Sea cual sea la razón por la que nos sintamos agobiados, debemos seguir este consejo de Pablo: “No se inquieten por cosa alguna, sino que en todo, por oración y ruego junto con acción de gracias, dense a conocer sus peticiones a Dios” (Fili. 4:6). Rogar significa “pedir algo con súplicas o con mucha humildad”. Y cuando estamos en peligro o se nos persigue, es cuando más debemos implorarle a Jehová que nos ayude y nos guíe.
Ahora bien, ¿qué revelaría sobre nosotros el que solo oráramos cuando necesitamos algo? Pablo dijo que nuestras súplicas deben ir acompañadas de “acción de gracias”. Realmente tenemos muchas razones para estar agradecidos a Jehová, tal como lo estaba David, quien dijo: “Tuya, oh Jehová, es la grandeza y el poderío y la hermosura y la excelencia y la dignidad; porque todo lo que hay en los cielos y en la tierra es tuyo. Tuyo es el reino, oh Jehová, Aquel que también te alzas como cabeza sobre todo. [...] Y ahora, oh Dios nuestro, te damos las gracias y alabamos tu hermoso nombre” (1 Cró. 29:11-13).
Jesús le daba gracias a su Padre por la comida. Por ejemplo, le agradeció el pan y el vino que usó al instituir la Cena del Señor (Mat. 15:36; Mar. 14:22, 23). Del mismo modo, nosotros debemos agradecer los alimentos, pero, además, debemos darle “gracias [...] por sus maravillosas obras [a favor de] [...] los hombres”, por sus “justas decisiones judiciales” y por su palabra, es decir, el mensaje que contienen las Escrituras (Sal. 107:15; 119:62, 105).
(Filipenses 4:6) No se inquieten por cosa alguna, sino que en todo, por oración y ruego junto con acción de gracias, dense a conocer sus peticiones a Dios;
If anxiety has a grip on us for any reason, we should apply Paul’s counsel: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6) “To supplicate” means “to make a humble entreaty.” Especially during danger or persecution should we beseech Jehovah for help and guidance.
If we prayed only when we needed something, however, what would that reveal about our motives? Paul said that we should make our petitions known to God “along with thanksgiving.” We certainly have reason to express sentiments like those of David: “Yours, O Jehovah, are the greatness and the mightiness and the beauty and the excellency and the dignity; for everything in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Jehovah, the One also lifting yourself up as head over all. . . . O our God, we are thanking you and praising your beauteous name.”—1 Chron. 29:11-13.
Jesus thanked God for food and for the bread and wine used at the Lord’s Evening Meal. (Matt. 15:36; Mark 14:22, 23) Besides expressing similar gratitude, we should “give thanks to Jehovah” for “his wonderful works to the sons of men,” for his “righteous judicial decisions,” and for his word, or message, now available in the Bible.—Ps. 107:15; 119:62, 105.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Philippians 4:6) Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God;
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
In writing to the Hebrews, Paul next calls attention to a vital aspect of true worship: “Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.” (Hebrews 10:23) The expression “public declaration” literally means “confession,” and Paul also speaks of “a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) This reminds us of the type of sacrifice that men like Abel, Noah, and Abraham offered.
When an Israelite offered a burnt sacrifice, it was done “of his own free will before Jehovah.” (Leviticus 1:3) By such a sacrifice, he voluntarily made a public declaration, or acknowledgment, of Jehovah’s bountiful blessings and loving-kindness toward his people. Recall that a distinctive feature of the burnt sacrifice was that the entire offering was consumed on the altar—a fitting symbol of total devotion and dedication. Correspondingly, we demonstrate our faith in the ransom sacrifice and our gratitude for that provision when we willingly and wholeheartedly offer our “sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips,” to Jehovah.
