DAILY TEXT, Today  Sunday August 13, 2023,  Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Sunday August 13

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15).

Do you feel deep pain because a loved one has been expelled? What can you do if a sibling says something to you that makes you feel worse? Realistically, we can't expect everyone to always tell us the ideal words (Jas. 3:2). We're all imperfect, so don't be surprised if some don't know what to say or even say something hurtful to you unintentionally. Remember the advice of the Apostle Paul: “Keep putting up with one another and forgiving generously even if someone has reason to complain” (Col. 3:13). Let's continue to support faithful relatives. They need our love and encouragement now more than ever (Heb. 10:24, 25). Sometimes, some relatives of expelled have noticed that certain brothers have stopped speaking to them, as if they too were expelled. Let's never do that! Young people who have disfellowshipped parents especially need encouragement and congratulations. w21.09 29 pars. 13, 14; 30 para. 16.

How can we help the relatives of someone who was recently expelled?

Let's treat faithful family members with kindness and affection. A sister named Míriam admits that she was a little afraid to go to the meetings after her brother was expelled from her. She confesses: “I was afraid of what others would say. But there were very good friends who were also sad and did not say anything negative about my brother. Thanks to them, I didn't feel alone." Another sister recalls: “When our son was expelled, dear brothers came to comfort us. Some admitted that they did not know what to say. They cried with me or wrote me a few words. What they did helped me a lot.”

What can the elderly do to comfort those who suffer?

Elders, take advantage of every opportunity to strengthen faithful family members. You especially have a responsibility to comfort brothers with loved ones who have left Jehovah (1 Thes. 5:14). Take the initiative and encourage them before and after the meetings. Visit them and pray for them. You can also preach with them or from time to time invite them to your family worship. Spiritual shepherds must show Jehovah's suffering sheep the compassion, love, and care they need.—1 Thess. 2:7, 8.

According to 2 Peter 3:9, what does Jehovah want those who have stopped serving him to do?

Jehovah “does not desire that any should be destroyed, but that all should come to repentance” (read 2 Peter 3:9). Even if a person commits a serious sin, his life is still very precious to God. Remember that Jehovah paid a very high price for each one of us: the life of his beloved Son. With love, God tries to help those who have left him to return to him. And he hopes they will decide to do so, as we can learn from Jesus' parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). Many who have left the truth have since returned to their loving heavenly Father, and the congregation has welcomed them with open arms. Elizabeth, whom we mentioned earlier, was very happy when her son was readmitted. She says: "I feel very grateful for all those who encouraged us not to lose hope."

Why can we continue to trust in Jehovah?

We can always trust in Jehovah. He will never tell us to do something that will harm us. He is a generous and compassionate Father who has a deep love for all who love and adore him. Let us be sure that Jehovah will not abandon us in the most difficult moments (Heb. 13:5, 6). Mark, mentioned in paragraph 12, says: “Jehovah never abandoned us. He is always by our side when we go through difficult times.” God will continue to give us “power beyond the ordinary” (2 Cor. 4:7). That's right, we can keep faith and hope even when a loved one leaves Jehovah.

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