How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM - Continue

 Read Romans 12:15. If we show interest in our loved ones when they need it most-both in good times and in bad times-we may help them to change their attitude toward us. For example, we could congratulate the on the birth of a child on the birth of a child and give them a gift to show that we share in their happiness. When family members lose a loved one in death, we should speak consolingly to them, offer some practical help, or send them a comforting card. And of course, we could check on them regularly, especially when they are facing hard times. 

Introduce them to fellow believers. When the disciple Andrew identified Jesus as the Messiah, Andrew eagerly introduced his brother Peter to Jesus. (John 1:40-42) Can we do something similar? For example, could we occasionally invite a relative to a meeting or to a meal with our friends? As we introduce him to fellow believers, he will see that Witnesses are normal, decent people. 

Next time: How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM -Conclusion

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM - Continue

 Consider the example of Anna, a sister in Armenia. Her family spends a lot of time together, especially during birthdays and holidays. When Anna accepted the truth, her relatives began to worry about how her new faith would affect their relationship. They were also worried about her decision to become a Witness would affect her future. How does Anna easer their concerns? "When I visit my relatives," she says, "I share information about my life and what has kept me busy. I also invited to my place and introduce them to my friends. As a result, most of my relatives are well-acquainted with those I am close with and feel comfortable with them." She adds: "Many of my relatives have commented on how happy I am, and they no longer worry about me." 

Take an interest in their lives. After being resurrected, Jesus showed interest in his brother James by appearing to him personally. (Corinthians 15:7) Can you imagine how James must have felt when he realized that Jesus had not given up on him? This reunion likely convinced James that Jesus was the Messiah. After that meeting, James may have helped other members of his family to come to the right conclusion about Jesus' identity.  - ACTS 1:14.

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM

 Even though we are serving Jehovah, we do not want to give our relatives the impression that we have no time for them or that we no longer love them. (Matthew 7:12) How can we show that we care about them? Consider a few ways. 

Keep in touch, and express your love for them.  We show that we love our relatives by regularly letting them know how we are doing. For example, we send them a text message along with a few pictures taken during a vacation, a trip or a get-together with friends. A modest gift or a kind letter may be all that is needed to improve the relationship. By taking the initiative in such ways, we tell them that we love them. 

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - REMAIN PATIENT AND HOPEFUL

 The Gospel accounts indicate that Jesus remained patient with his brothers. For example, they too were evidently in Cana when Jesus performed his first miracle. (John 2:11, 12) As mentioned earlier, Jesus' siblings did not put faith in him. However, Jesus did not cut ties with them.  The Bible reveals that after about three years after his first miracle in Cana, Jesus was speaking kindly to his brothers. - JOHN 7:5-8. 

Our clear understanding of Jehovah's mercy can help us to remain hopeful. When false religion comes to an end, our relatives may recall that we told them about this event. (Revelation 17:16) They may even join us in pure worship after the great tribulation starts. And if our relatives are facing hard times now, we will certainly do all we can to be there for them. Perhaps they will be more receptive to Bible truths as they see that our love and kindness are genuine. 

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - LOOK BEYOND NEGATIVE WORDS AND ACTIONS - Conclusion

 Let your conduct speak for you.  Our kind words and actions can move our relatives to change our they feel about us. (Read 1 Peter 3:1, 2.) An unbelieving husband could easily feel left out or upset when his wife attends congregation meetings or goes out in the ministry. Because she does not want to feel that way, she might adjust her schedule of spiritual activities in order to spend more time with him. For example, she could share in the ministry when her husband is busy or not at him. By being flexible and reasonable, a Christian wife might help her husband to reconsider his opinion of the Witnesses. 

Do not feel pressured to respond to all criticism. When Jesus was falsely accused of eating and drinking too much, he did not become defensive. Instead, he encouraged people to look at the facts. (Matthew 11:19) He also showed by his example that he had a balanced view of life. (Compare John 2:2,6-10.) Likewise, do not feel that you have to respond to every criticism. Rather, show your relatives through your actions that you are balanced and happy and let them draw their own conclusions. They may be moved to reject false information that they have heard about us. 

Next time: How to Help Your Unbelieving Relatives - REMAIN SILENT AND HOPEFUL

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

     Jesus' half-brothers likely heard about the miracles Jesus had performed in Galilee. (Luke 4:14, 22-24) At first, though, they did not put faith in him. (John 7:5) Why? The Bible does not say. But it reveals at least two things that held back some Jews from becoming Jesus' disciples. Some were afraid of being rejected by the community. (John 9:18-22) Others had known Jesus from his youth and could not imagine him as God's representative. (Mark 6:1-4) Jesus' half-brothers may also have been affected by this kind of thinking. Could similar factors affect our loved ones? 

Consider the motives behind their words and actions. Jesus' brothers may have among the relatives who once said that had "gone out of his mind." (Mark 3:21) Why might they have come to that conclusion? The context shows that Jesus was so much in demand that he did not even have time to eat a meal. (Mark 3;20) Did his relatives think that he was being fanatical? It is possible. Our relatives may think that we take our religion too seriously. If they feel that way, we do well to s how our actions how reasonable we truly are. 

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

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - LET COMPASSION MOTIVATE YOU 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