Help Others Deal With Stress - Conclusion of SPEAK CONSOLINGLY

Just as Ruth stuck with the widow Naomi, we need to provide ongoing support for those who lose a loved one in death. Paula mentioned earlier, says: "Right after my husband died, I got a lot of support.  As time passed, people's lives seemed to go back to normal.  However, my life had changed completely.  It is a huge help when others realize that a grieving person needs support in the months-even years-following the death."  Of course, each person is different. Some seem to adjust to their new circumstances relatively quickly.  For others, however, every activity they once shared with their loved one is a painful reminder of their loss.  The ways people grieve vary from person to person.  Let us remember that Jehovah gives us the honor and responsibility to care for those who have lost their mate in death. - Read JAMES 1:27.2

Some spouses must deal with the severe anguish and stress  that result when their mate abandons them. Joyce, who husband left her for another woman, says: "The pain of the divorce felt almost worse than if my husband had died. IF he had died in an accident or from a sickness, he would have little choice in the matter. But in this case,  my husband chose to abandon me. I felt humiliated and degraded." 

When we do small acts of kindness to those who no longer have a marriage mate, we reassure them of our love. More than ever, they need good friends.  (Proverbs 17:17)  How can you prove that you are their friend?  You could invite them over for a simple meal. And you might offer to spend some time with them in recreation or in the field ministry. Another option would be to ask them occasionally to join you for family worship. If you do, you will make Jehovah happy, for he is as "close to the brokenhearted" and is " a protector of widows." - PSALM 34:18; 68:5.

Soon, when God's Kingdom rules the earth, all "distresses will be forgotten."  How we look forward to the time when "the former things will not be called to mind, or will they come up into the heart."  (Isaiah 65:16, 17)  Until that day, let us support one another and prove by both our speech and our actions that we love all in our spiritual family. -  Read 1 PETER 3:8.

Next time: Finding Sure Protection From a Satanic Trap

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