HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH

"We . . .have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may . . .walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work." -COLOSSIANS 1:9, 10.


"WE LIVE in a trailer on a farm.  By keeping our life simple, we have more time to reach people with the good news. We have been richly blessed with the privilege of helping many to dedicate their lives to Jehovah. " -A married couple, full time ministers in South Africa.

Would you not agree that helping others brings joy? Some try regularly to help the sick, deprived, or lonely-drawing satisfaction from doing so.  True Christians are certain that their sharing with others a knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ constitutes the greatest help they can offer.  Only this can lead  others to accept Jesus' ransom, develop a good relationship with God, and then come in line for everlasting life. -Acts 3:19-21; 13:48.

However, what about helping ones who are already serving God, who are following "The Way?"  (Acts 19:9)  Your interest in them is no doubt as great as ever, but you may not see how you can do more or extend ongoing help.  Or your situation may seem to limit you as to helping them, thus limiting the satisfaction you could get.  (Acts 20:35)  Regarding both aspects , we can learn from the book of Colossians.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae, he was in Rome under house arrest, though he could have visitors.  As you would expect, Paul utilized his limited freedom to preach about God's Kingdom.  (Acts 28:16-31) Fellow Christians could visit Paul, perhaps some even being confined with him at times.  (Colossians 1:7, 8; 4:10) One was the zealous evangelist Epaphras from the city of Colossae in Phrygia, in the plateau country east of Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Epaphras had been instrumental in forming a congregation in Colossae, and he labored for the congregations in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis.   (Colossian 4:12, 13)  Why did Epaphras travel to see Paul in Rome and what can we learn from Paul's response?

Next time: HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH - Effective Help for Colossians

The Watchtower, 2000