The Watchtower Study, “Article 10”, Week 20-26 May 2024, Do not let disappointments keep you from Jehovah, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 10”, May 20-26, 2024, Do not let disappointments keep you from Jehovah, Answers.

“You have persevered for my name's sake” (Rev. 2:3).

1. What are some of the blessings of being part of Jehovah's organization?

Being part of Jehovah's Organization brings with it a series of blessings that enrich our lives as we see in Psalm chapter 133 verse 1, unity among brothers in faith is one of them, providing mutual support in these difficult times.

In addition, divine guidance helps us build solid and happy families following the biblical principles of love and mutual respect. This guidance not only strengthens our family ties but also helps us face emotional challenges and find true happiness.

 In an increasingly hectic world, having divine wisdom allows us to navigate the troubled waters of life with confidence and inner peace. Being part of Jehovah's Organization gives us a spiritual refuge where we find support, direction and, above all, the unconditional love of God. our celestial father. 

2. What do we have to do, and why?

It is essential to remain steadfast in our service to Jehovah. The efforts we make are important because we may encounter situations in which we feel offended by the actions or words of others.

It is also possible that we become discouraged when we make mistakes, however it is essential to persevere in our service despite these circumstances.

This article provides guidance on how to continue serving Jehovah in three specific situations: 1. when we are offended by a brother, 2. when we feel disappointed by our spouse, 3. when we experience disappointment in ourselves. In each case we will see examples of biblical characters who faced similar situations and found strength and comfort in their relationship with God. 

WHEN A BROTHER OFFENDS US

3. What problem do Jehovah's servants face?

Servants of Jehovah face the challenge of dealing with the actions and attitudes of other fellow believers that may be irritating, disappointing, or even inconsiderate. This reality may raise doubts in some about whether the organization truly represents God's will.

As a result, internal conflicts may arise that lead them to distance themselves from their fellow believers or even stop attending meetings. However, instead of reacting with resentment or withdrawal, we can learn from the experiences of biblical figures who faced similar challenges and found a way to maintain their faith and commitment to God despite the difficulties. 

4. What problems did the apostle Paul face?

The apostle Paul faced a series of challenges and conflicts within the Christian congregation. Despite his dedication to the service of God, he encountered difficult situations as we see in Acts chapter nine verse 26. The brothers in Jerusalem trusted him and owed him to his past as a persecutor of Christians.

Also in 2 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 10 we see how he faced defamation and criticism from some members of the congregation, he even witnessed Cephas making a bad decision that could have caused others to stumble.

He also experienced personal disappointment with Mark, one of his closest collaborators. Despite these challenges, Paul did not allow the actions of others to affect his relationship with Jehovah or his service to him. 

5. What helped Paul not to distance himself from his brothers? (Colossians 3:13, 14; see also drawing.)

What helped Pablo not to distance himself from his brothers was his deep love for them. Instead of focusing on their imperfections, he valued and appreciated their positive qualities.

Love led him to forgive following the advice of Colossians chapter 3 verses 13 and 14 where we are urged to forgive as the Lord forgave us.

For example, Paul was able to reconcile with Mark even though Mark had abandoned him at a crucial moment in his ministry. Instead of holding a grudge, Paul recognized Mark's value and described him as a source of Great Comfort. This example teaches us the importance of forgiveness and the ability to see beyond the imperfections of others, cultivating a spirit of love and reconciliation in our interpersonal relationships. 

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. Paul calls Mark as he walks away from him. 2. Some time later, Pablo speaks with Marcos with affection. When Paul had a disagreement with Barnabas and Mark, he did not resent them, but later gladly collaborated with Mark. (See paragraph 5).

6, 7. What will help us continue to show love to our brothers despite their imperfections? (1 John 4:7).

In the text we have just read we see that it is essential to remember God's commandment to love one another to continue showing love to our brothers despite their imperfections. 

When faced with situations in which we feel treated in an unchristian manner by someone, we in the congregation can remember the words of Proverbs chapter 12 verse 18 and choose to give them the benefit of the doubt, believing that they may have acted without malicious intent and are striving to do so. the right thing.

By understanding that Jehovah loves us despite our own imperfections and that he generously forgives us when we fail, we can be motivated to imitate his love and forgiveness toward others.

WHEN OUR HUSBAND OR WIFE DISAPPOINTS US

8. What problems do marriages face?

Marriages face a number of challenges due to human imperfection and individual differences between husband and wife as mentioned in first Corinthians chapter 7 verse 28. These differences can arise from different personalities, tastes, cultural backgrounds and defects that may emerge over time. 

It is common for these tensions to lead to problems in the relationship. Instead of addressing these problems together and working as a team, spouses may blame each other or consider separation as the solution. However, this is really the best option. The story of a biblical character shows us that perseverance in the midst of marital difficulties can have rewards. 

9. What situation did Abigail face?

Abigail faced a difficult situation being married to Naval, a harsh and evil man, living with someone like that was surely a challenge. In first Samuel chapter 25 verses nine to 13 we see that when David the future King of Israel planned to take revenge on Naval for insulting him, Abigail had the opportunity to easily escape from her marriage however instead of fleeing Abigail intervened to persuade David to spare Naval's life. 

