“May my steps remain in your paths” (Ps. 17:5).
1, 2. How can we prepare ourselves for the problems we may face in our Christian life? Give an example.
Jesus already warned us that there would be difficulties in the Christian life, as he says in Matthew 18:7. This helps us not to idealize the situation, but to be realistic.
Preparing involves something similar to what we do in the face of natural disasters: thinking ahead about what might happen and how to act, as Proverbs 21:5 mentions. If we reflect now on possible trials, such as conflicts, discouragement, or pressure, we will be able to react better when they arrive.
This leads us to believe that spiritual preparation is not a lack of faith; quite the contrary, it is a sign of maturity. Furthermore, in the congregation we learn to support one another to remain steadfast, and that brings great peace of mind.
IF A BROTHER OFFENDS HIM
3. What difficulties might we encounter in the congregation?
One difficulty we might face is feeling hurt by a brother or sister. Although there is much love in the congregation, as John 13:35 says, we are all still imperfect, as 1 John 1:8 indicates.
This means that, at some point, someone might say or do something that hurts us, as James 3:8 mentions. This helps us not to be too surprised when it happens, but to be emotionally prepared.
In daily life, as in any family, misunderstandings can arise. But remembering that we are all striving to please Jehovah helps us to avoid jumping to conclusions, and that protects our hearts.
4. What can we do to be ready now in case a brother offends us? (Ephesians 4:32).
Something that can help us a lot is to cultivate the habit of being kind and forgiving from now on, as Ephesians 4:32 says. If we develop that attitude, it will be easier to react well when someone offends us.
Remembering how much Jehovah forgives us, as Matthew 6:12 teaches, motivates us to do the same for others. This helps us realize that forgiveness is not something we can improvise, but rather something we cultivate over time.
In the congregation, applying this advice prevents small problems from escalating. And when we are able to forgive sincerely, we experience peace and strengthen our relationships, which is invaluable.
5. If someone offends us, what Bible principle can help us? (Proverbs 19:11; see also the pictures.)
A very helpful principle is found in Proverbs 19:11, which encourages us to be understanding and not react with anger. Trying to understand other people's circumstances can completely change our reaction.
This makes us realize that, often, we don't know everything behind an action or word. In daily life, when we try to see things from another person's point of view, conflicts are greatly reduced.
Even sharing the preaching with that brother can help us get to know him better, and that builds empathy. In the end, being understanding not only prevents problems but also strengthens unity.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A brother is offended by the way another brother speaks to him while they are doing maintenance work in the outdoor area of a Kingdom Hall. 2. Later, the brother who was offended happily preaches from house to house with the other brother.
If we have a misunderstanding with a brother, let us try to preach with him. (See paragraph 5.)
6. What will help us to enjoy good friendships in the congregation?
To enjoy good friendships, it is key to focus on the positive qualities of our brothers and sisters, as Romans 12:10 and Philippians 2:3 indicate. If we focus on their flaws, we could easily become discouraged.
This suggests that how we perceive others greatly influences our own happiness. Within the congregation, when we value the good qualities in each person, a warmer atmosphere is created.
Furthermore, comparing ourselves to the rest of the world helps us put things into perspective. And when we change our way of thinking, as Mark did, our friendships are strengthened and we feel more connected.
IF YOU START TO MISS WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND
7. What might lead us to miss the things we left behind?
Although we initially feel relief at leaving this world, memories or a certain nostalgia may arise over time, especially if we experience hardship. As happened with the people of Israel in Numbers 11:4-6, the past is sometimes idealized.
This suggests that the mind can manipulate our memories, making us forget negative experiences. In daily life, losing friendships, a lifestyle, or even certain comforts can affect us emotionally.
But remembering why we made those changes helps us to stay strong. Jehovah greatly values our sacrifices, and that gives us the strength to move forward with joy.
8. What do we learn from Abraham and Sarah?
Abraham and Sarah left a comfortable life to obey Jehovah, as Hebrews 11:8, 9 says. Although they could have thought about what they left behind, they chose to focus on the future, as Hebrews 11:15, 16 mentions. This makes us think that what we feed our minds influences our decisions.
If we dwell on the past, we may become weak; but if we look to Jehovah’s promises, we become strong. In the congregation, this encourages us to speak more about future blessings, and that keeps our motivation and hope alive.
9. How did the apostle Paul view the things he gave up? (Philippians 3:7, 8, 13).
The apostle Paul gave up many things that were valuable from a human perspective, but he himself explained in Philippians 3:7, 8, 13 that he considered them loss compared to serving Christ. Despite suffering greatly, he never looked back with regret.
This leads us to believe that the key lies in how we value the spiritual versus the material. In daily life, we may face sacrifices, but if we remember what we gain spiritually, everything makes sense.
In the congregation, hearing experiences like Paul's strengthens our faith and fills us with peace, knowing that Jehovah rewards with much more than what we leave behind.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Paul considered everything he had left behind to be worthless compared to serving Christ. As Philippians 3:8 says, he focused on the future and on spiritual blessings, not on what he had lost. This teaches us to value our relationship with Jehovah more than anything in the past.
