Strive to Gain Your Brother
Jesus began: "If your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." Clearly, this is not a step based on mere suspicion. You should have evidence or specific information that you can use to help your brother to see that he committed a wrong and needs to set matters straight. It is good to act promptly, not letting the matter grow or letting his attitude become entrenched. And do not forget that brooding over it can damage you too. Since the discussion is to be between you and him alone, refrain from talking to others beforehand to win sympathy or improve your self-image. (Proverbs 12:25; 17:9) Why? Because of your goal.
Your objective should be to gain your brother, not to castigate, humiliate, or ruin him. If he really has done wrong, his relationship with Jehovah is at risk. You surely want to keep him as your Christian brother. The likelihood of success will be enhanced if in the private discussion you remain calm, avoiding harsh words or an accusatory tone. In this loving confrontation, remember that you both are imperfect, sinful humans. (Romans 3:23, 24) As he realizes that you have not gossiped about him and sees that you sincerely want to help, a solution may readily come. This kind, clear approach will especially reflect wisdom if it turns out that you both share a degree of fault or that a misunderstanding was really at the root of the matter. -Proverbs 25:9, 10; 26:20; James 3:5, 6.
If you help him to see that a wrong occurred and that it is serious, he may be moved to repent. Realistically, though, pride can be an obstacle. (Proverbs 16:18; 17:19) So even if he does not initially admit the wrong and repent, you may pause before taking the matter further. Jesus did not say 'go only once and lay bare his fault.' Since it is a sin that you can resolve, consider approaching him again in the spirit of Galatians 6:1 and "under four eyes." You may succeed. (Compare Jude 22, 23) Yet, what if you are convinced that as in has been committed and that he will not respond?
Next time: Getting Mature Help
Watchtower, 1999
12.18.2010
12.17.2010
YOU MAY GAIN YOUR BROTHER
What Did He Mean?
Strictly speaking, what Jesus advised to relates to more serious matters. Jesus said: "If your brother commits a sin." In a broad sense, "a sin" can be any mistake or failing. (Job 2:10; Proverbs 21:4; James 4:17) However, the context suggests that the sin Jesus meant must have been serious. It was sufficiently grave that it could lead to the wrongdoer's being viewed "as a man of the nations and as a tax collector." What does that phrase imply?
Jesus' disciples hearing those words knew that their countrymen would not socialize with Gentiles. (John 4:9; 18:28; Acts 10:28) And they definitely avoided tax collectors, men who were born Jewish but who turned into misusers of the people. So strictly speaking, the reference at Matthew 18:15-17 was to serious sins, not personal offenses or hurts that you can simply forgive and forget. -Matthew 18:21, 22.
Under the Law, some sins called for more than forgiveness from an offended person. Blasphemy, apostasy, idolatry, and the sexual sins of fornication, adultery, and homosexuality were to be reported to and handled by elders (or priests). That is true also in the Christian congregation. (Leviticus 5:1; 20:10-13 Numbers 5:30; 35:12; Deuteronomy 17:9; 19:16-19; Proverbs 29:24) Note, though, that the class of sins Jesus here spoke of could be settled between two persons. As examples: Moved by anger or jealousy, a person slanders his fellowman. A Christian contracts to do a job with particular materials and to finish by a certain date. Someone agrees that he will repay money on a schedule or by a final date. A person gives his word that if his employer trains him, he will not (even it changing jobs)compete or try to take his employer's clients for a set time or a designated area. If a brother would not keep his word and is unrepentant over such wrongs, it would certainly be serious. (Revelation 21:8) But such wrongs could be settled between the two involved.
How, though, would you proceed in resolve the matter? Jesus' words have often been viewed in three steps. Let us consider each. Rather than view them as fixed, legal procedures, seek to grasp their sense, never losing sight of you loving goal.
Next time: Strive to Gain Your Brother
Watchtower, 1999
YOU MAY GAIN YOUR BROTHER
With less than a year of his ministry left, Jesus had vital lessons for his disciples. You can read them in Matthew chapter 18. One was the importance of being humble, like children. He next stressed that we must avoid stumbling "one of these little ones" and that we should try to recover straying "little ones" so that they do not perish. Then Jesus added valuable, practical advice on settling differences between Christians.
You may recall his words: "If your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, in order that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. If he does not listen to them speak to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector." (Matthew 18:15-17) When should we apply such counsel, and what should be our attitude in doing so?