Furthermore, her action shows exceptional bravery and wisdom in standing between two angry men. Abigail's story teaches us about the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and courage in marital relationships, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

10. What could motivate Abigail not to give up despite having many difficulties in her marriage?

Abigail's main motivation for not giving up despite the difficulties in her marriage was her deep love for Jehovah and her commitment to God's principles on marriage. As stated in Genesis chapter 2 verse 24, she understood that marriage was a Sacred Union. in the eyes of God. 

This knowledge led her to act with courage and determination to save her husband and family from David's wrath. Abigail was willing to do whatever was necessary including apologizing for an offense she had not committed in order to preserve the life of her husband and honor her Divine principles.

11. a) What does Jehovah want those who are married to do? (Ephesians 5:33). b) What do you learn from Carmen's example? (See also images).

In the text we are urged that the husband love his wife and the wife respect her husband, with this text we understand that Jehovah wants those who are married to love and respect each other Even if one of the spouses has a difficult personality.

11. b) What do you learn from Carmen's example? (See also images).

Carmen's example teaches us the importance of maintaining commitment to marriage even in difficult situations. Despite resistance and verbal abuse from her husband when she began studying the Bible with the Witnesses. Carmen persevered for 50 years by treating her husband with love and respect. Her dedication was based on her understanding that marriage is sacred to Jehovah and her love for him.

Carmen teaches us the importance of patience, understanding and determination to preserve marriage, trusting in Jehovah's support and help to overcome difficulties.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. Abigail brings a blanket to Nabal, who is asleep in a chair. 2. A sister and her non-Witness husband are sitting on a couch. She speaks to him affectionately; He has a newspaper in one hand and an alcoholic drink in the other. Abigail did everything he could to save those of his house. What do you learn from her? (See paragraph 11).

WHEN WE FEEL DISAPPOINTED WITH OURSELVES

12. How might we feel if we commit a serious sin?

Committing a serious sin can make us feel overwhelmed with guilt and despair as experienced by Robert who after years of faithful service fell into transgression. His story reflects how the consciousness of sin can weigh so heavily on the heart that it leads us to feel broken and believe that we have disappointed Jehovah as mentioned in Psalm chapter 51 verse 17.

The feeling of having betrayed God can lead us to think that we have lost his favor and that we are no longer worthy of his love and forgiveness as Psalm chapter 38 verse 4 suggests, however The example of other faithful servants who, despite making serious mistakes remained close to Jehovah, shows us that we can still find comfort and restoration in his love and mercy.

13. What serious sin did Peter commit, and what mistakes led him to that point?

The grave sin committed by Peter was his denial of knowing Jesus on three occasions.

Several errors led him to this point first as we see in Mark chapter 14 verses 27 to 29 Peter showed overconfidence by stating that he would remain faithful Even if the other Apostles abandoned Jesus, then in the garden of Gethsemane he repeatedly fell asleep while Jesus prayed , when Jesus was arrested he abandoned him. Realizing the extent of his sin, Peter was overcome with guilt and despair, leading him to cry bitterly.

Peter's experience serves as a reminder of how even those closest to Jesus can fall into temptation and sin when they trust in their own strength.

14. What helped Peter not to stray from Jehovah? (See the drawing).

Peter found strength not to stray from Jehovah by seeking the company of his brothers who comforted him in the midst of his pain and guilt.

In Luke chapter 24 verse 34 we see how the appearance of the resurrected Jesus specifically addressed to Peter, provided encouragement and hope to the apostle. Therefore, Jesus' compassionate attitude towards Peter by not reproaching him for his sin but offering him greater responsibilities demonstrated the forgiveness and trust he had in him.

ILLUSTRATION

Jesus talking to Peter next to some embers on which some fish are cooking. Other apostles listen to the conversation with interest. John 21:15-17 shows that Jesus did not give up on Peter, and that gave him the strength to move forward. (See paragraph 14).

15. What certainty does Jehovah want us to have? (Psalm 86:5; Romans 8:38, 39; see also image.)

According to these texts, Jehovah wants us to have absolute certainty of his unconditional love and willingness to forgive us. Although it is natural to feel guilty when we sin, we must never lose sight of God's love and mercy.

It is vital to seek help immediately when we face temptation, as he learned from speaking with the elders, his experience reveals that Jehovah never abandons us or gives us up for lost. Rather he offers us his love and forgiveness if we repent and seek help to avoid making the same mistakes.

ILLUSTRATION

Two elders pay a shepherding visit to a brother. How do we feel when we see that the elderly try so hard to help us? (See paragraph 15).

16. Why do you want to continue serving Jehovah without giving up?

I want to continue serving Jehovah without giving up because I know that Jehovah values ​​every effort I make in these difficult times. Despite the disappointments, I can cultivate love for my brothers and forgive them when they offend me, thus demonstrating my love and respect for Jehovah.

WHAT WILL HELP US CONTINUE TO SERVE JEHOVAH IN THESE SITUATIONS?

When a brother offends us.

When a brother offends us, it will help us to continue serving Jehovah to remember Paul's teaching about forgiving and showing love as mentioned in Colossians chapter 3 verses 13 and 14.

When our husband or wife disappoints us.

When our husband or wife disappoints us to continue serving Jehovah, it involves making an effort to treat them with love and respect, seeking to solve the problems in the marriage, as Carmen exemplifies in Ephesians chapter 5, verse 33. 

When we feel disappointed with ourselves.

When we feel disappointed in ourselves, continuing to serve Jehovah involves seeking his love and forgiveness, remembering that he never abandons us, as taught in Psalm chapter 86 verse 5 and Romans chapter 8 verses 38 and 39.