Saturday, April 18 If anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper.​—1 John 2:1.

[Áine]

Saturday, April 18

If anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper.—1 John 2:1.

 

The most important decision that any person can make is the decision to dedicate himself to Jehovah and to become part of His family of worshippers. Jehovah desires everyone to do so. Why? He wants them to enjoy a friendship with him and to live forever. (Deut. 30:19, 20; Gal. 6:7, 8) However, Jehovah does not force anyone to serve him. He allows each individual to decide what he will do. What if a baptized Christian breaks God’s law, committing a serious sin? If he does not repent, he must be removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:13) Yet, even then, Jehovah fervently hopes that the wrongdoer will return to Him. In fact, that is an important reason why he provided the ransom—to make forgiveness possible for repentant sinners. Our loving God warmly appeals to wrongdoers, urging them to repent.—Zech. 1:3; Rom. 2:4; Jas. 4:8. w24.08 14 ¶1-2

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Sometimes we make mistakes, yes. Even when we try hard, something can go wrong. But we must remember — we are not walking alone. Jehovah sees everything, but He is not only watching to see us fail. He is watching to help us stand again.

 

And Jesus is like an older brother who does not turn away when we feel ashamed. He stays there, speaking for us, supporting us. So when guilt feels heavy and you want to hide — that is the time to go closer, not run away.