"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

WHAT pursuits consume your time and energy? Is making a good name for yourself a matter of concern to you? Do you devote yourself to the gathering of the riches? How about pursuing a career in a certain field of endeavor or developing expertise in one or more branches of learning? Is cultivating good relationship with others importance to you? Is staying in good health your main concern?

All of the foregoing may seem to have some value. But what is of prime importance? The Bible answers: "Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom." ( Proverbs 4:7) So how may we gain wisdom, and what are its benefits? The second chapter of the Bible book of Proverbs provides the answers.

Next time: "Pay Attention to Wisdom"

Watchtower, 1999

Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

A Prepared Heart Is Rich in Faith

A heart strong in faith knows that whatever Jehovah asks or directs his Word is always right and in our best interests. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) A person with such a heart gets deep satisfaction and contentment from applying the exhortation at Proverbs 3:5, 6, which says: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." A heart lacking in faith, however, would be disinclined to trust in Jehovah, especially if doing so involve sacrifices, such as simplifying one's life in order to focus on Kingdom interests. (Matthew 6:33) For good reason, Jehovah views a faithless heart as "wicked." -Hebrews 3:12.

Our faith in Jehovah is reflected in many areas, including the things we do in the privacy of our own home. Take, for example, the principle at Galatians 6:7: "Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap." Our faith in this principle will be reflected in such things as the movies we watch, the books we read, the amount of Bible study we do,and in our prayers. Yes, a strong faith that moves us to sow "with a view to the spirit" is a key factor in having a heart that is prepared to accept Jehovah's Word and to obey it. -Galatians 6:8.

Next time: Love-The Greatest Quality

Watchtower,2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

The Proper Use of Power

Although he is almighty, Jehovah rules the congregation with love. (1 John4:8) Imitating him, Christian overseers care for God's flock lovingly-using not abusing, their authority. True, overseers sometimes need to "reprove, reprimand, exhort," but this is done "with all long-suffering and art of teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) So elders constantly meditate on the words that the apostle Peter wrote to those with authority in the congregation: "Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God's inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock." -1 Peter 5:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

Parents and husbands also have authority granted them by Jehovah, and this power should be used to help, nurture and cherish. (Ephesians 5:22, 28-30; 6:4) Jesus' example shows that authority can be effectively exercised in a loving way. If discipline is balanced and consistent, children do not become downhearted. (Colossians 3:21) Marriages are strengthened when Christian husbands lovingly exercise their headship and wives deeply respect their husbandly head rather than go beyond their God-assigned sphere of influence to dominate or get their way. - Ephesians 5:28, 33; 1 Peter 3:7.

Those with authority in the family and in the congregation should be especially careful to control their anger, since anger instills fear rather than love. The prophet Nahum said: "Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power." (Nahum 1:3; Colossians 3:19) Controlling our anger is a sign of strength, whereas giving vent to it is proof of weakness. (Proverbs 16:32) Both in the family and in the congregation, the goal is to instill love-love of Jehovah, love of one another, and love of right principles. Love is the strongest bond of union and the strongest motivation for doing what is right. -1 Corinthians 13:8; Colossians 3:14.

To know Jehovah is to recognize his power. Through Isaiah, Jehovah said: "Have you not come to know or have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth,is a God to time indefinite. He does not tire out or grow weary." (Isaiah 40:28) Jehovah's power is inexhaustible. If we rely on him and not on ourselves, he will not forsake us. He assures us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really hold fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10) How should we respond to his loving care? Like Jesus, let us always use whatever power Jehovah gives us to help and to build up. May we control our tongue so that it heals rather than harms. And may we always stay awake spiritually, standing firm in the faith, and grow mighty in the power of our Grand Creator, Jehovah God. - 1 Corinthians.

Next time:Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

Watchtower, 2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

The Power to Hurt and the Power to Heal

Not all the power we possess comes directly from God. The tongue, for example, has the power to hurt as well as to heal. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," warns Solomon. (Proverbs 18:21) The results of Satan's brief conversation with Eve show how much havoc can be wrought by words. (Genesis 3:1-5; James 3:5) We too can do much damage with the tongue. Disparaging remarks about a young girl's weight could launch her on the road to anorexia. A thoughtless repetition of some slander might ruin a lifelong friendship. Yes, the tongue needs to be controlled.

However, the tongue can build up as well as tear down. The Bible proverb says: "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing." (Proverbs 12:18) Wise Christians use the power of the tongue to comfort the depressed and the bereaved. Sympathetic words can encourage teenagers who are battling harmful peer pressure. A thoughtful tongue can reassure elderly brothers and sisters that they are still needed and loved. Kindly words can brighten the day of those who are sick. Above all, we can employ our tongue to share the powerful Kingdom message with all who will listen. Proclaiming the Word of God is within our power if our heart is in it. The Bible says: "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it." -Proverbs 3:27.

