Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Monday, July 25, 2022
Jonathan began to love him as himself (1 Sam. 18:1).
Jonathan could have become jealous of David and insisted that he had a right to be the next king because he was Saul's son (1 Sam. 20:31). But instead, Jonathan was humble and loyal to Jehovah, so he wholeheartedly supported Jehovah's decision to give David the throne. He was also loyal to David, although this made Saul very furious (1 Sam. 20:32-34). Jonathan's tender affection for David prevented him from seeing him as a rival. Jonathan was a skilled archer and a brave warrior. He and his father were said to be “swifter than eagles” and “stronger than lions” (2 Sam. 1:22, 23). So Jonathan could have boasted about his military exploits. But he was never competitive or embittered by David's successes. On the contrary: he admired him for his courage and his trust in Jehovah. In fact, Jonathan began to care for David precisely when David killed Goliath. w21.01 21 para. 6; 22 paras. 8, 9
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.
Comments
Post a Comment