The preceding article emphasized that since we all are imperfect and prone to error, we need to work at being forgiving. That is especially so when here is hurt over what a fellow Christian said or did. (1 Peter 4:8) Often it is best simply to pass over the offense-to forgive and forget. We can view doing this as contribution to peace in the Christian congregation. (Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 19:11) Yet, there may be an occasion when you may feel that you must resolve a matter with your brother or sister who hurt you. In such a case, Jesus' words above provide guidance.
Jesus advised that you "lay bare his fault between you and him alone." That is wise. Some German translations phrase this, present his fault "under four eyes," meaning yours and his. When you kindly bring up a problem in private, it usually is easier to resolve. A brother who did or said something offensive or unkind may more readily acknowledge the error to you alone. If others were listening, imperfect human nature might incline him to deny being wrong or try to justify what he did. But as you bring the issue up "under four eyes," you may find that it was a misunderstanding rather than a sin or deliberate wrong. Once you both grasp it as misunderstanding, you can settle it, not allowing a trivial issue to grow and poison your relationship. Hence, the principle at Matthew 18:15 can be applied even to minor offenses in daily life.
Next time: What Did He Mean?
Watchtower, 1999
You may recall his words: "If your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, in order that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. If he does not listen to them speak to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector." (Matthew 18:15-17) When should we apply such counsel, and what should be our attitude in doing so?
The preceding article emphasized that since we all are imperfect and prone to error, we need to work at being forgiving. That is especially so when here is hurt over what a fellow Christian said or did. (1 Peter 4:8) Often it is best simply to pass over the offense-to forgive and forget. We can view doing this as contribution to peace in the Christian congregation. (Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 19:11) Yet, there may be an occasion when you may feel that you must resolve a matter with your brother or sister who hurt you. In such a case, Jesus' words above provide guidance.
Jesus advised that you "lay bare his fault between you and him alone." That is wise. Some German translations phrase this, present his fault "under four eyes," meaning yours and his. When you kindly bring up a problem in private, it usually is easier to resolve. A brother who did or said something offensive or unkind may more readily acknowledge the error to you alone. If others were listening, imperfect human nature might incline him to deny being wrong or try to justify what he did. But as you bring the issue up "under four eyes," you may find that it was a misunderstanding rather than a sin or deliberate wrong. Once you both grasp it as misunderstanding, you can settle it, not allowing a trivial issue to grow and poison your relationship. Hence, the principle at Matthew 18:15 can be applied even to minor offenses in daily life.
Next time: What Did He Mean?
Watchtower, 1999
12.16.2010
FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART
Continue with:Make Peace-Forgive
Significantly, Jesus did not say to go to your brother to convince him that you were in the right and that he was in the wrong. Maybe he was. More probably, there was some fault on each side. In any case, the goal should not be to get the other party to concede, to grovel, as it were. If that is how you approach the discussion, failure will be almost certain. Nor should the goal necessarily be to review every detail of the real or imagined offense. When calm discussion in the spirit of Christian love reveals a sad misunderstanding at the core of the problem, you can both try to clear that up. But even if the discussion does not lead to total agreement, is that always necessary? Would it not be better if you at least could agree that you both sincerely want to serve our forgiving God? When you face that reality it may be easier for each to say from the heart," I am sorry that in our imperfection we had this difference. Please, let us pass beyond it."
Remember that the apostles had their differences, as when some of them aspired to greater honor. (Mark 10:35-39; Luke 9:46; 22:24-26) That caused tension, perhaps hurt feelings, or even deep offense. But they were able to pass over such differences and keep on working together. On of them later wrote: "He that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and his lips from speaking what is bad and his lips from speaking deception, but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it." -1 Peter 3:10, 11.
We earlier noted one phase of a cycle: God forgave many sins that we committed i the past, so that we should imitate him and forgive our brothers. (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25) But there is another phase to this cycle. After providing the model prayer, Jesus said: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone that is in debt to us." (Matthew 6:12, 14; Luke 11:4) Then, just days before his death, Jesus added: "When you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against anyone; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may also forgive you your trespasses." -Mark 11:25.
Yes, our prospects for continuing to receive God's forgiveness are to a large extent contingent on our being willing to forgive our brothers. When a personal problem between Christians arises, ask yourself, ' Is not gaining God's forgiveness far more important that my proving that a brother or a sister was wrong on some minor slight, some petty offense, or some reflection of human imperfection? You know the answer.
