Be Considerate and Kind in Imitation of Jehovah - "CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER" IN THE CONGREGATION

One time when Jesus was in the Decapolis region, people "brought in a deaf man with a speech impediment." (Mark 7:31-35)  Instead of healing him in public, Jesus "took his aside" and healed him.  Why?  The man's disability may have made him feel uncomfortable in a crowd. Perhaps sensing this, Jesus healed him in private.  Of course, we cannot perform miraculous cures.  But we can-and should-show thoughtful regard for the needs and feelings of our fellow worshippers.  The apostle Paul wrote: "Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works."  (Hebrews 10:24) Jesus understood the deaf man and treated him thoughtfully.  What a fine example for us!

Show consideration for the elderly and the infirm.  The Christian congregation  is marked, not by mere efficiency, but by love.  (John 13:34, 35) That love moves us to go out of our way to help older ones and those with disabilities to attend Christian meetings and to preach the good news. That is so even if what they can is limited.  (Matthew 13:23)  Michael, who confined to a wheelchair, deeply appreciates the help he gets from the family and from the brothers in his field service group.  "Because of the help they all give me," he says,  "I am able to attend most meetings and to share regularly in the ministry. I especially like public witnessing." 

Many Bethel homes have elderly and infirm members. Caring overseers show these faithful servants consideration by arranging for them to share in letter writing and phone witnessing.  "We appreciate the privilege of being able to write letters," says Bill, who is 86 years old and writes to people in isolated areas.  Nancy, who nearly 90 comments:  "I don't view letter writing as just stuffing envelopes.  This is field service. People need to know the truth!  Ethel,, born in 1921, says:  "Pin is a part of my life.  Some days I  have a hard time just getting dressed."  Even so, she enjoys telephone witnessing and has some good return visits.  Barbara who is 85 years old, explains:  "Because of my poor health, I find regular field service very difficult.  But phone witnessing enables me to speak to others.  Thank you Jehovah!"  In less than a year, a group of precious older ones devoted 1,228 hours to the ministry, wrote 6,265 letters, made over 2.000 phone calls, and placed 6,315 publications!  Surely,, this effort brought joy to Jehovah's heart! -Proverbs 27:11. 

Show consideration at Christian meetings.  We want our brothers to benefit fully from the meetings.  Our being considerate can them to do that.  How?  One way is to arrive on time so that we do not create needless distractions.  Of course, unforeseen events may delay us on occasion.  But if we are habitually late, we should give thought to how we can be more considerate.  Keep in mind, that our hosts are Jehovah and his Son.  (Matthew 18:20)  They certainly merit our deep respect! 

Consideration for our brothers also means heeding the instruction:  "Let all things take place decently  and by arrangement." (1 Corinthians 14:40)  Brothers who have parts on a meeting obey that directive by staying within  their allotted time .  Their doing so reflects consideration not only for the next speaker but also for the congregation.  Some brothers may have to travel a long way to their homes. Others  my depend on public transportation .  And some might have unbelieving mates who are impatiently awaiting their return. 

Next time: Be Considerate and Kind in Imitation of Jehovah -Show Consideration to Those Taking the Lead

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