ANSWERS WATCHTOWER STUDY Article 23: August 9-15, 2021
Study Article 23: August 9-15, 2021
1. Why do some of Jehovah's servants sometimes feel lonely?
ALMOST all of us have felt alone at some point. For some, it's temporary. But for others, it's a feeling they can't get rid of. Some people feel lonely despite being surrounded by a lot of people. Some find it difficult to adapt to the new congregation. Others come from close-knit families and feel a great emptiness when they move. There are those who have lost a loved one and miss their company terribly. And some Christians, especially new ones in fact, feel lonely because of rejection or opposition from relatives and former friends who are not Jehovah's Witnesses.
2. What questions will we answer in this article?Jehovah knows us well and understands us. So he knows when we feel lonely and wants to help us. In this article, we will answer the following questions: How does Jehovah help us to combat loneliness? What can we do if we feel alone? And what can we do to help brothers in our congregation who feel lonely?
JEHOVAH FEELS HOW WE FEELILLUSTRATION:An angel wakes Elijah up and suggests he eat something. Beside him is a round loaf of bread on heated stones and a pitcher of water.
Jehovah sent an angel to Elijah to confirm that he was not alone. (See paragraph 3). 3. How did Jehovah show that he was watching over Elijah?Jehovah is deeply concerned about the welfare of all his servants. He is close to each of us and knows when discouragement overtakes us (Psalm 145:18, 19). Let's see how he knew the prophet Elijah. This faithful servant of God lived a difficult time in the history of the people of Israel. Powerful enemies of God cruelly persecuted his servants and were determined to murder Elijah (1 Kings 19:1, 2). Elijah thought that he was the only remaining prophet of Jehovah, and this made him very distressed (1 Kings 19:10). Immediately, Jehovah did something to help Elijah: He sent an angel to confirm that he was not alone and that there were still many faithful Israelites. - 1 Kings 19: 5, 18.
4. How does Mark 10:29, 30 show that Jehovah is concerned about those who have lost the support of family or friends? Jehovah knows that we have made many sacrifices to serve him. We may have lost the support of family members and friends who do not serve Jehovah. The apostle Peter once said to Jesus, perhaps a little concerned: “Look, we've left everything to follow you. What will we get? " (Matt. 19:27). Lovingly, Jesus confirmed to his disciples that they would have a vast spiritual family (read Mark 10:29, 30). And our heavenly Father, Jehovah, promises to support those who serve him. - Psalm 9 :10 Let's see how we can benefit from this help in the fight against loneliness.
WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE FEEL ALONE?5. Why is it good to think about how Jehovah is helping us?Think about how Jehovah is helping us (Ps. 55:22). This will help us to see things in balance. A single sister named Carol, * who is the only Witness in her family, says: “What really helps me not to feel alone is thinking about how Jehovah supported me when I was struggling. This confirms that Jehovah will not abandon me in the future.
6. How can 1 Peter 5: 9, 10 encourage those who are lonely? Think about how Jehovah is helping other lonely brothers. - Read 1 Peter 5: 9, 10. Hiroshi, a brother who for years was the only Witness in his family, says: “In the congregation, it is easy to see that no one has perfect circumstances. Knowing that we are all giving Jehovah our best encourages those of us who do not have real families. "
7. How does prayer help you?Maintain a good spiritual routine. It is important that we open our hearts to Jehovah and let him know how we feel. - 1 Order 5: 7. Let's look at what Massiel, a young sister from whom her family turned their backs when she decided to serve Jehovah, said: “One of the things that helped me the most in coping with feelings of loneliness was praying with all my strength to Jehovah. He was a real father to me. I talked to him every day, many times a day, and expressed my feelings for him”.
