How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - LET COMPASSIN MOTIVAT YO TO HELP THEM

 Jesus did not give up on those who indifferent to his message. He compared himself to a worker in a vineyard who spared no effort in order to get an unproductive fig tree to bear fruit. (Luke 13:6-9) When Jesus gave that illustration, he had been trying to cultivate faith among his fellow Jews for more than three years. Why did he keep trying to help them. Jesus had compassion for people, and that helped him to be patient with them.

Jesus felt compassion for his fellow Jews because of the religious leaders had failed to help them to develop the faith in God. Jesus saw that the people were "as sheep without a shepherd." (Mark 6:34) Shortly before his death, Jesus wept over Jerusalem because he knew that most of its inhabitants would lose their lives because of a lack of faith. (Luke 19:41-44) When we develop similar warm feelings for our relatives, we will be motivated to help them. 

Read Galatians 6:9. Even if our relatives are not yet interested in our beliefs, we should be patient with them and not give up in "doing what is fine." We know that it takes time for a person to overcome deep-seated prejudice and to build faith. At one time, were you like those who had "no hope and were you without God in the world"? (Ephesians 2:12) If so, no doubt someone came to your aid. Are you not also moved to help fill the spiritual needs of your family, if possible?

Next time: How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - LOOK BEYOND NEGATIVE WORDS AND ACTIONS

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives

"Let us not give up in doing what is fine." - GALATIANS 6:9. 

JESUS said to the man who wanted to become his follower: "Go home to your relatives, and report to them all the good things Jehovah has done for you." (Mark 5:19) "In saying that, Jesus acknowledged a natural huma trait-the desire to share good news with our loved ones. 

Do you recall how you felt when you first learned the good news? You likely could not keep it to yourself! Your loved one, however, may not have responded positively. Or the way you presented the truth may have caused friction between you and them. If so, how can you maintain or restore good relationships with relatives without compromising Christian standards? 

In this article, we will see (1) How compassion can motivate us to take a personal interest in our unbelieving relatives, even if they do not respond; (2) how to look beyond the negative words and actions; (3) how our patient and hopeful attitude can help our relatives recognize the truth; and (4) How we can show them that we love them. 

Next time: How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - LET COMPASSION MOTIVATE YOU TO HELP THEM

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - AVOIDING AND OVERERCOMING CHALLENGES -Conclusion

 Plan carefully. By being well-organized, you will likely feel less stress on your wedding day. (Read 1 Corinthians 14:40.) Wayne, from Taiwan, says: "A few days before our wedding, we had a small meeting with those who volunteered to help us with the event. We discussed our arrangements and rehearsed some portions of the wedding to ensure it would go smoothly." Our of respect for your guests, do your best to keep things on time. 

Many problems can be averted by your thinking ahead where it is common for uninvited guest to show up at a wedding reception, consider what you can do to prevent this from happening. Make sure that any relatives who are not in the truth know what they can expect, and explain your view of certain wedding customs. You could share with them the article "What Happens at a Wedding of Jehovah's Witnesses?" found on jw.org. To help you stay in control of what takes place at your reception, consider having a mature brother serve as "the director of the feast." (John 2:8) If you clearly communicate your wedding plans to him, he can help make sure that the wedding remains dignified and goes as planned. 

You may feel somewhat overwhelmed as you consider everything that is involved in planning your wedding. However, remember that your wedding is just one day. It is the first day of what can become a beautiful life together as servants of Jehovah. Do your best to keep your wedding simple and dignified. Trust in Jehovah. With his guidance, you will be able to organize a wedding that you will look back on with warm and happy memories and no regrets. - PSALM 37:3, 4. 

Next time: How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives 

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah -AVOIDING AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES - Continue

 Communicate clearly and tactfully. (Proverbs 15:22) As a couple, you will need make many decisions about your wedding. This includes deciding on a date, a budget, an invitation list, and many other things. Before you make a decision, review you options together and discuss Bible principles that apply as well as any advice you get from mature, experienced Christians. When expressing your preferences, be kind, sensible, and flexible. If close family members -such as your parents-have reasonable requests, try to honor them. This a special occasion for them too. If you cannot do as they recommend, explain your reasons tactfully. (Colossians 4:6) Make it clear to family members that your main objective is to have a happy occasion that honors Jehovah.

Explaining your choices to your parents may be especially difficult if they are not in the truth, but you can succeed. "Our families wanted us to include Hindu rituals," says Santhosh a brother in India. "It took my fiancée and me a long time to explain our decisions to them. We made some adjustments where we felt that we could do so without displeasing Jehovah. For example, we changed the menu at the reception to something that was appealing to them and decided not to include any singing or dancing because they were not accustomed to such things." 

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - AVOIDING AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - AVOIDING AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

 You may face challenges as to try to plan a wedding that brings honor to Jehovah. For example, you may find it difficult to plan a simple wedding. Charlie, who is from the Solomon Islands, says: "It was very hard to determine whom to invite to the reception. We have many friends, and in our culture, everyone expects to be invited!" Tabitha, mentioned earlier, says: "Where I live, large receptions are common. It took time for our parents to accept our decision to invite only about 100 people." Sarah, from India, says: "Some people place a lot of value on social status. My cousins had a grand wedding, so I felt some pressure to have an even luxurious one." What can help you to overcome these and other challenges? 

