DAILY TEXT, From today Monday June 26, Imitate me (1 Cor. 11:1).

DAILY TEXT, From today Monday June 26, 2023, Imitate me (1 Cor. 11:1).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Monday June 26

Imitate me (1 Cor. 11:1).

Elders can copy the example of the apostle Paul by not only preaching from house to house, but by taking advantage of every opportunity to bear witness (Eph. 6:14, 15). And, just as Paul did, they can use the time they spend preaching to train others, for example, ministerial servants (1 Pet. 5:1, 2). But elders should never be so busy attending to their responsibilities that they have no time to preach (Matt. 28:19, 20). If you wish to maintain balance, sometimes it will be necessary to say no. Perhaps after praying about this matter they will realize that taking care of a responsibility means neglecting the most important things, such as having family worship, giving good support to preaching or teaching their children to preach. You can be sure that Jehovah understands that you want to be balanced in all things. w22.03 26 par. 4; 27 para. 7; 28 para. 8.

BE A CARING SHEPHERD

Considering that the elderly are so busy, what challenge do they face?

Why is it difficult? As we live in the last days, Jehovah's servants have many difficulties. That's why we all need encouragement, support and comfort. Sometimes some need help not to go astray (1 Thess. 5:14). Of course, the elderly cannot eliminate all the problems we face. But Jehovah wants you to do all you can to encourage and care for his sheep. Considering that they are so busy, where can they find the time to help the brothers?

According to 1 Thessalonians 2:7, how did Paul treat his brothers?

Paul's example. He was always looking for a way to praise the brothers and strengthen them. The elders do well to imitate his example of love and affection when treating the brothers (read 1 Thessalonians 2: 7). Paul confirmed to his brothers that both he and Jehovah loved them (2 Cor. 2:4; Eph. 2:4, 5). He treated them like friends and spent time with them. He showed them that he trusted them by speaking candidly about his own fears and weaknesses (2 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 1:15). However, he did not focus on the problems he had, but on helping the brothers.

Why was Paul advising his fellow Christians?

Sometimes Paul had to advise his fellow Christians. But he didn't do it to vent his displeasure, but because he cared about them and wanted to help them stay out of trouble. He made an effort to make his advice easy to understand and he was interested to see how it was received. For example, when he wrote to the Corinthians, he gave them strong advice. But later he sent Titus to them, for he was wanting to know how they had received his letter. And how glad he was to learn that they had accepted his advice! (2 Cor. 7:6, 7).

What can the elders do to strengthen their brothers?

lessons. Elders can follow Paul's example by spending time with his brothers. One way to do this is to come to meetings early to have encouraging conversations with them. Often it takes only a few minutes to give a brother the encouragement and affection he needs (Rom. 1:12; Eph. 5:16). Elders who follow Paul's example use the Bible to encourage their brothers and confirm that Jehovah loves them. In addition, they show their affection by keeping in touch with them and looking for opportunities to congratulate them. If an elder has to give advice to someone, he must base it on the Word of God. He is specific but at the same time kind because he is interested in the effect that his words have (Gal. 6: 1).

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