ILLUSTRATION:A widowed brother listens to audio recordings.Listening to Bible recordings and publications can help us not feel so alone. (See paragraph 8.) *
8. How does reading and meditating on God's Word help you?
It is also important to read God's Word regularly and meditate on stories that remind us of how much Jehovah loves us. Bianca, a sister who tolerates negative comments from her family, says: "It helps a lot to read Bible stories and biographies of Jehovah's servants who have gone through similar problems and meditate on what I read." Some brothers memorize encouraging texts, such as Psalm 27:10 and Isaiah 41:10. Others prepare for meetings or read the Bible using audio recordings. They found that this helps them feel less alone.
9. How does going to meetings benefit you?We should strive to attend meetings regularly as they encourage us and give us the opportunity to get to know the brothers better (Heb 10:24, 25). Massiel, mentioned in paragraph 7, says: “Although I was very shy, I decided to attend every meeting and make a comment. It helped me feel that I was part of the congregation. "
10. Why is it important that we become friends with faithful brothers?Make friends with faithful brothers. Let's make friends with siblings who are a good example for us, even if they are not our age or are from another culture. The Bible reminds us that "there is wisdom among the elderly" (Job 12:12). But older people can also learn a lot from faithful young people. David was much younger than Jonathan, but they became good friends (1 Sam. 18:1). The two gave each other the support needed to serve Jehovah in the midst of serious difficulties. - 1 Sam. 23:16-18. Irina, a sister who is currently the only Witness in her family, says: “Our Christian brothers can become like parents or brothers. Jehovah can use them to be the family we need. "
11. What do you need to do to have good friends?Making new friends may not be easy for some, especially if they are a little withdrawn. Let's see what Ratna, a shy sister who faced opposition to knowing the truth, confesses. He says, "I had to accept the fact that I needed the help and support of my spiritual family." It can be difficult for us to express to someone how we feel, but that is the basis of a good friendship. Our friends want to encourage and support us, but we must help them know how to do this.
12. How does preaching help us make good friends?Participating in ministry with other brothers is one of the best ways to make friends. Carol, quoted in paragraph 5, says: “I made many good friends by preaching with the sisters and participating in other theocratic activities. Jehovah has used these friendships over the years to support me. " Without a doubt, it pays to befriend faithful brothers. Jehovah uses them to help us in difficult times, such as when we feel alone . - Prov. 17:17.
LET OTHERS FEEL PART OF OUR FAMILY13. What responsibility do we all have?We all must contribute to peace and love in the congregation. Thus, no one will feel totally alone (John 13:35). What we do and say can make a difference. One sister recalls: “When I learned the truth, the congregation became my family. Without their support, I would not have been able to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. " What can we do so that those who are alone actually feel part of the congregation?
14. How can we make friends with those new to the congregation?Let's take the initiative and offer our friendship. We can begin by giving a loving welcome to those who are new to the congregation (Rom. 15:7). But we must go beyond a friendly greeting. We want to make good friends over time. To do this, let us be kind and show a sincere interest in new ones. Let's try to understand the problems they have without intruding on their lives. Since some may find it difficult to say how they feel, let us be careful not to make them feel compelled to speak. Instead, let's ask prudent questions with love and listen patiently. For example, we can ask them how they came to know Jehovah.
15. How can mature Christians help other brothers in the congregation?When mature Christians, especially the elderly, are interested in others, the congregation is spiritually strengthened. Melissa, who was actually raised by her mother, says: “Words are not enough for me to be grateful that over the years there have been siblings willing to act as parents for me. Whenever I need to speak, there is someone who listens to me”. Let's see what Mauricio, a young brother who felt abandoned when his former Bible teacher became inactive, said: “One of the things that helped me the most was the personal interest of the elderly. They chatted with me regularly, accompanied me in my preaching work, told me about a pearl they had found in their personal Bible study, and even played sports with me.” Both Melissa and Mauricio have served Jehovah full-time.