Make wedding planning a matter of prayer. You can tell Jehovah in prayer about any issue that you are facing or about your feelings (Philippians4:6, 7 and study note "in everything") You can ask him to help you to make decisions, to stay calm when you are feeling anxious, and to show courage when courage is needed. (1 Peter 5:7) Your trust in Jehovah will grow as you see him act in your behalf. Tabitha, quoted earlier, says: "My fiance' and I were worried about disagreements with each other and our families. So every time we discussed wedding plans, we started with a prayer. We really felt Jehovah's help and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere." 

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Jehovah Honor - AVOID ING AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES - Continue

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH? - Conclusion

 Reject unscriptural customs. (Revelations 18:4) Satan's system has contaminated wedding traditions with pagan, spiritistic, and superstitious practices. Jehovah clearly warns us to stay far away from such unclean things. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) If there are some customs, or traditions, in your area that are questionable, consider their origin and any Bible principles that apply before deciding what to include on your wedding. 

Is it customary where you live for guests to offer a gift to the married couple? The financial situation of some guests may affect the type of gift that they choose to give. Of course, Christians are encouraged to give, and it makes them happy to do so. (Proverbs 11:25; Acts 20:35) However, we would not want to make our guests feel obligated to give; nor would we make them feel that a modest gift would not be appreciated. We imitate Jehovah, striving to have his view of gifts by letting others give according to their means and from the heart. - 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7. 

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - AVOIDING AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES 

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah-HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH -Continue

 Be modest. (Read 1 John 2:15-17.) Jehovah appreciates it when his worshippers seek to honor him rather than to bring improper attention to themselves. So modest Christians would avoid spending an excessive amount of money and making a "showy display." How will you benefit by keeping your wedding simple? Perhaps it will turn out as it did for Mike, a brother from Norway. He says: "We stayed out of debt and were able to continue pioneering. Our wedding was simple but still beautiful and memorable." Tabitha, a sister from India, says: "We avoided a lot of anxiety. By keeping our wedding simple, there was less to plan and to disagree over." 

Have you decided what you will wear? No doubt you want to look your best. Even in Bible times, a bride and groom paid close attention to how they looked. (Isaiah 61:10) Granted, what you wear to your wedding may be somewhat different from what you would wear on other occasions, but should not be less modest. (1 Timothy 2:9) Do not let clothing- or any other material thing-become the most noteworthy feature of your wedding. 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU BRING HONOR TO JEHOVAH - Conclusion

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU BRING HONOR TO JEHOVAH? - Continue

 Read Romans 13:13. If you choose to have a wedding reception, how can you prevent it from reflecting the spirit of the world? The Greek word rendered "wild parties" referred to gatherings that included overdrinking and music that went late into the night. (See "wild parties" study note on Romans 13:13.) If you choose to serve alcoholic beverages, take precautions to ensure that no one drinks too much. If there is music, keep the volume at a level that will allow your guests to enjoy conversation. Carefully review the genre of music as well as the lyrics so that no one will be stumbled. 

Will you have short comments from other, slideshows, video, or other types of entertainment at your reception? These can often add something special to the day. However, make sure that what is presented will be upbuilding. (Philippians 4:8) Ask yourself: 'Will it show respect for others? Will it dignify the marriage arrangement?' And more important, ask yourself: 'Will it honor Jehovah?' Although some humor may be fitting, avoid anything inappropriate, such as making sexually suggestive references. (Ephesians 5:3) Ensure that family members and friends who will say a few words understand and respect your wishes. 

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH? - Continue

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH?

 The Bible does not provide a list of rules about Christian wedding ceremonies or any receptions that may follow. There is room of different circumstance, customs, and preferences. True worshippers also respect legal requirements provided by Caesar. (Matthew 22:21) Still, a wedding that is organized according to Bible principles will honor Jehovah and make him happy. So, what principes should you keep in mind? 

Comply with legal requirements. (Romans 13:1, 2) In most countries, a couple must satisfy legal requirements before getting married. The coupe should find out what there are where they live. If you have questions on how to go about doing so, feel free to ask the elders for help. 

Create the right atmosphere. (1 Corinthians 10:31, 32) Strive to have an atmosphere that reflects the fruitage of God's spirit rather than the spirit of the world. (Galatians 5:19-26) In line with the Scriptural principle of headship, the groom is responsible for making sure that the wedding is a happy and dignified event. What can help to that end? A Bible based wedding talk, delivered with love, warmth, and dignity builds appreciation for God's marital arrangement. All in attendance can benefit because the talk will help underscore the seriousness of the occasion. Accordingly, most Christian couples choose to have the ceremony at the Kingdom Hall, if possible. If you wish to use a Kingdom Hall, you should submit a written request to the body of elders well in advance. 

Next time: How to Plan A Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH? -Continue

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - WHY HONOR JEHOVAH?

 Couples who are planning a Christian wedding should do so in harmony with principles that Jehovah has outlined in his Word. Why/ Because Jehovah is the Originator of marriage. He arranged for the very first wedding-the one that joined Adam and Eve in matrimony. (Genesis 1:28; 2:24) So God's thinking should be foremost on the minds of those who are planning a wedding. 

You have a significant reason to consider Jehovah's thinking on your wedding day: He is your heavenly Father and your best Friend. (Hebrews 12:9) You undoubtedly want that to continue to be true. You never want anything to happen on that day or any other day that would hurt your Friend. (Psalm 25:14) When you consider everything that Jehovah has done for you, would you not agree that he deserves honor at your wedding? - PSALM 116:12.

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH? 

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