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Do Not Give Up!The Watchtower—1995 | December 1
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Do Not Give Up!
“Let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.”—GALATIANS 6:9.
1, 2. (a) In what ways does a lion hunt? (b) Upon whom is the Devil especially interested in preying?
A LION hunts in various ways. Sometimes it will ambush its prey at water holes or along well-used paths. But sometimes, says the book Portraits in the Wild, a lion “simply takes advantage of a situation—for example, coming upon a sleeping zebra foal.”
2 Our “adversary, the Devil,” explains the apostle Peter, “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” (1 Peter 5:8) Knowing that his remaining time is short, Satan is exerting ever greater pressure on humans to keep them from serving Jehovah. However, this “roaring lion” is especially interested in preying upon Jehovah’s servants. (Revelation 12:12, 17) His hunting methods are similar to those of his counterpart in the animal kingdom. How so?
3, 4. (a) What methods does Satan use in preying upon Jehovah’s servants? (b) Because these are “critical times hard to deal with,” what questions are raised?
3 At times Satan tries an ambush—persecution or opposition aimed at breaking our integrity so that we stop serving Jehovah. (2 Timothy 3:12) But, like the lion, at other times the Devil simply takes advantage of a situation. He waits until we get discouraged or grow weary, and then he tries to capitalize on our low emotional state in order to get us to give up. We must not become easy prey!
4 Yet, we are living in the most demanding period in all human history. In these “critical times hard to deal with,” many of us may feel discouraged or weighed down on occasion. (2 Timothy 3:1) How, then, can we avoid growing so weary that we become easy prey for the Devil? Yes, how can we heed the apostle Paul’s inspired counsel: “Let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out”?—Galatians 6:9.
When Others Disappoint Us
5. What caused David to grow weary, but what did he not do?
5 In Bible times, even the most faithful servants of Jehovah may have felt weighed down. “I have grown weary with my sighing,” wrote the psalmist David. “All night long I make my couch swim; with my tears I make my own divan overflow. From vexation my eye has become weak.” Why did David feel that way? “Because of all those showing hostility to me,” he explained. The hurtful actions of others caused David such pain of heart that his tears flowed freely. Still, David did not draw away from Jehovah because of what fellow humans had done to him.—Psalm 6:6-9.
6. (a) How may we be affected by the words or actions of others? (b) How do some make themselves easy prey for the Devil?
6 Similarly, the words or actions of others may cause us to grow weary with much pain of heart. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword,” says Proverbs 12:18. When the thoughtless one is a Christian brother or sister, the ‘stab wound’ can go deep. The human tendency may be to take offense, perhaps harboring resentment. This is especially true if we feel that we have been treated unkindly or unjustly. We may find it hard to talk to the offender; we might even deliberately avoid him or her. Weighed down with resentment, some have given up and have stopped coming to Christian meetings. Sadly, they thereby “allow place for the Devil” to take advantage of them as easy prey.—Ephesians 4:27.
7. (a) How can we avoid playing into the Devil’s hands when others disappoint or hurt us? (b) Why should we let go of resentment?
7 How can we avoid playing into the Devil’s hands when others disappoint or hurt us? We must try not to harbor resentment. Instead, take the initiative to make peace or settle matters as quickly as possible. (Ephesians 4:26) Colossians 3:13 urges us: “Continue . . . forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another.” Forgiveness is especially fitting when the one who has given offense admits error and is genuinely sorry. (Compare Psalm 32:3-5 and Proverbs 28:13.) It helps us, though, if we keep in mind that to forgive is not to condone or minimize the wrongs that others have committed. To forgive involves letting go of resentment. Resentment is a heavy burden to carry. It can consume our thoughts, robbing us of happiness. It can even affect our health. In contrast, forgiveness, where appropriate, works to our own benefit. May we, like David, never give up and draw away from Jehovah because of what other humans have said or done to us!
When We Fall Short
8. (a) Why do some feel especially guilty at times? (b) What danger is there in getting so swallowed up by guilt that we give up on ourselves?
8 “We all stumble many times,” says James 3:2. When we do, it is only natural to feel guilty. (Psalm 38:3-8) Feelings of guilt can be especially strong if we are battling a weakness of the flesh and experience periodic setbacks.a One Christian who faced such a struggle explained: “I didn’t want to go on living, not knowing if I had committed the unforgivable sin or not. I felt that I might as well not exert myself in Jehovah’s service because it’s probably too late for me anyway.” When we get so swallowed up by guilt that we give up on ourselves, we give the Devil an opening—and he may quickly take advantage of it! (2 Corinthians 2:5-7, 11) What is needed may be a more balanced view of guilt.