16, 17. In what practical ways can we help some brothers?Let's give practical help (Gal. 6:10). A missionary named Leo, who serves away from his family, said: “Often all it takes is a simple act of kindness at the right time. I remember what happened one day when I had an accident with my vehicle. When I finally got home, my nerves were on edge. But then a couple invited me to their house for something simple. I don't remember what they gave me, but the affection with which they listened to me stayed with me. In the end, I felt so much better. "We all enjoy being in our special meetings, like assemblies, in part because we are with the brothers and we talk about the program. But let's see what Carol, quoted earlier, explains: “Assemblies are especially difficult times for me, because although I'm surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of brothers, most of them are with their families. The feeling of loneliness is very strong”. Some find it very difficult to go to an assembly for the first time after the death of their husband or wife. Do we know someone who is in a similar situation? Can we invite you to join our family at the next special meeting?
18. How can we show hospitality according to 2 Corinthians 6: 11-13?Let's spend time together. We will try to include different brothers and sisters in our social activities, especially those who may feel lonely. We want to “open our hearts wide” especially with them (read 2 Corinthians 6:11-13). Melissa, quoted in paragraph 15, remembers: “We loved that some families invited us to their house or take a trip with them” . Is there someone in our congregation we can be hospitable to?19. At what time is it very important to be close to some brothers?
There are certain times of the year when some brothers would like to have us around. For example, those with relatives who are not Jehovah's Witnesses may find the holidays difficult. For others, there are certain dates that are very painful, like the anniversary of the death of a loved one. When we spend time with these brothers, we show that we truly care about them (Philippians 2:20).
20. How can Jesus' words in Matthew 12:48-50 help us when we feel alone?There are many reasons why a Christian can feel lonely at times. But we must not forget that Jehovah is well aware of how we feel. He often uses our brothers to give us what we need (read Matthew 12: 48-50). For our part, we can show that we appreciate this by striving to support our spiritual family. No matter how we feel at times, we are never alone because Jehovah is by our side.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why do we know that Jehovah is noticing how we feel?
He knows we've made sacrifices to serve him or we've been through difficult situations, and he uses brothers to encourage us, just as he did with Elijah sending an angel.
What can we do if we feel alone?
Think about how Jehovah helps us. And how it helps those who feel lonely. Maintain a good spiritual routine. Make friends with faithful brothers.
1. Why do some of Jehovah's servants sometimes feel lonely?
ALMOST all of us have felt alone at some point. For some, it's temporary. But for others, it's a feeling they can't get rid of. Some people feel lonely despite being surrounded by a lot of people. Some find it difficult to adapt to the new congregation. Others come from close-knit families and feel a great emptiness when they move. There are those who have lost a loved one and miss their company terribly. And some Christians, especially new ones in fact, feel lonely because of rejection or opposition from relatives and former friends who are not Jehovah's Witnesses.
2. What questions will we answer in this article?
Jehovah knows us well and understands us. So he knows when we feel lonely and wants to help us. In this article, we will answer the following questions: How does Jehovah help us to combat loneliness? What can we do if we feel alone? And what can we do to help brothers in our congregation who feel lonely?
JEHOVAH FEELS HOW WE FEEL
ILLUSTRATION:
An angel wakes Elijah up and suggests he eat something. Beside him is a round loaf of bread on heated stones and a pitcher of water.
Jehovah sent an angel to Elijah to confirm that he was not alone. (See paragraph 3).
3. How did Jehovah show that he was watching over Elijah?
Jehovah is deeply concerned about the welfare of all his servants. He is close to each of us and knows when discouragement overtakes us (Psalm 145:18, 19). Let's see how he knew the prophet Elijah. This faithful servant of God lived a difficult time in the history of the people of Israel. Powerful enemies of God cruelly persecuted his servants and were determined to murder Elijah (1 Kings 19:1, 2). Elijah thought that he was the only remaining prophet of Jehovah, and this made him very distressed (1 Kings 19:10). Immediately, Jehovah did something to help Elijah: He sent an angel to confirm that he was not alone and that there were still many faithful Israelites. - 1 Kings 19: 5, 18.
