"Exercise Justice" in Walking With God -Conclusion of Elders Serving "for Justice Itself"

Today, with all the problems that tend to dishearten many need encouragement.  Elders, what can you do to help "depressed souls"?  (1 Thessalonians 5:14)  Listen to them with empathy.  (James 1:19)  They may need to share the "anxious care" in their heart with someone they trust.  (Proverbs 12:25) Reassure them that they are wanted, valued, and loved-yes, by Jehovah and also by their brothers and sisters.  (1 Peter 1:22; 5:6, 7)  In addition, you can pray with and for such ones.  Hearing an elder say a heartfelt prayer in their behalf can be most comforting.  (James 5:14, 15) Your loving efforts to help depressed ones will not go unnoticed by the God of justice. 

Truly, we draw ever closer to Jehovah by imitating his justice!  When we uphold his righteous standards, when we share the lifesaving good news with others, and when we choose  to focus on the good in others, rather than looking for their faults, we are displaying godly justice.  Elders, when you protect the cleanness of the congregation, when you offer up-building Scriptural counsel, when you make impartial decision, and when you encourage downhearted ones, you are reflecting godly justice. How it must delight Jehovah's heart to look down from the heavens and see his people trying their best to "exercise justice" in walking with their God! 

Next time: Chapter 17/ "O the Depth of God's . . . Wisdom!" 

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah