred With God's Help - Real-Life Experience - WALDO

From the jw.org publications 

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/ 4. Conquer Hatred With God's Help

 Bible Teaching: 

"The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faith, mildness, self-control. - GALATIANS 5:22, 23

What It Means:

Breaking the cycle of hatred is possible with God's help.  His holy spirit can produce in us qualities that we might never possess on our own.  So rather than trying to overcome hatred in our strength, we do well to rely on teh help that God provides. If we do, we can have the same experience  as the apostle Paul, who wrote:  "For all thins I have the strengtyh tghrtough the one who gives me power." (Philippians 4:13) Indeed, we will be able to say:  "My help comes from Jehovah." - PSALM 121:2.

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/4 Conquer Hatred With God's Help -What You Can Do:

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED// 3. Get Hatred Out of Your Mind -Real-Life Experience -Stephen

 Changed His Way of Thinking 

Stephen and members of his family had experienced hatred from white people. As a result, he was influenced by a political group that took a militant approach to civil rights issues.  In time, he participated in hate crimes himself.  Stephen says: "On occasion my friends and I saw times featuring  the past suffering of Africal slaves in the United States.  Incensed by those injustices, we assaulted white  youths right there in the movie theater.  Then we went to white neighborhoods, looking for more people to beat up."

Stephen's viewpont changed draticalluy when he started studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses.  He recalls:  "Having been exposed to such much racial prejudice, I saw things among the Witnesses  that astounded me.  For example, when a white Witness had to travel abroad, he left his children in the care of a black family. Also, a white family took into their homes a black youth who needed a place a live." Stephen became convinced that Jehovah's Witnesses are the loving brotherhood that Jesus foretold would exist among true Christians. - JOHN 13:35.

What enabled Stephen to abandon his hateful actions?  The scripture at Romans 12:2 helped him .  He says: "I began to realize that I needed to change my thinking. I had to help make my mind over so that I not only  acted peaceably bu also saw this as the best way of life." Stephen has now enjoyed a life free of  hateful feelings for over 40 years. 

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/4. Conquer Hatred With God's Help - Bible Teaching

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/3. Get Hatred Out of Your Mind -What You Can Do

 What You Can Do: 

Take an honest look at how you think and feel about others-especially those of another race or nationality. Ask yourself: 'How do I view them?  Is my viewpoiont based on what I personally know about them?  Or is it based on prejudice ?' Avoid social media, movies or entertainment that feature hatred and violence.  

It is not always easy to evaluate  our own thoughts and feeling objectively. But God's Word can help us to "discern thoughts and  intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) So keep examining the Bible. Compare its teachings with your thinking, and do your beest to bring your thinking in line with what the Bible teaches.  God's Word can help  us overcome hatred that is "strongly entrenced " in our mind and heart. - 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4, 5.

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/ Real-Life Expeience - Stephen

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/3. Get Hatred Out of Your Mind

 Bible Teaching: 

"Be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove tyourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - ROMANS 12:2.

What It Means:

The way we think matters to God.  (Jeremiah 17:18) While we should avoid saying or doing anything hateful, we need to go further. The cycle of hatred begins in the mind and heart.  Therefore, we must root out any hint of hatred from our thoughts and feelings.  Only then can we truly "be transformed" and  break the cycle of hatred. 

Next time: HOW TO BRAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/3. Get Hatred Out of Your Mind -What You Can Do - Continued 

From the jw.org publications 

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED - Rea;-Life Experience -ADRIAN

 Overcame Feelings of Hatred

One evening, Adrian was attacked by a former rival gang. The leader shouted: "Defend yourself!" Adrian admits:  "I felt a strong urge to retaliate." But instead of retaliating, he said a brief prayer to Jehovah and left the scene.

Adrian continues:  "The next day I encountered the gang leader by himself. Vengeful anger welled  up in me, but again I silently begged Jehovah to help me control myself.  To my surprise, the  youth came  right up to me and said:  'Forgive me for what happened last night.  The truth is, I would like to become like you.  I want to study the Bible.'  How glad I was that I had been able to control my anger! Thanks to that, we began to study the Bible together.

Next time:  HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED /3. Get Hatred Out of Your Mind - Bible Teaching: 

From The jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED - Real-Life ADRIAN

 Overcame Feelings of Hatred

As an adolescent, Adrian became a hate-filled street fighter out for revenge.  He relates: "I was often involved in gun fights, and several times I ended up covered with blood and was left for dead on the street.

Adrian studied the Bible when he was sixteen.  He adds:  "As I progressed in my  Bible study, I saw the need to make changes in my personality." He needed to let go of hatred and stop restorting to violence.  He especially appreciated what he learned from Roman 12:17-19 about not taking revenge.  He says: "I came to accept that  Jehovah  will take care of the injustice in his own wayand time.  Little by litttle, I overcame my violent lifestyle ."      

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED - Real-Life Experience -ADRIAN

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/ 2. Do Not Seek Revenge

 Bible Teaching:

"Return evil for evil to no one . . . . If possible, as far as it depends on  you, be peaceable with all men.  Do not avenge yourselves,  . . . for it is written, "vengeance is mine saith the Lord; I will repay," says Jehovah. - ROMANS 12:17-19.  

What It Means:

Although it is natural to feel angry when we have been wronge, God does not approve  of our taking revenge.  Rather, he urges us to wait on him because hs will soon right all wrongs. - Psalm 37:7, 10 .