Next time: The Proper Use of Power

Watchtower, 2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

Conclusion of Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Second we can draw spiritual strength from the Bible. (Hebrews 4:12) The power of God's word was evident during the days of King Josiah. Although this Judean king had already removed pagan idols from the land, the unexpected discovery of the Law of Jehovah in the temple motivated hm to intensify this cleansing program. After Josiah had personally read the Law to the people, the whole nation made a covenant with Jehovah, and a second, more vigorous, campaign against idolatry was launched. The fine outcome of Josiah's reform was that during "all his days they did not turn aside from following Jehovah." - 2 Chronicles 34:33.

Third, we draw strength from Jehovah through Christian association. Paul encouraged Christians to attend meetings regularly in order to "incite to love and fine works" and to encourage on another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Of course, they could all have stayed at home and prayed. But they chose to come together to pray and encourage one another during that difficult arduous journey to Rome, he met up with some brothers in Puteoli and later with others who had traveled to meet him. His reaction? "Upon catching sight of them [the latter], Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:13-15) He was strengthened by being with fellow Christians once again. We too draw strength from association with fellow Christians. As long as we are free and able to associate with one another, we must not try to walk alone along the cramped road leading off into life. -Proverbs 18:1; Matthew 7:14.

Through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and association with fellow believers, we "go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength." (Ephesians 6:10) All of us undoubtedly need "power in the Lord." Some suffer from debilitating illnesses, others from the ravages of old age or from the loss of a lifetime companion. (Psalm 41:3) Others endure the opposition of an unbelieving mate. Parents, especially single parents, may find that caring for a full-time job while bringing up a family is an exhausting responsibility. Young Christians need the strength to stand up to peer pressure and to say no to drugs and immorality. No one should hesitate to ask Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" to cope with such challenges. 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Next time: "Giving to the Tired One Power"

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

Jehovah's Power Guarantees the Fulfillment of His Promises

Jehovah's power is also closely connected with his name and the carrying out of his will. The unique name Jehovah, which means "He Causes to Become," reveals that he causes himself to become the Fulfiller of promises. Nothing or nobody can prevent God from bringing his purposes to fruition, however farfetched skeptics may consider them to be. As Jesus once told his apostles, "with God all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26.

To illustrate, Jehovah once promised Abraham and Sarah that he would make their descendants a great nation. However, they remained childless for many years. They were both very old when Jehovah told them that the promise was about to be fulfilled and Sarah laughed. In reply, the angel said: 'Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?" (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:4-8; 18:10-14) Four centuries later, when Moses finally assembled Abraham's descendants-now a great nation-on the plains of Moab, he reminded them that God had fulfilled his promise. Moses said: "You continue to live, because [Jehovah] loved your forefathers so that he chose their seed after them and brought you out of Egypt in his sight with his great power, to drive away nations greater and mightier than you from before you,so as to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance as at this day." -Deuteronomy 4:37, 38.

Centuries later, Jesus censured the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection. Why did they refuse to believe God's promise that he would bring back the dead? Jesus told them: "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) The Scriptures assure us that 'all those in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of the Son of man and come out.' (John 5:27-29) If we know what the Bible says about the resurrection, our confidence in the power of God will convince us that the dead will be raised up. God "will actually swallow up death forever . . . for Jehovah himself has spoken it." -Isaiah 25:8.

In the near future, there will come a time when every one of us will need to trust in God's saving power in a special way. Satan the Devil will launch an attack on God's people, who will appear to be unprotected. (Ezekiel 38:14-16) God will then manifest his great power in our behalf, and everyone will have to know that he is Jehovah. (Ezekiel 38:21-23) Now is the time to build our faith and confidence in God the Almighty so that we will not waver at that crucial time.

Without doubt,there are many reasons for meditating on Jehovah's power. As we contemplate his works, we are humbly moved to praise our Grand Creator and give thanks that he uses his power in such a wise and loving way. We will never be intimated if we trust in Jehovah of armies. Our faith in his promises will be unwavering. Remember, though, that we have been created in the image of God. Hence, we also have power-albeit to a limited extent. How can we imitate our Creator in the way we exercise our power? This will be considered in the following article.