4. How does Mark 10:29, 30 show that Jehovah is concerned about those who have lost the support of family or friends?
Jehovah knows that we have made many sacrifices to serve him. We may have lost the support of family members and friends who do not serve Jehovah. The apostle Peter once said to Jesus, perhaps a little concerned: “Look, we've left everything to follow you. What will we get? " (Matt. 19:27). Lovingly, Jesus confirmed to his disciples that they would have a vast spiritual family (read Mark 10:29, 30). And our heavenly Father, Jehovah, promises to support those who serve him. - Psalm 9 :10 Let's see how we can benefit from this help in the fight against loneliness.
WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE FEEL ALONE?
5. Why is it good to think about how Jehovah is helping us?
Think about how Jehovah is helping us (Ps. 55:22). This will help us to see things in balance. A single sister named Carol, * who is the only Witness in her family, says: “What really helps me not to feel alone is thinking about how Jehovah supported me when I was struggling. This confirms that Jehovah will not abandon me in the future.
6. How can 1 Peter 5: 9, 10 encourage those who are lonely?
Think about how Jehovah is helping other lonely brothers. - Read 1 Peter 5: 9, 10. Hiroshi, a brother who for years was the only Witness in his family, says: “In the congregation, it is easy to see that no one has perfect circumstances. Knowing that we are all giving Jehovah our best encourages those of us who do not have real families. "
7. How does prayer help you?
Maintain a good spiritual routine. It is important that we open our hearts to Jehovah and let him know how we feel. - 1 Order 5: 7. Let's look at what Massiel, a young sister from whom her family turned their backs when she decided to serve Jehovah, said: “One of the things that helped me the most in coping with feelings of loneliness was praying with all my strength to Jehovah. He was a real father to me. I talked to him every day, many times a day, and expressed my feelings for him”.
ILLUSTRATION:
A widowed brother listens to audio recordings.
Listening to Bible recordings and publications can help us not feel so alone. (See paragraph 8.) *
8. How does reading and meditating on God's Word help you?
It is also important to read God's Word regularly and meditate on stories that remind us of how much Jehovah loves us. Bianca, a sister who tolerates negative comments from her family, says: "It helps a lot to read Bible stories and biographies of Jehovah's servants who have gone through similar problems and meditate on what I read." Some brothers memorize encouraging texts, such as Psalm 27:10 and Isaiah 41:10. Others prepare for meetings or read the Bible using audio recordings. They found that this helps them feel less alone.
9. How does going to meetings benefit you?
We should strive to attend meetings regularly as they encourage us and give us the opportunity to get to know the brothers better (Heb 10:24, 25). Massiel, mentioned in paragraph 7, says: “Although I was very shy, I decided to attend every meeting and make a comment. It helped me feel that I was part of the congregation. "
10. Why is it important that we become friends with faithful brothers?
Make friends with faithful brothers. Let's make friends with siblings who are a good example for us, even if they are not our age or are from another culture. The Bible reminds us that "there is wisdom among the elderly" (Job 12:12). But older people can also learn a lot from faithful young people. David was much younger than Jonathan, but they became good friends (1 Sam. 18:1). The two gave each other the support needed to serve Jehovah in the midst of serious difficulties. - 1 Sam. 23:16-18. Irina, a sister who is currently the only Witness in her family, says: “Our Christian brothers can become like parents or brothers. Jehovah can use them to be the family we need. "
11. What do you need to do to have good friends?
Making new friends may not be easy for some, especially if they are a little withdrawn. Let's see what Ratna, a shy sister who faced opposition to knowing the truth, confesses. He says, "I had to accept the fact that I needed the help and support of my spiritual family." It can be difficult for us to express to someone how we feel, but that is the basis of a good friendship. Our friends want to encourage and support us, but we must help them know how to do this.
12. How does preaching help us make good friends?
Participating in ministry with other brothers is one of the best ways to make friends. Carol, quoted in paragraph 5, says: “I made many good friends by preaching with the sisters and participating in other theocratic activities. Jehovah has used these friendships over the years to support me. " Without a doubt, it pays to befriend faithful brothers. Jehovah uses them to help us in difficult times, such as when we feel alone . - Prov. 17:17.
