If a sinner repents, that is a cause for great joy! (Luke 15:7) Who deserves the credit? Do the elders? Recall what the apostle Paul wrote about sinners: “Perhaps God may give them repentance.” (2 Tim. 2:25) A study note on that verse comments: “The credit for such a change in thinking and attitude goes, not to any human, but to Jehovah, who helps the wayward Christian make this vital change. Paul goes on to mention some of the beautiful results of such repentance​—it leads the sinner to a more accurate knowledge of the truth, it helps him come back to his proper senses, and it enables him to escape from Satan’s snares.​—2Ti 2:26.” When a wrongdoer repents, the committee will arrange for shepherding visits so that the person can continue to receive the help he needs to fight against Satan’s snares and to make straight paths for his feet.​—Heb. 12:12, 13. w24.08 23 ¶14-15

A crowd that Jesus had fed were focused on satisfying their physical needs and desires. How so? The following day, they saw that Jesus and his apostles had left. So the crowd boarded some boats that had arrived from Tiberias and headed toward Capernaum to find Jesus. (John 6:22-24) Did they do that mainly to hear more about the Kingdom? No. They were primarily thinking about their physical need for bread. How do we know? Note what happened when the crowd caught up with Jesus near Capernaum. Jesus openly said that their priority was satisfying their temporary physical needs. He acknowledged that they “ate from the loaves and were satisfied” with “food that perishes.” He urged them to work instead for “food that remains for everlasting life.” (John 6:26, 27) Jesus said that his Father would provide such food. w24.12 5 ¶8-9

To be more effective as a teacher, brothers, base your public teaching and private counsel on God’s Word. Be a good student of the Bible and of our publications. (Prov. 15:28) As you study, take careful note of the proper application of the Scriptures. And when teaching, try hard to reach the heart of those in your audience. You can improve as a teacher if you ask for and apply suggestions from experienced elders. (1 Tim. 5:17) Elders need to be able to encourage their brothers and sisters; however, elders must at times counsel or even reprove them. In either case, elders must always be kind. If you are gentle and loving and you base your teaching on God’s Word, you will be effective because you will be imitating the Great Teacher, Jesus.​—Matt. 11:28-30; 2 Tim. 2:24. w24.11 24 ¶16