While Christians do not offer literal sacrifices—animal or vegetable—they do have the responsibility to bear witness to the Kingdom good news and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Do you take advantage of opportunities to share in publicly declaring the good news of God’s Kingdom so that many more people can come to know the wonderful things God has in store for obedient mankind? Do you willingly spend your time and energy in teaching interested ones and helping them to become disciples of Jesus Christ? Our zealous participation in the ministry, like the restful odor of a burnt offering, is well-pleasing to God.—1 Corinthians 15:58.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Hebrews 13:15) Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
Pablo llama la atención seguidamente en su carta a los Hebreos a un aspecto fundamental de la adoración verdadera: “Tengamos firmemente asida la declaración pública de nuestra esperanza sin titubear, porque fiel es el que ha prometido” (Hebreos 10:23). La expresión “declaración pública” significa literalmente “confesión”, y Pablo también habla de un “sacrificio de alabanza” (Hebreos 13:15). Este nos recuerda el tipo de sacrificio que ofrecieron hombres como Abel, Noé y Abrahán.
Cuando un israelita ofrecía un sacrificio quemado, lo hacía “de su propia voluntad delante de Jehová” (Levítico 1:3). De este modo declaraba o reconocía pública y voluntariamente las abundantes bendiciones de Jehová y Su bondad amorosa para con su pueblo. Recordemos que un rasgo distintivo de la ofrenda quemada era que toda ella se consumía sobre el altar, lo cual era un símbolo apropiado de devoción y dedicación completas. De manera correspondiente, demostramos nuestra fe en el sacrificio redentor y nuestro agradecimiento cuando ofrecemos a Jehová, voluntariamente y con entusiasmo, nuestro “sacrificio de alabanza, es decir, el fruto de labios”.
Aunque los cristianos no ofrecen sacrificios literales —animales o vegetales— tienen la responsabilidad de dar testimonio de las buenas nuevas del Reino y hacer discípulos de Jesucristo (Mateo 24:14; 28:19, 20). ¿Nos aprovechamos de las oportunidades de participar en la declaración pública de las buenas nuevas del Reino de Dios, de modo que muchas más personas puedan conocer las cosas maravillosas que Dios tiene preparadas para la humanidad obediente? ¿Dedicamos voluntariamente nuestro tiempo y energías a enseñar a quienes se interesan en el mensaje y a ayudarlos a hacerse discípulos de Jesucristo? Nuestra participación celosa en el ministerio es muy agradable a Dios, como el olor conducente a descanso de una ofrenda quemada (1 Corintios 15:58).
(Hebreos 13:15) Mediante él ofrezcamos siempre a Dios sacrificio de alabanza, es decir, el fruto de labios que hacen declaración pública de su nombre.
Jesús enseñó a sus seguidores a poner los valores espirituales por encima de todo lo demás. En el Sermón del Monte, aconsejó a sus oyentes: “Nunca se inquieten y digan: ‘¿Qué hemos de comer?’, o ‘¿qué hemos de beber?’, o ‘¿qué hemos de ponernos?’. Sigan [...] buscando primero el reino y la justicia de Dios, y todas estas [...] cosas [materiales necesarias] les serán añadidas” (Mateo 6:31, 33). Poco después de la muerte de Jesús, los cristianos recién bautizados siguieron dicho consejo. Muchos eran judíos y prosélitos del judaísmo que habían viajado a Jerusalén para la celebración de la fiesta de Pentecostés de 33 E.C. Mientras estaban allí, sucedió algo inesperado: oyeron las buenas nuevas acerca de Jesucristo y las abrazaron. Como deseaban aprender más acerca de su nueva fe, permanecieron en Jerusalén. Aunque se les empezaron a agotar las provisiones, las comodidades materiales eran de importancia secundaria para ellos. ¡Habían encontrado al Mesías! Sus hermanos cristianos compartieron con ellos sus bienes materiales a fin de que todos pudieran continuar “dedicándose a la enseñanza de los apóstoles y [...] a oraciones” (Hechos
2:42).
Con el tiempo, algunos cristianos perdieron de vista la importancia de disfrutar de compañerismo con regularidad en las reuniones (Hebreos 10:23-25). Tal vez se hicieron materialistas y descuidaron los asuntos espirituales al tratar de conseguir seguridad económica para ellos mismos y su familia. Tras exhortar a los hermanos a no abandonar las reuniones, el apóstol Pablo escribió: “Que su modo de vivir esté exento del amor al dinero, y estén contentos con las cosas presentes. Porque él ha dicho: ‘De ningún modo te dejaré y de ningún modo te desampararé’” (Hebreos 13:5).
