DAILY TEXT, Today Friday May 27, 2022, Jehovah is very affectionate (Jas. 5:11).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday May 27, 2022

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Friday May 27, 2022

Jehovah is very loving (Jas. 5:11).

Note that James 5:11 connects Jehovah's tender affection with another quality that draws us to him: his mercy (Ex. 34:6). One way Jehovah demonstrates this quality to us is by forgiving our mistakes.​—Ps. 51:1. Now, when the Bible talks about being merciful, it doesn't just mean forgiving. Mercy is also a feeling that comes from within someone and motivates him to try to help someone who is suffering. The Bible explains that Jehovah's desire to help us is stronger than a mother's feelings for her child. When we suffer, Jehovah's mercy motivates him to help us (Ps. 37:39; 1 Cor. 10:13). We can imitate his mercy by forgiving our brothers and not holding a grudge against them when they disappoint us (Eph. 4:32). But the main way to show them mercy is by helping them when they go through difficulties. Thus we imitate Jehovah, the greatest example of tender affection (Eph. 5:1). w21.01 21 para. 5

Why is it that we do not have an equally close friendship with all the brothers in the congregation?

Now, when we speak of having a tender affection for the brothers, do we mean having an equally close friendship with everyone? No, that would not be realistic. It is normal that we feel more comfortable with some siblings than with others because we have more things in common. In fact, Jesus viewed all of his apostles as friends, but he had a special fondness for John (John 13:23; 15:15; 20:2). Still, Jesus showed him no favoritism. For example, when John and his brother James asked him to give them an important position in the Kingdom of God, Jesus replied: "I am not the one who says who will sit on my right or on my left" (Mar. 10:35-40). We are to imitate Jesus and not show favoritism to our closest friends (Jas. 2:3, 4). Favoritism causes divisions,

According to Philippians 2:3, what will prevent a competitive spirit from arising in the congregation?

Tender affection will prevent a competitive spirit from arising in the congregation. Let us remember that Jonathan did not try to compete with David nor did he see him as a rival for the throne. Let's follow his example and not see our brothers as rivals because of the skills they have. Rather, let us do what Paul said: “Humbly think that others are better than you” (read Philippians 2:3). Let us keep in mind that all the brothers contribute something to the congregation. If we are humble, we will notice the good qualities of our brothers and benefit from his faithful example (1 Cor. 12: 21-25).

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.