DAILY TEXT, From today Thursday, December 7, 2023, Quickly and without delay I fulfill your commandments (Ps. 119:60).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Thursday December 7

Quickly and without delay I fulfill your commandments (Ps. 119:60).

It is true that we want to follow the example of Jesus, but we should not be discouraged if we cannot imitate him perfectly (James 3:2). An art student cannot perfectly imitate his teacher, but, if he learns from his mistakes and strives to imitate his teacher as best he can, he will continue to improve. Similarly, if we put into practice what we have learned in our personal study of the Bible and strive to correct our shortcomings, we will be able to follow the example Jesus set for us (Ps. 119:59). The world is full of selfish people, but Jehovah's servants are different. We are moved by Jesus' spirit of sacrifice and are determined to imitate his example (1 Pet. 2:21). If we do our best to copy Jesus' spirit of sacrifice, we will feel the joy of knowing that we have Jehovah's approval. w22.02 24 para. 16; 25 para. 18.

What can we do to help our brothers? (See cover drawing).

13 Be attentive to the needs of others. The apostle Paul gave this advice in his letter to the Hebrews: “Do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for these sacrifices are very pleasing to God” (Heb. 13:16). What timely words! Shortly after receiving this letter, the brothers in Judea had to leave their homes, their businesses, and their non-Christian relatives, and flee to the mountains (Matt. 24:16). It is clear that at that time it was very important that they help each other. If they had previously put into practice Paul's advice to share what they had, it would be easier for them to get used to their new life.

Our siblings may not always tell us what they need. Let's take the case of a brother who becomes a widower. Do you need help with meals, transportation or household chores? Maybe he doesn't say anything because he doesn't want to be a burden. But I'm sure he'd appreciate it if we offered to give him a hand. We should not assume that someone will help him or that he will always tell us what he needs. Let's ask ourselves: “If I were in his place, what things would I appreciate if they did for me?”

What should we do if we want to help others?

Be accessible. Surely in our congregation there are brothers and sisters who are always willing to help others. They never make us feel like we are a burden. On the contrary, we know that we can always count on them, and we want to follow their example. A 45-year-old man named Alan has made it his goal to be accessible. Thinking about the example of Jesus, he says: “Jesus was a busy man, but people of all ages wanted to be with him and did not hesitate to ask him for help. They knew that he truly cared about them. My greatest desire is to be like Jesus and for others to see me as someone who is approachable, loving and attentive.”

How does Psalm 119:59, 60 help us faithfully follow Jesus' example?

We should not become discouraged if we fail to perfectly imitate Jesus' example (James 3:2). An art student cannot perfectly imitate his teacher, but, if he learns from his mistakes and strives to imitate his teacher as best he can, he will continue to improve. Similarly, if we apply what we have learned in our personal Bible study and work to correct our shortcomings, we will be able to follow the example Jesus set for us. (Read Psalm 119:59, 60.)

What will be the benefits of imitating the sacrificial spirit of Jesus?

The spirit of sacrifice is contagious. An elder named Tim explains: “In our congregation, there are very young brothers who have progressed to become ministerial servants in part because they noticed the willing spirit of others and copied their example. “His helpful attitude helps the congregation and is a great support to the elderly.”

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