DAILY TEXT, From today Friday June 23, 2023,  They transmitted the decisions made by the apostles (Acts 16:4).

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Friday June 23

They transmitted the decisions made by the apostles (Acts 16:4).

Jehovah always does what is right. But we may have a hard time trusting his representatives here on Earth. We may wonder if they are doing things Jehovah's way or their own. The reality is this: we cannot say that we trust Jehovah if we do not trust his representatives on earth, whom he trusts. Today, Jehovah uses the “faithful and prudent slave” to direct the earthly part of his organization.—Matt. 24:45. Like the governing body of the first century, this slave directs the worldwide work and gives instructions to the elders of the congregations. And the elders see to it that these instructions are followed in the congregations. By following the instructions of the organization and the elders, we show that we trust Jehovah's way of doing things. w22.02 4 pars. 7, 8.

In which case can it be difficult for us to support the decisions of the elders, and why?

Sometimes we may find it hard to support the decisions of the elders. For example, in recent years many congregations and circuits have been reorganized. In some cases, to make better use of Kingdom Hall space, the elders have asked some publishers to change congregations. If that happened to us, it might be hard for us to leave our family and friends. Does Jehovah tell the elders where each publisher is to go? No. And maybe that's why it's hard for us to follow the instructions they give us. But Jehovah trusts his decisions, and we must too.

According to Hebrews 13:17, why should we support the elderly?

Why should we support the decisions of the elders even when we don't like them? Because when we do, we maintain the unity of God's people (Eph. 4:2, 3). Also, the congregation benefits when we are all humble and accept the decisions of the elders (see Hebrews 13:17). More importantly, because this is how we show Jehovah that we trust him, since he has appointed the elders to take care of us (Acts 20:28).

What can help us to trust more in the guidance of the elders?

What can help us to trust more in the guidance of the elders? Remember that they ask Jehovah for holy spirit when they are going to make decisions that have to do with the congregation. They also take into account Biblical principles and the organization's instructions. They sincerely want to please Jehovah and give the best possible care to the brothers. These faithful men know that God will hold them accountable for the way they do their work (1 Pet. 5:2, 3). Consider this: In a world divided by racism, religion, and politics, we stand together by serving the one true God. This is clear proof that Jehovah blesses his organization.

What questions should the elders look at to know if a person is repentant?

Jehovah has given the elders the serious responsibility of keeping the congregation clean. Therefore, if a Christian commits a serious sin, Jehovah expects the elders to decide whether he can continue to be part of the congregation. Among other things, they have to find out if the person is truly sorry. They must analyze questions such as the following: even if that person claims that he is sorry, does he really hate what he did? Is she determined not to commit that sin again? If her bad friends led her to sin, is she willing to cut them off? The elders pray to Jehovah, analyze the facts according to what the Bible says, and take into account the attitude that the person shows towards what he did. Then they decide if he can stay in the congregation or not. Depending on the case,

What could worry us if a relative or a friend of ours is expelled?

If someone who is not our friend or family member is expelled, we may immediately accept the decision of the elders. But what if they expel someone who is very close to us? Then our trust in the elders could be tested. We may be concerned that they did not take all the factors into account or that they did not judge the matter in Jehovah's way. What will help us to view the decision of the elders with the right attitude?

What should we remember if the elders decide to expel a family member or friend of ours?

We must remember that expulsion is a measure that Jehovah has established for the good of the congregation and of the sinner. If someone who has not repented was allowed to continue in the congregation, this person would be a bad influence (Gal. 5:9). In addition, he may not realize the seriousness of his sin and that he has to change his thinking and acting in order to regain his friendship with Jehovah (Eccl. 8:11). We can be sure that the elders take their responsibility to decide whether or not someone should be disfellowshipped very seriously. Like the judges of ancient Israel, they know that they "judge not for any man, but for the Lord" (2 Chron. 19:6, 7).

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