9. Why should we have confidence in God’s mercy?
9 When we sin it is appropriate to feel a measure of guilt. Sometimes, though, feelings of guilt persist because a Christian feels that he could never be worthy of God’s mercy. Yet, the Bible warmly assures us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Is there any sound reason to believe that God will not do that in our case? Remember, in his Word, Jehovah says that he is “ready to forgive.” (Psalm 86:5; 130:3, 4) Since he cannot lie, he will do as his Word promises, provided we come to him with a repentant heart.—Titus 1:2.
10. What heartwarming reassurance did an earlier Watchtower publish about fighting a weakness of the flesh?
10 What should you do if you are fighting a weakness and have a relapse? Do not give up! A relapse does not necessarily cancel the progress you have already made. The February 15, 1954, issue of this journal offered this heartwarming reassurance: “We [may] find ourselves stumbling and falling many times over some bad habit that has bitten more deeply into our former pattern of life than we had realized. . . . Do not despair. Do not conclude you have committed the unforgivable sin. That is just how Satan would like you to reason. The fact that you feel grieved and vexed with yourself is proof in itself that you have not gone too far. Never weary of turning humbly and earnestly to God, seeking his forgiveness and cleansing and help. Go to him as a child goes to his father when in trouble, no matter how often on the same weakness, and Jehovah will graciously give you the help because of his undeserved kindness and, if you are sincere, he will give you the realization of a cleansed conscience.”
When We Feel That We Are Not Doing Enough
11. (a) How should we feel about sharing in the Kingdom-preaching work? (b) What feelings about sharing in the ministry do some Christians struggle with?
11 The Kingdom-preaching work plays an important part in the life of a Christian, and sharing in it brings joy. (Psalm 40:8) Some Christians, though, feel very guilty about not being able to do more in the ministry. Such guilt could even erode our joy and cause us to give up, imagining that Jehovah feels that we never do enough. Consider the feelings that some struggle with.
“Do you know how time-consuming poverty is?” wrote one Christian sister who with her husband is raising three children. “I must conserve wherever I can. This means spending time searching through thrift shops, clearance racks, or even sewing clothes. I also spend an hour or two each week working on [discount food] coupons—cutting, filing, and trading them. At times I feel very guilty doing these things, thinking that I should be spending that time out in the field service.”
“I thought I must not really love Jehovah enough,” explained a sister with four children and an unbelieving husband. “So I struggled with my serving Jehovah. I tried really hard, but I never felt that it was enough. You see, I didn’t have any feeling of self-worth, so I could not imagine how Jehovah could ever accept my service to him.”
A Christian who found it necessary to leave the full-time service said: “I couldn’t stand the idea that I was failing in my commitment to serve Jehovah full-time. You can’t imagine how disappointed I was! I cry now remembering.”
12. Why do some Christians feel very guilty about not being able to do more in the ministry?
12 It is only natural to want to serve Jehovah as fully as possible. (Psalm 86:12) Why, though, do some feel very guilty about not being able to do more? For some, it appears to be related to a general feeling of worthlessness, perhaps resulting from unpleasant experiences in life. In other cases, inappropriate guilt may result from an unrealistic view of what Jehovah expects of us. “I had felt that unless it hurts, you must not be doing enough,” admitted one Christian. As a result, she set excessively high standards for herself—and then felt even guiltier when she was unable to reach them.
13. What does Jehovah expect of us?
13 What does Jehovah expect of us? Put simply, Jehovah expects us to serve him whole-souled, doing what our circumstances allow. (Colossians 3:23) There may, however, be a big difference between what we would like to do and what we realistically can do. We may be limited by such factors as age, health, physical stamina, or family responsibilities. Nevertheless, when we do all we can, we may feel assured that our service to Jehovah is whole-souled—no more and no less whole-souled than that of someone whose health and circumstances allow him to be in the full-time ministry.—Matthew 13:18-23.
14. What can you do if you need help in determining what you can realistically expect of yourself?
14 How, then, can you determine what you can realistically expect of yourself? You may wish to talk over the matter with a trusted, mature Christian friend, perhaps an elder or an experienced sister, who knows your abilities, your limitations, and your family responsibilities. (Proverbs 15:22) Remember that in God’s eyes your worth as a person is not measured by how much you do in the field ministry. All of Jehovah’s servants are precious to him. (Haggai 2:7; Malachi 3:16, 17) What you do in the preaching work may be more or less than what others do, but as long as it represents your best, Jehovah is pleased, and there is no need for you to feel guilty.—Galatians 6:4.
