Watchtower Study, Week of October 2-8, 2023, Let us be reasonable like Jehovah, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, October 2-8, 2023, Let us be reasonable like Jehovah”, Underlined Responses.

Yellow: Direct Response.

Dark Yellow: Additional Response.

Light Blue: Additional Points.

“Let everyone know that you are reasonable people” (PHILIP. 4:5).

1. In what sense should Christians be like some trees? (See also the image).

 “THE TREE that bends, the wind does not break it.” This saying highlights a characteristic that some trees have and that allows them to remain standing even if the wind blows strongly: flexibility. To flourish spiritually, we too have to be willing to bend, that is, we must be flexible and reasonable. In what ways? Adapting when our circumstances change and respecting the opinions and decisions of others.

ILLUSTRATION

There are two trees in the middle of a wind storm. One is flexible and still stands, while the other breaks in half because it is too rigid. What kind of tree do you prefer to be? (See paragraph 1).

2. What qualities will help us adapt to changes, and what will we see in this article?

2 All of us who serve Jehovah want to be reasonable. And we also want to be humble and compassionate . In this article, we will see how some Christians successfully faced changes thanks to these qualities and how we can do the same. But first we will analyze the example of Jehovah and Jesus, who are the most reasonable people who exist.

JEHOVAH AND JESUS ​​ARE REASONABLE

3. How do we know that Jehovah is reasonable?

3 The Bible says that Jehovah is “the Rock” because he is firm and immovable (Deut. 32:4). But it's also reasonable. How do we know? Our God has been adapting to the changes that occur in the world to ensure that his purpose is fulfilled. Since he created us in his image, we too are able to adapt to changes. Jehovah has given us very clear biblical principles that help us make good decisions regardless of the problems that arise. His actions and principles demonstrate that Jehovah is a firm but reasonable God.

4. Give an example that shows that Jehovah is reasonable (Leviticus 5:7, 11).

4 Jehovah's standards are perfect and reasonable. He is not rigid or demanding. Let's look at an example of how reasonable Jehovah was with the Israelites. He did not demand that everyone, rich and poor, present the same sacrifices. In some cases, the Law mentioned different offerings that were acceptable depending on the person's circumstances (read Leviticus 5:7, 11).

5. Give one example of Jehovah's humility and another of his compassion.

5 Jehovah is reasonable because he is humble and compassionate. For example, he demonstrated his humility when he was about to destroy the evil inhabitants of Sodom. Through angels he told his servant Lot to flee to the mountainous region. But Lot was afraid to go there. So he prayed that he and his family would be allowed to go to Zoar, a small city that God also planned to destroy. Jehovah could have insisted that Lot obey his instructions to the letter, but he did not do so.He accepted their request, even if it meant not destroying Zoar (Gen. 19:18-22). Centuries later, Jehovah showed compassion to the inhabitants of Nineveh. He sent the prophet Jonah to tell them that they and their city were going to be destroyed because of their wickedness. But when the Ninevites repented, Jehovah felt sorry for them and forgave the city.​—Jon. 3:1, 10; 4:10, 11.

6. What examples show that Jesus is reasonable like Jehovah?

6 Jesus is reasonable like Jehovah, and this was evident during his ministry on Earth. Although he had been sent to preach “to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel,”  he once helped a woman who was not an Israelite. She begged him to cure her daughter, who was “cruelly possessed by a demon.” Jesus felt compassion and healed this woman's daughter (Matt. 15:21-28). Let's think about another example. Some time after beginning his ministry, Jesus said, “If anyone rejects me…, I will reject him also” (Matt. 10:33). But did he perhaps reject Peter because on three occasions he denied knowing him? No. He knew that Peter was repentant and that he was a faithful man.  After being resurrected, Jesus appeared to Peter and most likely confirmed his forgiveness and love (Luke 24:33, 34).

7. According to Philippians 4:5, what reputation do we want to earn?

7 We have already seen that Jehovah and Jesus are reasonable. And we? Jehovah expects us to be, too. (Read Philippians 4:5.) We can ask ourselves: “Do others think that I am a reasonable, tolerant person who knows how to compromise? Or do I have a reputation for being inflexible, strict or stubborn? Do I usually insist that things be done the way I think they should be done? Or do I like to listen to other opinions and give in whenever possible? The more reasonable we are, the more we will be like Jehovah and Jesus. Let's now talk about two areas of life in which it is very important to be reasonable: when our circumstances change and when the opinions and decisions of others do not coincide with ours.