Next time:"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

Jehovah Reveals His Power to His Servants

On several occasions, Jehovah manifested his might to his servants. One of such occasions was at Mount Sinai in 1513 B.C.E. During that year the Israelites had already seen impressive evidence of God's power. Ten devastating plagues had revealed the strong hand of Jehovah and the importance of Egyptian gods. Soon thereafter, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army gave further proof of divine strength. Three months later, at the foot of Mount Sinai, Jehovah invited the Israelites to become his "special property out of all other peoples." For their part, they promised: "All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do." (Exodus 19:5, 8) Then, Jehovah provided a vivid demonstration of his power. Amid thunder and lightning and the loud sound of a horn, Mount Sinai smoked and trembled. The people, standing at a distance, were terrified. But Moses told them that this experience should teach them godly fear, a fear that would move them to obey their all-powerful and only true God, Jehovah. -Exodus 19:16-19; 20:18-20.

Several centuries later, during the time of Elijah, Mount Sinai witnesses another display of divine power. The prophet had already seen God's power at work. For three and a half years, God "shut up the heavens" because the apostasy of the Israelite nation. (2 Chronicles 7:13) During the resulting drought, ravens fed Elijah in the torrent valley of Cherith, and later a widow's meager supply of flour and oil was miraculously extended to provide him with food. Jehovah even empowered Elijah to resurrect this widow's son. Finally, in a dramatic test of Godship on Mount Carmel, fire came down and consumed Elijah's sacrifice. (1 Kings 17:4-24; 18:36-40) Nevertheless, soon thereafter, Elijah became afraid and discouraged when Jezebel threatened to kill him. (1 Kings 19:1-4) He fled the country, thinking that his work as a prophet was over. To reassure and strengthen him, Jehovah kindly gave him a personal demonstration of divine power.

While Elijah hid in a cave, he saw an awe-inspiring exhibition of three of the forces that Jehovah controls: a strong wind, an earthquake, and finally a fire. However, when Jehovah spoke to Elijah, he did so in "a calm, low voice." He assigned him more work to do and informed him that there were still 7,000 faithful worshipers of Jehovah in the land. (1 Kings 19:9-18) If, like Elijah, we ever feel discouraged at the lack of results in our ministry, we can petition Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" - a power that can strengthen us to continue preaching the good news without letup. -2 Corinthians 4:7.

Next time: Jehovah's Power Guarantees the Fulfillment of His Promises

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

What if You Feel Unworthy to Pray?

Some sincere people may feel unworthy to pray because of their bad way of life. Jesus Christ told the story of such a man, a despise tax collector. Entering the temple courtyard, this man felt unworthy to come to the customary place of prayer. "Standing at a distance . . . [he] kept beating his breast, saying, 'O God, be gracious to me a sinner.' " (Luke 18:13) According to Jesus, this man received a favorable hearing. This proves that Jehovah God is indeed gracious and wants to help sincerely repentant sinners.

Consider a young South African man name Paul. As a boy, Paul had attended Christian meetings with his mother. But during his high school years, he began associating with young people who did not follow God's ways. After leaving school, he served in the army of South Africa's former apartheid government. Then, unexpectedly, his girlfriend broke off their relationship. This unsatisfying way of life left Paul feeling very depressed. "One evening," he recalls, "I prayed to Jehovah and asked for his help, even though I had not approached God sincerely for years."

Not long after this prayer, Paul's mother invited him to attend the annual Memorial of Christ's death. (Luke 22:19) Paul found it strange that his mother did this, as he had been wayward and had shown little interest in the Bible. "I viewed this invitation as Jehovah's answer to my prayer and felt that I had to reciprocate." From that time onward, Paul began attending all Christian meetings. After four months of Bible study, he qualified for baptism. Moreover, he terminated his engineering studies and chose the career of sharing in the full-time evangelizing work. Today, Paul is a happy man, no longer depressed about his past life. For the last 11 years, he has served at the branch office of the Watchtower Society in South Africa.

Indeed, Jehovah God graciously answers prayers and "becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) Soon the great day of Jehovah will arrive and bring an end to all wickedness. In the meantime, Jehovah is answering the prayers of his people for strength and guidance as they zealously share in the vital work of witnessing. Thus, millions of individuals from all nations are being brought into contact with the Christian congregation and are being blessed with Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life. -John 17:3.

Next time: JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

Modern-Day Examples

A young woman in India was in serious need of comfort. Married at 21, she had two children. But soon after the birth of the second child, her husband died. Suddenly, at the age of 24, she was a widow with a 2-month old daughter and a 22-month old son. No wonder she needed comfort! Where could she turn? One night. In deep distress, she prayed, saying, 'Heavenly Father, please comfort me through your Word."