When Much Is Demanded of Us
15. In what ways is much demanded of congregation elders?
15 “Everyone to whom much was given,” said Jesus, “much will be demanded of him.” (Luke 12:48) Certainly ‘much is demanded’ of those serving as congregation elders. Like Paul they expend themselves in behalf of the congregation. (2 Corinthians 12:15) They have talks to prepare, shepherding calls to make, judicial cases to handle—all without neglecting their own families. (1 Timothy 3:4, 5) Some elders are also busy helping to build Kingdom Halls, serving on Hospital Liaison Committees, and volunteering at assemblies and conventions. How can these hardworking, devoted men avoid growing weary under the weight of such responsibilities?
16. (a) What practical solution did Jethro offer Moses? (b) What quality will enable an elder to share appropriate responsibilities with others?
16 When Moses, a modest and humble man, was wearing himself out in caring for the problems of others, his father-in-law, Jethro, offered a practical solution: share some responsibility with other qualified men. (Exodus 18:17-26; Numbers 12:3) “Wisdom is with the modest ones,” says Proverbs 11:2. To be modest means to recognize and accept your limitations. A modest man is not reluctant to delegate to others, nor does he fear that he somehow loses control by sharing appropriate responsibilities with other qualified men.b (Numbers 11:16, 17, 26-29) Instead, he is eager to help them to progress.—1 Timothy 4:15.
17. (a) How may congregation members lighten the load of elders? (b) What sacrifices do the wives of elders make, and how can we show them that we do not take these for granted?
17 Congregation members can do much to lighten the load of elders. Understanding that elders have their own families to care for, others will not make unreasonable demands on the elders’ time and attention. Neither will they take for granted the willing sacrifices that the wives of elders make as they unselfishly share their husbands with the congregation. One mother of three whose husband serves as an elder explained: “Something I never complain about is the extra load I willingly carry in the household so that my husband can serve as an elder. I know that Jehovah’s blessing is rich on our family because of his serving, and I do not begrudge what he gives. Yet, realistically, I often have to rake more leaves and do more of the disciplining of our children than I would otherwise because my husband is busy.” Sadly, this sister found that some, instead of appreciating her extra load, made insensitive remarks such as, “Why aren’t you pioneering?” (Proverbs 12:18) How much better it is to commend others for what they are doing rather than criticize them for what they are not able to do!—Proverbs 16:24; 25:11.
Because the End Has Not Yet Come
18, 19. (a) Why is this no time to stop running in the race for everlasting life? (b) What timely advice did the apostle Paul give to the Christians in Jerusalem?
18 When a runner knows that he is near the end of a long race, he does not give up. His body may be at the limit of its endurance—exhausted, overheated, and dehydrated—but so near to the finish is no time to stop running. Similarly, as Christians we are in a race for the prize of life, and we are very near the finish line. Now is not the time for us to stop running!—Compare 1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 2:16; 3:13, 14.
19 Christians in the first century faced a similar situation. About 61 C.E., the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Jerusalem. Time was running out—the wicked “generation,” the apostate Jewish system of things, was about to “pass away.” Especially did the Christians in Jerusalem have to be alert and faithful; they would need to flee from the city when they saw it surrounded by encamped armies. (Luke 21:20-24, 32) Timely, then, was Paul’s inspired advice: ‘Do not get tired and give out in your souls.’ (Hebrews 12:3) The apostle Paul here used two vivid verbs: “get tired” (kaʹmno) and “give out” (e·klyʹo·mai). According to one Bible scholar, these Greek words were “used by Aristotle of runners who relax and collapse after they have passed the finishing post. The readers [of Paul’s letter] were still in the race. They must not give way prematurely. They must not allow themselves to faint and collapse through weariness. Once again there is the call to perseverance in the face of hardship.”
20. Why is Paul’s advice timely for us today?
20 How timely Paul’s advice is for us today! In the face of increasing pressures, there may be times when we feel like an exhausted runner whose legs are about to give out. But so near to the finish line, we must not give up! (2 Chronicles 29:11) That is just what our Adversary, the “roaring lion,” would want us to do. Thankfully, Jehovah has made provisions that give “to the tired one power.” (Isaiah 40:29) What these are and how we can take advantage of them will be discussed in the next article.
