Helping the Children of "Foreign Residents" -HOW OTHERS CAN HELP

Jehovah has given parents the responsibility to teach their children the truth.  He did not give it to grandparents or anyone else.  (Read Proverbs 1:8; 31:10, 27, 28) Still, parents who do not know the local language may need to help to reach their children's heart.  When the parents ask for help, it does not mean that they are trying to avoid the responsibility  to raise their children.   Rather, it can be a part of raising their children "in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah."  (Ephesians 6:4)  For example, parents may ask elders in the congregation for suggestions on conducting family worship and for help in finding good friends for their children.  

To help their children, parents may invite other families to join them in family worship  from time to time. Also, many young people learn from other Christians when they go out preaching with them and do other things together.  (Proverbs 27:17)  "I well remember the brothers who took me under their wing," says Shan, quoted earlier.  "When they helped me with student talk assignments for the meeting, I always learned more. And I enjoyed the leisure activities we shared as a group."  

Of course, those chosen by the parents to help their children should always encourage them to respect their parents.  This can b done by speaking positively  about the parents and not taking over the parents' responsibility to raise their children.  Also, those who help should avoid any conduct that could be misunderstood by some inside or outside the  congregation as morally wrong.  ( 1 Peter 2:12)  Although parents may request the help  of others, it is still their responsibility to teach the truth to their children.  They must monitor the help given by other Christians. 

Parents, pray to Jehovah for help, and try your best.  (Read 2 Chronicles 15:7)  Put your child's friendship with Jehovah ahead of your own interests.  Do whatever you can to make sure that God's Word reaches your child's heart.  Never stop believing that your child can become a servant of Jehovah. When your children follow God's Word and your good example, you will feel as the apostle John did about his figurative children:  "No greater joy do I have than this:  that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth." -3 John 4.

Next time: Uphold Jehovah's Sovereignty!

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