Treasures From God’s Word for the week of September 28 to October 4, 2026

Theme: Let Us Never Stop Helping One Another

During difficult times, a courageous word, a just defense, or a comforting message can make a big difference. At times, we may see that a brother or sister is suffering, has been misunderstood, or needs encouragement. We may not be able to solve all of the person’s problems, but we can do something valuable: never stop helping one another. The events recorded in Jeremiah chapters 38 and 39 show us three very practical ways to do so.

Jeremiah was in a desperate situation. The princes of Judah falsely accused him of conspiring against the king and threw him into a muddy cistern, intending for him to die there. Many knew what had happened. However, Ebed-melech did not merely feel sorry for Jeremiah or think that it was none of his concern. He decided to act and spoke to King Zedekiah in the prophet’s behalf.

Jeremiah 38:7-9 — Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin, so Ebedmelech went out of the king’s house and spoke to the king, saying: “O my lord the king, what these men have done to Jeremiah the prophet is evil! They have thrown him into the cistern, and he will die there because of the famine, for there is no bread left in the city.”

Ebed-melech spoke respectfully, but he also showed courage. He clearly explained that what those men had done was cruel and that Jeremiah would die if he did not receive help. It was not an easy conversation. The princes hated Jeremiah, and defending him could put Ebed-melech in danger. Even so, he did not allow fear to prevent him from doing what was right. As a result of his intervention, the king ordered that Jeremiah be taken out of the cistern.

His example teaches us that speaking up for someone does not mean taking sides without knowing the facts or repeating comments. It means defending what is right. Someone may be criticized because others do not know all of the person’s circumstances. Perhaps a sister arrives late to the meetings because of a family situation that she cannot control. Rather than contribute to the criticism, we can speak positively about what she is doing and help others to view the situation in a balanced way.

We may also notice that an older brother, a widow, a divorced person, or someone carrying a special burden needs practical support. At times, speaking up for that person may involve offering help; at other times, tactfully correcting an unfair impression. Jehovah values that kind of courage. Ebed-melech did not seek prominence; he wanted to protect a faithful servant of Jehovah. And, as we will see, Jehovah did not overlook his kindness or the fear he may have felt after taking action.

Helping someone does not necessarily end when the immediate difficulty is resolved. Ebed-melech had saved Jeremiah, but he may have feared the consequences. He had intervened against powerful men who hated the prophet. Jeremiah understood that his friend needed comfort. Although he himself was confined in the Courtyard of the Guard, he did not remain silent, waiting for Ebed-melech to manage on his own. He did what he could to deliver a reassuring message from Jehovah.

Jeremiah 39:15-18 — While Jeremiah was confined in the Courtyard of the Guard, the word of Jehovah came to him, saying: “Go and tell Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, says: “Here I am fulfilling my words on this city for calamity and not for good, and in that day you will see it happen.”’ “‘But I will rescue you in that day,’ declares Jehovah, ‘and you will not be handed over to the men you fear.’ “‘For I will surely provide you with escape, and you will not fall by the sword. You will have your life as a spoil, because you trusted in me,’ declares Jehovah.”

What comforting words those must have been for Ebed-melech! Jehovah did not hide from him that Jerusalem would suffer calamity, but He personally assured him that He would rescue him. Why? Jehovah said: “Because you trusted in me.” Jeremiah was a true friend because he took an interest in Ebed-melech’s concerns and conveyed the assurance that Jehovah gave him. He did not allow his own limitations to prevent him from comforting someone who needed it.

We too can imitate Jeremiah. Perhaps we know that a brother has gone through an anxious experience, had to make a difficult decision, or received unfair criticism. After offering help, we can continue to show interest. A visit, a phone call, a timely message, or simply listening attentively can give the person peace of mind. We do not need to have all the answers. What matters is showing sincere love and directing attention to the trust that Jehovah deserves.

Comforting does not mean minimizing the pain by saying that everything is fine. Jeremiah did not deny that Jerusalem’s situation was serious. Rather, he conveyed a specific and personal hope. Similarly, we can empathetically acknowledge that someone’s situation is painful while kindly reminding the person that Jehovah sees his or her faithfulness. Such comfort can strengthen the person to keep going. And when the heart is distressed, the person may also need encouragement to continue obeying Jehovah’s direction.

Jeremiah did more than defend and comfort others. He also patiently encouraged them to obey Jehovah. In a very tense situation, he respectfully spoke to King Zedekiah and explained the course that Jehovah wanted him to follow. He did not harshly pressure or try to humiliate him. He pleaded with him to listen to Jehovah’s voice, since obedience would benefit him and allow him to keep living.

Jeremiah 38:20 — But Jeremiah said: “You will not be handed over to them. Obey, please, the voice of Jehovah in what I am telling you, and it will go well with you, and you will continue to live.

These words show that spiritual encouragement can be both very practical and very affectionate. Jeremiah did not present obedience as a burden but as the course that would benefit Zedekiah. We can do something similar. When a brother is discouraged, he may need us to kindly remind him that continuing to trust in Jehovah and obeying His direction will benefit him. Our tone matters greatly. The goal is not to control anyone’s decisions but to strengthen the person’s desire to do what is right.

Think of a sister who recently lost her mother. Grief can leave her without strength and make even normal tasks seem difficult. A caring friend would not need to give her long speeches or expect her to recover quickly. She could listen to her, acknowledge her pain, and lovingly stand by her. At an appropriate time, she could also encourage her to keep drawing close to Jehovah and to accept the congregation’s support. Such encouragement, given tenderly, can be a great comfort.

So before thinking that someone should manage on his or her own, let us ask ourselves: “Does anyone in my congregation need me to speak up for him or her?” Perhaps we can defend a sister who is being misunderstood, help a brother who needs practical support, or comfort someone carrying a silent burden. And when appropriate, we can encourage that person to continue listening to and obeying Jehovah. Let us never underestimate the effect of such loving and timely help.

Ebed-melech courageously spoke up for Jeremiah, and Jeremiah comforted Ebed-melech and encouraged him to trust in Jehovah. Their examples complement each other very well. In the congregation, all of us can help ensure that no one feels alone when facing a difficulty. Let us be alert, speak up for those who need it, comfort others lovingly, and encourage them to obey Jehovah. In this way, we will show that we truly never stop helping one another.