ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Read John 20:11-16. Early on the morning of Nisan 16, a number of loyal women went to the place w here Jesus had been lying lifeless. (Luke 24:1, 10) Let us focus on the experience of one of the women, Mary Magdalene. When Mary arrived at the tomb, she found it empty. She ran to tell Peter and John and then followed them as they raced to the tomb. After confirming that the tomb was empty, the men returned home. But not Mary. She stayed there, weeping. Little did she know that Jesus was watching. He observed this faithful woman's tears and was deeply moved. So he appeared to Mary and then did something simple that greatly encouraged her. He spoke to her and gave her an important assignment-to share the news of his resurrection with his brothers. - JOHN 20:17, 18.

How can we imitate Jesus? We can do much to motivate our brother and sisters to keep serving Jehovah if, like Jesus, we are aware of their distresses and speak to them with empathy. Consider the experience of a sister named Jocelyn, whose sister died in a tragic accident. "For many months I was in a constant state of deep grief," she says. However, a brother and his wife invited her to their home, listened to her empathetically, and reassured her of her value in God's eyes. Jocelyn says: "I feel as if Jehovah had used them to pull me out of a dark stormy sea and into a lifeboat." We too can encourage others by listening attentively as they pour out their heart and by speaking empathetically, with a view to strengthening them in their service to Jehovah. - ROMANS 12:15. 

Next time: Learning From Jesus' Final 40 Days on Earth - REASON ON THE SCRIPTURES

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