Study of the Watchtower, Let's encourage each other in the meetings, Week of June 26 to July 2, 2023, Comments and Practical Answers.

Watchtower Study, Encourage Each Other in Meetings, 26-June-2-July-2023, Comments and Answers. 

“Let us keep an eye on one another […], let us encourage one another” (HEB. 10:24, 25).

1. Why do we comment in meetings?

One of the main purposes of commenting in meetings is to praise Jehovah. as Psalm 111:1 mentions, they exhort us to praise and give thanks to God, and meetings are a suitable place to express our gratitude and appreciation towards him.

In addition, in meetings we also encourage each other. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are urged to build up and encourage our brothers, especially in difficult times. When we share our comments, experiences, or an encouraging text during meetings, we can provide support, comfort, and encouragement to those who need it.

2. What opportunities do we have to comment at meetings?

We can comment in our Watchtower study, which is over the weekend, here a different topic is discussed in each study and attendees are encouraged to share their comments on the paragraph response, also experiences and practical applications related to the topic studied. It is an excellent opportunity to participate in the meetings.

And during the week at the meeting we have the section Let's Look for Hidden Pearls: In this part a few selected biblical texts are carefully analyzed, and attendees are encouraged to share any interesting findings, practical applications or relevant points of view with this passage analyzed .

And also during the midweek meeting, a congregational Bible study is also discussed. This study is based on a lesson from the book Enjoy Life Forever. During this study, we are invited to actively participate by raising our hands and sharing our thoughts, answers to questions, or experiences related to the topic.

In addition to these specific opportunities, there may also be times when our participation is requested, comments on jw.org video highlights, or spiritual topics. As we see we are always encouraged to raise our hands and share our comments when appropriate.

3. a) What possible obstacles do we have when commenting? 

Nervousness is a common obstacle to commenting in meetings. Fear of public speaking can limit our willingness to raise our hands and share our thoughts. Uncertainty about the importance or value of our feedback can also discourage us.

3. b) How does Hebrews 10:24, 25 help us?

Hebrews 10:24,25, gives us valuable help in these aspects. The passage urges us to consider how to encourage one another and stimulate us to love and good works. By focusing on the idea of ​​encouraging and building up our brothers, we can overcome some of the obstacles mentioned.

This text also reminds us that our comments, however modest they may seem, can have a significant impact on the lives of others. Recognizing the value of our contributions gives us the confidence to share our thoughts and experiences, even if they seem small or unimportant.

4. What three ideas will we explore in this article?

How to encourage ourselves in a small congregation.

How to cheer us up in a large congregation.

How to make comments that really encourage others.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER IN A SMALL CONGREGATION

5. What can we do to cheer ourselves up if we are few in the meeting?

It is important to be attentive to the moments in which the opportunity to comment is opened. If we are aware that there are few brothers to support in comments, we can make an effort to raise our hands and participate several times during the Meeting. This will help keep the meeting flowing and encourage others to participate as well.

6, 7. What can you do to control your nerves?

We must prepare well, when we do this there is more confidence. That is why we must dedicate time to study and understand the topic that will be discussed at the Meeting. By having a good command of the information, we will feel more confident when raising our hand to make a comment.

We can also choose to make brief comments. Instead of feeling pressured to make long comments, consider keeping interventions short and to the point. One or two sentence comments can effectively get your point across without overwhelming or putting too much pressure on yourself. Also, siblings will find it easier to follow and catch a short, clear comment.

Also, we should avoid reading predefined comments in their entirety. Instead, we should try to express our understanding of the paragraph using our own words. This will show that we have prepared well and understand the information, while giving our comments a personal touch.

8. How does Jehovah feel when he sees that we are doing all we can?

Jehovah values ​​our sincere effort and that what matters most is our desire to contribute and build up others in the congregation. So we need to keep a positive attitude and trust that Jehovah recognizes our efforts, even if they are limited.

It is important to remember that Jehovah greatly values ​​our efforts. He knows how hard we are trying and also sincerely appreciates the attempts to participate, we must not ask more of ourselves than necessary, since Jehovah does not expect more than we can give.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER IN A LARGE CONGREGATION

9. What situation might arise in a large congregation?

In a large congregation, the situation may arise where many brethren wish to participate and there is a greater effort for available feedback. This can lead to some siblings, like Danielle's, not being able to comment, which can lead to frustration and a sense of lost privilege.

