Build Strong Friendships Before the End Comes - WORK TOGETHER

As happened in the case of Jeremiah and Baruch, when we work together alongside fellow believers and observe firsthand their endearing qualities, we learn from them and draw closer to them.  (Read Proverbs 27:17)  For example, how do you feel when yo are in the ministry and you hear your friend boldly defend his faith or speak with heartfelt conviction about Jehovah and his purposes? Likely you feel drawn to him even more.

Consider two experiences that show how working in the ministry draws people together. Adeline, a 23-year-old sister, asked one of her friends, Candice to go with her to preach in seldom-worked territory.  "We wanted to more motivated and to enjoy the ministry more," she says.  "We both needed a spiritual boost. How did they benefit from working together? "At the end of each day," says Adeline, "we discussed  how we felt, what touched us about the conversations we had, and how we sensed Jehovah's direction in our ministry.  We both enjoyed these deep discussions and got to know each other even better."

Laila and Marianne, two single sisters from France, went preaching for five weeks in Bangui,the bustling capital of the Central African Republic.  Laila recalls: "Marianne and I experienced difficulties, but thanks to good communication and genuine love, our friendship grew stronger. As I observed Marianne's flexibility, her love for the local people, and her zeal in the ministry, my admiration for her increased."  You do not have to move to a foreign country to enjoy these benefits. Each time you work in your local territory with a brother or sister, you have the opportunity to get to know that one better and to strengthen your bond of friendship.

Next time: Built Strong Friendships Before the End Comes - FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE, AND BE FORGIVING

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