HELP MEN TO QUALIFY TO BECOME "GIFTS IN MEN" Continue

 Consider how a brother named Patrick benefited from counsel. As a young person, he tended to speak harshly and to act unkindly, even toward sisters. A mature elder noticed Patrick's weaknesses and gave him kind but straightforward counsel. "I am glad he did," says Patrick. "I used to get discouraged when I saw other brothers receiving privileges of service that I wanted. But the elder's counsel helped me to focus on humbling serving my brothers and sisters instead of receiving some position or privilege in the congregation." As result, Patrick was appointed as an elder when he was in his early 20's. -PROVERBS 27. 

Jesus gave his disciples the responsibility not to preach but also to teach. (See "teaching them" study note on Matthew 28:20) The disciples may have felt unqualified for that assignment. However, Jesus did not doubt that they could do the work, and he told them so. Expressing complete confidence in them, Jesus said: "Just as the Father has sent me, I also am sending you." - JOHN 20:21.

Next time: HELP MEN TO QUALIFY TO BECOME "GIFTS IN MEN" - Conclusion

From the jw.org publication