10. What could you do to be more likely to comment?

Instead of preparing just one comment for the meeting, we can strive to have multiple comments in different paragraphs of the article. This will give us more opportunities to participate throughout the study, even if we don't have a chance to comment in the first few paragraphs.

As we prepare for the Watchtower study, we should reflect on how each paragraph relates to the overall theme of the article. In this way, you will always have something important to contribute during the meeting. And we can also look for connections and practical applications of the points mentioned in each paragraph.

Paragraphs dealing with more complex topics or deeper Biblical truths often have fewer people raising their hands to comment. Therefore, preparing especially for these paragraphs can increase the possibility of participating and contributing in a meaningful way in the meetings.

11. According to Philippians 2:4, what can we do?

Philippians 2:4 is applied in this sense knowing that our brothers also have the desire to comment and we are not better than them, therefore, if we agree raising our hands, sometimes our brothers will comment and other times we, because in the God's people we also share the joy and we feel rejoiced to see the happiness of God's people.

According to Philippians 2:4, we are encouraged to look out for the interests of others. In the context of meetings, this means remembering that others also have a desire to comment and participate.

Instead of being envious or frustrated when others have the opportunity to comment, we should show our support and encouragement towards them. Recognize their contributions and contributions, and value their enriching participation for the Meetings.

We can remember that we all have moments when we can participate more actively and others when it is necessary to give space to others. Trust that Jehovah values ​​a sincere desire to contribute and that there will always be opportunities to do so.

12. What is a good way to encourage others in meetings? (See also photo).

A good way to encourage others at meetings is to give them the opportunity to express their faith and participate actively. Just like in a conversation between friends, it is important to listen carefully and allow others a chance to speak as well.

Another way is by allowing others to express themselves and participate actively in the Meetings, we are encouraging and strengthening the spirit of unity and mutual edification in the congregation. Let's remember the Biblical principle of 1 Corinthians 10:24 letting others participate and not looking to just talk about ourselves during meetings.

Giving others the opportunity to comment creates a welcoming environment where siblings feel safe and valued in expressing their thoughts. Encourage and praise the contributions of others in the comments, building their confidence and motivation to participate.

ILLUSTRATION

A small group of brothers eating together. One of them is speaking and the others are listening attentively. In a conversation, we let others participate. Let's do the same in meetings. (See paragraph 12).

13. What can we do so that more brothers have the opportunity to comment?

When making comments short when commenting, it is important to be concise and direct, in this way we will avoid extending ourselves unnecessarily, and thus we will focus on conveying our main idea clearly and concisely.

We must also remember that time at the meeting is limited. by keeping our comments brief we will avoid over-extension. This will allow plenty of time for other siblings to participate as well.

Instead of addressing all the ideas in a paragraph in one comment, let's select a specific idea or point. This allows other siblings the opportunity to add their own perspectives and input.

14. What can we take into account when deciding how many times we will raise our hands? (See also photos).

We must be considerate of others. If we raise our hands all the time and receive a lot of feedback, other siblings may feel discouraged or the sibling leading the study may feel pressured to give us more opportunities, leaving others unable to participate.

If we raise our hands excessively and receive multiple comments, other brothers may feel that it is not worth trying to comment, which may discourage their active participation in the meetings. That is why we must foster an environment where everyone is motivated and encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences.

We must decide wisely and evenly how many times we are going to raise our hand to comment. Let's consider the dynamics of the meeting, the number of brothers present, and the need to provide opportunities for all. Let's find a balance between actively participating and allowing others their time to contribute as well.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. In a meeting, one of the brothers in the previous photo raises his hand to comment. 2. Others then offer to comment and the brother decides not to raise his hand. When would it be wise not to raise your hand in the meeting? (See paragraph 14). 

15. a) How should we react if we have not been able to comment in the meeting? 

It is important to remember that we should not offend or feel frustrated. Instead, we can adopt an attitude of humility and patience. We recognize that at times there are many brethren wanting to participate and that time constraints may make it difficult for everyone to have an opportunity to comment.

We must also focus on the spiritual benefit we receive from listening to the comments of other brothers and make the most of the information presented at the Meeting.

15. b) What should the brother who asks the questions take into account? (See the box “How to Run a Question and Answer Section.”)

The brother conducting this part should avoid talking too much in the introductory and final places of the section. And he should also keep his words brief to give the brothers more time to comment during the study.