LET OTHERS FEEL PART OF OUR FAMILY
13. What responsibility do we all have?
We all must contribute to peace and love in the congregation. Thus, no one will feel totally alone (John 13:35). What we do and say can make a difference. One sister recalls: “When I learned the truth, the congregation became my family. Without their support, I would not have been able to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. " What can we do so that those who are alone actually feel part of the congregation?
14. How can we make friends with those new to the congregation?
Let's take the initiative and offer our friendship. We can begin by giving a loving welcome to those who are new to the congregation (Rom. 15:7). But we must go beyond a friendly greeting. We want to make good friends over time. To do this, let us be kind and show a sincere interest in new ones. Let's try to understand the problems they have without intruding on their lives. Since some may find it difficult to say how they feel, let us be careful not to make them feel compelled to speak. Instead, let's ask prudent questions with love and listen patiently. For example, we can ask them how they came to know Jehovah.
15. How can mature Christians help other brothers in the congregation?
When mature Christians, especially the elderly, are interested in others, the congregation is spiritually strengthened. Melissa, who was actually raised by her mother, says: “Words are not enough for me to be grateful that over the years there have been siblings willing to act as parents for me. Whenever I need to speak, there is someone who listens to me”. Let's see what Mauricio, a young brother who felt abandoned when his former Bible teacher became inactive, said: “One of the things that helped me the most was the personal interest of the elderly. They chatted with me regularly, accompanied me in my preaching work, told me about a pearl they had found in their personal Bible study, and even played sports with me.” Both Melissa and Mauricio have served Jehovah full-time.
16, 17. In what practical ways can we help some brothers?
Let's give practical help (Gal. 6:10). A missionary named Leo, who serves away from his family, said: “Often all it takes is a simple act of kindness at the right time. I remember what happened one day when I had an accident with my vehicle. When I finally got home, my nerves were on edge. But then a couple invited me to their house for something simple. I don't remember what they gave me, but the affection with which they listened to me stayed with me. In the end, I felt so much better. "
We all enjoy being in our special meetings, like assemblies, in part because we are with the brothers and we talk about the program. But let's see what Carol, quoted earlier, explains: “Assemblies are especially difficult times for me, because although I'm surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of brothers, most of them are with their families. The feeling of loneliness is very strong”. Some find it very difficult to go to an assembly for the first time after the death of their husband or wife. Do we know someone who is in a similar situation? Can we invite you to join our family at the next special meeting?
18. How can we show hospitality according to 2 Corinthians 6: 11-13?
Let's spend time together. We will try to include different brothers and sisters in our social activities, especially those who may feel lonely. We want to “open our hearts wide” especially with them (read 2 Corinthians 6:11-13). Melissa, quoted in paragraph 15, remembers: “We loved that some families invited us to their house or take a trip with them” . Is there someone in our congregation we can be hospitable to?
19. At what time is it very important to be close to some brothers?
There are certain times of the year when some brothers would like to have us around. For example, those with relatives who are not Jehovah's Witnesses may find the holidays difficult. For others, there are certain dates that are very painful, like the anniversary of the death of a loved one. When we spend time with these brothers, we show that we truly care about them (Philippians 2:20).
20. How can Jesus' words in Matthew 12:48-50 help us when we feel alone?
There are many reasons why a Christian can feel lonely at times. But we must not forget that Jehovah is well aware of how we feel. He often uses our brothers to give us what we need (read Matthew 12: 48-50). For our part, we can show that we appreciate this by striving to support our spiritual family. No matter how we feel at times, we are never alone because Jehovah is by our side.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why do we know that Jehovah is noticing how we feel?
He knows we've made sacrifices to serve him or we've been through difficult situations, and he uses brothers to encourage us, just as he did with Elijah sending an angel.
What can we do if we feel alone?
Think about how Jehovah helps us. And how it helps those who feel lonely. Maintain a good spiritual routine. Make friends with faithful brothers.
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