El consejo de Pablo fue muy oportuno. Aproximadamente cinco años después de escribir Pablo su carta a los Hebreos, el ejército romano de Cestio Galo rodeó Jerusalén. Los cristianos fieles recordaron la advertencia de Jesús: “Cuando alcancen a ver [esto] [...,] el que esté sobre la azotea no baje, ni entre a sacar nada de su casa; y el que se halle en el campo no vuelva a las cosas atrás para recoger su prenda de vestir exterior” (Marcos 13:14-16). Sabían que su supervivencia no dependía de que tuvieran un empleo estable ni del valor de sus posesiones materiales, sino de su obediencia a las instrucciones de Jesús. A quienes habían seguido el consejo de Pablo y habían puesto los intereses espirituales en primer lugar les fue indudablemente más fácil dejar atrás su hogar, su empleo, su ropa y sus preciadas pertenencias y huir a las montañas que a los que no se habían librado del amor al dinero.
(Mateo 6:33) ”Sigan, pues, buscando primero el reino y la justicia de [Dios], y todas estas [otras] cosas les serán añadidas.
Jesus taught his followers to put spiritual values ahead of everything else. In the Sermon on the Mount, he advised his listeners: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ Keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [necessary material] things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31, 33) Soon after Jesus’ death, newly baptized Christians followed that advice. Many were Jews or Jewish proselytes who had traveled to Jerusalem for the celebration of the festival of Pentecost in 33 C.E. While there, something unexpected occurred. They heard and embraced the good news about Jesus Christ. Eager to learn more about their newfound faith, they remained in Jerusalem. They ran low on provisions, but material comforts were of secondary importance. They had found the Messiah! Their Christian brothers shared what material things they had so that all could continue “devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and . . . to prayers.”—Acts 2:42.
In time, some Christians lost sight of the need for regular fellowship at meetings. (Hebrews 10:23-25) Perhaps they became materialistic, neglecting spiritual matters while trying to ensure financial security for themselves and their families. After urging his brothers not to forsake the meetings, the apostle Paul wrote: “Let your manner of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: ‘I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.’”—Hebrews 13:5.
Paul’s advice turned out to be very timely. About five years after Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrews, the Roman army of Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusalem. Faithful Christians remembered Jesus’ warning: “When you catch sight of [this] . . . , let the man on the housetop not come down, nor go inside to take anything out of his house; and let the man in the field not return to the things behind to pick up his outer garment.” (Mark 13:14-16) They knew that their survival depended, not upon the stability of their employment or the value of their material possessions, but upon their obedience to Jesus’ instructions. Those who had responded to Paul’s counsel and put spiritual interests first doubtless found it easier to leave behind home, job, clothes, and treasured personal effects and flee to the mountains than did any who had not broken free of the love of money.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Matthew 6:33) “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
We refrain from returning evil for evil not only because it is the right course but also because it is the loving course. Note how the apostle Paul next considers the motive of love. In the book of Romans, Paul uses the word “love” (a·ga′pe in Greek) several times when referring to God’s love and that of Christ. (Romans 5:5, 8; 8:35, 39) However, in chapter 12, Paul uses a·ga′pe in a different way—in speaking about love shown to fellow humans. After noting that spiritual gifts vary and are present among some believers, Paul mentions a quality that should be cultivated by all Christians. He states: “Let your love be without hypocrisy.” (Romans 12:4-9) Showing love to others is a basic mark of true Christians. (Mark 12:28-31) Paul exhorts us to make sure that the love we show as Christians is sincere.
Further, Paul notes how love without hypocrisy is shown, stating: “Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) “Abhor” and “cling” are strong words. “Abhor” can be translated “hate exceedingly.” We must hate not merely the consequences of evil but also the evil itself. (Psalm 97:10) The word “cling” is a translation of a Greek verb that literally means “to glue.” A Christian who has genuine love is so firmly glued, or attached, to the quality of goodness that it becomes an inseparable part of his personality.