How to lead a section with questions and answers

If you lead a part of the meeting with questions and answers, try to get as many answers as possible. How can you achieve that?

Don't talk much. Your introductory and concluding words should be brief. And, during the study, make only a few comments when necessary and appropriate. e You do not have to enter each paragraph before reading it.

After reading the question, pause to give more siblings time to raise their hands. Do not comment again to those who have already participated if those who have not yet raised their hands. Remember that even mature siblings can become discouraged if they are overlooked too many times.

Don't say, "I'm looking for new hands" or "Who hasn't commented yet?"

If you happen to lead a Q&A section at the end of the midweek meeting, try to remember who has commented earlier in the meeting to give others a chance to participate.

I kept an eye on the time. If you linger too long in the first few paragraphs of a lesson, then you will have to rush into the last part of the article, and many may be left without comment.

16. What can we do to encourage those who have commented?

After the meeting, we can congratulate the brothers and students or people who visit us for their contributions and express our appreciation. Our words of praise and encouragement can lift everyone present.

In Proverbs 10:21 it is mentioned that kind words have a positive effect on others. So by congratulating and encouraging others, we are also encouraging ourselves.

OTHER WAYS TO ENCOURAGE US

17. a) What can parents do?

If we have young children, we can help each other prepare appropriate comments to share during meetings. Since we must explain to them how they can express their thoughts clearly and respectfully.

Although sensitive or adult-friendly topics are discussed at some meetings, there may be a paragraph or two where children can also make comments, which is why we should be aware of these opportunities and encourage our children to raise their heads. hand and share your thoughts when appropriate to do so.

It is important that children understand that they will not always be able to make a comment every time they raise their hand. That is why we must explain to them that sometimes there are many people who want to comment and that time is limited. By explaining this to them in a calm and understanding way, you will help prevent them from feeling sad or discouraged if they are not chosen to comment at a certain time.

17. b) According to the video, what are the four steps to prepare a comment? (See also note.)

See what the question is.

Find the answer in the paragraph.

Make a note

Test.

18. What can we do to avoid attracting too much attention when we comment? (Proverbs 27:2).

In Proverbs 27:2 we are advised that another not your own mouth praise you, this proverb teaches us not to draw too much attention to ourselves when we comment. Instead of focusing on highlighting our own qualities or achievements, we should turn our attention to Jehovah, his word, and his people as a whole.

While we can occasionally share a relevant personal experience briefly, we should not monopolize the conversation and make the comment revolve around ourselves. It is important to remember that the main objective is to honor Jehovah and encourage our brothers.

19. a) What will be the result if we think of others in meetings? (Romans 1:11, 12).

If we think of others in the meetings, we will enjoy an atmosphere in which we will encourage and build each other up, fostering unity and Christian love among all the brothers.

19. b) Why do you like to comment in meetings?

By sharing our feedback, we can pass on spiritual gifts, insights, experiences, and perspectives that can help strengthen our fellow believers. We can encourage each other and provide spiritual support in our comments.

I like to comment because by actively participating in meetings and sharing our comments, we help create an atmosphere of unity and brotherly love. By listening to and valuing the feedback of others, we promote a sense of community and collaboration in the congregation.

Commenting at meetings gives us the opportunity to strengthen our brothers, learn and grow in our Biblical knowledge, foster unity, and be a source of mutual inspiration and motivation. It is a valuable way to contribute to the spiritual growth of both your own and the other members of the congregation.

HOW DO WE SHOW THAT WE ARE CONSIDERED IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS?

When there are few hands raised.

If we are aware that there are few brothers to support with comments, we can make an effort to raise our hands and participate several times during the meeting. This will help keep the meeting flowing and encourage others to participate as well.

When there are many hands raised.

Showing consideration by giving them the opportunity to express their faith and participate actively. Just like in a conversation between friends, it is important to listen carefully and allow others a chance to speak as well.

By allowing others to express themselves and participate actively in the meetings, we are encouraging and strengthening the spirit of unity and mutual edification in the congregation. Let's remember the biblical principle of 1 Corinthians 10:24 letting others participate and not seeking only to speak during the meeting.

When we prepare our comments.

We are considerate when we find a balance between actively participating and allowing others time to contribute as well. So our comments should be brief and focused on one idea in the paragraph to allow others to participate as well.