Friday, June 18 You will find refreshment.​—Matt. 11:29.

[Áine]

Friday, June 18

You will find refreshment.—Matt. 11:29.

 

Why is it refreshing for us to do the work Jesus has given us? Because we have the best overseers. Jehovah, our Supreme Overseer, is not a thankless or harsh master. He appreciates the work we do. (Heb. 6:10) And he gives us the power that we need to carry our load of responsibility. (2 Cor. 4:7; Gal. 6:5, ftn.) Jesus, our King, leads by example. (John 13:15) And the elders who shepherd us try to imitate Jesus, “the great shepherd.” (Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:2) They strive to be kind, encouraging, and courageous as they feed and protect us. Also, we have the best companions. No other people have a sense of purpose or a bond of love like ours. Just think: We have the privilege of working with people who have the highest moral standards but who are not self-righteous. They consider others superior to them. They view us not only as fellow workers but also as friends. And that bond is so close that they are willing to give their lives for us! w19.09 20 ¶1; 23 ¶12-14

[Vinnie]

Honestly, I find the preaching and teaching work the hardest thing to do. To me it's a burden, but that's the depression and negativity talking. What is refreshing is that Jehovah and Christ Jesus understand my limitations and appreciate any little thing I do to magnify his name.  Romans 12:7,8 tells us we all have gifts and work we can accomplish  in Jehovah's service. "Since, then, we have gifts differing according to the undeserved kindness given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the faith proportioned [to us];7 or a ministry, [let us be] at this ministry; or he that teaches, [let him be] at his teaching;8 or he that exhorts, [let him be] at his exhortation; he that distributes, [let him do it] with liberality; he that presides, [let him do it] in real earnest; he that shows mercy, [let him do it] with cheerfulness." Yes, we do what we can with what we have, and that part is refreshing to  understand.

[Elnathan]

When elders take action to protect the flock they try to dignify the ones who are involved in a wrong course instead of humiliating them. Elders appreciate what we are doing  for Jehovah & avoid harsh criticism but are gentle when caring for us as it is an effective way of reaching hearts and in moving someone to follow a right course. 

They recognize that the flock belongs to Jehovah and Jesus Christ. They had to render an account about how they keep watch over God’s sheep & bear in mind that each sheep was bought with the precious blood of Christ Jesus & they are accountable to Jehovah on how they feed, protect, and care for the flock.