Fellow Believers Will Support You

When pressures mount or when life deals you a crushing blow, where can you turn for comfort?  Millions of Jehovah's dedicated servants turn first to Jehovah in prayer, then to their Christian brothers and sisters.  While on earth, Jesus himself valued the support of his disciples.  On the night before his death,  he spoke of them as "the ones that have stuck with me in my trials."  (Luke 22:28) Of course, those disciples were imperfect,  but their loyalty was a comfort to the Son of God.  We too can draw strength from fellow worshipers.

A Christian couple named Michael and Diane learned out valuable the support of their brothers and sisters can be.  Their 20 year old son, Jonathan, a Christian full of life and promise, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  The doctors valiantly tried to save him, but Jonathan's physical condition worsened until late one afternoon, he fell asleep in death.  Michael and Diane were devastated.  They realized that the Service Meeting, scheduled for that evening was almost over.  Still, desperately needing comfort, they asked the elder who was with them to accompany them  to the Kingdom Hall.  They arrived just as their congregation was being informed of Jonathan's death. After the  meeting, the tearful parents were surrounded by their brothers and sisters, who hugged them and offered words of comfort.  Recalls Diane:  "We felt empty when we arrived at the hall, but what comfort we received from the brothers-how they uplifted us!  Although they could not take away our pain, they helped us to bear up under the pressure!"  -Romans 1:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 12:21-26.

Adversity caused Michael and Diane to draw closer to their brothers.  It also caused them to draw closer to each other.  Says Michael:  "I have learned to cherish my dear wife even more.  In moments of discouragement, we talk to each other about Bible truth and how Jehovah is sustaining us."  Diane adds:  "The Kingdom hope means even more to us now."

Yes, our Christians brothers and sisters can serve as "a strengthening aid" to us during life's difficult moments and thus help us to preserve our joy.  (Colossians 4:11) Of course, they cannot read our minds.  When we need support, therefore, it is good to let them know.  Then we can express genuine appreciation for whatever comfort our brothers are able to provide, viewing it as coming from Jehovah. -Proverbs 12:25; 17:17l.


Next time: Look at Your Congregation

The Watchtower, 2001