1. Why do some of Jehovah's servants sometimes feel lonely?
ALMOST all of us have felt alone at some point. For some, it is temporary. But, in the case of others, it is a feeling that they cannot shake off. There are those who feel lonely despite being surrounded by many people. Some find it difficult to adjust to their new congregation. Others come from close-knit families and feel a great emptiness when they move away. There are those who have lost a loved one and greatly miss their company. And some Christians, especially those new to the truth, feel lonely because of rejection or opposition from non-Witness family members and former friends.
2. What questions will we answer in this article?
Jehovah knows us well and understands us. So he knows when we feel alone and wants to help us. In this article, we will answer the following questions: How does Jehovah help us fight loneliness? What can we do if we feel alone? And what can we do to help the brothers in our congregation who feel alone?
JEHOVAH IS PENDING ON HOW WE FEEL
ILLUSTRATION:
An angel awakens Elijah and suggests that he eat something. Beside him is a round loaf on heated stones and a jug of water.
Jehovah sent an angel to Elijah to confirm that he was not alone. (See paragraph 3).
3. How did Jehovah show that he was watching over Elijah?
Jehovah cares deeply about the welfare of all his servants. He is close to each of us and knows when discouragement has overtaken us (Ps. 145: 18, 19). Let's see how he was aware of the prophet Elijah. This faithful servant of God lived through a difficult time in the history of the people of Israel. Powerful enemies of God cruelly persecuted his servants and were bent on murdering Elijah (1 Kings 19: 1, 2). Elijah thought that he was the only prophet of Jehovah left, and this had him very distressed (1 Kings 19:10). Right away, Jehovah did something to help Elijah: He sent an angel to confirm that he was not alone and that there were still many faithful Israelites. --1 Kings 19: 5, 18.
4. How does Mark 10:29, 30 show that Jehovah cares for those who have lost the support of family or friends?
Jehovah knows that we have made many sacrifices in order to serve him. We may have lost the support of family and friends who do not serve Jehovah. Once, the apostle Peter said to Jesus, perhaps a little worried: “Look, we have left everything to follow you. What are we going to receive? " (Matt. 19:27). Lovingly, Jesus confirmed to his disciples that they would have a huge spiritual family (read Mark 10:29, 30). And our heavenly Father, Jehovah, promises to support those who serve him. —Psalm 9:10. Let's see how we can benefit from that help in the fight against loneliness.
WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE FEEL ALONE?
5. Why is it good for us to think about how Jehovah is helping us?
Think about how Jehovah is helping us (Ps. 55:22). This will help us to see things in balance. A single sister named Carol, * who is the only Witness in her family, says: “What really helps me not feel alone is thinking about how Jehovah has supported me when I have had difficulties. This confirms that Jehovah will not abandon me in the future.
6. How can 1 Peter 5: 9, 10 encourage those who are lonely?
Think about how Jehovah is helping other brothers who feel lonely. --Read 1 Peter 5: 9, 10. Hiroshi, a brother who for years has been the only Witness in his family, says: “In the congregation, it is easy to see that no one has the perfect circumstances. Knowing that we are all giving our best to Jehovah encourages those of us who have no family in truth. "
7. How does prayer help you?
Maintain a good spiritual routine. It is important that we open our hearts to Jehovah and tell him how we feel. --1 Pet. 5: 7. Let us see what Massiel, a young sister to whom her family turned their backs when she decided to serve Jehovah, recounted: “One of the things that helped me most in dealing with feelings of loneliness was praying with all my strength to Jehovah. He was a true Father to me. I talked to him every day, many times a day, and I expressed my feelings to him ”.
ILLUSTRATION:
A widowed brother listens to audio recordings.
Listening to recordings of the Bible and publications can help us not feel so alone. (See paragraph 8.) *
8. How does reading and meditating on God's Word help you?
It is also important to read God's Word regularly and meditate on stories that remind us of how much Jehovah loves us. Bianca, a sister who has to put up with negative comments from her family, says: "It helps me a lot to read Bible stories and biographies of Jehovah's servants who have gone through similar problems and to meditate on what I read." Some brethren memorize encouraging texts, such as Psalm 27:10 and Isaiah 41:10. Others prepare for the meetings or do their Bible reading using the audio recordings. They have found that this helps them feel less alone.
9. How does going to meetings benefit you?
We should strive to attend meetings regularly, as they encourage us and give us the opportunity to get to know the brethren better (Heb. 10:24, 25). Massiel, mentioned in paragraph 7, says: “Although I was very shy, I decided to attend all the meetings and give a comment. This helped me feel like I was part of the congregation. "
10. Why is it important that we become friends with faithful brothers?
Make friends with faithful brothers. Let's make friends with brothers who are a good example for us, even if they are not our same age or come from another culture. The Bible reminds us that "there is wisdom among older people" (Job 12:12). But older people can also learn a lot from faithful young people. David was much younger than Jonathan, but they became very good friends (1 Sam. 18: 1). Both gave each other the necessary support to serve Jehovah in the midst of serious difficulties. --1 Sam. 23: 16-18. Irina, a sister who is currently the only Witness in her family, says: “Our fellow Christians can become like parents or brothers. Jehovah can use them to be the family we need. "
11. What do you have to do to have good friends?
Making new friends may not be easy for some, especially if they are a little withdrawn. Let's see what Ratna, a shy sister who faced opposition when she learned the truth, confesses. He says, "I had to accept the fact that I needed the help and support of my spiritual family". It may be difficult for us to express to someone how we feel, but that is the basis of a good friendship. Our friends want to encourage and support us, but we must help them know how to do it.
