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Do You Share in Making Christian Meetings Upbuilding?The Watchtower—2010 | October 15
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Meetings That Aim to ‘Upbuild, Encourage, and Console’
13. (a) What effect should our meetings have upon those in attendance? (b) What question is of special importance to elders?
13 Paul states that an important purpose of congregation meetings is to ‘upbuild, encourage, and console’ those in attendance.c (1 Cor. 14:3) How can Christian elders today make sure that their meeting parts indeed lift the spirits of their brothers and sisters and leave them consoled? To answer, let us consider a meeting that Jesus conducted shortly after his resurrection.
14. (a) What events preceded a meeting that was arranged by Jesus? (b) Why must the apostles have been relieved when “Jesus approached and spoke to them”?
14 First, note the events that preceded that meeting. Just before Jesus was put to death, the apostles “abandoned him and fled,” and as foretold, they were “scattered each one to his own house.” (Mark 14:50; John 16:32) Then, after his resurrection, Jesus invited his downhearted apostles to attend a special meeting.d In response, “the eleven disciples went into Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had arranged for them.” When they arrived, “Jesus approached and spoke to them.” (Matt. 28:10, 16, 18) Imagine how relieved the apostles must have been when Jesus took that initiative! What did Jesus discuss?
15. (a) What subjects did Jesus consider, but what did he not discuss? (b) How did that meeting affect the apostles?
15 Jesus began by making an announcement: “All authority has been given me.” Then he gave them an assignment: “Go therefore and make disciples.” Finally, he gave them warm assurance: “I am with you all the days.” (Matt. 28:18-20) But did you note what Jesus did not do? He did not reprimand his apostles; nor did he use that meeting to question their motives or to deepen their feelings of guilt by referring to their momentary weakness of faith. Instead, Jesus reassured them of his and his Father’s love by entrusting them with a weighty assignment. How did Jesus’ approach affect the apostles? They were so upbuilt, encouraged, and consoled that some time after that meeting, they were once again “teaching and declaring the good news.”—Acts 5:42.
16. How do Christian elders today imitate Jesus’ example in conducting meetings that are a source of refreshment?
16 In imitation of Jesus, elders today view meetings as opportunities to reassure fellow believers of the unfailing love that Jehovah has for his people. (Rom. 8:38, 39) Hence, in their meeting parts, elders focus on their brothers’ strengths, not on their weaknesses. They do not question their brothers’ motives. Rather, their expressions reveal that they view their fellow believers as individuals who love Jehovah and want to do what is right. (1 Thess. 4:1, 9-12) Of course, the elders may at times need to give corrective counsel to the congregation in general, but if just a few individuals need to be readjusted, such counsel is usually best given in a private conversation with those involved. (Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:24-26) When addressing the entire congregation, elders aim to give commendation whenever it is fitting. (Isa. 32:2) They strive to speak in such a way that at the end of the meeting, all in attendance are refreshed and energized.—Matt. 11:28; Acts 15:32.
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Do You Share in Making Christian Meetings Upbuilding?The Watchtower—2010 | October 15
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c As to the difference between “encourage” and “console,” Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words explains that the Greek word translated “console” denotes “a greater degree of tenderness than [encourage].”—Compare John 11:19.
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