TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, Week of June 23-29, 2025, Be a True Friend to the Brethren, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, June 23-29, 2025, Be a True Friend to the Brethren, Prepared Speech.

Be a true friend to siblings (10 mins.)

Dear brothers and sisters: Today our hearts beat with the same desire: to learn to be true friends in the family of faith.

In a world where friendship is often measured by fleeting reactions on a screen, we long for something deeper. We want bonds that are born of the spirit and stand the test of time.

Wise King Solomon, guided by Jehovah, left gems in Proverbs that inspire us today to strengthen these bonds. Let's start with the first.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 19:11

“A man’s insight restrains his anger, and it is a beautiful gesture when he overlooks an offense.”

Let's think about that illustration in the photographs. After a preaching outing or a recreational meeting, we all smile at the camera. But alas! In one of the shots, a brother appears distracted or with his eyes closed. What do we do? We erase that image and keep the other two, in which everyone reflects joy.

This is how spiritual memory works. We have dozens, perhaps hundreds, of luminous memories of those around us. If one day someone utters an unfortunate word, let's erase that frame. Let's not store the offense as if it were the only proof of their personality.

To overlook an error—the text says—is beautiful, elegant, worthy of a discerning servant. Thus we protect inner peace and the unity of the congregation.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 19:17

“Whoever shows compassion to the needy lends to Jehovah, and he will repay him.”

What a moving prospect! Helping a brother is, in reality, lending to Jehovah himself.

Let's recall the experience of our activity guide, Ana and her husband. After the storm, they found a homeless family without clean clothes. Without fanfare or fuss, they loaded the baskets, washed, ironed, and returned each item immaculately.

Years later, Ana says that gesture "was nothing special," but the friendship born that afternoon continues to flourish. Doesn't this confirm that practical love magnifies even the simplest task?

Therefore, when you notice a need—whether it's a roof repair, a plate of food, or a listening ear—act without delay. Your hand will be Jehovah's outstretched hand. Practice loyal love. This is what the following proverb teaches us.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 19:22

“What is desirable in a man is his loyal love, and it is better to be poor than to be a liar.”

The world exalts contractual loyalty: pay in exchange for work. But Jehovah admires something purer. David demonstrated this with Jonathan. Although King Saul sought his life, the young shepherd kept alive his affection for his absent friend.

Decades later, that loyal love extended to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. There was no legal obligation, only gratitude that flowed from the soul. So it is today: we remain in the congregation not because of a work contract, but for the pleasure of loving those whom Jehovah loves.

Loyal love endures when a brother grows old, falls ill, or moves away. It endures when economic circumstances change and he can no longer offer us as much as before. It endures even if his opinion differs from ours on personal matters. This virtue—the proverb says—is more valuable than any wealth.

Therefore, brothers, let us practice listening with empathy. Don't interrupt. Don't minimize the feelings of others. Remember that the design in the human heart is like deep water. Celebrate the achievements of others. If a brother receives a new privilege or achieves a theocratic goal, be genuinely happy.

Plan bond-building activities: a field trip, a family Bible study with games, or just a cup of coffee can be a relief.

Pray by name. Mention your friends in your prayers. Then, when you see them, your treatment will be more tender, because you have already carried them before the power of Jehovah.

In short, being a true friend to our brothers and sisters is not a passing project, but an ongoing mission that reflects the personality of our God. When we erase offenses, lend to Jehovah through compassion, and cultivate loyal love, we weave a tapestry of brotherhood that the world cannot tear apart.

Let us ask Jehovah to help us save only the beautiful photos, to turn our energy into acts of mercy, and to seal our promises with loyal love. Thus, the congregation will not only say we are friends, but will feel it in every hug, every gesture, and every treasured memory.

In our guide's photo, we see six smiling siblings standing shoulder to shoulder. We remember that beautiful photos deserve a prominent place on our spiritual shelves. This discreet yet radiant picture symbolizes the memories we choose to preserve: loving faces, embracing diversity, and the warmth of a moment that no imperfection could tarnish.

Let us, then, keep these soul portraits and build many more… until Jehovah’s great family is complete and no one is left out of the frame.