Are You Willing to Wait on Jehovah? - When Do We Need to Wait on Jehovah?-Conclusion

 I am sorry I could do my blog this morning.  Google was not working right. 

When the elders become aware of serious  wrongdoing in the congregation, they prayerfully seek "wisdom from above" so that they can get Jehovah's view on the situation. (James 3:17) Their goal is to help the one who is sinning to turn "back from the error of his way" if possible. (James 5:19, 20)  They also want to do everything they can to protect the congregation and to comfort those who have been hurt.  (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) When handling cases of serious wrongdoing, the elders must first  get all the facts, which may take some time. Then they prayerfully and carefully provide counsel from the Scriptures and apply correction "to the proper degree." (Jeremiah 30:11) Although they do not procrastinate, the elders do not rush  to judgment. When matters are handled properly, the congregation  will see the greatest good come to all. Yet, even when problems are cared for in this manner, an innocent person may still feel hurt. If this is true of you, what can you do lessen the pain? 

Have you ever been severely wronged by someone by a fellow worshipper?  You can find outstanding examples in God's Word that teach us how to wait on Jehovah to correct matters.  For instance, although Joseph suffered injustice at the hands of his own brothers, he did not allow their sins to cause him  to become a better person. Instead, he remained focused on his service to Jehovah, who richly rewarded him for his patient endurance.  (Genesis 39:21)  Over time, Joseph was able to look past the hurt he had experience and see how Jehovah had blessed him.  (Genesis  45:5)  Like Joseph, we are comforted when we draw close to  Jehovah ad leave justice in his hands. -  PSALM 7:17; 73:28.

Of course, not all injustices are as serious as those Joseph experienced, but bad treatment of some king may cause us heartache .  When we have a problem with someone, including someone who does not worship Jehovah, we will benefit if we apply Bible principles. (Philippians 2:3, 4)  Consider one experience, a sister was deeply hurt when she discovered that a coworker was making negative, untrue comments about her to others.  Rather than react too quickly, the sister  took time to reflect on Jesus' example. When he was insulted, he did not insult others in return.  (1 Peter 2:21, 23)  With that in mind, she decided not to make an issue of what happened. Later she learned that her coworker had been coping with a serious health problem and was experiencing a lot of stress. The sister concluded that the coworker  like did not mean what she had said. So the sister was especially glad that she had patiently endured the mistreatment, and she found peace.

If  you are enduring an injustice or some other cause for hurt, remember that Jehovah draws close to "the brokenhearted."  Psalm 34:18) He loves  you for your patience and for throwing your burden on him.  (Psalm 55:22) He is the judge of all the earth. Nothing escapes  his notice.  (Read 1 Peter 3:12) When you are undergoing difficulties that you cannot resolve, are you willing to wait on him?

Next time: Are You Willing to Wait on Jehovah? /ENDLESS BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO WAIT ON JEHOVAH

From  the jw.org publications