DAILY TEXT, From today  Tuesday August 15, 2023,  Stop judging, so that you are not judged. Because as you judge others, you will be judged (Matt. 7:1, 2).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Tuesday August 15

Stop judging, so you won't be judged. Because as you judge others, you will be judged (Matt. 7:1, 2).

Let us avoid being harsh with others and strive to be rich in mercy, like our God (Eph. 2:4). Mercy is more than a feeling; It involves doing things for others. We can all think of people to help in the family, congregation, or territory. Surely we will find many ways to show them mercy. Do we know of someone who needs comfort? Can we take someone something to eat or help someone else? Does a readmitted brother need encouragement or consolation from a friend? Can we bring the hope of the good news to others? (Job 29:12, 13; Rom. 10:14, 15; Jas. 1:27). If we are attentive, we will realize that all around us there are many opportunities to show mercy. If we demonstrate this quality, we will make our heavenly Father very happy, the God who is "rich in mercy." w21.10 41:20-22.

How do elders show firmness and mercy with balance?

As in the case of Jehovah, elders love to show mercy. They act tough when necessary, but show mercy when possible if there is a compelling reason to do so. If they did not discipline the sinner, they would not be showing mercy, but rather being permissive. Now, are the elderly the only ones who should show mercy?

According to Proverbs 21:13, what does Jehovah do with those who show no mercy?

All Christians want to be merciful like Jehovah. Because? One reason is that he does not listen to those who show no mercy to others (read Proverbs 21:13). Because we don't want Jehovah to refuse to listen to our prayers, we are very careful not to be harsh with others. Instead of covering our ears “to the cries of the needy”, we are always ready to listen to the Christian who is suffering pain. In addition, we take seriously this warning that the Bible gives us: "He who shows no mercy will have a judgment without mercy" (James 2:13). If we are humble and keep in mind how much we need to be shown mercy, we will be more willing to show it to others. Above all, we want to do it when a repentant sinner returns to the congregation.

How did King David show mercy from the heart?

In the Bible, we find examples that teach us to show mercy to others and not treat them harshly. Consider King David, someone who often showed mercy from the heart. Although Saul wanted to kill him, David was merciful to this God-appointed king and never tried to take revenge on him or harm him (1 Sam. 24:9-12, 18, 19).

On what two occasions did David show no mercy?

However, David did not always show mercy. For example, when Nabal—who was a rude man by nature—insulted him and refused to give David and his men food, David became enraged and said that he would kill Nabal and all the men in his household. Because Nabal's wife, Abigail, acted with speed, kindness, and patience, David was not guilty of shedding blood (1 Sam. 25:9-22, 32-35).

On another occasion, the prophet Nathan told David about a rich man who stole from a poor man a little sheep that he was very fond of. David was enraged and said: “As surely as Jehovah lives, the man who did this deserves to die!” (2 Sam. 12:1-6). He knew that the Law of Moses said that if a person stole a sheep, he must give four sheep in compensation (Ex. 22:1). But to say that this man deserved to die was too harsh a judgment. In fact, Nathan gave that example to help David understand that he himself had committed much worse crimes. And Jehovah showed David far more mercy than David would have shown the man of Nathan's example (2 Sam. 12:7-13).

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