Daily text, 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)

Each husband should love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife should show profound respect for her husband (Ephesians 5:33).

The Bible openly acknowledges that every marriage “will experience hardships in life” (1 Corinthians 7:28). This happens because neither the husband nor the wife is perfect. They often differ in personality, preferences, culture, or life experiences. Over time, weaknesses that were not apparent during courtship may surface, putting pressure on the relationship. Instead of admitting that both share responsibility and working together to solve problems, couples may begin to blame one another or believe that separation or divorce is the only solution. However, is that truly the best option? No. Jehovah desires married couples to honor and respect their marriage, even when one spouse has a challenging personality. (w24.03 16 par. 8; 17 par. 11)

How might we feel after committing a serious sin?

The challenge. After committing a serious sin, a person may feel worthless or beyond recovery. The Bible recognizes that sin can leave someone with “a heart broken and crushed” (Psalm 51:17). This was the experience of Robert, a brother who had worked diligently for years to qualify as a ministerial servant. After committing a serious sin, he felt he had betrayed Jehovah. He explains: “I was overwhelmed with guilt, as if an enormous weight had fallen on me. My stomach tightened, I started crying, and I prayed to Jehovah. I honestly thought God would never listen to me again because I had let him down.” When someone experiences this level of guilt, they may conclude that Jehovah has abandoned them and that continuing to serve Him is pointless (Psalm 38:4). Have you ever felt this way? If so, you can find reassurance in the example of a loyal servant of Jehovah who, despite committing a serious sin, did not distance himself from God.

What serious sin did Peter commit, and what led to it?

The biblical account. On the night before Jesus’ execution, the apostle Peter made a series of poor decisions that culminated in the lowest point of his life. First, he confidently claimed that he would remain loyal even if the other apostles abandoned Jesus (Mark 14:27-29). Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he repeatedly fell asleep instead of staying alert (Mark 14:32, 37-41). When Jesus was arrested, Peter fled (Mark 14:50). Finally, he denied knowing Jesus three times, even swearing an oath to do so (Mark 14:66-71). Once Peter realized the gravity of his actions, he was overcome with remorse and burst into tears (Mark 14:72). Imagine how devastated he must have felt when, only hours later, he saw Jesus suffering on the stake. He likely felt completely ashamed and broken.

What prevented Peter from turning away from Jehovah?

Peter did not abandon Jehovah, and several factors helped him remain faithful. Rather than isolating himself, he stayed close to his fellow disciples, who surely offered him comfort and support (Luke 24:33). After his resurrection, Jesus personally appeared to Peter, likely to reassure and strengthen him (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5). Instead of reproaching Peter, Jesus entrusted him with greater responsibilities (John 21:15-17). Although Peter fully understood the seriousness of his sin, he did not give up. Why? Because he was convinced that Jesus had not given up on him, and he benefited from the encouragement of his brothers. There is much we can learn from his example.