What though, when the matter is more serious than a minor personal offense or problem? And when does Jesus' counsel recorded at Matthew 18:15-18 apply? Let us next consider these matters/
Next time: YOU MAY GAIN YOUR BROTHER
Watchtower, 1999
Significantly, Jesus did not say to go to your brother to convince him that you were in the right and that he was in the wrong. Maybe he was. More probably, there was some fault on each side. In any case, the goal should not be to get the other party to concede, to grovel, as it were. If that is how you approach the discussion, failure will be almost certain. Nor should the goal necessarily be to review every detail of the real or imagined offense. When calm discussion in the spirit of Christian love reveals a sad misunderstanding at the core of the problem, you can both try to clear that up. But even if the discussion does not lead to total agreement, is that always necessary? Would it not be better if you at least could agree that you both sincerely want to serve our forgiving God? When you face that reality it may be easier for each to say from the heart," I am sorry that in our imperfection we had this difference. Please, let us pass beyond it."
Remember that the apostles had their differences, as when some of them aspired to greater honor. (Mark 10:35-39; Luke 9:46; 22:24-26) That caused tension, perhaps hurt feelings, or even deep offense. But they were able to pass over such differences and keep on working together. On of them later wrote: "He that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and his lips from speaking what is bad and his lips from speaking deception, but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it." -1 Peter 3:10, 11.
We earlier noted one phase of a cycle: God forgave many sins that we committed i the past, so that we should imitate him and forgive our brothers. (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25) But there is another phase to this cycle. After providing the model prayer, Jesus said: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone that is in debt to us." (Matthew 6:12, 14; Luke 11:4) Then, just days before his death, Jesus added: "When you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against anyone; in order that your Father who is in the heavens may also forgive you your trespasses." -Mark 11:25.
Yes, our prospects for continuing to receive God's forgiveness are to a large extent contingent on our being willing to forgive our brothers. When a personal problem between Christians arises, ask yourself, ' Is not gaining God's forgiveness far more important that my proving that a brother or a sister was wrong on some minor slight, some petty offense, or some reflection of human imperfection? You know the answer.
What though, when the matter is more serious than a minor personal offense or problem? And when does Jesus' counsel recorded at Matthew 18:15-18 apply? Let us next consider these matters/
Next time: YOU MAY GAIN YOUR BROTHER
Watchtower, 1999
FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART
Make Peace-Forgive
What does it really take to forgive when you have have a problem with another Christian? Frankly, there is no one simple method, but the Bible offers helpful examples and realistic advice. A key recommendation-though not an easy one to accept and apply-is simply to forget the matter, to let it pass. Often when a problem exists, as it did between Euodia and Syntyche, each person feels that the other is in the wrong or mainly at fault. So in a situation like that, you may well think that the other Christian is primarily to blame or has done the most harm. Nevertheless, can you simply close the book by forgiving? Realize that, if and this may be a big if, the other Christian is primarily or entirely at fault, you are in the prime position to let the matter pass as forgiven and ended.
Let us not lose sight of God as our example in forgiving. (Ephesians 4:32-5:1) As to His pattern in letting errors pass, the prophet Micah wrote: "Who is a God like you, one pardoning error and passing over transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? He will certainly not hold onto his anger forever, for he is delighting in loving-kindness." -Micah 7:18.
By describing Jehovah as one "passing over transgression," the Bible is not saying that he is incapable of recalling the wrongs having some sort of selective amnesia. Consider the cases of Samson and David, both of whom committed serious errors. God was able to remember those sins long afterward; even we know of some of their sins because Jehovah had recorded them in the Bible. Still, our forgiving God showed mercy to those two, setting them before us as examples of faith to imitate. - Hebrews 11:32; 12:1.
Yes, Jehovah was able to 'pass over' transgression, even as David repeatedly asked him to do. (2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10) Can we imitate God in this, being willing to pass over the slights and offenses that our fellow servants commit as imperfect humans? Imagine yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway. Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out. You know that she had been upset and might have you in mind. Or she might not be thinking of you at all. Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck. In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you. Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wise pass over the offense. (Proverbs 19:11) Will not the slight seem tine ten years from now or two hundred years into the Millennium? Why not just let it pass?