The next morning, she had a visitor. He was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. That day, his house-to-house ministry had been difficult because few had opened the door to him. Tired and rather discouraged, he was about to go home, but somehow he felt impelled to visit just one more house. That was where he met the young widow. She invited him in and accepted a publication that explained the Bible. The woman drew great comfort from reading that publication and from her discussion with the Witness. She learned of God's promise to raise the dead and of God's Kingdom, which will soon make the earth a paradise. Most important, she came to know and love the one true God, Jehovah, who had answered her prayer. Nora, who lives in the city of George. South Africa, set aside a month to share in the full-time evangelizing work. Before starting, she earnestly prayed to Jehovah to help her to find someone who was genuinely interested in studying the Bible. The territory she was assigned to work included the home or a person who had been very rude to Nora on previous visits. Courageously, Nora called at that home again. To her surprise, she found that a new tenant, named Noleen, had moved in. Moreover, Noleen and her mother had been praying to god for help to understand the Bible. "When I offered them a Bible study," explains Nora, "they were delighted." Noleen and her mother progressed quickly. In time, they both began to share with Nora in the spiritual healing work.

Another example showing the power of prayer is that of a couple who live in the South African city of Johannesburg. On a Saturday night in 1996, Dennis and Carol's marriage reached the breaking point. As a last resort, they decided to pray for help, which they repeatedly did until late into the night. The next morning, at 11 o'clock, two of Jehovah's Witnesses knocked at their door. Dennis answered the door and told them to wait until he called his wife. Dennis then warned Carol that if she invited the Jehovah's Witnesses in, it might be hard to get rid of them. Carol reminded Dennis that they had been praying for help and that this might be God's answer to our prayers. So the Witnesses were invited in, and a Bible study was started in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Dennis and Carol were thrilled with what they learned. That same afternoon, they attended their first meeting at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. By applying the knowledge they had learned from the Bible, Dennis and Carol found solutions to their marital problems. They are now happy, baptized praisers of Jehovah and regularly share in their Bible - based beliefs with their neighbors.

Next time: What if You Feel Unworthy to Pray?

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

AT THAT time, the Christian congregation was made up of believing Jews, proselytes, and Samaritans. Cornelius was an uncircumcised Gentile and not part of the Christian congregation. Does that mean that his prayers were in vain? No. Jehovah God took note of Cornelius and his prayerful works. -Acts 10:4.

Through angelic guidance, Cornelius was brought into contact with the Christian congregation. (Acts 10:30-33) As a result, he and his household were privileged to become the first uncircumcised Gentiles to be accepted into the Christian congregation. Jehovah God deemed Cornelius' personal experience worthy of being included in the Bible record. No doubt, he made many changes to being life into complete harmony with God's standards. (Isaiah 2:2-4; John 17:16) Cornelius' experience should be of great encouragement to people of all nations who are seeking God's favor today. Consider some examples.

Next time: Modern-Day Examples

Watchtower, 2000

The Power of Prayer

A Time for Spiritual Healing

God promises to heal mankind of all physical, mental and emotional maladies during the Thousand Year Reign of his Son over the earth. (Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3-5. Sincere Christians eagerly await this promised future, with full faith in God's power to make it a reality. While not expecting such miraculous healing now, they pray to God for his comfort and strength to cope with trials. (Psalm 55:22) When they fall sick, they may also pray for God's guidance in obtaining the best medical treatment within their economic means.

Some religions encourage the sick to pray to be healed now, pointing to the miraculous cures that Jesus and his apostles performed. But such miracles were done for a special purpose. They served to prove that Jesus Christ was the true Messiah and to show that God's favor had been transferred from the Jewish nation to the young Christian congregation. Back then, miraculous gifts were needed to strengthen the faith of the newly established Christian congregation. When the infant congregation got on its feet, as it were, and became mature, the miraculous gifts were "done away with." -1 Corinthians 13:8, 11.

At this crucial time, Jehovah God is directing his worshipers in the more important work of spiritual healing. While they yet have time, people desperately need to respond to this appeal: "Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may be found. Call to him while he proves to be near. Let the wicked man leave his way, and harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." - Isaiah 55:6, 7.

This spiritual healing of repentant sinners is being accomplished through the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) By empowering his servants to carry out his lifesaving work, Jehovah God is helping millions of people from all nations to repent of their sins and come into a favorable relationship with him before the end of this wicked system. All who sincerely pray for such spiritual healing and all who pray for help to perform this healing work are indeed having their prayers answered.