[Footnotes]
a For example, some may struggle to control a deeply ingrained personality trait, such as a bad temper, or to overcome a problem with masturbation.—See Awake!, May 22, 1988, pages 19-21; November 8, 1981, pages 16-20; and Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, pages 198-211, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
b See the article “Elders—Delegate!” in the October 15, 1992, issue of The Watchtower, pages 20-3.
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Jehovah Gives to the Tired One PowerThe Watchtower—1995 | December 1
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Jehovah Gives to the Tired One Power
“Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles.”—ISAIAH 40:31.
1, 2. What does Jehovah give to those trusting in him, and what will we now consider?
EAGLES are among the most powerful birds in the skies. They can glide great distances without even flapping their wings. With wings that may span over seven feet [2 m], “the King of Birds,” the golden eagle, is “one of the most impressive of all eagles; lifting above hills and plains, [it] soars for hours over some mountain ridge, then rises in spirals until a dark speck in [the] sky.”—The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds.
2 With the flight abilities of the eagle in mind, Isaiah wrote: “[Jehovah] is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound. Boys will both tire out and grow weary, and young men themselves will without fail stumble, but those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out.” (Isaiah 40:29-31) How comforting to know that Jehovah gives those trusting in him the power to go on, as if equipping them with the seemingly tireless wings of the soaring eagle! Consider, now, some of the provisions he has made to give to the tired one power.
The Power of Prayer
3, 4. (a) Jesus urged his disciples to do what? (b) What may we expect Jehovah to do in answer to our prayers?
3 Jesus urged his disciples “always to pray and not to give up.” (Luke 18:1) Can pouring our heart out to Jehovah really help us to regain power and avoid giving up when life’s pressures seem overwhelming? Yes, but there are some things we must keep in mind.
4 We must be realistic in what we expect Jehovah to do in answer to our prayers. One Christian who had slipped into a deep depression later observed: “As with other illnesses, Jehovah does not perform miracles at this time. But he does help us to cope and to heal to the extent that we can in this system.” Explaining why her prayers made a difference, she added: “I had 24-hour-a-day access to Jehovah’s holy spirit.” Thus, Jehovah does not shield us from the pressures of life that can weigh us down, but he does “give holy spirit to those asking him!” (Luke 11:13; Psalm 88:1-3) That spirit can make us equal to any trial or pressure we may face. (1 Corinthians 10:13) If necessary, it can infuse us with “power beyond what is normal” to endure until God’s Kingdom removes all stressful problems in the new world so near at hand.—2 Corinthians 4:7.
5. (a) For our prayers to be effective, what two things are vital? (b) How might we pray if we are fighting a weakness of the flesh? (c) What will our persistent and specific prayers demonstrate to Jehovah?
5 In order for our prayers to be effective, though, we must persevere, and we must be specific. (Romans 12:12) For instance, if you grow weary at times because you are fighting a weakness of the flesh, at the start of each day, petition Jehovah to help you to avoid succumbing to that specific weakness during the day. Pray similarly throughout the day and before going to sleep each night. If you have a setback, beg Jehovah for his forgiveness, but also talk to him about what led to the relapse and what you might do to avoid those circumstances in the future. Such persistent and specific prayers will demonstrate to the “Hearer of prayer” the sincerity of your desire to win the fight.—Psalm 65:2; Luke 11:5-13.
6. Why may we rightly expect Jehovah to hear our prayers even when we may feel unworthy to pray?
6 Sometimes, however, those who have grown weary may feel unworthy to pray. A Christian woman who had felt that way later observed: “That is very dangerous thinking because it means that we have taken it upon ourselves to judge ourselves, but that does not belong to us.” Indeed, “God himself is Judge.” (Psalm 50:6) The Bible assures us that although “our hearts may condemn us . . . , God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.” (1 John 3:20) How comforting to know that when we may judge ourselves as unworthy to pray, Jehovah may not feel that way toward us! He “knows all things” about us, including the circumstances in our life that may have caused us to feel so unworthy. (Psalm 103:10-14) His mercy and depth of understanding move him to hear prayers from “a heart broken and crushed.” (Psalm 51:17) How could he refuse to hear our cries for help when he himself condemns “anyone stopping up his ear from the complaining cry of the lowly one”?—Proverbs 21:13.
The Warmth of the Brotherhood
7. (a) What is another provision Jehovah has made to help us to regain power? (b) Knowing what about our brotherhood can be strengthening to us?
