Watchtower Study, “Let Him Call the Elders,” Week of November 10-16, 2025, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, “Let Him Call the Elders,” November 10-16, 2025, Comments and Responses.

“Let him call the elders of the congregation” (JAMES 5:14).

1. How has Jehovah shown that he loves all his sheep very much?

Jehovah has shown that he loves all his sheep very much because he bought them with the blood of his Son Jesus and appointed elders to lovingly care for them, encourage them and protect them from spiritual dangers, following the instructions of Christ, the head of the congregation.

2. Who is Jehovah especially interested in? (Ezekiel 34:15, 16).

Jehovah cares for all his sheep, but especially for those who are suffering or facing spiritual difficulties, and he uses the elders to care for them, comfort them, and strengthen them. If we need help, God wants us to pray to him, but he also wants us to turn to the “shepherds and teachers” of the congregation.

3. Why will this article benefit us all?

This article will benefit all of us because it will help us understand how Jehovah uses elders to strengthen us spiritually, when and why we should turn to them, and how they can help us. Furthermore, it will encourage even those who are strong in faith to appreciate more the help Jehovah provides through elders and to prepare themselves in case they may need their support in the future.

WHEN TO “CALL” THE ELDERLY

4. How do we know that James 5:14-16, 19, 20 refers to someone who is spiritually ill? (See also the pictures.)

We know that James 5:14-16, 19, and 20 refers to someone spiritually ill because the text doesn't indicate that a doctor should be called, but rather the elders of the congregation, who assist in spiritual matters. Furthermore, it mentions that the person is healed when their sins are forgiven, which shows that it is a spiritual, not a physical, illness.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A man explains to a doctor that his arm hurts. 2. A brother is sitting on an outdoor bench with an elderly man and is telling him what's wrong.

When we get physically sick, we go to the doctor; when we get spiritually sick, we go to the elders. (See paragraph 4.)

5. How can we check our state of spiritual health?

We can assess our spiritual health by comparing our relationship with Jehovah now with how it was when we were baptized. For example, we can ask ourselves if we still enjoy reading the Bible as much, if we attend meetings regularly, and if the preaching work is still important to us.

If we notice that we have lost enthusiasm or that material things have gained more importance, this may indicate a spiritual weakness. In that case, if we are unable to correct it on our own, we should turn to the elders for help.

6. What should someone do who has committed a serious sin?

Someone who has committed a serious sin should talk to the elders of the congregation. They can help him repair his friendship with God. In addition, he should demonstrate through his actions that he is truly repentant, and one of those actions is confessing his sin to the elders to receive the spiritual help he needs.

7. Who else needs the help of the elderly?

Those who are spiritually weak also need the help of the elders. For example, those struggling with wrong desires or past habits can turn to the elders for encouragement, practical advice, and reminders of Jehovah’s support and approval. The elders help strengthen the faith of those who strive to remain steadfast and not give up in their spiritual battle.

8. What kind of mistakes do you not need to tell the elderly about?

It is not necessary to tell the elders every mistake we make that we can correct by following Bible principles. For example, if we offend someone, we can make peace with that person by following Jesus’ counsel at Matthew 5:23, 24. However, if the problem persists or we are unable to resolve it on our own, then we can ask an elder for help.

WHY “CALL” THE ELDERLY

9. Even if we feel embarrassed to talk to the elders, why should we do it? (Proverbs 28:13).

Even if we feel embarrassed to talk to the elders, we should do so because Jehovah has appointed them to help us stay strong and spiritually healthy. By going to them, we demonstrate trust in God and his instructions, and we can receive his mercy and forgiveness by confessing and forsaking our sins.

10. What can happen if we try to hide our sins?

If we try to hide our sins, we will harm ourselves, just as King David did, suffering spiritually, emotionally, and physically for concealing his mistakes. Spiritual problems, like physical injuries, worsen if left untreated. That is why Jehovah lovingly invites us to go to the elders to “set things right” and restore our spiritual health.

