DAILY TEXT, Saturday, August 16, 2025, He will put them on a solid foundation (1 Pet. 5:10).

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Saturday, August 16, 2025

He will put them on a solid foundation (1 Pet. 5:10).

If, after an honest self-examination, you find yourself failing at something, don’t be discouraged. Remember “how kind the Lord is” and that he will help you improve. (1 Pet. 2:3) The apostle Peter assures us: “God . . . will finish your training. He will make you firm.” On one occasion, Peter felt unworthy to stand before God’s Son. (Luke 5:8) But with the support and love of Jehovah and Jesus, Peter faithfully followed Christ. As a result, he was allowed to enter “the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:11) What a remarkable reward! If you persevere like Peter and allow Jehovah to train you, you too will receive the reward of eternal life. You will attain “the goal of your faith—your salvation.” (1 Pet. 1:9) w23.09 31 pars. 16, 17.

Why do elders desire to shepherd the flock, and what can help them? (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Peter told other Christian elders: “Shepherd the flock of God.” (Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.) We know that elders love their brothers and sisters and want to shepherd them. But sometimes they may feel unable to fulfill that responsibility because they are too busy or tired. If that is the case, what can you do? Tell Jehovah how you feel. Peter wrote: “If anyone serves others, let him do so as one relying on God’s strength.” (1 Pet. 4:11.) Perhaps your brothers and sisters are facing problems that cannot be solved in this system. But remember, Jesus Christ, “the chief shepherd,” can do much more for them than you can, both now and in the New World. Jehovah expects elders to love their brothers and sisters, shepherd them, and be “examples to the flock.”

What does an elder do to shepherd the flock? (See also the image.)

William, an experienced elder, places great importance on shepherding the flock. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he and the other elders in his congregation felt it was vital to contact all the publishers in their preaching groups every week. Why? He explains: “Many brothers were alone at home, with nothing but their thoughts for company. It was easy for them to drift into negative thoughts.” When a brother is having problems, William listens attentively to find out exactly what he needs and what worries him. He then looks for something specific to help him, usually a video on our website. William adds: “The work of shepherding is more important now than ever. We are working hard to help people come to know Jehovah. We must do something similar to shepherd the flock, to help Jehovah’s sheep remain in the truth.”

In what ways might we put into practice what we have learned in Peter's letters?

In this article, we've only gleaned a few lessons from Peter's two letters. Perhaps you've seen some areas where you can improve. For example, would you like to meditate more on the wonderful life we'll have in the New World? Have you considered preaching informally at work, school, or elsewhere? Have you thought of other ways to demonstrate intense love for the brothers and sisters? And if you're an elder, are you determined to shepherd Jehovah's sheep willingly and earnestly? Peter assures us: “God [...] will complete your training. He will establish you, he will make you strong, he will set you on a firm foundation” (1 Pet. 5:10).

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