One particular manifestation of love is mentioned by Paul again and again. He states: “Keep on blessing those who persecute; be blessing and do not be cursing.” “Return evil for evil to no one.” “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved.” “Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.” (Romans 12:14, 17-19, 21) Paul’s words leave no doubt about how we should treat nonbelievers, even those who oppose us.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Romans 12:9) Let [YOUR] love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
Pero, aparte del deber moral, hay otra razón que nos mueve a no vengarnos: el amor. Observemos la forma en que el apóstol Pablo pasa a analizar esta segunda motivación. En la carta a los Romanos, Pablo ya había empleado varias veces la palabra griega a·gá·pe para referirse al amor que Dios y Cristo nos tienen (Romanos 5:5, 8; 8:35, 39). Sin embargo, en el capítulo 12 utiliza ese término de forma distinta: ahora se refiere al amor que nosotros mostramos al prójimo. Aunque menciona primero que no todos los cristianos tenemos los mismos dones espirituales, luego señala que hay una cualidad que sí debemos cultivar todos: “amor sin hipocresía” (Romanos 12:4-9). Ciertamente, el amor al prójimo es la marca que nos distingue como cristianos verdaderos (Marcos 12:28-31). Y Pablo nos anima a asegurarnos de que ese amor sea sincero.
Luego, Pablo indica cómo se muestra el amor sin hipocresía, pues sigue diciendo: “Aborrezcan lo que es inicuo; adhiéranse a lo que es bueno” (Romanos 12:9). “Aborrezcan” y “adhiéranse” son palabras enérgicas. El término original para “aborrezcan” puede verterse también “odien fuertemente”. No solo debemos detestar las consecuencias del mal, sino el mal en sí mismo (Salmo 97:10). Por su parte, la palabra “adhiéranse” traduce una forma verbal griega que, literalmente, significa “péguense (a algo)”. El cristiano que tiene amor genuino se “pega” a la bondad, adhiriéndose a esta cualidad con tanta firmeza que llega a ser un componente inseparable de su personalidad.
En el resto del capítulo 12, Pablo alude varias veces a una forma particular de mostrar amor: “Sigan bendiciendo a los que los persiguen; estén bendiciendo, y no maldiciendo”. “No devuelvan mal por mal a nadie.” “No se venguen, amados.” “No te dejes vencer por el mal, sino sigue venciendo el mal con el bien.” (Romanos 12:14, 17-19, 21.) Sus palabras dejan muy claro cómo debemos tratar a los no creyentes, incluso si se oponen a nosotros.
(Romanos 12:9) Sea [su] amor sin hipocresía. Aborrezcan lo que es inicuo; adhiéranse a lo que es bueno.
Todos necesitamos sabiduría para decir y hacer lo que es propio de personas que tienen fe. (Santiago 3:13-18.) Si tememos a Dios con reverencia, él nos concederá la sabiduría celestial, es decir, la capacidad de utilizar correctamente el conocimiento. (Proverbios 9:10; Hebreos 5:14.) Su Palabra nos enseña a tener la “apacibilidad que pertenece a la sabiduría”. Y esa apacibilidad promueve la paz en la congregación. (1 Corintios 8:1, 2.) Cualquiera que se jacte de ser un gran maestro de sus compañeros de creencia está ‘mintiendo contra la verdad cristiana’, pues esta condena el egotismo. (Gálatas 5:26.) Su “sabiduría” es “terrenal”, característica de hombres pecadores apartados de Dios. Es “animal”, pues es el producto de las inclinaciones carnales. Incluso es “demoníaca”, ya que los espíritus inicuos son orgullosos. (1 Timoteo 3:6.) Actuemos, por tanto, con sabiduría y humildad para que no hagamos nada que cree un ambiente en el que puedan florecer tales ‘cosas viles’ como la calumnia y el favoritismo.
