Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Friday July 15, 2022
Imitate me, as I imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).
We are very grateful to have so many hard-working sisters in the congregation. They participate in the meetings, preach and take an interest in their brothers. In addition, some help in the upkeep of the Kingdom Hall. Of course, they also face problems. Some take care of their elderly parents. Others endure the opposition of their relatives. And others raise their children alone and work very hard to support them. Why should we strive to support our sisters? Because the world doesn't always treat women with the dignity they deserve. Furthermore, the Bible itself tells us to support them. For example, the apostle Paul asked the congregation in Rome to welcome Phoebe from her and help her in whatever she needed (Rom. 16:1, 2). Paul came from a culture that treated women as inferior. But, when he became a Christian, he imitated Jesus and treated women with kindness and respect. w20.09 20 paras. 1, 2
How can we encourage the sisters?
For some Christian women, the main opportunity to be with other brothers is in the meetings. So we want to take advantage of these occasions to welcome them, talk to them and show them that we care about them. Jordan, mentioned earlier, says, “It means a lot to me when you congratulate me when I speak at meetings, make plans with me to preach, or show you care in other ways.” Let's make the sisters feel that they are important to us. A Christian named Kia says: “If I miss a meeting, I already know I'll get a message asking if I'm okay. That shows me that the congregation is looking out for me.”
In what other ways can we imitate Jesus?
Let's do like Jesus and take time to be with our sisters. Maybe we can invite them over to our house for something simple to eat or spend some time together. On those occasions, let us try to talk about uplifting things (Rom. 1:11, 12). In this, it is important that the elders have the same attitude as Jesus. He knew that for some, being single is not easy. But he made it clear that the key to eternal happiness is neither getting married nor having children, but rather putting Jehovah's service first in life.—Matt. 19:12; Luke 11:27, 28.
How can the elders help the sisters?
Elders especially should treat Christian women as their spiritual mothers and sisters (1 Tim. 5:1, 2). They have to make an effort to carve out time before or after meetings to talk to them. Kristen explains, “An old man noticed that she was very busy and asked me to explain what my schedule was like. I greatly appreciated your sincere interest.” When the elders set aside time frequently to talk with the sisters, they show them that they care.* Annette points out one benefit of doing this: “I know them better, and they know me. And then when I go through a difficult problem, it becomes easier for me to ask them for help.”
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