7 Another provision Jehovah has made to help us to regain power is our Christian brotherhood. What a precious privilege it is to be part of a worldwide family of brothers and sisters! (1 Peter 2:17) When the pressures of life weigh us down, the warmth of our brotherhood can help us regain power. How so? Knowing that we are not alone in facing stressful challenges can be strengthening in itself. Among our brothers and sisters, there are no doubt some who have faced similar pressures or trials and who have experienced feelings much like our own. (1 Peter 5:9) It is reassuring to know that what we are going through is not uncommon and that our feelings are not unusual.
8. (a) What examples show how we may find much needed assistance and comfort in our brotherhood? (b) In what way have you personally been assisted or comforted by “a true companion”?
8 In the warmth of the brotherhood we can find ‘true companions’ who, when we are in distress, can provide much needed assistance and comfort. (Proverbs 17:17) Often, all it takes are some kind words or thoughtful actions. A Christian who struggled with feelings of worthlessness recalls: “There were friends who would feed me with positive things about myself to help me overcome the negative thoughts I had.” (Proverbs 15:23) Following the death of her young daughter, a sister found it difficult at first to sing Kingdom songs at congregation meetings, especially songs that mentioned the resurrection. “One time,” she recalls, “a sister who was sitting across the aisle saw me crying. She came over, put her arm around me, and sang the rest of the song with me. I felt so full of love for the brothers and sisters and so happy that we had got to the meetings, realizing that’s where our help is, there at the Kingdom Hall.”
9, 10. (a) How may we contribute to the warmth of our brotherhood? (b) Who especially need wholesome association? (c) What can we do to help those who need encouragement?
9 Of course, each of us has a responsibility to contribute to the warmth of the Christian brotherhood. Thus, our hearts should “widen out” to include all our brothers and sisters. (2 Corinthians 6:13) How sad it would be for those who have grown weary to feel that the love of the brotherhood has cooled toward them! Yet, some Christians report feeling lonely and left out. A sister whose husband opposes the truth pleaded: “Who does not desire and need upbuilding friendships, encouragement, and loving association? Please remind our brothers and sisters that we need them!” Yes, especially do those whose circumstances in life weigh them down—those with unbelieving mates, single parents, those with chronic health problems, older ones, and others—need wholesome association. Do some of us need to be reminded of that?
10 What can we do to help? Let us widen out in expressing our love. When extending hospitality, let us not forget those who need encouragement. (Luke 14:12-14; Hebrews 13:2) Rather than assuming that their circumstances prevent them from accepting, why not invite them anyway? Then let them decide. Even if they cannot accept, they will no doubt feel encouraged to know that others have thought of them. It may be just what they need to regain power.
11. Those who are weighed down may need assistance in what ways?
11 Those who are weighed down may need assistance in other ways. A single mother, for example, may need a mature brother to show interest in her fatherless boy. (James 1:27) A brother or a sister with a serious health problem may need some help with shopping or household chores. An older one may yearn for some companionship or need some assistance to get out in the field ministry. When there is an ongoing need for such aid, it poses a real ‘test of the genuineness of our love.’ (2 Corinthians 8:8) Instead of drawing away from needy ones because of the time and effort involved, may we pass the test of Christian love by being sensitive and responsive to the needs of others.
The Power of God’s Word
12. How does God’s Word help us to regain power?
12 A person who stops eating will soon lose his strength, or power. Accordingly, another way Jehovah gives us the power to go on is by seeing to it that we are well fed spiritually. (Isaiah 65:13, 14) What spiritual food has he provided? Above all, his Word, the Bible. (Matthew 4:4; compare Hebrews 4:12.) How can it help us to regain power? When the pressures and problems we face begin to sap our strength, we can draw strength from reading about the feelings and real-life struggles of faithful men and women in Bible times. Although outstanding examples of integrity, they were humans “with feelings like ours.” (James 5:17; Acts 14:15) They faced trials and pressures similar to our own. Consider some examples.
13. What Scriptural examples show that faithful men and women in Bible times had feelings and experiences much like our own?
13 The patriarch Abraham grieved deeply over the death of his wife even though he had faith in the resurrection. (Genesis 23:2; compare Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19.) A repentant David felt that his sins had made him unworthy to serve Jehovah. (Psalm 51:11) Moses had feelings of inadequacy. (Exodus 4:10) Epaphroditus became depressed when it became known that a serious illness limited his activity in “the Lord’s work.” (Philippians 2:25-30) Paul had to fight against the fallen flesh. (Romans 7:21-25) Euodia and Syntyche, two anointed sisters in the congregation at Philippi, apparently had some difficulty getting along. (Philippians 1:1; 4:2, 3) How encouraging to know that these faithful ones had feelings and experiences like our own, yet they did not give up! Neither did Jehovah give up on them.