LET'S BE REASONABLE WHEN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE

8. What can help us be reasonable when our circumstances change? (See also note).

8 When our circumstances change, we have to be reasonable and flexible. We may face a serious health problem or an economic or political crisis overnight. These sudden changes can turn our lives upside down and cause difficulties we did not expect (Eccl. 9:11; 1 Cor. 7:31). Even a change of assignment within Jehovah's organization could test us. Whatever the case, we can adapt to new circumstances if we follow these four recommendations: 1) accept reality, 2) look to the future, 3) focus on the positive and 4) do things for others.   Let's look at some real-life cases that show that these recommendations work.

9. What did a missionary couple do to face difficulties they did not expect?

9 Accept reality. Emanuele and Francesca are missionaries, and were sent abroad. Upon reaching their destination, they began to learn the language and meet the brothers of their new congregation. But then the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and they could no longer get together with the brothers. Also, Francesca's mother died suddenly. Francesca wanted with all her might to be with her family, but due to the pandemic she could not travel. What helped her in this difficult situation? First, Emanuele and Francesca prayed together and asked Jehovah to give them wisdom to take one day at a time. Jehovah responded by giving them through his organization just what they needed at the right time.For example, they were very encouraged by what a brother said in a video: “The quicker we accept new circumstances, the quicker we become happy again and the easier it is for us to take advantage of those new circumstances.” Second, they decided to become more skilled at preaching over the telephone, and even began a Bible course. And, third, they accepted the encouragement and support that the brothers gave them and were grateful for their love. For a year, a very empathetic sister sent them a short message with a biblical text every day. What is the lesson? If we accept the new circumstances, we will be happy with what we can do.

10. What did a sister do to adapt to totally new circumstances?

10 Look to the future and focus on the positive. Christina, a Romanian sister living in Japan, was disappointed when the English-speaking congregation she belonged to dissolved. But she didn't stay stuck in the past. On the contrary, she decided to do her best in a Japanese-speaking congregation and preach enthusiastically in that language. She asked a former coworker to help improve her Japanese using the Bible and the Enjoy Life pamphlet in classes, and the woman agreed. Christina learned to communicate better in Japanese. And not only that; Her former co-worker wanted to learn more about the Bible. What do we learn? If we look to the future and are positive, unforeseen changes can bring us unexpected blessings.

11. What did a couple do to face their financial problems?

11 Do things for others. A couple who live in a place where our activities are prohibited lost their usual source of income when the country's economy collapsed. What did you do to adapt to this change? First, they strove to live a simpler life. And second, instead of focusing on their problems, they focused on helping others by spending as much time as possible preaching (Acts 20:35). The husband said, “Because we were busy in the ministry, we had less time to dwell on negative thoughts and more time to do God's will.” And we? If our circumstances change, let us keep in mind that it is very important to continue helping others, especially with preaching.

12. How can Paul's example help us to be flexible in preaching?

12 In ministry, it is very important to be flexible. We talk to people who have very different beliefs, origins and attitudes. Why should we look at the example of the apostle Paul? Because he was flexible and adaptable. Jesus named him “an apostle to the nations” (Rom. 11:13). And, to fulfill that assignment, Paul preached to Jews, Greeks, intellectuals, peasants, high officials and kings. In order to reach the hearts of such different people, Paul strove to “be all things to people of all kinds” (1 Cor. 9:19-23). When conveying the message to them, he took into account their culture and beliefs. And in our case? We can do better in preaching if we are inventive and adapt the way we present the message to the needs of each person.

LET'S RESPECT THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS

13. What danger do we avoid if we respect the opinions of others? (1 Corinthians 8:9).

13 If we are reasonable, it will also be easier for us to respect the opinions of others. For example, some sisters like to wear makeup, but others don't. Some Christians are fine with alcohol in moderation, but others prefer not to drink. All Christians want to have good health, but they choose different ways to care for it. If we believe that our opinion is always the best and try to convince others to do the same as us, we could trip up others and cause divisions in the congregation. For nothing in the world would we want to do something like that! (Read 1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23, 24). Putting biblical principles into practice will help us be balanced and maintain peace.Let's see how to do it in two different situations.