“La sabiduría de arriba es primeramente casta”, y nos limpia en sentido moral y espiritual. (2 Corintios 7:11.) Es “pacífica”, pues nos mueve a buscar la paz. (Hebreos 12:14.) La sabiduría celestial nos hace ‘razonables’, no dogmáticos ni de difícil trato. (Filipenses 4:5.) La sabiduría de arriba está “lista para obedecer”, pues promueve la obediencia a la enseñanza divina y la cooperación con la organización de Jehová. (Romanos 6:17.) La sabiduría de arriba también nos hace misericordiosos y compasivos. (Judas 22, 23.) Como está llena de “buenos frutos”, nos impulsa a interesarnos por los demás y a obrar en conformidad con la bondad, la justicia y la verdad. (Efesios 5:9.) Y como pacificadores, disfrutamos del “fruto de la justicia” que medra en condiciones pacíficas.
Está claro, pues, que la fe nos motiva a actuar. Nos hace imparciales, misericordiosos y ricos en obras excelentes. La fe nos ayuda a controlar la lengua y a obrar con sabiduría celestial. Pero eso no es todo lo que podemos aprender de esta carta. Santiago nos ofrece más consejo que nos ayuda a comportarnos como es propio de personas que tienen fe en Jehová.
(Santiago 3:17) Pero la sabiduría de arriba es primeramente casta, luego pacífica, razonable, lista para obedecer, llena de misericordia y buenos frutos, sin hacer distinciones por parcialidad, sin ser hipócrita.
All of us need wisdom to say and do things befitting those who have faith. (James 3:13-18) If we have reverential fear of God, he grants us heavenly wisdom, the ability to use knowledge aright. (Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 5:14) His Word teaches us how to display “a mildness that belongs to wisdom.” And because we are mild, we promote congregational peace. (1 Corinthians 8:1, 2) Any who brag about being great teachers of fellow believers are ‘lying against Christian truth,’ which condemns their egotism. (Galatians 5:26) Their “wisdom” is “earthly”—characteristic of sinful humans alienated from God. It is “animal,” being the product of fleshly inclinations. Why, it is even “demonic,” for wicked spirits are proud! (1 Timothy 3:6) Let us therefore act with wisdom and humility so that we do nothing to create an atmosphere wherein such ‘vile things’ as slander and favoritism can flourish.
“Wisdom from above is first of all chaste,” making us clean morally and spiritually. (2 Corinthians 7:11) It is “peaceable,” moving us to pursue peace. (Hebrews 12:14) Heavenly wisdom makes us “reasonable,” not dogmatic and hard to deal with. (Philippians 4:5) Wisdom from above is “ready to obey,” promoting obedience to divine teaching and cooperation with Jehovah’s organization. (Romans 6:17) Wisdom from above also makes us merciful, compassionate. (Jude 22, 23) Being full of “good fruits,” it prompts concern for others and actions in harmony with goodness, righteousness, and truth. (Ephesians 5:9) And as peacemakers, we enjoy “the fruit of righteousness” that thrives under peaceful conditions.
Clearly, then, faith moves us to action. It makes us impartial, merciful, and active in fine works. Faith helps us to control the tongue and to act with heavenly wisdom. But that is not all we can learn from this letter. James has further counsel that can help us to conduct ourselves in a manner befitting those who have faith in Jehovah.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(James 3:17) But the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
El principal instrumento de comunicación entre Dios y los hombres es la Biblia. Esta ha sido inspirada por Dios, y todo su contenido puede beneficiarnos (2 Timoteo 3:16). En la Biblia se encuentran muchos ejemplos de gente real que, valiéndose de su libre albedrío, decidió escuchar la voz de Dios o no. Tales ejemplos nos recuerdan por qué es vital escuchar lo que el espíritu de Dios dice (1 Corintios 10:11). La Biblia también contiene sabiduría práctica, que nos sirve de guía cuando tenemos que tomar decisiones en la vida. Es como si Dios estuviera detrás de nosotros diciéndonos al oído las palabras: “Este es el camino. Anden en él”.
