DAILY TEXT, From today Friday February 17, 2023, If anyone commits a sin, we have a helper who is with the Father: Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Friday February 17

If anyone commits a sin, we have a helper who is with the Father: Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1).

The ransom teaching has strengthened the faith of many Christians. They have continued to preach despite opposition and have endured various trials throughout their lives. Let's look at the example of the apostle John. He loyally preached the truth about Christ and surely ransom for more than 60 years. He was almost 100 years old when the Roman Empire considered him such a threat that they exiled him to the island of Patmos. What was your crime? “Talk about God” and “bear witness about Jesus” (Rev. 1:9). What an extraordinary example of faith and endurance! In the biblical books that he wrote, John expresses his deep love for Jesus and his gratitude for the rescue. In them, he makes more than 100 references to ransom or its benefits (1 John 2:2). It is clear that Juan was deeply grateful for the ransom. w21.04 17 pars. 9, 10.

HOW CAN WE SHOW OUR GRATITUDE FOR THE RESCUE?

What can help us not to fall into temptation?

We resist the temptation to sin. If we truly appreciate the ransom, we won't think, “I don't have to resist temptation. I can sin and then ask for forgiveness. Instead, when we are tempted to do something wrong, we will say, “No! How could I do something like that after all that Jehovah and Jesus have done for me?” Apart from that, we can ask Jehovah for strength and plead: “Do not lead us into temptation” (Matt. 6:13).

How can we follow the advice we read in 1 John 3:16-18?

We love our brothers. When we do so, we also show gratitude for the ransom, since Jesus did not give his life just for us, but also for our brothers. If he was willing to die for them, it is because he loves them very much (read 1 John 3:16-18). The way we treat them is a reflection of our love for them (Eph. 4:29, 31-5:2). We help them when they are sick or when they are experiencing hardships, such as a natural disaster. But how should we react when a brother does or says something that offends us?

Why must we forgive?

Do we have a tendency to hold a grudge against those who offend us? (Lev. 19:18). If so, let's put this advice into practice: “Keep supporting each other and forgiving generously even if someone has a reason to complain about another. Jehovah generously forgave you, so do likewise” (Col. 3:13). Every time we forgive a brother, we show our heavenly Father that we truly appreciate the ransom. How can we value this gift from God more and more?

What will help us value the ransom more?

Let us thank Jehovah for the rescue. Joanna, an 83-year-old sister living in India, says: “I think it's important to mention the ransom in my prayers every day and thank Jehovah for it.” In our personal prayers, let's think about the mistakes we've made during the day and ask Jehovah to forgive us. Although, if we have committed a serious sin, we will also have to ask the elders for help. They will listen to us and advise us with love using the Bible. In addition, they will pray with us and ask Jehovah to forgive us thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus so that we can recover spiritually (James 5:14-16).

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