10. What things should we meditate on frequently? (Mark 10:29, 30; see also the pictures.)
This paragraph teaches us to balance our thoughts. If we remember what we left behind, we must also remember why we left it, as Ecclesiastes 7:10 says.
Jehovah has given us so much: a close friendship with him and a loving spiritual family, as mentioned at Mark 10:29, 30. This makes us think that when we fill our minds with gratitude, nostalgia loses its power.
In daily life, focusing on blessings helps us maintain a positive attitude, and in the congregation, sharing these blessings strengthens everyone. Furthermore, the future promised by Jehovah is truly wonderful, and that fills us with hope.
ILLUSTRATION
Instead of dwelling nostalgically on the things we have left behind, let us enjoy the valuable ministry that Jehovah has entrusted to us. (See paragraph 10.)
11. What do you learn from Rosemary?
Rosemary's example is very practical. She replaced past traditions with activities that please Jehovah, applying principles such as Philippians 4:8, 9.
This suggests that it's not just about letting go of things, but about filling that space with something better. In daily life, if we replace what we miss with spiritual or wholesome activities, it will be easier to move forward.
Furthermore, making new friends in the congregation greatly helps to avoid feeling lonely. And when we see that Jehovah brings us new joys, we understand that we never truly lose, but rather gain much more.
IF OTHERS FORSAKE JEHOVAH
12. What situation might prove particularly difficult?
It is a difficult test to see someone close to us leave Jehovah. Although we trust our brothers and sisters, as 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, we are also realistic, as 1 Corinthians 5:13 shows. This makes us realize that our faith cannot be based on the perfection of others.
In daily life, these situations can shake us emotionally, especially if we admired that person. But remembering that we are all imperfect helps us maintain our balance. In the congregation, supporting one another is key in these moments, and in this way we prevent our faith from being weakened by the decisions of others.
13. How can we prepare ourselves so that our faith will not be affected if someone very close to us leaves Jehovah?
To protect our faith, it is essential to strengthen our personal relationship with Jehovah, as James 4:8 states. We cannot depend spiritually on others, but must cultivate our own spirituality through prayer and study, as Psalm 62:8 indicates. This helps us understand that faith is a personal matter that we must nurture every day.
In daily life, having a solid spiritual routine keeps us stable. And in the congregation, although we receive support, each one is responsible for his or her relationship with Jehovah. That gives us security and strength, no matter what happens.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We must strengthen our personal relationship with Jehovah through prayer and study, as James 4:8 says. In this way, our faith will not depend on others, but on our own friendship with God.
14. What do we learn from the apostle Peter? (John 6:66-68).
Peter's example is very powerful. Although others abandoned Jesus, he stood firm because he knew he had the truth, as John 6:68 says. This makes us think that our loyalty should be based on personal convictions.
In daily life, doubts or difficult situations may arise, but remembering why we believe keeps us strong. In the congregation, valuing the truth protects us from stumbling.
Understanding that the mistakes of others do not represent Jehovah or his organization helps us to maintain a balanced view and to move forward in faith.
15. What do you learn from Emily?
Emily's case shows that, even in very painful situations, the support of the congregation is essential. As 1 Peter 5:9 says, we all face trials. This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
In daily life, having strong spiritual friends can make all the difference. That's why it's important to build those friendships before trials come.
In the congregation, affection and mutual support help us to move forward, and feeling that love gives us comfort and strength not to give up.
16. What should we not forget? (See also the image).
It is important to remember that Jehovah disciplines out of love, as Hebrews 12:6 says, and wants everyone to return, according to 2 Peter 3:9. This makes us think that, even in difficult situations, there is hope.
In daily life, viewing discipline as an expression of love changes our perspective. Furthermore, elders strive to help with patience, as indicated in 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.
In the congregation, this demonstrates genuine concern for each person. And knowing that Jehovah never stops loving those who drift away fills us with comfort and hope.
ILLUSTRATION
Two elders visit a man who was removed from the congregation. One of the elders is holding an open Bible, and the other is showing the man a lesson from the booklet “Jehovah Wants You to Return.”
If someone close to us is removed from the congregation, let us remember that the elders want to help him return to Jehovah. (See paragraph 16.)
17. What can we be sure of?
This final paragraph is very reassuring. Jehovah will always give us strength, as promised at 1 Peter 5:10. No matter what happens, nothing can separate us from his love, as Romans 8:38, 39 says. This helps us to know that we do not face difficulties alone.
In our daily lives, trusting in Jehovah gives us peace and security. And in the congregation, remembering these promises strengthens our faith. By taking advantage of his help, we can overcome any trial, and that fills us with confidence and encouragement to keep going faithfully.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR DIFFICULTIES LIKE THESE?
A brother offends us.
If a brother offends us, we should be kind, forgive, and try to understand others.
We begin to miss what we left behind.
We should focus on present and future blessings, and replace the former with things that please Jehovah.
Someone is removed from the congregation.
We must strengthen our personal relationship with Jehovah and not base our faith on others, because each one is responsible for his worship of God.
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