Para oír lo que el espíritu dice a través de las páginas de la Biblia, debemos leerla regularmente. La Biblia no es tan solo un libro popular bien escrito, uno de tantos que hoy existen. Está inspirada por el espíritu de Dios y contiene Sus pensamientos. Hebreos 4:12 dice: “La palabra de Dios es viva, y ejerce poder, y es más aguda que toda espada de dos filos, y penetra hasta dividir entre alma y espíritu, y entre coyunturas y su tuétano, y puede discernir pensamientos e intenciones del corazón”. A medida que leemos la Biblia, su contenido penetra en nuestros pensamientos y motivos íntimos como una espada, revelando el grado en que nuestra vida se conforma a la voluntad de Dios.
Los “pensamientos e intenciones del corazón” pueden cambiar con el paso del tiempo y por las experiencias de la vida, tanto las positivas como las negativas. Si no estudiamos constantemente la Palabra de Dios, nuestros pensamientos, actitudes y emociones dejarán de armonizar con los principios piadosos. Por ello, la Biblia nos aconseja: “Sigan poniéndose a prueba para ver si están en la fe, sigan dando prueba de lo que ustedes mismos son” (2 Corintios 13:5). Si queremos seguir oyendo lo que el espíritu dice, debemos acatar el consejo de leer la Palabra de Dios diariamente (Salmo 1:2).
Un recordatorio importante para los lectores de la Biblia es el siguiente: hay que permitir tiempo suficiente para asimilar lo que se lee. Seguir el consejo de leer la Biblia todos los días no significa abarcar apresuradamente varios capítulos sin captar el sentido de la lectura. Aunque es fundamental leerla con regularidad, nuestra motivación no debe ser solo mantenernos al día con un horario; debemos tener un verdadero deseo de conocer mejor a Jehová y sus propósitos. Las siguientes palabras del apóstol Pablo nos permiten autoexaminarnos a este respecto. Cuando escribió a sus compañeros cristianos, les dijo: “Doblo mis rodillas ante el Padre, a fin de que les conceda [...] que mediante la fe de ustedes el Cristo more en sus corazones con amor; para que estén arraigados y establecidos sobre el fundamento, a fin de que sean enteramente capaces de comprender con todos los santos cuál es la anchura y longitud y altura y profundidad, y de conocer el amor del Cristo que sobrepuja al conocimiento, para que se les llene de toda la plenitud que Dios da” (Efesios 3:14, 16-19).
Es cierto que a algunos de nosotros no nos gusta leer, mientras que otros son ávidos lectores. Sin embargo, sin importar cuál sea nuestra inclinación individual, podemos cultivar y profundizar el deseo de conocer mejor a Jehová. El apóstol Pedro explicó que debemos anhelar el conocimiento bíblico, y reconoció que ese deseo posiblemente tuviera que cultivarse. Escribió: “Como criaturas recién nacidas, desarrollen el anhelo por la leche no adulterada que pertenece a la palabra, para que mediante ella crezcan a la salvación” (1 Pedro 2:2). La autodisciplina es fundamental para ‘desarrollar el anhelo’ por el estudio bíblico. Tal como un nuevo alimento puede empezar a gustarnos después de probarlo varias veces, nuestra actitud hacia la lectura y el estudio puede mejorar si nos disciplinamos y seguimos un programa regular.
(Hebreos 4:12) Porque la palabra de Dios es viva, y ejerce poder, y es más aguda que toda espada de dos filos, y penetra hasta dividir entre alma y espíritu, y entre coyunturas y [su] tuétano, y puede discernir pensamientos e intenciones de[l] corazón.
The principal instrument of communication between God and humans is the Bible. It is inspired by God, and everything in it can prove beneficial to us. (2 Timothy 3:16) The Bible abounds with examples of real people who exercised their free will in deciding whether to listen to Jehovah’s voice or not. Such examples remind us why it is vital to listen to what the spirit of God says. (1 Corinthians 10:11) The Bible also contains practical wisdom, giving us counsel for times when we are confronted with decisions in life. It is as if God were behind us, speaking in our ear the words: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
In order to hear what the spirit says through the pages of the Bible, we must read it regularly. The Bible is not just a well-written, popular book, one of many available today. The Bible is spirit-inspired and contains the thoughts of God. Hebrews 4:12 says: “The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.” As we read the Bible, its contents pierce into our inner thoughts and motivations like a sword, revealing the degree to which our lives conform to God’s will.
