Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Finally, brothers, keep on rejoicing, correcting yourself (2 Cor. 13:11).
In a sense, the life of Christians is a journey. Our destiny, our goal, is to live in the new world ruled by our loving God, Jehovah. Every day we try to go on the path that leads to life. But, as Jesus said, the way is narrow and sometimes it is difficult to go through it (Matt. 7:13, 14). Because we are imperfect, we have a tendency to get out of the way (Gal. 6:1). To stay on the narrow path that leads to life, we must be willing to correct our thinking, acting, and attitude. That is what the apostle Paul means when he encourages us to keep correcting ourselves. It is not easy to analyze our thoughts and feelings. Why? Because our heart is treacherous, and it is hard to know where it will lead us (Jer. 17:9). We tend to deceive ourselves with "false reasoning" (Jas. 1:22). That is why it is imperative that we use the Word of God to analyze ourselves. The Bible helps us see what we are like inside, “the thoughts and intentions” that are in the depths of our hearts (Heb. 4:12, 13). w20.11 18 paras. 1-3
When can we need a friend to correct us?
Have we ever started down a path that was leading us away from Jehovah? (Ps. 73:2, 3). If a mature friend had the courage to correct us, did we listen to him and put his advice into practice? That was a good decision, and I'm sure we're thankful that he talked to us (Prov. 1:5).
How should we react if a friend corrects us?
God's Word reminds us that “the wounds caused by a friend are faithful” (Prov. 27:6). What does this mean? Imagine that we are waiting to cross a busy street and we get distracted by looking at our phone. We started across without looking up. Then a friend grabs our arms and pulls us back. He grabs us so hard that he bruises us. But, thanks to the fact that he acts quickly, he saves us from a safe run over. Our arm may hurt for a few days, but won't we be upset with our friend? Rather, we will be grateful for your help. Similarly, if a friend makes us see that our way of speaking or acting is against God's righteous standards, we may be hurt at first, but to be offended or angry with him would be foolish (Eccl. 7:9 ). Actually, we would do well to thank you for having the courage to speak with us.
What could make someone reject the loving advice of a good friend?
What could make someone reject the loving advice of a good friend? Pride. The proud like "to be given their ears"; they stop “hearing the truth” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4). They don't listen to anyone because they think they are smarter and more important than others. But the apostle Paul said, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself” (Gal. 6:3). King Solomon summed it up well: “A poor but wise child is better than an old but foolish king, who no longer has the sense to take advice” (Eccl. 4:13).
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