SA29 - How to Give Advice
Giving advice, driven by love, fosters “sweet friendship” and is a duty for Jesus’ followers, especially elders, who shepherd the congregation with Bible-based counsel. (John 13:35; Proverbs 27:9) Elders and all believers should provide tactful, timely advice, following Jesus’ example as the Wonderful Counselor, to support and guide others effectively. (Isaiah 9:6; 1 Peter 5:2, 3)
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HOW TO GIVE EFFECTIVE ADVICE
- Love Drives Counsel: Jesus’ followers show love by giving needed counsel, fostering “sweet friendship”. (John 13:35; Proverbs 27:9)
- Elders’ Role: Jehovah, through Jesus, assigns elders to shepherd with Bible-based counsel in talks and to individuals. (1 Peter 5:2, 3)
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COUNSEL AT THE MIDWEEK MEETING
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Chairman’s Role: The chairman offers sincere commendation and tactful counsel to students, benefiting the entire congregation. (Proverbs 27:17)
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IMITATE JESUS WHEN GIVING ADVICE
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Jesus’ Wisdom: Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, based advice on Jehovah’s wisdom, not his own. (John 14:10; Isaiah 9:6)
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Timing Matters: Jesus gave advice at the right time, sharing only what disciples could handle. (John 16:12; Ecclesiastes 3:7)
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Tactful Approach: Jesus counseled humbly with mildness and respect, even when repeated. (Matthew 18:1-5)
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WHEN WE ARE ASKED TO GIVE ADVICE
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Assess Qualification: First, consider if you’re qualified to advise, or direct to someone who is. (Proverbs 15:28)
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Meditate First: Like Nathan, take time to consult Jehovah before advising to avoid errors. (1 Chronicles 17:1-4; James 1:19)
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Shared Responsibility: Be cautious, as poor counsel may lead to negative outcomes, making you partly responsible.
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GIVING COUNSEL WITHOUT BEING ASKED
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Prepare the Heart: Elders prepare a person for unsolicited counsel, like softening soil for planting. (Galatians 6:1)
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Show Love and Skill: Elders assure with love, show errors scripturally, and pray to aid correction. (James 5:15; Romans 3:23)
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Ensure Understanding: Use tactful questions to confirm the person absorbs the counsel. (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
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GIVING ADVICE AT THE RIGHT TIME AND IN THE RIGHT WAY
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Avoid Anger: Resist giving advice in anger, as it doesn’t produce righteousness. (James 1:20)
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Elihu’s Example: Elihu waited and spoke with respect and love, showing the right way to counsel. (Job 32:2; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7)
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CONTINUE TO GIVE AND TO ACCEPT ADVICE
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Jehovah’s Support: Jehovah provides ongoing advice and helps us apply it. (Psalm 32:8)
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Valuable Counsel: Elders and friends giving Bible-based advice are like streams in a dry land or gold in silver carvings. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Proverbs 25:11)
Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.