11. What else can happen when serious sins are hidden?

When serious sins are hidden, not only is the personal relationship with Jehovah harmed, but also the spiritual peace of the congregation, since God's spirit may cease to flow freely.

Furthermore, if we know that someone has committed a serious sin and we conceal it, we also bear responsibility. Therefore, we should lovingly encourage that person to speak with the elders, thus helping to keep the congregation clean and to restore their relationship with God.

HOW THE ELDERLY HELP US

12. How do the elderly support those who are spiritually weak?

Elders support those who are spiritually weak by listening to them with patience and understanding. They ask wise questions to understand what the person feels and thinks, and they are not quick to judge or draw conclusions. They strive to listen attentively and offer advice only after fully understanding the situation.

Furthermore, they show empathy and dedication, knowing that some difficulties require time to resolve and that their goal is to help restore the person's relationship with Jehovah.

13. What else will the elderly do to help us? (See also the pictures.)

Elders help us by praying for us and using the Bible to comfort and strengthen us. Their prayers have a powerful effect that can lift our spirits.

Furthermore, they apply “oil in the name of Jehovah”; that is, they lovingly and skillfully use the truths of God’s Word to comfort, console, and help us restore our relationship with Jehovah. Through their counsel and support, Jehovah strengthens us and shows us the right path.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. The doctor in the previous image is examining the man's arm. There is an X-ray of the arm on the wall. 2. The elderly man in the previous image is with another elderly man at the brother's house, encouraging him with the Bible. The brother listens to them with a smile.

Elderly people use the Bible for comfort and solace. (See paragraphs 13 and 14.)

14. According to Galatians 6:1, how do elders help someone who takes “a false step”? (See also the pictures.)

Elders help those who take “a false step” by gently correcting them and showing kindness and compassion. Like a doctor who carefully realigns a bone to avoid causing further pain, they offer gentle and humble counsel, remembering that they too are imperfect. Their goal is to restore the brother’s friendship with Jehovah, not to judge him or cause him further pain.

15. What can we do if we have a problem?

If we have a problem, we can confidently approach the elders of the congregation, as they maintain confidentiality and base their advice on the Bible, not on personal opinions. Although each one has a different personality and experience, they are all qualified to help us.

We shouldn't just seek out those who tell us what we want to hear, but rather accept guidance based on God's Word. Furthermore, elders can collaborate with one another to give us the best possible counsel, demonstrating humility and wisdom.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DOES EACH OF US HAVE?

16. What responsibility do we have?

We have a personal responsibility to show Jehovah, through our words and actions, that we love him and want to please him. Although the elders guide us with the Bible, they do not decide for us; each one must apply Bible principles and make his own decisions. This helps us to strengthen our discernment and to be faithful to Jehovah out of personal conviction.

17. What should we be determined to do?

We must be determined to make the most of the wonderful gift Jehovah has given us: the help of the elders. When we feel spiritually weak or sick, we should not hesitate to turn to them, trusting that Jehovah has appointed them to guide us, strengthen us, and feed us with knowledge and understanding.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

When should we "call" the elderly?

We should “call” the elders when we notice that we have a spiritual health problem; that is, when we feel that our relationship with Jehovah is weakening or being damaged.

We don't need to wait for the situation to worsen; we can turn to them as soon as we notice a spiritual weakness or a struggle against an evil desire that we find difficult to control and feel we might lose the battle. If we commit a serious sin, we should also seek their help to restore our friendship with God.

Why should we "call" the elderly?

We should “call” on the elders because Jehovah has given them to help us stay strong and spiritually healthy. By going to them, we show that we trust in God and his instructions. Furthermore, seeking their help protects us from further spiritual harm, prevents us from hiding our mistakes, and helps preserve the peace and cleanliness of the congregation, thus contributing to our maintaining a good relationship with Jehovah.

How do the elderly help us?

The elders listen to us with attention and understanding, strengthen us spiritually, correct us with kindness and humility, and give us Bible-based advice to restore our friendship with Jehovah.

Furthermore, they alleviate our spiritual pain and give us advice without jumping to conclusions, striving to form a complete picture before advising us.