DAILY TEXT, Today Saturday February 10, 2024,  You who teach another, don't you teach yourself? (Rom. 2:21).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Saturday February 10, 2024

You who teach another, do you not teach yourself? (Rom. 2:21).

Children tend to copy what their parents do. Of course, no one is perfect (Rom. 3:23). But wise parents do their best to set a good example for their children. One parent said, “They are like sponges; They absorb everything.” He added: “When they see that what we do doesn't match what we're trying to teach them, they're going to tell us.” So, if we want our children to love Jehovah, our love for him must be strong and obvious. Parents can do many things to teach their children to love Jehovah. Andrew, a baptized 17-year-old, says, “My parents have always taught me that it is very important to pray. Every night, Dad prayed with me even though I had already said my own prayer. […] Now I feel comfortable praying to Jehovah and I see him as a Father who loves me.” Parents, always remember that your love for Jehovah can have a profound effect on your children. w22.05 28 paras. 7, 8.

What opportunities could Israelite parents take advantage of to converse with their children? (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).

Get into the habit of talking with your children. Jehovah told the Israelite parents that they should talk to their children about him every day. (Read Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.) Throughout the day, they had many opportunities to talk with their children and instill in them a love for Jehovah. For example, children could spend hours helping their father plant or harvest crops. Girls could spend a large part of the day helping their mother with household chores, such as sewing or knitting. Doing things together gave them the opportunity to talk about many important issues. For example, they could reflect on Jehovah’s goodness and how he cared for the family.

What opportunity do Christian parents have to talk with their children?

Today, things are very different. In many countries, parents and children barely spend time together during the day because they are at work or school. For this reason, parents must find moments to be with their children and talk with them (Eph. 5:15, 16; Philip. 1:10). Family worship gives you the opportunity to do this. A young boy named Alexander says: “Dad always organizes everything so that we have worship as a family and he doesn't let anything take away from our time together. After the study, we stayed talking.”

What should the head of the household remember during family worship?

What can the head of the household do so that the children enjoy worship as a family? A good idea might be to study the new book Enjoy Life together. If you study this publication together, good conversations are likely to emerge. Since you want your children to tell you what they feel and what worries them, do not use family worship to lecture or scold them. And, if they say something that doesn't fit with what the Bible teaches, don't be scandalized. Rather, be grateful that they have opened their hearts to you and encourage them to continue doing so. If your children tell you what they feel, it will be easier for you to help them.

When else can parents help their children draw closer to Jehovah?

Parents, find times during the day to help your children draw closer to Jehovah. You don't have to sit down and study the Bible with them to tell them about our loving God. A mother named Lisa says: “We helped our children get to know Jehovah better through creation. For example, when our dog’s antics made them laugh, we reminded them that Jehovah has a good sense of humor and loves life, just like we do.”

Why is it important for parents to help their children choose good friends? 

Help your children have good friends. God's Word is clear that friendships influence us for good or ill (read Proverbs 13:20). Parents, do you know who your children's friends are? Do you know them personally and have spent time with them? What can you do to help your children become friends with those who love Jehovah? (1 Cor. 15:33). When doing things as a family, invite people who have a good friendship with Jehovah. (Ps. 119:63)

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