DAILY TEXT, Sunday, December 28, 2025. It is better not to make a vow than to make a vow and not keep it (Eccl. 5:5).

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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Each of you must love your wife as you love yourself. In turn, the wife must have deep respect for her husband (Eph. 5:33).

All marriages “will have difficulties in life,” as the Bible frankly states (1 Cor. 7:28). Why? Because both husband and wife are imperfect. They also have different personalities and tastes. They may come from different cultures or have very different backgrounds. And, in time, certain flaws that went unnoticed during courtship may come to light. All of this can strain the relationship. Instead of acknowledging that both are wrong and working together to resolve problems, they may blame each other or even think that the solution is to separate or divorce. But is that the best course of action? No. Jehovah wants married people to respect their marriage, even if their husband or wife has a difficult personality. w24.03 16 par. 8; 17 par. 11

How might we feel if we commit a serious sin?

The problem. We may see ourselves as a lost cause if we commit a serious sin. The Bible acknowledges that our sins can leave us with “a broken and crushed heart.” (Psalm 51:17) That is what happened to Robert, a brother who had worked hard for years to become a ministerial servant. He committed a serious sin and knew that he had betrayed Jehovah. He says: “I felt terribly guilty, as if a million bricks had fallen on me. Then my stomach churned, I began to cry, and I prayed to Jehovah. I remember thinking that God would never listen to me again. After all, I had disappointed him.” If we commit a serious sin, our broken heart may lead us to believe that Jehovah has abandoned us and that it is no longer worth serving him. (Psalm 38:4) Have you ever felt that way? If so, you will find comfort in the example of a faithful servant of Jehovah who did not distance himself from him despite committing a serious sin.

What grave sin did Peter commit, and what mistakes led him to that point?

The Bible character. The night before Jesus was executed, the apostle Peter made a series of mistakes that led him to the darkest moment of his life. First, he overconfidently asserted that he would remain faithful even if the other apostles abandoned Jesus (Mark 14:27-29). Then, in the garden of Gethsemane, he repeatedly fell asleep (Mark 14:32, 37-41). Next, when Jesus was arrested, he deserted him (Mark 14:50). Finally, Peter denied knowing him three times, even under oath (Mark 14:66-71). How did he react when he realized he had committed a serious sin? Crushed by guilt, he broke down and wept (Mark 14:72). Can you imagine how he felt when, a few hours later, he saw his friend Jesus on the stake? He must have felt like the worst thing in the world.

What helped Peter not to stray from Jehovah?

Peter persevered and did not stray from Jehovah. What helped him? He did not isolate himself but sought the company of his brothers, who surely comforted him (Luke 24:33). Also, after Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to Peter, likely to encourage him (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5). Then, instead of rebuking Peter for what he had done, Jesus told his friend that he would receive greater responsibilities (John 21:15-17). Peter knew that he had committed a serious sin, but he did not give up. Why? Because he was convinced that Jesus had not given up on him, and he had the support of his brothers. Let us see what we can learn from his example.

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