What You Can Do: 

When imperfect humans take revenge, it perpetuates the cycle of hatred,  Therefore,  if someone has offended or harmed you, do not retaliate.  Try to respond peaceably and with restraint.  In some cases, it may be less painful to let the matter go.  (Proverbs 19:11)  Of course, if there is some clear advantage, you may choose to address the proble for example, in cases where you are the victim of a crime, you may choose to reporrt the crime to the police of other authorities.

What if there does not seeem  to be a peaceful way to solve the problem?  Or what if you have alreay done you can to solve it in a peaceful way? Do not take revenge .  That will likely make the situation worse. Rather,  break the cycle of hate. You can learn to trust in God's way of resolving the proble.  "Rely on him, and he will act in your behal." - Psalm 37:3-5.

Next time: BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/2. Do Not Seek Revenge -Real-Life Experience -ADRIA

From the jw.org publications  

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED - Real-Life Expertence - TITUS - Conclusion

Overcame a Cycle of Hatred

At first, Titus strugled to let go of the hatred in his heart,  "It was very dufficult to change  my way of thinking and acting," he says.  But he was helped by what he learned from Acts 10:34, 35, which describes God as being impartial.

What was theresult? Titus explains: "I became convinced that Jehovah's Witnesses practice the true religion when I saw the love evident among them , no matter what their race or color. Even before I was baptized as a Witness, a white member  of the congregation invited me to his house to share a meal.  It was like a dream. I had never  before  sat down peacefully with a white perso, let alone share a meal in his house. Now I was part of a genuine international brotherhood."

Next time: HOW TO bREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/2.Do Not Seek Revenge -Bible Teaching: 

From the jw.org publications 

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED - Real-Life Experience

 Overcame a Cycle of Hatred

Titus was a member of a violent gang that was outraged by oppressive  segregation laws.  He says:  "We would go to places in town where black me were not welcome, such as hotels and bars, just to provoke fights."  Titus acknowledged that he was  driven by hate,  and he adds: "If I got into an argument wit anyone, a man or woman, I would always be the one to strike the first blow."

Titus began to change when he started to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. When he read the Bible, it had  a powerful effect on hinm. He was especially moved by the promise of a future world where "death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain by anymore ." - REVELATION 21:3, 4. 

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED - Real-Life Experience -TITUS -Overcame  a Cycle of Hatred -Conclusion

Fr0m the jw.org publications

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED

 1. Be Impartial

Bible Teaching: 

"God is not partial, but in every nation (everyone)who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him." - ACTS 19:24, 35. 

What It Means: 

Jehovah God does not judge us by our nationality, race, skin color, or culture. Rather, he focuses on what really counts-what we are the inside. Indeed,  "mere man sees what appears to the eyes, but Jehovah sees into the heart." -  1 SAMUEL 16:7.

 

What You Can Do: 

Although we cannot read hearts, we can try to imitate God and view others impartially.  Strive to see people as individuals rather than as groups.  If you sense that you have negative feelings towards others-perhaps those of another race  or nationality-pray to God and ask him to root out such feelings.  (Psalm 139:23, 24) If you sincerely ask Jehovah to give you the strenght to be impartial,  you can be sure that he will listen to yur prayer and help you. - 1 PETER 3:12. 

Jehovah is God's personal name." - TITUS

Real-life Experience -TITUS

From the jw.org publications 

How to Break the Cycle of Hatred

 God's Word, the Bible, has the power to help  people change for the better.   (Hebrews 4:12)Its teachings have enabled countless people to overcome the hatred they once felt toward others. Let us consider four teachings that have helped many people to break the cycle of hatred.

Next time: HOW TO BREAK THE CYLE OF HATRED/1. Be Impartial

From the jw.org publications

Why Such a Cycle of Hatred? -HOW IT SPREADS

A person can hate others without ever having had direct contact with them.  For example, an individual may  unconciously adopt the biased views of those whom he respects and feels close to. Thus, hatred can easily spread and become the shared view of an entire group. 

When we  understad the pervasive nature of hatred, we can see why it has a hold on so many people. However, to break the cycle of hatred that grips our world, we must get to the very roots of hatred.  These roots are exposed in the Bible. 

THE BIBLE REVEALS THE ROOTS OF HATRED

MALICIOUS HATRED DID NOT ORIGINATE WITH HUMANS.  It started when an angel in heaven, who came to be called Satan the Devil, rebelled against God.  The Devil "was a murderer when  he began" his rebellion.  As "a liar and the father of the lie," he has continued to instigate hatred and aggression. (John 8:44; 1 John 3:11, 12)  The Bible describes him as malicious, angry, and aggressive. - JOB 2:7; REVELATION 12:9, 12, 17. 

IMPERFECT HUMANS ARE INHERENTLY PRONE TO HATE. The first man, Adam, followed Satan's sinful curse. As a result, all humans have inherited sin and imperfection. (Romans 5:12) Adam's first son Cain,  hatefully murdered his own brother Abel.  (  1 John 3:12)  True, many humans display love and compassion. But because of inherited sin, multitudes are prone to use selfishness, envy, and pride-qualities that fuel hate. - 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5.

HATRED THRIVES THROUGH INTOLERANCE. The world we live in feeds hatred by promoting merciless and harmful attitudes and behavior. Intolerance, prejudice, insulting speech, bullying, and vandalism thrive because  "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one," Satan the Devil. - 1 JOHN 5:19. 

However, the Bible does more than merely expose the roots of hatred. It also points to the solution.  

Next time: How to Break the Cycle of Hatred

From the jw.org publications