Living as Christians for the week of November 16-22, 2026

Let Us Not Forget Our Inactive Brothers and Sisters

What did you learn from this video?

Galatians 6:10 — So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.

Comment 1: Our inactive brothers and sisters are still part of our spiritual family. As Abi did, all of us can take an interest in them, listen to them, and show them affection; this is not something reserved for the elders.

Comment 2: I was struck by the fact that Laura was dealing with depression. The Workbook explains that many inactive brothers and sisters still love Jehovah, even though they feel overwhelmed by their difficulties. So before drawing conclusions about someone, it is good to remember that we may not know how much that person is suffering.

Comment 3: A first visit that does not go well does not mean that we can no longer help. Abi felt so awkward that she thought about leaving everything in the hands of the elders. But she accepted the encouragement she received and tried again. Her experience encourages us not to give up too quickly.

Comment 4: Brother Clark did not reproach Abi because the visit had not gone well. He commended her for taking an interest in Laura and encouraged her to keep helping her. How important it is to support those who are making a sincere effort to care for others.

Comment 5: Something that helps me is seeing that Abi did not simply repeat the same thing. Before approaching Laura again, she did research and prayed to Jehovah. If we want to help a discouraged brother or sister, it is worthwhile to prepare ourselves and think lovingly about what that person needs.

Comment 6: Good intentions are not enough; how and when we approach someone matters. Abi recognized that she had found Laura at an inopportune time. Later she tried to make a better impression. This reminds me that we should use tact and respect the person’s circumstances, without expecting that he or she will open up right away.

Comment 7: Trust did not develop overnight. Abi continued visiting Laura, and the elders also continued helping her. With time and effort, Laura began to open her heart. So we should not measure the value of our support only by the results we see at first.

Comment 8: Listening attentively is already a way to help. Abi did not have to fix Laura’s life or find an answer for everything. Being there and listening to her enabled Abi to show sincere concern.

Comment 9: At times Laura said things that she did not really feel because of discouragement or depression. Abi simply listened to her attentively. That patience is very valuable: if a brother or sister is suffering, we can strive to understand what is happening instead of immediately reacting to the person’s words.

Comment 10: One day Abi simply hugged Laura and assured her that both she and Jehovah loved her. It was not a lengthy explanation but a sincere expression of affection. Sometimes what a discouraged brother or sister needs most is to feel that he or she is still loved.

Comment 11: The illustration of the lost coin helped Abi understand how valuable Laura was and why it was worth continuing to search for her. It was not just a matter of getting her to resume her spiritual activities. She was her sister, someone valuable whom Abi could come to know and truly love.