How Are YOU...Able To Cope?

[Timl1980]

"Fierce"..."Tremendous assault of evil"..."EXTRAORDINARILY SAVAGE".

 

https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&prefer=lang&docid=101995282

 

https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&prefer=lang&docid=1997881

 

My dear brothers and sisters...how are YOU able to cope...with living in the LAST of the last days?

 

Above is just a few of the words used to describe the time we are currently living in...and I thought I would create a small thread open to everyone and anyone who is struggling...to tell us how they personally are able to cope. We all know the main answer...Jehovah's holy spirit...and yet...after having spoken to a couple of friends in my local area...I was surprised at the range of answers that showed me just how personal of a question this really is.

 

What surprised me even more... (and thus prompted this post) ...was the instant connection that formed in real time between two sisters who gave me their replies at the hall. (Not that these two sisters didn't already have a strong connection...but this question triggered something even deeper). When one sister expressed herself in response to my question...the other sisters face underwent a litany of expressions...and within seconds she reached out and hugged that sister tightly. When I left the conversation, they were still there...encouragement and warmth spreading through the conversation like budding flowers, their fragrance drifting to every corner of the hall.

 

Then I proceeded to call a particular brother on my way home from the meeting...and as usual...this brother lit up my mind...and that's what I am sharing this morning.

 

This brother asked me if I had ever really studied 2 Timothy 3:1-5 in detail...and I had to admit...not really.

 

He said I should really take a deep dive into those verses...but not for the reason I would normally think of looking at them. He said that, while these verses definitely DO describe what people would be like in the last days...he suggested I look at the study note from verse 5...in particular...the portion related to: "from these turn away: Paul has just foretold how bad the world situation would become “in the last days”; however, he also knows that even in his own day, there are people who to some extent display the traits he has listed. (See study notes on 2Ti 3:1, 2.) Paul here uses a strong verb that may suggest avoiding with horror. He thus emphasizes the need to avoid unnecessary association with those who exhibit the qualities he listed. Of course, Christians would treat even such people gently and with kindness but would not choose them as close friends.—See study note on 2Ti 2:24.

 

After reading that...I sat back and thought...wow...so we're supposed to avoid such people to the extent where we feel a sense of horror...and yet...we must treat them with kindness...even gentleness!!

 

I mean...obviously I know that...but suddenly it sank home...this world is full of people who are spiritually sick and dying...and while that fact repulses us...as it should...it also motivates us...again, as it should. 

 

Again...nothing new.

 

But...how do I cope with that understanding? How do I cope with trying to apply what I know we must do? Thats what this brother was asking me...he said once I identify my coping strategies...this will help me not only understand myself better...but if I get insight from my brothers and sisters into what helps them cope...it will allow me to explore other scriptural means of dealing with a world of the, (spiritually), walking dead.

 

He also reminded me that, according to our new understanding...some of those who are now walking around with the signs and symptoms of a spiritual black plague will suddenly, in the very few last moments...become spiritually acceptable to Jehovah to the point where he decides to give them one more chance...in the new system. Have I looked around me and actually tried to view these people in that light? How do I cope with the idea of being gentle to those who hate us?

 

It's not...am I actually and genuinely gentle with such ones...but rather...what are my personal coping mechanisms for putting it into practice.

 

Honestly...I have never thought much about it...I just "cope".

 

Until now...and suddenly I really started to see myself in a different light.

 

For me, some of my coping mechanisms are: I like to go out and take long drives in the country...especially in the summer...and specifically in the evening. The sights, the sounds...the smell of the evening air...especially if I drive to a lake or a river...it calms and soothes me...and I feel better. If I'm unable to go out...I play chess...it relaxes me and helps to calm my mind. I really enjoy my spiritual research as well...it helps keep me centered and focused on Jehovah...even when it's something small that I'm looking at.

 

Now I will open it up to whoever would like to comment: How do YOU cope with living in the last of the last days?

[dilip kumar]

Phil 4 : 8 divert your mind to good things. 

 

Have good association with spiritually strong people. They should be more strong than you. 

They need not  be  in your congregation. 

 

Read Bible . Read about Bible characters who were tough than the tough times they faced. ( Paul ,Joseph)

 

Prepare for meetings. 

 

Keep yourself busy. Clean your house. It will help you clean your mind too.

 

Send me a personal message and love me.

 

(😇)

 

 

 

 

 

[Dages]

26 minutes ago, dilip kumar said:

Send me a personal message and love me.

I love you Dilip. You are refreshing

 

[dilip kumar]

2 hours ago, Dages said:

love you Dilip

Ty dear brother. Never expected this lovely love. This spiritual love removes me of 

I Peter 2 : 17a

[dilip kumar]

1 hour ago, dilip kumar said:

removes

Reminds me of....

[computerwiz]

On 3/30/2025 at 8:30 AM, Timl1980 said:

How do YOU cope with living in the last of the last days?

 

Stay busy in Jehovah's service.  Too busy to get lazy or stray...