Make Return Visits (4 mins.) INFORMAL PREACHING. Show the person an article from jw.org related to the topic discussed in the previous conversation (lmd lesson 9 item 4).
Setting: The publisher speaks again with a person who, in a previous conversation, had expressed concern about differences that had arisen in their marriage. During the conversation, the publisher shows the person an article on jw.org and helps them understand that the Bible offers practical advice for dealing with disagreements with patience and forgiveness.
Publisher: Hi, [name]. It's great to see you again. How have you been since we last talked?
Assistant: Hi, [name]. It's so nice to see you too. Well, here we go. The truth is, I'm still a little worried. My husband and I love each other very much, but since we started living together, we've realized we have very different habits. Sometimes we end up arguing over little things.
Publisher: I understand how you feel. It's normal to have an adjustment period at the beginning of a marriage. The wonderful thing is that you want things to work out, and that already shows you value your marriage. Last time I mentioned that the Bible contains very practical advice for family life. Do you remember?
Assistant: Yes, of course. Although I still find it hard to believe that a book written so long ago can help with such current problems.
Publisher: This is a very common question. That's precisely why I wanted to show you this article from jw.org entitled “Having a Happy Marriage.” Notice what it says at the beginning: “The Bible’s advice for having a happy marriage works because it comes from the very Creator of marriage, Jehovah.”
If Jehovah created marriage, it makes sense to think that he knows what it needs to function well. One of the pieces of advice mentioned in the article is found at Colossians 3:13. Would you like to read it?
Assistant: With pleasure. It says: “Keep putting up with one another and forgiving each other generously, even if someone has a reason to complain about another. Jehovah generously forgave you, so do the same.”
Publisher: Thank you. Which idea caught your attention the most?
Assistant: I was struck by the fact that it says there will even be reasons to complain. I thought that if two people love each other, they shouldn't have so many disagreements.
Publisher: It's interesting, isn't it? The Bible is very realistic. It doesn't say that a happy marriage will never have problems. Rather, it acknowledges that differences will arise because we are all imperfect. The important thing is not to completely avoid disagreements, but to learn to react in a way that strengthens the relationship.
Assistant: That makes sense. Sometimes we argue over very small things and then neither of us wants to take the first step to fix things.
Publisher: I think many couples experience this. That's why this verse speaks of forgiving generously. When we remember how much Jehovah forgives us, it becomes easier to be patient and overlook our partner's mistakes. This helps us prevent a small misunderstanding from escalating into a much bigger problem.
Assistant: Yes, I think we sometimes let pride complicate things.
Publisher: Exactly. And the article mentions that forgiveness and good communication go hand in hand. When a couple learns to speak calmly and listen to each other respectfully, it's much easier to resolve differences.
I'm going to send you the link to the article via WhatsApp so you can read it at your leisure. I'm sure you'll find other helpful tips there.
Assistant: Thank you so much. Honestly, I need guidance because I want our marriage to be happy.
Publisher: I'm glad to hear that. Before I go, I'd like to leave you with a question to think about this week: How can a couple communicate respectfully, even when they disagree? The Bible also answers that question. If you'd like, we can discuss that advice together next time and see how to put it into practice.
Assistant: That sounds like a great idea. Thank you so much for taking the time to come and talk to me.
Publisher: It's been a pleasure, [name]. Have a great week, and see you next time.
Comments
Post a Comment