Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Friday, October 29, 2021
We note the inspired expression of truth and the inspired expression of error (1 John 4: 6).
Satan, "the father of lies," has deceived people from the beginning of human history (John 8:44). Among his lies are false teachings about the dead and life after death. Such teachings are the root of many popular customs and superstitions. Why does Satan get so many people to believe his lies? Because he knows how human beings feel about death and he takes advantage of it to deceive us. Since we were made to live forever, we do not want to die (Eccl. 3:11). For us, death is an enemy (1 Cor. 15:26). Try as he might, Satan has failed to hide the truth about death. In fact, never before have there been so many people who know and proclaim what the Bible teaches about death and the hope for the dead (Eccl. 9: 5, 10; Acts 24:15). These truths comfort us and free us from unnecessary doubts and fears. w19.04 14 par. 1; 15 paras. 5, 6
According to James 1: 5, what should we do if we are not sure whether a certain custom is displeasing to Jehovah?
If we are not sure whether a certain custom is displeasing to Jehovah, let us faithfully ask him for his wisdom. --Read James 1: 5. Then let's do some research in our posts. And, if we need it, let's ask the elders of the congregation. Sure, they won't tell us what to do, but they will show us some helpful biblical principles, like the ones this article discusses. These steps will help us exercise our "perceptual powers" so that we can "distinguish between right and wrong" (Heb. 5:14).
How can we avoid tripping others?
“Do all things for the glory of God. Avoid becoming causes of stumbling ”(1 Cor. 10:31, 32). When we have to decide whether or not to participate in any of these customs or traditions, we must also take into account the conscience of other people, especially that of our brothers. We don't want to stumble others (Mark 9:42). On the other hand, we also do not want to unnecessarily offend non-Witnesses. Love will motivate us to speak respectfully to them, as this honors Jehovah. Of course, we will avoid arguing with them or making fun of their traditions. Let's remember that love has a lot of power. If we are respectful and considerate, we can even soften the hearts of the opponents.
a) Why is it good to tell others about our beliefs? Give an example. b) What do Paul's words in Romans 1:16 teach us?
Let us tell our relatives and neighbors that we are Jehovah's Witnesses (Isa. 43:10). If we do this beforehand, we may find it easier to handle situations where our emotions are running high. Francisco, who lives in Mozambique, writes: “When my wife, Carolina, and I learned the truth, we told our family that we would stop worshiping the dead. Our decision was put to the test when Carolina's sister passed away. Where we live, there is a custom of bathing the deceased as part of a ritual. So the closest relative has to sleep three nights in the place where the water was spilled. These customs are supposed to appease the spirit of the deceased. Carolina's family hoped that she would be the one to sleep there ”.
What did Francisco and his wife do? He explains: “Because we love Jehovah and want to please him, we refuse to follow tradition. Carolina's family was furious. They accused us of disrespecting the deceased and threatened to never visit or help us again. We had already explained our beliefs to them before, so we did not discuss the matter while they were upset. Some relatives even defended us and said that we had already made our position clear. Over time, Carolina's relatives calmed down and we were able to make amends. What's more, some have visited us to ask for biblical publications ”. Thus, we are never ashamed to defend the truth about death (read Romans 1:16).
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