DAILY TEXT, From today Sunday June 4, 2023, Let's not stop meeting. Rather, let us encourage one another (Heb. 10:25).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Sunday June 4

Let's not stop meeting. Rather, let us encourage one another (Heb. 10:25).

We should strive to attend meetings regularly, as they encourage us and give us the opportunity to get to know the brothers better. Let's make friends with siblings who are a good example for us, even if they are not our same age or come from another culture. The Bible reminds us that “there is wisdom among the older people” (Job 12:12). But the older ones can also learn a lot from the faithful youngsters. David was much younger than Jonathan, but they became very good friends (1 Sam. 18:1). Both gave each other the necessary support to serve Jehovah in the midst of serious difficulties (1 Sam. 23:16-18). Irina, a sister who is now the only Witness in her family, says: “Our fellow Christians can become like parents or siblings. Jehovah can use them to be the family we need.” Our friends want to encourage and support us, but we need to help them figure out how to do it. w21.06 10, 11 pars. 9-11.

How does preaching help us make good friends?

Participating in the ministry with other brothers is one of the best ways to make friends. Carol, quoted in paragraph 5, says: “I have made many wonderful friends by preaching with the sisters and participating in other theocratic activities. Jehovah has used these friendships over the years to give me his support.” Surely it is worth the effort to make friends with faithful brothers. Jehovah uses them to help us in difficult times, such as when we feel alone (Prov. 17:17).

What responsibility do we all have?

We must all contribute to peace and love in the congregation. That way no one will feel totally alone (John 13:35). What we do and say can make a difference. One sister recalls: “When I learned the truth, the congregation became my family. Without her support, I would not have been able to become a Jehovah's Witness.” What can we do so that those who are alone in the truth feel part of the congregation?

How can we make friends with those who are new to the congregation?

Let us take the initiative and offer our friendship. We can start by lovingly welcoming those who are new to the congregation (Rom. 15:7). But we must go beyond a friendly greeting. We want to make good friends over time. To do this, let's be kind and show sincere interest in the new ones. Let's try to understand the problems they have without intruding on their life. Since some may find it difficult to say how they feel, let's be careful not to make them feel compelled to speak up. Rather, let us lovingly ask prudent questions and listen patiently. For example, we can ask them how they came to know Jehovah.

How can mature Christians help others in the congregation?

When mature Christians, especially the elderly, take an interest in others, the congregation is spiritually strengthened. Melissa, who was raised in the truth by her mother, says, “Words are not enough to thank me that over the years there have been siblings willing to be parents to me. Whenever I need to talk, there is someone who listens to me. Let's see what Mauricio, a young brother who felt abandoned when his former Bible teacher became inactive, recounted: “One of the things that helped me the most was the personal interest of the elders. They made time to talk to me regularly, joined me in the preaching work, told me about a gem they had found in their personal Bible study, and even played sports with me.”

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