DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday, November 9, Oh, you who love Jehovah, hate what is evil (Ps. 97:10).

DAILY TEXT, From Thursday, November 9, 2023, Oh, you who love Jehovah, hate what is evil (Ps. 97:10).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Thursday, November 9

Oh, you who love Jehovah, hate what is evil (Ps. 97:10).

The Bible says that Jehovah hates “proud eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood” (Prov. 6:16, 17). He also “hates violent and deceitful people” (Ps. 5:6). Jehovah was so disgusted by these attitudes and actions that he wiped out all the evildoers of Noah's day because they had filled the Earth with violence (Gen. 6:13). Another thing that Jehovah hates is what he mentioned through the prophet Malachi: when someone betrays his innocent spouse so that the marriage ends in divorce. God rejects the worship of those who do this and will hold them accountable (Mal. 2:13-16; Heb. 13:4). Jehovah commands us: “Detest what is evil” (Rom. 12:9). The word detest suggests a strong emotional reaction. It involves feeling aversion, disgust or rejection for something. We should feel that way just thinking about doing something that Jehovah says is wrong. w22.03 4, 5 paras. 11, 12.

Why should we be careful with what we think?

Be careful what you think. What we think influences what we do. That is why Jesus taught that we should reject any thought that could lead us to commit serious sin (Matt. 5:21, 22, 28, 29). Don't we want to please our heavenly Father? In that case, it is very important that we immediately reject any bad thoughts.

What do our words say about us, and what questions should we ask ourselves?

Control your words. Jesus said, “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart” (Matt. 15:18). That's how it is. Our words say a lot about who we are inside. Ask yourself: “Do I always tell the truth, even if doing so hurts me? If I am married, am I careful not to flirt with other people? Do I completely avoid immoral conversations? Do I respond calmly when someone gets on my nerves?” Spend time thinking about these questions. Words are in our personality like the seams in a garment. If we strive to avoid insults, lies, and immoral conversations, the old personality will no longer have “seams” to hold it together.

What should we do to nail our old personality to the tree?

Act decisively. The apostle Paul used a very powerful image to help us understand that making the necessary changes is a very serious matter. He said we must nail the old personality to the tree (Rom. 6:6). Jesus was willing to be nailed to the tree because he wanted to please Jehovah. Similarly, if we want to please God, we must be willing to put an end to attitudes and customs that he hates. Only if we do this will we have a clear conscience and the hope of living forever (John 17:3; 1 Pet. 3:21). Let us remember that Jehovah will not change his rules to please us. Rather, we are the ones who must change to conform to his standards (Is. 1:16-18; 55:9).

Why should you be determined to continue fighting your weaknesses?

Keep fighting your weaknesses. Even after you are baptized, you must continue to struggle with evil desires. Think about the experience of Maurício, who led a homosexual life from a young age. Over time, he met Jehovah's Witnesses and began studying the Bible. He made changes in his life and was baptized in 2002. Although he has been serving Jehovah for many years, he says: “I admit that I have had to fight against evil desires more than once.” But he does not let this discourage him, for he adds: “It comforts me to know that if I do not carry them out, Jehovah is happy with me.”

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