LIVING AS CHRISTIANS, Week of August 18-24, 2025, “A Brother in Times of Trouble.” Video: “There is a Time for Everything.” Making Friends Takes Time. Analysis and Responses.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS, August 18-24, 2025, “A Brother in Times of Trouble.” Video: “There Is a Time for Everything.” Making Friends Takes Time. Analysis and Responses.

“A Brother in Times of Trouble” (15 mins.) Analysis with the audience.

Read Proverbs 17:17. Then ask:

Why is it good to cultivate strong friendships now, before the Great Tribulation begins?

Because in the Great Tribulation, we will need emotional and spiritual support more than ever. If we cultivate strong friendships now, we will have people who already know us well, trust us, and will be willing to help us even in extreme circumstances. Furthermore, we can also be that support for them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because true friends support us in difficult times and help us remain faithful to Jehovah. If we strengthen those friendships now, when the great tribulation comes, we'll already have a group of loyal brothers and sisters to encourage us, pray for us, and give us practical and emotional support. Just as Proverbs 17:17 says, a true friend loves at all times and is like a brother in times of trouble.

In addition to practical help, strong friendships protect us spiritually, because a loyal friend can warn us if they notice we're letting our guard down spiritually. This helps us correct our course before problems worsen.

Cultivating friendships now gives us time to get to know each other better and learn to trust each other. When greater trials come, that trust will already be tested, and we won't have to build it in the midst of a crisis.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:12, 13. Then ask:

How can these verses help us be good friends?

We're taught that to be good friends, we must open our hearts and show genuine affection, without putting up emotional barriers. This means being receptive, expressing our affection, and maintaining open communication so that friendship can grow and strengthen.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In 2 Corinthians 6:12-13, Paul encourages us to open our hearts and show genuine affection. This teaches us that to be good friends, we must be sincere, communicate lovingly, listen empathetically, and not hold back positive feelings. When we open our hearts, trust grows and friendship strengthens, allowing us to support one another in any situation.

It reminds us not to put up emotional barriers between us. If we express appreciation and genuine interest in each other's lives, we strengthen the bonds of friendship and become a true source of support.

It also encourages us to be proactive: not waiting for the other person to approach us, but taking the first step to talk, encourage, and offer help. This willingness opens the other person's heart and creates a deeper friendship.

Play the video "There's a time for everything." Making friends takes time. Then ask:

What does this video teach you about friendship?

It teaches us that maintaining a friendship requires patience and a willingness to understand the other person, even when it's not easy to understand what they're feeling. It also highlights that being present and supportive during difficult times is what makes a friendship stronger and lasts over time. Sometimes maintaining a friendship is harder than making one; therefore, we must dedicate time, listen, be understanding, and be willing to support them in times of distress.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It teaches us that even when misunderstandings or arguments arise, a true friend doesn't walk away, but instead looks for ways to get closer and maintain the friendship.

This video taught me that true friendship doesn't happen overnight, but rather requires time, interest, and dedication. Just as a plant needs care to grow, friendship requires us to spend time together, to listen, to support, and to be honest.

It also reminded me that it's not about having many acquaintances, but rather about cultivating a few friendships, but ones that are deep and loyal, so that we can support each other in good times and bad.

It helped me see that a strong friendship is built through perseverance, not just pretty words. If I truly want a good friend, I must invest time in getting to know them, understanding them, and sharing experiences.

It also made me think that being a good friend means showing interest in the other person without always expecting something in return. When you sow sincere affection and support, over time you receive a friendship that is truly worthwhile.