Speech Quality: Helping Others to Progress
(be p. 187 6-p. 188 3)Help Others to Progress. Concern for others will cause us to keep thinking about those who show interest and to call again on them to share the Bible truths that most directly fill their needs. When contemplating the next call, consider what you learned about them during previous visits. Prepare information on a subject they care about. Highlight the practical value of the material, helping them to see how they can benefit from what they are learning.?Isa. 48:17.
If your listener reveals a situation or problem that has been weighing on his mind, view this as a special opportunity to share the good news with him. Follow the example of Jesus, who was always ready to console those in distress. (Mark 6:31-34) Resist the temptation to offer a quick solution or to give superficial advice. This might cause the person to feel that you lack a sincere interest. Instead, show fellow feeling. (1 Pet. 3:8) Then do research in Bible-based publications, and share upbuilding information to help the person deal with his situation. Of course, loving concern for your listener will prevent you from revealing confidential matters he shares with you unless there is good reason to do so.?Prov. 25:9.
Especially should we show a personal interest in those with whom we conduct Bible studies. Give prayerful thought to the needs of each student, and prepare for the study with those needs in mind. Ask yourself, ?What does he or she need to do next to keep making spiritual progress?? Lovingly help the student to appreciate what the Bible and the publications of ?the faithful and discreet slave? say on the matter. (Matt. 24:45) In some instances, just providing an explanation may not be enough. You may need to show the student how to apply a certain Bible principle, actually doing something together that demonstrates its application.?John 13:1-15.
Balance and good judgment are needed when assisting others to bring their lives into harmony with Jehovah?s standards. People have different backgrounds and abilities, and they progress at different rates. Be reasonable in what you expect of others. (Phil. 4:5) Do not pressure them to make changes in their lives. Allow God?s Word and his spirit to motivate them. Jehovah wants people to serve him out of a willing heart, not under compulsion. (Ps. 110:3) Avoid expressing your own opinions about personal decisions they face, and even if others ask you to do so, be careful not to make decisions for them.?Gal. 6:5.
Are they reasonable anymore? As said before: two standards - one for baptized and another for those who still study!