DAILY TEXT, Today Monday, April 15, 2024, Anxiety crushes the heart of man, but a good word revives it (Prov. 12:25).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Monday April 15, 2024

Anxiety crushes a man's heart, but a good word revives it (Prov. 12:25).

When the apostle Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, they “appointed elders in each congregation” (Acts 14:21-23). Without a doubt, those named men greatly encouraged the congregations, just as the elders do today. Elders, be on the lookout for those who need “a good word” of encouragement. Paul reminded his brothers that a great “cloud of witnesses” had managed to endure all kinds of difficult situations thanks to the strength that Jehovah gave them (Heb. 12:1). He knew that the stories of those faithful servants of the past would help them be courageous and focused on the “city of the living God” (Heb. 12:22). And they can help us too. Who has not been encouraged by reading how Jehovah helped Gideon, Barak, David, Samuel, and many others? (Heb. 11:32-35). w22.08 21, 22 paras. 5, 6.

PAUL SHOWED HIS BROTHERS HOW TO BE AT PEACE WITH EACH OTHER

What does Paul's advice in Romans 14:19-21 teach us?

Another way to edify our brothers is by promoting peace in the congregation. We do not allow differences of opinion to divide us nor insist on our rights when a biblical principle is not violated. Let's look at something that happened in the congregation in Rome, where there were Jewish Christians and Christians from other nations. Since the Law of Moses had been annulled, it was no longer forbidden to eat certain foods (Mark 7:19). Some Jewish Christians were comfortable eating all types of foods. But for other Jewish Christians that was unthinkable. And this issue divided the congregation. Paul stressed the importance of maintaining peace and told them, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that would cause your brother to stumble” (read Romans 14:19-21). With his words he helped his brothers see that these conflicts could cause great harm to them personally and to the congregation. He himself was willing to change his ways so as not to cause others to stumble (1 Cor. 9:19-22). Like Paul, we can edify others and maintain peace if we do not fight over matters of personal taste.

What did Paul do when an important issue threatened the peace of the congregation?

Now, what if there are differences of opinion regarding important issues? To maintain peace, we can look to Paul's good example. In the first-century congregation there were those who insisted that non-Jewish men who became Christians should be circumcised, perhaps so that people would not criticize them (Gal. 6:12). Although Paul did not agree with that way of thinking at all, he did not want to impose his opinion, but humbly brought the matter before the apostles and elders of Jerusalem (Acts 15: 1, 2). By his handling of the situation, he helped maintain the peace and happiness of the congregation.​—Acts 15:30, 31.

What can we do to follow Paul's example?

If a serious disagreement arises, we can foster peace by seeking guidance from the brothers Jehovah has appointed to care for the congregation. We will usually find Bible-based guidance in our publications and organizational guidelines. If we focus on following those instructions instead of promoting our personal opinions, we will contribute to peace in the congregation.

How else did Paul foster peace in the congregation?

Paul promoted peace in another way. Instead of highlighting the brothers' faults, he focused on his good qualities. For example, before finishing his Letter to the Romans, he mentioned many Christian men and women, and in most cases he added a positive comment or some personal detail about them. How can we imitate his example? Talking openly about the good qualities we see in others. In this way, we help siblings love each other more and become better friends.

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