Wednesday, May 22
God . . . comforts us in all our trials.—2 Cor. 1:3, 4.
“For almost a year after the death of our son, we felt deep and excruciating pain,” said Susi. Another Christian said that when his wife died suddenly, he experienced “indescribable physical pain.” Sadly, countless others experience this kind of agony. Many in the Christian congregation may not have expected their loved ones to die this side of Armageddon. Whether you have personally lost a loved one in death or know someone who is bereaved, you may wonder, ‘How can grieving ones be helped to deal with their heartache?’ Perhaps you have heard it said that time is a great healer. However, does it really follow that time by itself will heal a broken heart? One widow observed, “I have found it more accurate to say that it is what one does with one’s time that helps one to heal.” Yes, like a physical wound, the pain of an emotional wound may gradually ease over time if it is given tender care. w17.07 12-13 ¶1-3
May 20-26
2 CORINTHIANS 11-13
Song 3 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Paul’s ‘Thorn in the Flesh’”: (10 min.)
2Co 12:7—Paul dealt with a nagging problem that was like an irritating thorn (w08 6/15 3-4)
2Co 12:8, 9—Jehovah chose not to grant Paul’s supplications to remove the thorn (w06 12/15 24 ¶17-18)
2Co 12:10—Paul was able to fulfill his assignment by relying on God’s holy spirit (w18.01 9 ¶8-9)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
2Co 12:2-4—To what do “the third heaven” and “paradise” likely refer? (w18.12 8 ¶10-12)
What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?
What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?
Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) 2Co 11:1-15 (th study 5)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
First Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Play and discuss the video.
First Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Use the sample conversation. (th study 2)
First Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation, and introduce the Teach Us book. (th study 4)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“You Can Succeed Despite Your ‘Thorn in the Flesh’!”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video “The Eyes of the Blind Will Be Opened.” Inform the audience that literature for the blind or visually impaired is available in 47 languages in braille as well as other formats. Publishers should speak with the literature servant to request such literature. Encourage all to be attentive to the needs of any in the congregation or territory who are visually impaired.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 67
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 78 and Prayer