On a rare occasion, though, you may have prayed about the matter and tried to forgive, but you feel that you cannot. What then? Jesus urged going to the other party and trying to resolve the difference in privacy to achieve peace. "If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift." -Matthew 5:23, 24.
Next time: Continue with Make Peace-Forgive
Watchtower, 1999
What does it really take to forgive when you have have a problem with another Christian? Frankly, there is no one simple method, but the Bible offers helpful examples and realistic advice. A key recommendation-though not an easy one to accept and apply-is simply to forget the matter, to let it pass. Often when a problem exists, as it did between Euodia and Syntyche, each person feels that the other is in the wrong or mainly at fault. So in a situation like that, you may well think that the other Christian is primarily to blame or has done the most harm. Nevertheless, can you simply close the book by forgiving? Realize that, if and this may be a big if, the other Christian is primarily or entirely at fault, you are in the prime position to let the matter pass as forgiven and ended.
Let us not lose sight of God as our example in forgiving. (Ephesians 4:32-5:1) As to His pattern in letting errors pass, the prophet Micah wrote: "Who is a God like you, one pardoning error and passing over transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? He will certainly not hold onto his anger forever, for he is delighting in loving-kindness." -Micah 7:18.
By describing Jehovah as one "passing over transgression," the Bible is not saying that he is incapable of recalling the wrongs having some sort of selective amnesia. Consider the cases of Samson and David, both of whom committed serious errors. God was able to remember those sins long afterward; even we know of some of their sins because Jehovah had recorded them in the Bible. Still, our forgiving God showed mercy to those two, setting them before us as examples of faith to imitate. - Hebrews 11:32; 12:1.
Yes, Jehovah was able to 'pass over' transgression, even as David repeatedly asked him to do. (2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10) Can we imitate God in this, being willing to pass over the slights and offenses that our fellow servants commit as imperfect humans? Imagine yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway. Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out. You know that she had been upset and might have you in mind. Or she might not be thinking of you at all. Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck. In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you. Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wise pass over the offense. (Proverbs 19:11) Will not the slight seem tine ten years from now or two hundred years into the Millennium? Why not just let it pass?
On a rare occasion, though, you may have prayed about the matter and tried to forgive, but you feel that you cannot. What then? Jesus urged going to the other party and trying to resolve the difference in privacy to achieve peace. "If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift." -Matthew 5:23, 24.
Next time: Continue with Make Peace-Forgive
Watchtower, 1999
12.15.2010
FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART
We Need to Work at Being Forgiving
It would be nice to think that in the Christian congregation, there are few occasions when we have to practice the godly course of forgiving. The reality is otherwise. Granted, our Christian brothers and sisters are striving to follow Jesus' pattern of love. (John 13:35; 15:12, 13; Galatians 6:2) They have long worked, and are still working, to abandon ways of thinking, speaking, and acting common to this wicked world. They truly want to manifest the new personality. (Colossians 3:9, 10) Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that the global congregation, and each local congregation, is composed of imperfect humans. Overall, they are certainly better than they once were, yet they are still imperfect.
In the Bible, God deliberately tells us that we can expect imperfection in the congregation, among our brothers and sisters. Consider, for instance, Paul's words recorded at Colossians 3:13: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.{"
Significantly, the Bible here reminds us of the link between God's forgiving us and our duty and need to be forgiving toward others. Why is this a challenge? Because Paul admitted that someone may have "a cause for complaint against another." He realized that such causes would exist. They must have existed in the first century, even among Christian "holy ones," who, had a 'hope reserved for them in the heavens.' (Colossians 1:2, 5) So we can imagine that it would be otherwise today when most true Christians do not have the testimony of the spirit that they are God's chosen ones, holy and loved."? (Colossians 3:12) Hence, we should not conclude that something is exceptionally wrong if in our congregation there are causes for complaint-hurtful feelings over real or supposed wrongs.
The words of Jesus' half brother James also show that we must expect that we may at least occasionally encounter situations that call on us to forgive our brothers. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth." (James 3:13, 14) "Bitter jealousy and contentiousness" in the hearts of true Christians? Yes, James' words clearly suggest that such had surfaced in the first-century congregation and will do so today.
A real example involved two anointed Christians who had a fine reputation for exerting themselves side by side with Paul. You may recall reading about Euodia and Syntyche, members of the Philippian congregation. Though not describing the matter in detail. Philippians 4:2,3 shows that there was some problem between them. Did it begin with a thoughtless, unkind comment, a perceived slight of a relative, or some evidence of competitive jealousy? Whatever its nature, it became so serious that Paul heard about it far away in Rome. Icy silence may have developed between the two spiritual sisters, leading to their keeping each other at a distance at the meetings or making harsh comments about the other to their friends.
