Daily text, Friday, December 22. 2017

[Queen Esther]

Peter took [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke him, saying: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.”—Matt. 16:22.

The apostle Peter meant well when he urged Jesus to be kind to himself in order not to be killed. Jesus, however, knew that PeterÂ’s comment reflected faulty thinking. To help him and the other disciples, Jesus gave frank counsel, stated the consequences of a self-sparing attitude, and outlined the blessings of a self-sacrificing spirit. (Matt. 16:21-27) Peter learned the lesson. (1 Pet. 2:20, 21) Pray to Jehovah to give you insight so that you can understand where your teenager needs help. (Ps. 32:8) For example, what might indicate that your childÂ’s faith is wavering? Perhaps his joy is waning, he is speaking critically of fellow believers, or he has become secretive. Do not hastily conclude that these are signs of a double life involving serious sin. On the other hand, do not ignore such signs or dismiss your teenagerÂ’s isolation as a mere phase. w15 11/15 2:12, 13

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/12/22