Next time:God Does Answer Prayers

Watchtower,2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Considerate of Others

Jesus was considerate. He was sensitive to the feelings of others. The mere sight of the afflicted touched him so deeply that he was moved to relieve their suffering. (Matthew 14:14) He was also considerate of the limitations and needs of others. (John 16:12) Once, people brought him a blind man and begged Jesus to heal him. Jesus restored the man's sight, but he did so gradually. At first, the man saw individuals only indistinctly-"what seemed to be trees, but they are walking about." Then, Jesus restored his vision completely. Why did he heal the man gradually? This may well have been in order to enable one so used to being in darkness to adjust to the shock of suddenly seeing a sunlit and complex world. -Mark 8:22-26.

Consider also an incident that took place after the Passover of 32 C.E. Jesus and his disciples had entered the region of the Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. There, great crowds soon found them and brought to Jesus many who were sick and disabled, and he cured them all. (Matthew 15:29, 30) Interestingly, Jesus singled out one man for special consideration. The Gospel writer Mark,the only one to record this incident, reports what happened. -Mark 7:31-35.

The man was deaf and hardly able to talk. Jesus may have sensed this man's particular nervousness or embarrassment. Jesus then did something a bit unusual. He took the man aside, away from the crowd, to a private place. Then Jesus used some signs to convey to the man what he was about to do. He "put his finger into the man's ears and, after spitting, he touched his tongue." (Mark 7:33) Next, Jesus looked up to heaven and uttered a prayerful sigh. These demonstrative actions would say to the man,'What I am about to do for you is due to the power from God.' Finally, Jesus said: "Be opened." (Mark 7:34) At that, the man's hearing was restored, and he was able to speak normally.

What consideration Jesus showed for others! He was sensitive to their feelings,and this sympathetic regard, in turn , moved him to act in ways that spared their feelings. As Christians, we do well to cultivate and demonstrate the mind of Christ in this regard. The Bible admonishes us: "All of you be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind." (1 Peter 3:8) This certainly calls for us to speak and act in ways that take the feelings of others into consideration.

In the congregation, we can show the consideration for the feelings of others by according them dignity, treating them as we would like to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) That would include being careful about what we say as well as how we say it. (Colossians 4:6) Remember that 'thoughtless words can stab like a sword.' (Proverbs 12:18) What about in the family? A husband and wife who truly love each other are sensitive to each other's feelings. (Ephesians 5:33) They avoid harsh words, unrelenting criticism, and bitter sarcasm-all of which can causes hurt feeling that are not easily healed. Children too have feelings, and loving parents take these feelings into consideration. When correction is needed, such parents give it in ways that respect the dignity of their children and spare them needless embarrassment. (Colossians 3:21) When we thus demonstrate consideration for others, we show that we have the mind of Christ.

Next time: Willing to Trust Others

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Easy to Approach

People felt drawn to Jesus. On various occasions, Individuals of differing ages and backgrounds freely approached him. Consider the incident recorded at Mark 10:13-16) It took place near the end of his ministry as he was heading toward Jerusalem for the last time, to face an agonizing death. -Mark 10:32-34.

Picture the scene. People begin bringing children including infants, for Jesus to bless these. The disciples feel that Jesus surely does not want to be bothered with children during these crucial weeks. But they are wrong. When Jesus realizes what the disciples are doing, he is not pleased. Jesus calls the children to him saying: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them." (Mark 10:14) Then he does something that reveals a truly tender and loving manner. The account says: "He took the children into his arms and began blessing them." (Mark 10:16) The children obviously are at ease with Jesus takes them into his caring arms.

That brief account tells us much about the kind of person Jesus was. Notice that he was approachable. Although he had occupied a lofty position in the heavens, he was neither intimidating nor demeaning to imperfect humans. (John 17:5) Is it not significant , too, that even children felt at ease with him? Surely they would not have felt drawn to a cold, joyless person who never smiled or laughed! People of all ages approached Jesus because they sensed that he was a warm, caring person, and they were confident that he would not turn them away.

Reflecting on this account, we can ask ourselves, 'Do I have the mind of Christ? Am I approachable?" In these critical time, God's sheep need approachable shepherds, men who are like "a hiding place from the wind." (Isaiah 32:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1) Elders, if you cultivate a sincere, heartfelt interest in your brothers and are willing to give of yourself in their behalf, they will sense your concern. they will see it in your facial expression, hear it in your tone of voice,and observe it in your kind manner. Such genuine warmth and concern can create a trusting atmosphere in which it is easier for others, including children, to approach you. One Christian woman explains why she was able to open up to a certain elder: "He spoke with me in a tender and compassionate manner. Otherwise, I would probably not have said a word. He made me feel safe."

Next time: Considerate of Others

Watchtower, 2000