JEHOVAH WANTS US TO ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS

Some of Jehovah's servants are deeply troubled by regrets over their past actions, either before or after baptism. But we do well to remember that Jehovah provided the ramson because of his deep love for us. Surely, he wants us to accept his gift. Jehovah assures us that after we have "set matters straight with him, he no longer holds our sins against us. (Read Isaiah 1:18.) How loving of Jehovah not to remember our past sins! At the same time, he never forgets the good we have done. - PSALM 103:9, 12; HEBREWS 6:10.

If you are troubled by regrets about the past, do your best to focus on the present and on the future rather than on the past. Consider the example of the apostle Paul. He regretted that he had once viciously persecuted Christians, but he knew that Jehovah forgave had forgiven him. (1 Timothy 1:12-15) Did he then continue to mull over the sins of his past? He no doubt refused to do so. Just as he did not dwell on his former accomplishments as an adherent of Judaism. (Philippians 3:4-8, 13-15) Instead, Paul zealously cared for his ministry and looked ahead to the future. Like Paul, you cannot change the past. But you can honor Jehovah in your present circumstances and look ahead to the wonderful future that he has promised you. 

Next time: JEHOVAH WANTS US TO ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS - Conclusion 

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