DAILY TEXT, Today Saturday, November 2, 2024, From birth, I was placed in your care; from my mother's womb, you have been my God (Ps. 22:10).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2024

Saturday, November 2, 2024

From birth I was placed in your care; from my mother's womb you have been my God (Ps. 22:10).

Since Bible times, Jehovah has helped countless young people become friends with him. So he can help your children grow spiritually, too, if they want to. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) Even if your children seem to stray from the path, Jehovah will still look out for them with love. (Ps. 11:4) And as soon as they show even the slightest sign of having “the right attitude,” he is ready to reach out to them. (Acts 13:48; 2 Chron. 16:9) Jehovah can also help you say the right words at the right time—just when your children need to hear them. (Prov. 15:23) Or he can prompt a brother or sister in the congregation to give your children attention and love. Even when they are adults, Jehovah can help them remember something you taught them in the past. (John 14:26) If you continue to teach your children by what you say and do, you give Jehovah many reasons to bless you. w22.04 21 par. 18.

Why should a mother put her friendship with Jehovah first?

Put your friendship with Jehovah first. (Deut. 6:5, 6) Like most mothers, you probably give up many things to care for the physical needs of your children. For example, you are willing to sacrifice your time, money, and rest. But you should never be so busy that you neglect your friendship with Jehovah. Make time for private prayer, personal Bible study, and Bible meeting attendance. In this way, you will strengthen your friendship with Jehovah and set a good example for your family and others.

What do you learn from the examples of Leanne, Maria and João?

Consider the case of some young people who learned to love and trust Jehovah by looking at the example of their mothers. Leanne, one of Christine’s daughters, says: “We couldn’t study the Bible when Dad was home. But Mom never missed the meetings. Even though we didn’t have much Bible knowledge, her example and determination helped us to have strong faith. We realized that this was true long before we started going to the meetings ourselves.”

In Maria’s case, her father sometimes punished the family for going to meetings. She says, “My mom is one of the bravest sisters I know. When I was a child, I sometimes refused to do certain things for fear of what others would say. But seeing that Mom was so brave and always put Jehovah first helped me overcome my fear of others.” João and his family were not allowed to talk about spiritual matters at home because his father forbade it. He explains, “I think what impressed me the most was that Mom was willing to sacrifice anything, except her love for Jehovah, to please Dad.”

What effect can a mother's example have on others?

Remember that your example can influence others. How? Consider the effect Eunice’s example had on the apostle Paul. He wrote that Timothy’s unhypocritical faith was first experienced by Eunice. (2 Tim. 1:5) And when did Paul first notice her faith? He may have met Lois and Eunice in Lystra during his first missionary tour, and he probably helped them become Christians. (Acts 14:4–18) When he wrote to Timothy some 15 years later, he still remembered Eunice’s faith and held her up as an example. Clearly, this woman’s behavior made a deep impression on the apostle Paul and probably on many other first-century Christians. Whether you are raising children alone or your husband is not serving Jehovah, you can be assured that your example of faith strengthens and motivates those around you.

What should you do if you feel like your child is not responding to your efforts?

What if it seems like your child isn't responding to your efforts? Remember that raising a child takes time. As you can see in the images, when you plant a seed, you may sometimes wonder if a plant will grow and bear fruit. Although you can't guarantee the outcome, you continue to water it so that it has the best conditions for growth (Mark 4:26-29). Likewise, as a mother, you may sometimes wonder if you are reaching your child's heart. Of course, you can't guarantee the outcome. But if you continue to do everything in your power to raise your child, he will have the best conditions for spiritual growth (Prov. 22:6).

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.