Does any of that sound familiar, like what occurred between some in your congregation or something that you were involved in? A problem of that sort may even now exist to a degree. What can we do? In the ancient case , Paul urged those two dedicated sisters "to be of the same mind in the Lord." They may have agreed to discuss the matter, to clear the air, to express a mutual willingness to forgive,and then actually to imitate Jehovah's forgiving attitude. There is not reason to think other than that euodia and Syntyche succeeded, and we too can succeed. Such a forgiving attitude can be applied successfully today.
Next time: Make Peace-Forgive
Watchtower, 1999
It would be nice to think that in the Christian congregation, there are few occasions when we have to practice the godly course of forgiving. The reality is otherwise. Granted, our Christian brothers and sisters are striving to follow Jesus' pattern of love. (John 13:35; 15:12, 13; Galatians 6:2) They have long worked, and are still working, to abandon ways of thinking, speaking, and acting common to this wicked world. They truly want to manifest the new personality. (Colossians 3:9, 10) Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that the global congregation, and each local congregation, is composed of imperfect humans. Overall, they are certainly better than they once were, yet they are still imperfect.
In the Bible, God deliberately tells us that we can expect imperfection in the congregation, among our brothers and sisters. Consider, for instance, Paul's words recorded at Colossians 3:13: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.{"
Significantly, the Bible here reminds us of the link between God's forgiving us and our duty and need to be forgiving toward others. Why is this a challenge? Because Paul admitted that someone may have "a cause for complaint against another." He realized that such causes would exist. They must have existed in the first century, even among Christian "holy ones," who, had a 'hope reserved for them in the heavens.' (Colossians 1:2, 5) So we can imagine that it would be otherwise today when most true Christians do not have the testimony of the spirit that they are God's chosen ones, holy and loved."? (Colossians 3:12) Hence, we should not conclude that something is exceptionally wrong if in our congregation there are causes for complaint-hurtful feelings over real or supposed wrongs.
The words of Jesus' half brother James also show that we must expect that we may at least occasionally encounter situations that call on us to forgive our brothers. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth." (James 3:13, 14) "Bitter jealousy and contentiousness" in the hearts of true Christians? Yes, James' words clearly suggest that such had surfaced in the first-century congregation and will do so today.
A real example involved two anointed Christians who had a fine reputation for exerting themselves side by side with Paul. You may recall reading about Euodia and Syntyche, members of the Philippian congregation. Though not describing the matter in detail. Philippians 4:2,3 shows that there was some problem between them. Did it begin with a thoughtless, unkind comment, a perceived slight of a relative, or some evidence of competitive jealousy? Whatever its nature, it became so serious that Paul heard about it far away in Rome. Icy silence may have developed between the two spiritual sisters, leading to their keeping each other at a distance at the meetings or making harsh comments about the other to their friends.
Does any of that sound familiar, like what occurred between some in your congregation or something that you were involved in? A problem of that sort may even now exist to a degree. What can we do? In the ancient case , Paul urged those two dedicated sisters "to be of the same mind in the Lord." They may have agreed to discuss the matter, to clear the air, to express a mutual willingness to forgive,and then actually to imitate Jehovah's forgiving attitude. There is not reason to think other than that euodia and Syntyche succeeded, and we too can succeed. Such a forgiving attitude can be applied successfully today.
Next time: Make Peace-Forgive
Watchtower, 1999
12.14.2010
FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART
Forgiveness Needed-And Shown to Us
You are imperfect, as yo know all too well. If asked, you would even admit it, perhaps recalling the words found at 1 John 1:8: "If we make the statement: 'We have not sin,' we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us." (Romans 3:23; 5:12) With some, sinfulness may have been manifested by gross, shocking sins. But even if you are not knowing guilty of such, there certainly are many times and ways in which you have fallen short of God's standards-you sinned. Is that not so?
Hence, your situation might correspond to the apostle Paul's description: "Though you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcised state of your flesh, God made you alive together with him [Jesus]. He kindly forgave us all our trespasses." (Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1-3) Note the phrase "forgave all our trespasses." That covers a lot. Each of us has good reason to plead as did David: "For your name's sake, O Jehovah, you must even forgive my error for it is considerable." -Psalm 25:11.
