Monday, June 29 These are the ones who . . . bear fruit with endurance.​—Luke 8:15.

[Áine]

Monday, June 29

These are the ones who . . . bear fruit with endurance.—Luke 8:15.

 

If you have ever felt discouraged when preaching in less responsive territories, you will relate to the apostle Paul. During his approximately 30-year-long ministry, he helped numerous individuals to become disciples of Christ. (Acts 14:21; 2 Cor. 3:2, 3) Still, he did not succeed in moving many Jews to become true worshippers. On the contrary, most rebuffed Paul, and some even persecuted him. (Acts 14:19; 17:1,4, 5, 13) How did that adverse reaction from the Jews affect Paul? He freely admitted: “I am telling the truth in Christ . . . I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart.” (Rom. 9:1-3) Why did Paul experience such feelings? His heart was in the preaching work. He preached to the Jews out of deep concern for them. So it pained Paul to see them reject God’s mercy. Like Paul, we preach to people out of heartfelt concern.—Matt. 22:39; 1 Cor. 11:1. w18.05 13 ¶4-5

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Ref.from 2003 WT on Luke 8:15:

 

 

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“Knowing that we have Jesus’ full support inspires optimism and perseverance, whatever the reaction in the territory.”—Harry, age 72; baptized 1946.

 

“The scripture 2 Corinthians 2:17 always encourages me. It says that we share in the ministry ‘under God’s view, in company with Christ.’ When I’m in the ministry, I enjoy the company of my best friends.”—Claudio, age 43; baptized 1974.

 

“Frankly, the preaching work is a personal struggle for me. Yet, I experience the truth of the words found at Psalm 18:29: ‘By my God I can climb a wall.’”—Gerard, age 79; baptized 1955.

 

“If I can read just one scripture in the ministry, it satisfies me that someone had his heart examined by the Bible.”—Eleanor, age 26; baptized 1989.

 

“I keep trying different approaches. There are so many that I will not be able to use them all in the remaining years of my life.”—Paul, age 79; baptized 1940.

 

“I do not take negative responses personally. I try to have a relaxed approach, conversing with people and listening to their viewpoint.”—Daniel, age 75; baptized 1946.

 

“I have met newly baptized ones who told me that my preaching work played a part in their becoming Witnesses. Unknown to me, someone else later studied the Bible with them and helped them to progress. It gives me joy to know that our ministry is a team effort.”—Joan, age 66; baptized 1954.

 

What helps you to “bear fruit with endurance”?—Luke 8:15.

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Edited June 29, 2020 by Lieblingskind