Learn from Jehoash’s bad decisions. After High Priest Jehoiada died, Jehoash chose bad associates. (2 Chron. 24:17, 18) He decided to listen to the princes of Judah who did not love Jehovah. You likely agree that Jehoash should have avoided those troublemakers. Instead, he listened to his so-called friends. In fact, when Jehoash’s cousin Zechariah tried to correct him, Jehoash had him put to death. (2 Chron. 24:20, 21; Matt. 23:35) How terrible and foolish! Jehoash began his life well, but sadly he became an apostate and a murderer. Finally, his own servants killed him. (2 Chron. 24:22-25) How different his life would have turned out had he continued to listen to Jehovah and to those who loved Him! w23.09 9 ¶6

Jesus knew that the apostle Peter could remain faithful. So Jesus kindly told Peter to “stop being afraid.” Jesus’ confidence in Peter had a lasting effect on him. Peter and his brother Andrew later abandoned their fishing business and became full-time followers of the Messiah, a decision that led to remarkable blessings. (Mark 1:16-18) Peter had many wonderful experiences as a follower of Christ. He saw Jesus heal the sick, expel demons, and even raise the dead. (Matt. 8:14-17; Mark 5:37, 41, 42) Peter also witnessed a vision of Jesus’ future Kingdom glory, an event that had a great impact on him. (Mark 9:1-8; 2 Pet. 1:16-18) Yes, Peter saw things he could never have anticipated. How glad he must have been that he did not allow any negative feelings about himself to cause him to miss out on these blessings! w23.09 21 ¶4-5

In his first letter, the apostle Peter used the expression “intense love.” Such love covers, not just a few sins, but “a multitude of sins.” (1 Pet. 4:8) Perhaps Peter recalled the lesson about forgiveness that Jesus had taught him years earlier. At the time, Peter likely believed that he was being generous when he suggested that he would forgive his brother “up to seven times.” But Jesus taught him​—and us—​to forgive “up to 77 times,” meaning without limit. (Matt. 18:21) If you have found it hard to apply this counsel, take heart! All of Jehovah’s imperfect servants have at times struggled to forgive. The important thing now is for you to take any necessary steps to forgive your brother and to make peace with him. w23.09 29 ¶12