How can you -or any of us-receive forgiveness? A key is that Jehovah God is inclined to forgive. That is characteristic of his personality. (Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm86:5) Understandably, God expects us to turn to him in prayer and ask his pardon,ask that he forgive us. ( 2 Chronicles 6:21; Psalm 103:3,n10, 14) And he has arranged a legal basis for extending such forgiveness-Jesus' ransom sacrifice. -Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 John 4:9, 14.
You should see in God's willingness to forgive a pattern as to how you ought to treat other humans. Paul focused on this writing: "Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one anther just as God also by Christ freely forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) There is not doubt that Paul's point involves our learning from God's example, for the next verse continues: "Therefore, become imitators of God as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1) Do you see the link? Jehovah God forgave you , so-Paul forcefully reasons-you need to imitate Him and be "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving" of others. But ask yourself, 'Am I working in that direction, really striving to imitate God in being forgiving.
Next time: We Need to Work at Being Forgiving
Watchtower, 1999
You are imperfect, as yo know all too well. If asked, you would even admit it, perhaps recalling the words found at 1 John 1:8: "If we make the statement: 'We have not sin,' we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us." (Romans 3:23; 5:12) With some, sinfulness may have been manifested by gross, shocking sins. But even if you are not knowing guilty of such, there certainly are many times and ways in which you have fallen short of God's standards-you sinned. Is that not so?
Hence, your situation might correspond to the apostle Paul's description: "Though you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcised state of your flesh, God made you alive together with him [Jesus]. He kindly forgave us all our trespasses." (Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1-3) Note the phrase "forgave all our trespasses." That covers a lot. Each of us has good reason to plead as did David: "For your name's sake, O Jehovah, you must even forgive my error for it is considerable." -Psalm 25:11.
How can you -or any of us-receive forgiveness? A key is that Jehovah God is inclined to forgive. That is characteristic of his personality. (Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm86:5) Understandably, God expects us to turn to him in prayer and ask his pardon,ask that he forgive us. ( 2 Chronicles 6:21; Psalm 103:3,n10, 14) And he has arranged a legal basis for extending such forgiveness-Jesus' ransom sacrifice. -Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 John 4:9, 14.
You should see in God's willingness to forgive a pattern as to how you ought to treat other humans. Paul focused on this writing: "Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one anther just as God also by Christ freely forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) There is not doubt that Paul's point involves our learning from God's example, for the next verse continues: "Therefore, become imitators of God as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1) Do you see the link? Jehovah God forgave you , so-Paul forcefully reasons-you need to imitate Him and be "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving" of others. But ask yourself, 'Am I working in that direction, really striving to imitate God in being forgiving.
Next time: We Need to Work at Being Forgiving
Watchtower, 1999
12.13.2010
FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART
SHE was likely a prostitute, not someone you would expect to find in the home of a religious person. If some were shocked to see her there, what she did was more shocking. She approached the man with the highest morals and displayed her appreciation for his works, washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.
That man, Jesus, was not repelled by this woman, "known in the city to be a sinner." But Simon the Pharisee, whose home it was, was concerned that she was a sinner. Jesus responded by telling of two men in debt to a lender. One owed a lot-about two year's wages for a laborer. The other owed a tenth of that-less than three months' wages. When neither could repay, the lender "freely forgave them both." Clearly, the one forgiven more had greater reason to respond in love. After tying in the woman's kind act, Jesus added the principle: "He who is forgiven little, loves little." Then he told her: "Your sins are forgiven." -Luke 7:36-48.
Ask yourself, 'Had I been that woman or if I were in a similar situation and mercy was shown me, would I then be harshly unforgiving toward others? You might answer, 'Certainly not!' Still, do you truly believe that you are inclined to forgive? Is that your basic nature? have you often done so readily, and would others describe you as being forgiving? Let us see why each of us ought to give this our frank, introspective attention.
Next time: Forgiveness Needed-And Shown to Us
Watchtower, 1999
That man, Jesus, was not repelled by this woman, "known in the city to be a sinner." But Simon the Pharisee, whose home it was, was concerned that she was a sinner. Jesus responded by telling of two men in debt to a lender. One owed a lot-about two year's wages for a laborer. The other owed a tenth of that-less than three months' wages. When neither could repay, the lender "freely forgave them both." Clearly, the one forgiven more had greater reason to respond in love. After tying in the woman's kind act, Jesus added the principle: "He who is forgiven little, loves little." Then he told her: "Your sins are forgiven." -Luke 7:36-48.
