Encouragement information needed.

[myvalk]

A brother and I are going to be visiting a married sister who’s husband, although a baptized witness, only goes to the Memorial for the last few decades. This sister is faithfully at every meeting and assembly.

Does anybody know of any articles that I can read beforehand to encourage this sister?

 Thanking you in advance. 

[Meditate!]

Hi Fred..

 

You don't say why you are going.. you have been asked to, want to or invited round? (it could make a difference on what you say)

 

Anyway what most of us want is not for others to take our burdens of us (they can't) but show that we understand a little of what they have to put up with.. We can only find that out by listening to them. If we go armed with a prescription they may well be polite but it may not be what they need.

 

Listening properly without interrupting or diverting attention to our situation/problems will show that you really care about her.. If you went to a doctor and he started telling you his problems you might well get upset over it.. rightly too! If she says something a little negative it may be because of some pressure (wild talk); don't scold or tell her off!

 

After listening you can give genuine praise. Be specific; mention perhaps a difficult time where she showed extra effort to get to a meeting, the weather was awful or se was not quite 100%.. but still got there. Tell how Jehovah must have felt and still does about her.

 

Heb 6:10 

For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.

 

Ask if there is something practical you can do for her AND her husband.

 

A prayer is always welcome but ask her what you would like to to ask for on her behalf...  when you have left, keep praying for her. Hope this helps

[myvalk]

I am a ministerial servant and the other brother is an elder, and it’s basically a shepherding call on one of the members of our service group. It’s an ongoing process. 
And thank you for your reply. 

Edited November 6, 2019 by Fmkehoe
Additional comments.

[carlos]

8 minutes ago, Fmkehoe said:

I am a ministerial servant and the other brother is an elder, and it’s basically a shepherding call on one of the members of our service group. It’s an ongoing process. 
And thank you for your reply. 

The elder will carry the weight of the visit. He surely has prepared some encouraging information. So your role in that visit is basically giving some commendation and encouragement.

In the God's Love book there is a footnote that I have always found very practical to give encouragement, adapting it to the circumstances.

 

Quote

*** lv chap. 3 p. 30 Love Those Whom God Loves ***
As recorded at 1 Samuel 23:17, Jonathan said five things to encourage David: (1) He urged David not to be afraid. (2) He assured David that Saul’s efforts would fail. (3) He reminded David that he would receive the kingship, as God had promised. (4) He pledged his loyalty to David. (5) He told David that even Saul was aware of Jonathan’s loyalty to David.

 

You could thing of some very specific things you admire and appreciate in this faithful sister and praise her for them. That way she will realize that her efforts don't go unnoticed. Hebrews 6:10 quoted by Alan above is a wonderful scripture. Assure her that Jehovah loves her dearly and so does the congregation.

Edited November 6, 2019 by carlos

[myvalk]

Very good and encouraging information. Thank you both. 
 

fred