12. How does preaching help us make good friends?
Participating in the ministry with other brothers is one of the best ways to make friends. Carol, quoted in paragraph 5, says: “I have made many nice friends by preaching with the sisters and participating in other theocratic activities. Jehovah has used these friendships over the years to support me". Without a doubt, it is worth the effort to make friends with faithful brothers. Jehovah uses them to help us in difficult times, such as when we feel alone. --Prov. 17:17.
LET OTHERS FEEL PART OF OUR FAMILY
13. What responsibility do we all have?
We must all contribute to peace and love in the congregation. Thus no one will feel totally alone (John 13:35). What we do and say can make a difference. One sister recalls: “When I learned the truth, the congregation became my family. Without their support, I would not have been able to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. " What can we do to make those who are alone in the truth feel part of the congregation?
14. How can we make friends with those who are new to the congregation?
Let's take the initiative and offer our friendship. We can begin by lovingly welcoming those who are new to the congregation (Rom. 15: 7). But we must go beyond a friendly greeting. We want to make good friends over time. To do this, let's be nice and show sincere interest in the new ones. Let's try to understand the problems they have without intruding on their life. Since some may find it difficult to say how they feel, let's be careful not to make them feel compelled to speak up. Rather, let's ask prudent questions lovingly and listen patiently. For example, we can ask them how they came to know Jehovah.
15. How can mature Christians help other brothers in the congregation?
When mature Christians, especially the elderly, take an interest in others, the congregation is spiritually strengthened. Melissa, who was raised in the truth by her mother, says: “Words are not enough for me to thank that, over the years, there have been siblings willing to act like parents to me. Whenever I need to speak, there is someone who listens to me ”. Let's see what Mauricio, a young brother who felt abandoned when his former Bible teacher became inactive, recounted: “One of the things that helped me the most was the personal interest of the elderly. They took time to talk to me regularly, they accompanied me in the preaching work, they told me about some pearl that they had found in their personal study of the Bible and they even played sports with me ”.
ILLUSTRATION:
A brother and his daughter visit an older brother and bring him cookies.
Is there anyone in the congregation who would appreciate our offering our love and companionship? (See paragraphs 16-19). *
16, 17. In what practical ways could we help some brothers?
Let's give practical help (Gal. 6:10). A missionary named Leo, who serves away from his family, says, “Often all you need is a simple act of kindness at the right time. I remember what happened one day when I had an accident with my vehicle. When I finally got home, my nerves were on edge. But then a couple invited me to their house to eat something simple. I don't remember what they gave me, but the affection with which they listened to me stayed with me. In the end, I felt much better. "
We all enjoy being in our special meetings, such as assemblies, in part because we are with the brethren and we talk about the program. But let's see what Carol, quoted earlier, explains: “Assemblies are especially difficult occasions for me, because, although I am surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of brothers, most of them are with their families. The feeling of loneliness is very strong ”. Some find it very hard to go to an assembly for the first time after the death of their husband or wife. Do we know someone who is in a similar situation? Could we invite him to be with our family at the next special gathering?
18. How can we show hospitality according to 2 Corinthians 6: 11-13?
Let's spend time together. Let's try to include different brothers and sisters in our social activities, especially those who might feel lonely. We want to “open our hearts wide,” especially with them (read 2 Corinthians 6: 11-13). Melissa, quoted in paragraph 15, recalls: "We loved that some families invited us to come to their house or go on a trip with them". Is there someone in our congregation with whom we could be hospitable?
19. At what times is it very important for us to be close to some brothers?
There are certain times of the year when some brothers would appreciate having us around. For example, those with non-Witness family members can find the holidays difficult. For others, there are certain dates that are very painful, such as the anniversary of the death of a loved one. When we spend time with these brothers, we show them that we sincerely care for them (Philippians 2:20).
20. How can Jesus' words in Matthew 12: 48-50 help us when we feel alone?
There are many reasons why a Christian might sometimes feel lonely. But we must not forget that Jehovah knows very well how we feel. He often uses our brothers to give us what we need (read Matthew 12: 48-50). For our part, we can show that we appreciate it by striving to support our spiritual family. No matter how we feel at times, we are never alone, because Jehovah is there, by our side.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why do we know that Jehovah is watching how we feel?
He knows that we have made sacrifices to serve him or we go through difficult situations and he uses brothers to encourage us just as he did with Elijah sending an angel.
What can we do if we feel alone?
Think about how Jehovah helps us. And how it helps those who feel lonely. Maintain a good spiritual routine. Make friends with faithful brothers.
What can we do so that the brothers feel part of the congregation?
Let us offer our friendship, let us show genuine interest. Let's give practical help, visit them or invite them to our homes.
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