The “thoughts and intentions of the heart” can change as time passes and as we are affected by our experiences in life—both pleasant and difficult. If we do not constantly study the Word of God, our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions will no longer be in harmony with godly principles. Hence, the Bible admonishes us: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) If we are to continue hearing what the spirit says, we should heed the counsel to read God’s Word daily.—Psalm 1:2.
An important reminder for Bible readers is this: Allow enough time to assimilate what you read! In an effort to comply with the counsel to read the Bible every day, we would not want to find ourselves rushing through several chapters without getting the sense of what we read. While reading the Bible regularly is vital, our motivation should not be solely to keep up with a schedule; we should have a genuine desire to learn about Jehovah and his purposes. In this regard, we may well use these words of the apostle Paul for self-examination. Writing to fellow Christians, he said: “I bend my knees to the Father, to the end that he may grant you . . . to have the Christ dwell through your faith in your hearts with love; that you may be rooted and established on the foundation, in order that you may be thoroughly able to grasp mentally with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of the Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness that God gives.”—Ephesians 3:14, 16-19.
Granted, some of us by nature do not enjoy reading, while others are avid readers. Regardless of our individual disposition, however, we can cultivate and deepen our desire to learn from Jehovah. The apostle Peter explained that we should have a longing for Bible knowledge, and he recognized that such a desire may have to be developed. He wrote: “As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it you may grow to salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2) Self-discipline is vital if we are to “form a longing” for Bible study. Just as we can develop a liking for a new food after tasting it several times, our attitude toward reading and study can change for the better if we discipline ourselves to follow a regular routine.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern thoughts and intentions of [the] heart.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
“You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.”—ACTS 1:8.
JESUS’ words recorded at Matthew 24:14 are so familiar that many of us know them by heart. And what a truly remarkable prophecy it is! Imagine what the disciples must have thought when they first heard it! The year was 33 C.E. The disciples had been with Jesus for about three years, and now they had come with him to Jerusalem. They had seen his miracles and had listened to his teachings. Though they delighted in the precious truths that Jesus had taught them, they were well-aware that not all shared their delight. Jesus had powerful and influential enemies.
On the Mount of Olives, four disciples sat with Jesus, listening intently as he spoke of the coming dangers and challenges that they would face. Earlier, Jesus had told them that he would be killed. (Matthew 16:21) Now he made it clear that they too would experience brutal opposition. “People will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you,” he said. “And you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” That was not all. False prophets would mislead many. Others would be stumbled and would betray and hate one another. Still others, in fact “the greater number,” would allow their love for God and for his Word to cool off.—Matthew 24:9-12.
It was against such a negative backdrop that Jesus made a statement that must have caused the disciples to marvel. He said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Yes, the work that Jesus began in Israel—to “bear witness to the truth”—would continue and expand to global proportions. (John 18:37) What a truly stunning prophecy! To extend that work to “all the nations” would be challenging; to do so in the face of “hatred by all the nations” would be nothing short of miraculous. The accomplishment of this immense task would magnify not only Jehovah’s supremacy and power but also his love, mercy, and patience. In addition, it would give his servants an opportunity to show their faith and devotion.
Jesus left his disciples in no doubt that they had on their hands a monumental work. Before his ascension to heaven, Jesus appeared to them and said: “You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Of course, others would soon join them. Still, the disciples were few in number. How comforting it must have been to know that God’s powerful holy spirit would empower them to accomplish this divine assignment!
The disciples knew that they were to preach the good news and “make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) But they did not know how thorough a witness would be given, and they did not know when the end would come. Neither do we. These are matters for Jehovah alone to determine. (Matthew 24:36) When the witness is given to Jehovah’s satisfaction, he will bring an end to this wicked system of things. Only then will Christians discern that the preaching work has been accomplished to the extent Jehovah purposed. Those early disciples could hardly have envisioned the magnitude of the witness that would be given in this time of the end.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Matthew 24:14) And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
