DAILY TEXT, From today Friday, February 2, 2024,  Your sins are forgiven (Luke 7:48).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Friday February 2, 2024

Your sins are forgiven (Luke 7:48).

Should we forgive more? It would be helpful to read about biblical figures who generously forgave others and those who did not, and meditate on their example. Let's think about Jesus. He was willing to forgive people (Luke 7:47). He didn't focus on his flaws, but instead focused on the potential he had. However, the Pharisees “thought the rest were nothing” (Luke 18:9). After meditating on these examples, let's ask ourselves: “How do I see others? What qualities of theirs do I look at?” If we find it difficult to forgive someone, let's make a list of all the good qualities we see in that person and ask ourselves: “How does Jesus see them? Would he forgive her?” A study project like this can help us change our way of thinking. At first we may find it difficult to forgive someone who has hurt us. But, if we make an effort, we will be able to improve this aspect of our personality. w22.04 23 para. 6.

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what ways does Jehovah use those who are skilled at their work today? (Proverbs 22:29).

Another goal we can set is to acquire a new skill. Think, for example, of all the brothers who help build branch offices, Assembly Halls, and Kingdom Halls. Many of them learned what they know because they worked with others who had more experience. As seen in the images, both men and women are learning what needs to be done to maintain the Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls. In these and other ways, Jehovah, the “King of eternity,” and Jesus, the “King of kings,” use these capable people to achieve great things. (1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15 ; read Proverbs 22:29). We want to work hard and use our abilities to bring glory to Jehovah, not ourselves (John 8:54).

What will help us decide which skill we want to focus on?

Let's set a specific goal. What skill could we focus on? Talk to congregation elders and perhaps the circuit overseer for suggestions. For example, if they encourage us to improve our speaking or teaching, we could ask them what specific area they think we should work on. Then, let's get to work. As?

How can we achieve the goal of acquiring a skill?

Let us strive to achieve our goal. Suppose we want to be better teachers. We can study in depth the booklet Let's Be Better Readers and Teachers. And, before presenting an assignment at the midweek meeting, we could ask another brother with more experience to listen to us and tell us what to improve on. If we prepare assignments ahead of time, we will be better teachers and others will see that we are hardworking and reliable (Prov. 21:5; 2 Cor. 8:22).

Give an example of what we can do to develop a skill.

What if we want to improve at something we're not naturally good at? Let's not give up! Let's look at the case of a brother named Garry, who had a hard time reading. He remembers that he felt very embarrassed when he had to read in meetings. But he did not give up; he continued to strive to improve. With the help of other brothers and publications, he now presents talks at meetings, circuit assemblies, and regional assemblies.

As in the case of Timothy, what will help us be prepared to receive more responsibilities?

Did Timothy become a good speaker and an excellent teacher? The Bible doesn't say it, but we know that he followed Paul's advice. So surely little by little he became more skillful and could better fulfill his responsibilities (2 Tim. 3:10). Like Timothy, if we become more skillful, we will be prepared to receive more responsibilities.

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