Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
God placed each of the members of the body as he wanted (1 Cor. 12:18).
Lovingly, Jehovah gives a place in his congregation to each of his faithful servants. Although we have different functions, we are all valuable and we all need each other. The apostle Paul emphasized that we cannot look at another servant of Jehovah and think “I don't need you” (1 Cor. 12:21). For there to be peace in the congregation, we must value and cooperate with one another (Eph. 4:16). When there is unity, the brothers are strengthened and feel loved. All elders are appointed by Jehovah's holy spirit, but each one has his own talents and strengths (1 Cor. 12:17). Some may be newly appointed and inexperienced, while others may not be able to do as much due to age or poor health. But no elder should look at one of his classmates and think “I don't need you”. Rather, everyone should follow Paul's advice found in Romans 12:10. w20.08 26 paras. 1, 2; 27 para. 4
How can we show that we respect single siblings?
How can we show that we respect the feelings and circumstances of single siblings? We must remember that some Christians are single by personal choice. Others would like to get married, but have not found the right person. Others may have been widowed. Whatever the case, we should not ask them why they are not married or offer help finding a partner. Sure, some may ask us for help. But, if not, before we offer, let's think about how we would make them feel (1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:13). Let's see what some of them have said.
How could we inadvertently discourage singles?
A single circuit overseer who handles his assignment very well finds that being single has many advantages. But he says that he sometimes gets discouraged when brothers ask him why he hasn't married, even if they mean well. A single brother serving in a branch relates: “Sometimes I get the feeling that some brothers feel sorry for single people, as if being single is a burden and not a gift.”
A single sister serving at Bethel explains: “Some brothers assume that all single people want to get married or that they see every social gathering as an opportunity to find a partner. On one occasion, I was sent to do a job in another part of the country and I arrived one night when there was a meeting. The sister I was going to stay with told me that there were two brothers my age in her congregation. She assured me that she wasn't trying to find me a boyfriend, but as soon as we entered the Kingdom Hall she grabbed me and she led me to where the two brothers were to introduce me to them. How embarrassing the three of us are!"
What encouraged a single sister?
Another single woman serving at Bethel says: “I know single pioneers of a certain age who are balanced and self-sacrificing, who are focused and happy in their service, and who contribute a lot to their congregation. They don't go to extremes: they don't feel superior for being single or inferior for not being married or having children. How nice it is to be in a congregation where one is respected and valued, where no one is pitied or envied and no one is ignored or put on a pedestal. Everyone feels loved.
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