Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Friday July 1, 2022
I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18).
We must be friends of Jesus for our prayers to be answered. This means that it is not enough to mechanically say “in the name of Jesus” when we finish praying. We must understand how Jehovah uses Jesus to answer our prayers. Jesus told his apostles: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13). Jehovah is the one who hears and answers our prayers, but he has given his Son the authority to carry out what he decides. Before answering us, he looks at whether we have obeyed the advice of Jesus. For example, he said: “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others your trespasses, your Father will not forgive your trespasses either.”—Matt. 6:14, 15. Isn't it important to show others the same kindness that Jehovah and Jesus show us? w20.04 22 para. 6
What is the second step in becoming friends with Jesus, and why is it important?
Second, let us think and act like Jesus. The better we know and imitate his way of thinking, the stronger our friendship with him will be (1 Cor. 2:16). How can we imitate it? Let's see an example. Helping others was more important to him than pleasing himself (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 15:1-3). Since he thought in this way, he sacrificed himself for them and forgave them. He was not easily offended by what was said about him (John 1:46, 47). And he didn't “freeze” people in time by reminding him of his mistakes over and over again (1 Tim. 1:12-14). It is important to follow his example, for he said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Therefore, let us ask ourselves: “Just like Jesus, do I do everything possible to be at peace with my brothers?”
What is the third step in becoming friends with Jesus, and how do we take it?
Third, let us support the brothers of Christ. Jesus considers that what we do for his anointed brothers is as if we did it for him (Matt. 25: 34-40). The main way to support them is by participating fully in the work that he entrusted to his followers: preaching the Kingdom and making disciples (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 10:42). The help of the “other sheep” is necessary for the brothers of Christ to fulfill the worldwide preaching campaign that takes place today (John 10:16). If we are of the other sheep, every time we participate in this work we show that we love the anointed ones and also Jesus.
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