DAILY TEXT, Today Sunday October 27, 2024,  Keep encouraging one another and building each other up (1 Thess. 5:11).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2024

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Continue encouraging one another and building each other up (1 Thess. 5:11).

As time goes by, a construction worker becomes more skilled. We too can become more efficient in building up others. Let us strengthen our brothers so they can endure trials by sharing with them the enduring example of other servants of Jehovah. (Heb. 11:32-35; 12:1) Let us foster peace by sharing the good things we see in others, protecting peace when it is in danger, and restoring it when disagreements arise. (Eph. 4:3) And let us continue to build up the faith of our brothers by sharing important Bible truths, giving practical help, and supporting those who are spiritually weak. We can feel fulfilled and happy when we help build up our brothers spiritually. Unlike a building, which eventually deteriorates, the results of our labor can last forever. w22.08 22 § 6; 25 § 17, 18.

What are some of the difficulties our brothers face?

We also build up our brothers and sisters when we strengthen their faith in Jehovah. Some have to endure ridicule from non-Witness family members or coworkers or schoolmates. Others are very sick or dealing with hurt feelings. Still others may have been baptized for many years and are still waiting for the end to come. All of these situations can test a Christian’s faith. Members of the first-century congregation went through similar difficulties. What did Paul do to strengthen them?

How did Paul help those who were mocked for being Christians?

Paul used the Scriptures to build up the faith of his brothers. For example, Jewish Christians may not have known how to respond when their relatives told them that Judaism was above Christianity. Paul's letter to the Hebrews must have strengthened them greatly (Heb. 1:5, 6; 2:2, 3; 9:24, 25). Those Christians could use Paul's powerful reasoning to dispel their critics. What about us? How can we help our brothers who are being mocked by others? By teaching them to use our publications to defend their beliefs. For example, with the booklets Is Life Created? and The Origin of Life: Five Questions Worth Discussing, we can help young people find arguments to explain why they believe life was created.

What did Paul do even though he was very busy preaching and teaching?

Paul encouraged his brothers to show love by doing “good works.” (Heb. 10:24) He helped them not only with his words but also with his actions. For example, when the Christians in Judea were experiencing a time of famine, Paul was one of those who went to bring them relief. (Acts 11:27–30) In fact, even though he was very busy preaching and teaching, he always looked for ways to help Christians who were poor. (Gal. 2:10) In this way, he strengthened the brothers’ confidence that Jehovah would care for them. Today, we too build the faith of our brothers when we use our time, energy, and abilities in relief efforts and when we regularly donate to the worldwide work. In these and other ways, we help our brothers to trust that Jehovah will never abandon them.

How should we treat those who have become spiritually weakened?

Paul did not give up on those who had become spiritually weak. He showed compassion and spoke to them in a positive and loving way (Heb. 6:9; 10:39). For example, in his Letter to the Hebrews, he often spoke to them in terms of “we,” not “you,” to indicate that he too needed to apply the advice he gave (Heb. 2:1, 3). Like Paul, we do not give up on those who have become spiritually weak. On the contrary, we show our interest in building them up and thus confirming our love for them. Let us remember that the words we say to them are important, but so is the tenderness and affection with which we speak.

Paul confirmed to his brothers that Jehovah had not forgotten their good works. (Heb. 10:32–34) We can do something similar when we try to help a brother who has become spiritually weak. We can ask him to tell us how he learned the truth or help him recall times when he saw Jehovah’s hand. Let us use these opportunities to assure him that Jehovah has not forgotten his past love and that he will not abandon him in the future. (Heb. 6:10; 13:5, 6) These discussions can stir up in our dear brothers a desire to continue serving Jehovah.

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