DAILY TEXT, From today Sunday May 7, 2023,  Oil and incense make the heart happy, just like the sweet friendship that is born from sincere advice (Prov. 27:9).

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Sunday May 7

Oil and incense make the heart happy, just like the sweet friendship that is born from sincere advice (Prov. 27:9).

The apostle Paul is a good example for the elderly. For example, he did not hesitate to advise the brothers in Thessalonica when necessary. But in his letters he first congratulated them on his faithful work, his love-motivated labor, and his endurance. He also thought about their circumstances and told them that he knew they were enduring hardship and persecution (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4). And he even told them that they were an example to other Christians (1 Thess. 1: 8, 9). How happy they must have felt to receive so much encouragement! They had no doubt that Pablo loved them very much. So the advice he gave them in his two letters had a good effect (1 Thess. 4:1, 3-5, 11; 2 Thess. 3:11, 12). w22.02 15 par. 6.

Why might a person react badly when receiving advice?

If we give advice with the wrong attitude, what an experienced elder said may happen: "There are those who react badly when they are given advice, not because the advice is wrong, but because it is not given with affection." What is the lesson? That it's easier to accept advice when it's motivated by love, not anger.

What should an elder ask himself before advising someone?

Elders should not rush to give advice. Before advising someone, an elder should ask himself: “Is it really necessary for me to tell you something? Am I sure he is doing something wrong? Is he ignoring something the Bible says, or is he just doing something I wouldn't do? A wise old man does not “speak hastily” (Prov. 29:20). If he has doubts, he can discuss the matter with another elder in order to see if there is any Scriptural reason for giving the advice (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

How can elders imitate Paul in giving advice about clothing and grooming? (1 Timothy 2:9, 10).

Let's see an example. Suppose an old man is concerned about the way a brother is dressed or groomed. He might wonder, “Are there Biblical reasons for telling him something?” Since he does not want to be carried away by his own judgment, he could ask another elder or another older brother for his opinion. Together you could discuss what Paul said about clothing and grooming (read 1 Timothy 2:9, 10). Paul did not give a list of rules about what can and cannot be done. Rather, he spoke of principles that guide us in dressing appropriately, modestly, and with good judgment. He knew that Christians can choose how to dress and groom themselves, as long as it doesn't go against what the Bible says. When deciding whether to counsel someone, the elders should consider whether the person demonstrates modesty and good judgment.

What should we remember about personal decisions?

We must remember that two mature brothers can make different decisions on a certain matter. But that doesn't mean one is right and the other is wrong. So let's not impose our opinion on others about what is right and what is wrong (Rom. 14:10).

If it is necessary to give advice, what should an elder ask himself, and why?

If it is clear that it is necessary to advise someone, the next question is who should do it. For example, before counseling a married sister or a minor, an elder should discuss the matter with the head of the family. He may prefer to give the advice himself or be present when the elder does it.b Or, if it is a younger sister, it may be better for an older sister to counsel her, as mentioned in paragraph 3.

There is another question that an elder should ask himself: "Am I the best one to give the advice, or would it be better for someone else to do it?" For example, a person with low self-esteem may react better to advice given by an elder who has had similar feelings, as he or she will treat them with more empathy. Of course, all the elders have the responsibility of encouraging the brothers to make the necessary changes to act in accordance with what the Bible says. If someone needs correction, the most important thing is that they receive it.

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