APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: Week of December 2-8, 2024, Openness: Imitate Jesus. Audience discussion based on the booklet A Labor of Love, lesson 12 points 3-5 and “See also. Answers.

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: December 2-8, 2024, Openness: Imitate Jesus. Audience discussion based on the booklet A Labor of Love, Lesson 12 points 3-5 and “See also. Answers.

Openness: Imitate Jesus (8 mins.) Audience discussion based on the booklet A Labor of Love lesson 12 points 3-5 and “See Also.”

3. Help the student set and achieve goals.

Use the “Propose This” box in each lesson of the Enjoy Life manual.

These boxes offer practical, achievable steps that allow students to apply what they learn in their daily lives. This helps them develop strong spiritual habits and see how biblical teachings benefit them personally.

Help the student know the steps they need to take to achieve their short- and long-term goals.

Guiding him on a clear path keeps him focused and motivated. Short-term goals (such as attending meetings or reading the Bible regularly) prepare him for larger goals (such as dedicating himself to Jehovah and getting baptized). This structured approach keeps him from feeling overwhelmed and gives him a sense of ongoing accomplishment.

Frequently praise your student for his or her progress.

Recognition reinforces good behavior and encourages you to keep moving forward. It shows you that your efforts are valuable and that Jehovah, like you, appreciates your progress. This strengthens your confidence and your desire to continue learning and growing spiritually.

4. Identify the obstacles that prevent your student from progressing and help him/her overcome them.

Ask yourself, “If my student is not progressing toward baptism, what might be holding him or her back? ” “What can I do to help?”

By identifying what may be holding the student back, the teacher can work with him to set specific goals to help him move forward, such as regularly attending meetings, participating in preaching, or strengthening his faith through personal study.

These questions reflect the teacher's love and responsibility in guiding someone toward baptism and, therefore, toward a closer relationship with Jehovah.

Ask Jehovah to give you courage to tell your student honestly and lovingly what he or she needs to do to continue making progress.

Asking Jehovah for courage to speak openly and lovingly is important because it ensures that the teacher addresses difficult subjects with wisdom, love, and clarity, helping the student to identify and overcome spiritual obstacles while demonstrating dependence on Jehovah and a genuine interest in his or her progress.Books of Jehovah

5. End the Bible course if the student does not progress.

To know if you should continue with a Bible course, ask yourself:

“Does the student put into practice what he learns?”

“Do you attend meetings and tell others about the truth?”

“If you have been studying for a while, do you want to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?”

If the student shows no signs of progress:

Encourage him to identify what is holding him back.

Tactfully explain to him why you are going to stop studying with him.

Tell him clearly what changes he needs to make if he wants to resume the course in the future.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Ensure that the course has a spiritual purpose: Evaluating whether the student puts into practice what he or she learns and shows a desire to progress helps confirm that his or her interest is sincere and that he or she is moving toward a relationship with Jehovah.Books of Jehovah

They help you manage time and resources wisely: If a student is not progressing, that time can be spent helping someone more receptive, maximizing your preaching effort.

They encourage the student's personal responsibility: By encouraging him to identify what is holding back his progress and explaining the necessary changes, it helps him to reflect and make clear decisions about his spiritual path.

They reflect love and respect: Taking a tactful and clear break from studying shows respect for the student and leaves the door open for them to return to the course if they choose to make the necessary changes.

SEE ALSO

Psalm 141:5.

It teaches us that frank and loving correction is an act of kindness, and accepting it demonstrates humility. Speaking frankly helps others to reflect and advance spiritually.

Proverbs 25:12.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in speaking frankly. While correction is valuable, it must be given to those who are willing to listen. It teaches us that frankness must be accompanied by discernment so that it is not wasted. Speaking frankly is not just about telling the truth, but also knowing when and how to do so so that it is positively received.

Proverbs 27:6.

This verse shows that frankness, even though it may be painful, is a sign of true love and friendship. Speaking frankly, even though it may sometimes cause discomfort, is more valuable than giving pleasant but empty words, because the purpose is to help and edify the other.

1 Corinthians 9:26.

This text helps us to speak with directness because it teaches us to be intentional and conscious of our goals. Just as an athlete has a clear goal when running or fighting, we must have a clear purpose when speaking with directness. When we are direct and sincere, our goal should be to edify, correct, and guide, not simply to speak aimlessly or cause confusion. It encourages us to be deliberate and careful with our words, making sure they are aimed at helping and not hurting without reason.

Colossians 4:5, 6.

This scripture helps us understand how to speak frankly in a wise and loving way. It teaches us that our words should be wise and well thought out, but also full of grace. This means that we should be sincere, but at the same time show respect and courtesy, seeking to build up the other. The “word seasoned with salt” indicates that our conversations should be pleasant and constructive, avoiding speaking in a hurtful or insensitive way. By applying these principles, we can speak frankly in a way that benefits others and reflects Jehovah’s love and wisdom.