God’s inheritance,” he said. What overseer, even now, is not deeply moved when he stops to remind himself that those in the congregation of which he has oversight are persons who belong to God? Viewing the matter in this way, the overseer does not ‘lord it over the flock’ or become proud, but he heeds the advice: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.” It is, indeed, a source of encouragement to a humble overseer to realize that he does not have to carry the whole load by himself. He is urged to look to God for guidance in handling problems, throwing all his anxieties on God, checking His Word for guidance and seeking Him in prayer. Nor does he stand alone when confronted with persecution from Satan’s world; as Peter said: “The same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world. But, after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training, he will make you firm, he will make you strong.” (1 Pet. 5:1-10) Overseers have good reason to take courage.

17. So who really is the great Giver of strength, and why so?

¹⁷ Without question, Jehovah himself is the Giver of strength to his people. He is the One who inspired the writing of these words of encouragement that we have considered. The promises contained in his own Word, the Bible, are what fill us with hope. He has instructed us so that we can meet the problems of life with success. With him to back us up, we can stand firm even in the face of world opposition. So with David we say: “Jehovah is my strength and my shield. In him my heart has trusted, and I have been helped, so that my heart exults, and with my song I shall laud him. Jehovah is a strength to his people.”—Ps. 28:7, 8.

Giving Encouragement to Others

 1. Why is the giving of encouragement to others a Christian obligation, and what fine examples do we have in this?

EVERYONE has opportunities to give encouragement to others, and how much it is appreciated when he uses those opportunities to good advantage! More than anyone else Jehovah is a Giver of encouragement; he forgives our shortcomings, builds up our hope, and strengthens us for the trials and work that lie before us. His Son Jesus Christ likewise proved to be an encourager of those who had good hearts, showing compassion for