Monday, December 19 Love . . . in deed and truth.​—1 John 3:18.

[Áine]

Monday, December 19

Love . . . in deed and truth.—1 John 3:18.

 

Do you speak up for your spiritual sisters when they need it? Consider the following scenario. Some publishers see that a sister in a divided home often arrives late to the meetings and leaves right away at the end. They note that she seldom brings her children along. So they question why she does not take a more forceful stand with her unbelieving husband, and they criticize her. However, the reality is that the sister is doing the best she can. She does not have complete control over her schedule; nor does she have the final say over her children. If you commend the sister and mention to others what she is doing well, you may stop the negative talk. Elders know that it matters to Jehovah how such ones are treated. (Jas. 1:27) They therefore imitate Jesus’ reasonableness, not making rules when it would be more appropriate to make exceptions. (Matt. 15:22-28) Elders who take the initiative to render aid make their sisters feel supported. w20.0924-25 ¶17-19