SA52 - Help Others During Difficult Times

Imagine a diverse group of people that live in a particular neighborhood. Everyone in this neighborhood has subscribed to playing the same game, and all agree on following the rules as outlined. Eventually, as the game is played, many of the neighbors bend or break certain rules to suit their specific feeling or situation. Almost all of them do this except one neighbor who insists on the strict adherence. They always try to follow the rules exactly as they are written, even if they seems outdated or unnecessary. 

Now, imagine that this game is being overseen by a group of people who have a lot of power and influence. They recognize that if everyone played the game with the same commitment to the rules as the one neighbor, it could result in them losing a tremendous amount of authority and power. To avoid this, they pit all the neighbors against the one who has committed to a strict adherence to the rules, and they begin to target them, accusing them of being the troublemaker and causing problems for the game.

Despite the neighbor's protests that they are simply following the rules as they are written, the people in charge start to punish them. They exclude them from certain parts of the game, or even ban them from playing altogether. The neighbor feels frustrated and confused, as they are simply doing what they believe is right according to what’s written.

In this story, the game represents our modern society, and the group of people in charge represent the world governments. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we are like the neighbor who follows the rules strictly as written in the Bible, even when they may seem outdated or unnecessary by the world’s standards.

This is what it's like in lands where our work is prohibited. Persecution makes life more complicated as the brothers in those lands face many challenges, from economic and health, to the loss of loved ones in death. In such places, elders may not be able to move about or to communicate freely with those who may really need encouragement.

When our work is restricted, elders delegate, then rely on Jehovah to help fill the needs of our brothers and sisters. In these situations, being resourceful is vital. We can help one another, especially when our association is limited and we are confined to smaller groups, this may require that we overlook our brothers’ mistakes and settle differences quickly so that we can maintain peaceful relations. (Ephesians 4:26)

By misrepresentation, innuendo, and falsehood, our way of worship and our obedience to godly principles will come under attack. At that time, we will need to maintain our peace and help our brothers and sisters to do the same. In doing this, we will inherit the joy that Jehovah has always intended for humankind, a perfect and lasting peace.

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.