DAILY TEXT, Today Monday, November 20, 2023, In this matter they have proven to be pure in every sense (2 Cor. 7:11).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Monday, November 20

In this matter they have shown themselves to be pure in every way (2 Cor. 7:11).

It is not easy for elders to determine whether someone who has committed a grave sin is now truly repentant. Why not? Because they can't read hearts, so they have to try to find evidence that the brother has completely changed and now hates what he did. They need to see evidence that the sinner has actually changed the way he thinks, feels, and acts. It may take you a long time to make the necessary changes. How does an expelled person show that he is truly repentant? He should attend meetings regularly and follow the elders' advice to have good habits of prayer and Bible study. He must also do everything possible to avoid things that could lead him back to sin. If he works to repair his relationship with Jehovah, he can be sure that he will completely forgive him and that the elders will help him return to the congregation. w21.10 6 paras. 16-18.

How did the lost son in Jesus' parable begin to show that he was repentant?

Jesus told a moving story about a lost son, which we can read in Luke 15:11-32. A young man rebelled against his father, left his home and “traveled to a far country.” There he led a riotous life. But, when problems came, he began to reflect on what he had done and realized how good it was in his father's house. As Jesus said, the young man “came to his senses.” He decided to go back and ask his father to forgive him. It was important for him to understand that he had made many bad decisions, but that was not enough. He had to make changes.

How did the lost son in Jesus' parable show that he was truly sorry?

How did the lost son show that he was truly sorry? He made the long trip back to his house. When he arrived and met his father, he said to her: “I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son” (Luke 15:21). With this sincere confession, he demonstrated that he wanted to restore his relationship with Jehovah. He also acknowledged that his actions had hurt his father. And he was willing to work hard to win back his approval, even to be treated as one of his workers (Luke 15:19). This parable is more than a moving story. It teaches some principles that can help elders determine whether someone who has committed a serious sin is truly repentant.

What is a truly repentant sinner to do? (Ezekiel 33:14-16).

As we have seen, the truly repentant sinner does not just have to say that he feels very bad about what he has done. He also has to change his way of thinking and feeling, and demonstrate it with actions. He must abandon his bad behavior and return to obeying Jehovah's standards (read Ezekiel 33:14-16). For him, the most important thing should be to restore his good relationship with Jehovah.

How can we help someone who has committed a serious sin?

Jesus explained what an important part of his ministry was by saying, “I have come to call… sinners to repent” (Luke 5:32). That should also be our desire. So what should we do if we find out that a friend of ours has committed a serious sin?

If we try to hide his sin, all we will do is hurt our friend. (Prov. 5:21, 22; 28:13) We can help our friend by telling him that the elders want to help him. And, if he doesn't want to confess it, we must talk to them. This way we will show that we really want to help you. His friendship with Jehovah is at stake.

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