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“JESUS...LOVEDTHEMTOTHEEND” 167
example. A father who truly loves his family will provide
for them materially. (1 Timothy 5:8) Balanced, loving family
heads make time for occasional rest and recreation. More
important, Christian parents provide for their children’s
spiritual needs. How? Such parents arrange for a regular
family Bible study, and they endeavor to make these study
sessions upbuilding and enjoyable for their children. (Deuteronomy
6:6, 7) By word and example, the parents teach
their children that the ministry is an important activity
and that preparing for and attending Christian meetings
is an essential part of their spiritual routine.—Hebrews 10:
24, 25.
Willing to Forgive
11 Forgiveness is a facet of love. (Colossians 3:13, 14)
Love “does not keep account of the injury,” states 1 Corinthians
13:5. On a number of occasions, Jesus taught
his followers the importance of forgiveness. He urged
them to forgive others “not, Up to seven times, but, Up
to seventy-seven times”—that is, an unlimited number of
times. (Matthew 18:21, 22) He taught them that a sinner
should be forgiven if upon being rebuked, he shows repentance.
(Luke 17:3, 4) Jesus, however, was not like the
hypocritical Pharisees, who taught by word only; he also
taught by example. (Matthew 23:2-4) Let us see how Jesus
demonstrated his willingness to forgive even when a
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12 Jesus had a close relationship with the apostle Peter,
a warmhearted man who at times was impulsive. Jesus
11. What did Jesus teach his followers about forgiveness?
12, 13. (a) In what way did Peter let Jesus down on the night of His
arrest? (b) How did Jesus’ actions after his resurrection make it clear
that he did more than just preach forgiveness?