ILLUSTRATION

The same flexible tree bends before the wind storm. In a circle appears a brother who looks with a disagreeable face at another brother who is holding a glass of beer. If we are reasonable, we will respect the opinions of others. (See paragraph 13).

14. What biblical principles should influence our way of dressing and grooming?

 14 Clothing and personal grooming. Instead of giving us strict rules about how to dress, Jehovah has given us principles to guide us. Our dress should honor God and show that we are reasonable people and have “modesty and good judgment” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Pet. 3:3). Therefore, we do not want our clothes to be the center of attention. Biblical principles can also help elders not to make their own rules about clothing and hairstyles.For example, in one congregation some young people wore their hair short and messy because that was the fashion. The elders wanted to help these young people. But how could they do it without setting a rule? The circuit overseer recommended that they tell the brothers: “If you stand on the platform and those present pay more attention to your appearance than what you say, could there be a problem with the way you dress or groom yourself?” . This was enough to resolve the situation without setting a rule.  

ILLUSTRATION

The same flexible tree bends before the wind storm. In a circle, brothers from many cultures appear posing together for a photo at an assembly. They wear very different styles of clothing, but they are all appropriate for a Christian. If we are reasonable, we will respect the opinions of others. (See paragraph 14).

15. What biblical laws and principles guide us when making health-related decisions? (Romans 14:5).

15 Health care. Each Christian must decide individually how he will care for his health (Gal. 6:5). When choosing medical treatment, we must take into account the biblical commands to abstain from blood and avoid spiritualism and other forms of occultism (Acts 15:20; Gal. 5:19, 20). Other than that, the rest is a matter of personal preference. Some Christians only turn to conventional medicine, and others prefer alternative medicine. Although our opinions on these issues are very strong, we must respect the right of our brothers and sisters to make their own decisions about health care. That is why it is good that we remember the following ideas:1) the Kingdom of God is the only complete and permanent remedy for diseases (Is. 33:24); 2) each Christian “must be fully convinced” of what is best for him (read Romans 14:5); 3) we do not judge others or put any obstacles before them (Rom. 14:13), and 4) Christians love each other and consider the unity of the congregation to be more important than their personal opinions (Rom. 14:15). , 19, 20). If we keep these ideas in mind, we will get along very well with our brothers and we will contribute to peace reigning in the congregation.

ILLUSTRATION

The same flexible tree bends before the wind storm. In a circle there is a palm of a hand with traditional medicines and another palm with medicinal herbs and a homeopathic bottle. If we are reasonable, we will respect the opinions of others. (See paragraph 15).

16. How can elders be reasonable to their peers? (See also images).

16 Elders should set an example and be reasonable (1 Tim. 3:2, 3). For example, an elder does not expect that he will always accept his opinion just because he is older than others. He knows that the spirit of Jehovah can move any member of the body of elders to say something that will lead to a good decision. And, if no biblical principle is violated, reasonable elders gladly support the majority's decision, even if they see things differently.

ILLUSTRATION

The same flexible tree bends before the wind storm. Several elderly people appear gathered together in a circle. A young old man speaks while the others listen. If we are reasonable, we will respect the opinions of others. (See paragraph 16).

THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING REASONABLE

17. What blessings do we receive if we are reasonable?

17 If we are reasonable, we receive many blessings. For example, we get along better with the brothers and there is peace in the congregation. We also feel that the variety of personalities and customs within Jehovah's united people enriches us. And the most important thing is that we are happy because we know that we are imitating Jehovah, who is a reasonable God.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What do Jehovah and Jesus teach us about what it means to be reasonable?

In the case of Jehovah, he teaches us what it means to be reasonable by not demanding that all rich and poor present the same sacrifices, since in some cases the law mentioned different offerings that were acceptable according to the circumstances of each person.

And speaking of Jesus, he was reasonable like Jehovah during his ministry on earth, since although he had been sent to preach to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel, Jesus on one occasion helped a woman who was not an Israelite and who was cruelly possessed by a demon. Jesus felt compassion and healed this woman's daughter. 

Why is it important to be reasonable when circumstances change?

The faster we accept new circumstances, the faster we become happy again and the easier it is for us to take advantage of those new circumstances. 

How does a reasonable person contribute to the peace of the congregation?

If we are reasonable, it will also be easier for us to respect the opinions of others. Putting biblical principles into practice will help us be balanced and maintain peace.