14. (a) What instrument has Jehovah used to help us to draw strength from his Word? (b) Why have the Watchtower and Awake! journals carried articles on social, family, and emotional issues?
14 To help us draw strength from his Word, Jehovah uses the faithful and discreet slave class to provide us with a steady flow of “food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:45) The faithful slave has long used the Watchtower and Awake! journals to defend Bible truth and proclaim God’s Kingdom as man’s only hope. Especially in the last few decades, these journals have carried timely Scriptural articles on social, family, and emotional challenges that even some of God’s people encounter. For what purpose has such information been published? Certainly to help those who are experiencing these challenges to draw strength and encouragement from God’s Word. But such articles also help all of us to have a clearer understanding of what some of our brothers and sisters may be going through. Thus we are better equipped to heed Paul’s words: “Speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all.”—1 Thessalonians 5:14.
Elders Who Are “a Hiding Place From the Wind”
15. What did Isaiah prophesy about those serving as elders, and what responsibility does this place upon them?
15 Jehovah has provided something else to help us when we grow weary—the congregation elders. Of these the prophet Isaiah wrote: “Each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” (Isaiah 32:1, 2) Elders, then, have a responsibility to measure up to what Jehovah has foretold about them. They “must prove to be” sources of comfort and refreshment to others and be willing to “go on carrying the burdens [or, “troublesome things”; literally, “heavy things”] of one another.” (Galatians 6:2, footnote) How can they do this?
16. What can the elders do to help one who feels unworthy to pray?
16 As previously mentioned, sometimes a person who has grown weary may feel unworthy to pray. What can the elders do? They can pray with and for the person. (James 5:14) Simply asking Jehovah, in the hearing of the weary one, to help that one to understand how much he or she is loved by Jehovah and by others would certainly be comforting. Hearing the fervent, heartfelt prayer of an elder may help strengthen the confidence of a distressed person. He or she may be helped to reason that if the elders are confident that Jehovah will answer prayers in behalf of that one, then he or she can share that confidence.
17. Why must elders be empathetic listeners?
17 “Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking,” says James 1:19. To help weary ones to regain power, elders must also be empathetic listeners. In some cases congregation members may be struggling with problems or pressures that cannot be solved in this system of things. What they may need, then, is not some solution to “fix” their problem but simply to talk to a good listener—someone who will not tell them how they are supposed to feel but who will listen without being judgmental.—Luke 6:37; Romans 14:13.
18, 19. (a) How can being quick to listen help an elder to avoid making a weary one’s load even heavier? (b) What results when elders show “fellow feeling”?
18 Elders, being quick to listen can help you to avoid unwittingly making a weary one’s load even heavier. For instance, if a brother or a sister has missed some meetings or has slowed down in the field ministry, does he or she really need counsel about doing more in the ministry or about being more regular at meetings? Perhaps. But do you have the whole picture? Are there increasing health problems? Have family responsibilities recently changed? Are there other circumstances or pressures that are weighing him or her down? Remember, the person may already feel very guilty about not being able to do more.
19 How, then, can you help the brother or sister? Before you draw conclusions and offer advice, listen! (Proverbs 18:13) With discerning questions ‘draw up’ the feelings of the person’s heart. (Proverbs 20:5) Do not dismiss these feelings—recognize them. The weary one may need to be reassured that Jehovah cares for us and understands that at times our circumstances may limit us. (1 Peter 5:7) When elders show such “fellow feeling,” weary ones will ‘find refreshment for their souls.’ (1 Peter 3:8; Matthew 11:28-30) When they find such refreshment, they will not need to be told to do more; their hearts will impel them to do all they reasonably can in serving Jehovah.—Compare 2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7.
20. With the end of this wicked generation so close at hand, what should we be determined to do?
20 Truly we are living in the most demanding time of all human history. The pressures of living in Satan’s world are increasing as we get deeper into the time of the end. Remember, like a hunting lion, the Devil waits for us to grow weary and give up so he can take advantage of us as easy prey. How thankful we can be that Jehovah gives to the tired one power! May we take full advantage of the provisions he has made to give us the power to go on, as if he were supplying us with the mighty wings of a soaring eagle. With the end of this wicked generation so near, now is no time to stop running in our race for the prize—everlasting life.—Hebrews 12:1.
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