Ask yourself, 'Had I been that woman or if I were in a similar situation and mercy was shown me, would I then be harshly unforgiving toward others? You might answer, 'Certainly not!' Still, do you truly believe that you are inclined to forgive? Is that your basic nature? have you often done so readily, and would others describe you as being forgiving? Let us see why each of us ought to give this our frank, introspective attention.
Next time: Forgiveness Needed-And Shown to Us
Watchtower, 1999
Learning the Excelling Way of LOVE
Continued Effort Required
Learning to feel and to show love toward others is an ongoing process. Doing so requires so much effort on our part because we have to work hard to overcome our own imperfections as well as to resist the strong influence of this loveless world. However, the rich rewards this brings makes it really worthwhile. -Matthew 24:12.
Even in this very imperfect world, we can enjoy improved relations with our fellowmen, resulting in much joy, peace and satisfaction to ourselves and to others. By making such an effort, we can prove ourselves worthy of the wonderful hope of living forever in God's new world. Above all, by learning the excelling way of love, we may gain the approval and blessings of our loving Creator, both now and for eternity!
Next time: FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART
Watchtower, 1999
12.12.2010
Learning the Excelling Way of LOVE
Letting Your Love Grow
Love and friendship need to be nurtured and cultivated, and among the essential ingredients for this are sincerity and honesty. Some try to hide their shortcomings in order to leave a favorable impression with the people they want to befriend. However, such a course often backfires, as others eventually find out the facts and are repelled by such dishonesty. Therefore, we should not be afraid to allow others to know us as we truly are-even though we have shortcomings that we are striving to overcome. This may help to open up friendships with them.
For instance, an elderly Witness sister in a congregation in the Far East has had very little education. Yet, she never tries to hide that fact from others. She frankly admits, for example, that she is not able to demonstrate to others how to establish from Bible prophecies and history that the Gentile Times ended in 1914. However, she sets such a fine example in zeal for the ministry, as well as in love and generosity for the brothers, that she is affectionately referred to as the jewel of the congregation.
In some cultures, showing affection openly is frowned upon; people are taught to keep up a polite formality in their dealings with others. While it is always good to be courteous and considerate, we should not allow our politeness to stifle or hide our feelings toward others. Jehovah did not feel ashamed to profess his affection for his chosen people, ancient Israel, saying to them: "With a love to time indefinite I have loved you." (Jeremiah 31:3) Similarly, the apostle Paul told his fellow believers in Thessalonica: 'Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:8) So as we endeavor to cultivate genuine affection for fellow humans, it is more in keeping with the Bible teaching to let such feelings be naturally expressed rather than suppressed.
Next time: Continued Effort Required
Watchtower, 1999
Love and friendship need to be nurtured and cultivated, and among the essential ingredients for this are sincerity and honesty. Some try to hide their shortcomings in order to leave a favorable impression with the people they want to befriend. However, such a course often backfires, as others eventually find out the facts and are repelled by such dishonesty. Therefore, we should not be afraid to allow others to know us as we truly are-even though we have shortcomings that we are striving to overcome. This may help to open up friendships with them.
For instance, an elderly Witness sister in a congregation in the Far East has had very little education. Yet, she never tries to hide that fact from others. She frankly admits, for example, that she is not able to demonstrate to others how to establish from Bible prophecies and history that the Gentile Times ended in 1914. However, she sets such a fine example in zeal for the ministry, as well as in love and generosity for the brothers, that she is affectionately referred to as the jewel of the congregation.
In some cultures, showing affection openly is frowned upon; people are taught to keep up a polite formality in their dealings with others. While it is always good to be courteous and considerate, we should not allow our politeness to stifle or hide our feelings toward others. Jehovah did not feel ashamed to profess his affection for his chosen people, ancient Israel, saying to them: "With a love to time indefinite I have loved you." (Jeremiah 31:3) Similarly, the apostle Paul told his fellow believers in Thessalonica: 'Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:8) So as we endeavor to cultivate genuine affection for fellow humans, it is more in keeping with the Bible teaching to let such feelings be naturally expressed rather than suppressed.
Next time: Continued Effort Required
Watchtower, 1999
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