An Appeal Based on Love
1. What responsibility do we all have?
Answer 1: All of us have the responsibility to maintain and protect the peace of the congregation. Jehovah makes that peace possible, but each of us contributes through the way we treat our brothers, especially when difficult situations arise.
Romans 12:18 — If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.
Answer 2: Romans 12:18 shows that we should do everything within our power to live at peace. So we do not passively wait for a problem to be resolved; we try to speak and act in a way that promotes peace.
Isaiah 32:17-18 — The result of true righteousness will be peace, And the fruitage of true righteousness will be lasting tranquility and security. My people will dwell in a peaceful abiding place, In secure dwellings and in tranquil resting-places.
Answer 3: The peace we enjoy now allows us to imagine the tranquility and security of Paradise. Isaiah connects true righteousness with peace. Thus, when we do what is right in our relationships with our brothers, we reflect that hope.
2. Briefly tell the story of Philemon and Onesimus (Philemon 8, 9, 17).
Answer 1: Philemon was a Christian from Colossae, and Onesimus was his non-Christian slave. Onesimus fled to Rome, possibly after taking money from Philemon. There he became a Christian and eventually became a friend of Paul.
Colossians 4:9 — He is coming along with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will tell you all the things happening here.
Answer 2: When he returned, Onesimus was no longer the man who had left. Colossians presents him as a faithful and beloved brother. Paul pleaded with Philemon to receive him kindly, appealing to the love he had for Christ and for the brothers.
Answer 3: According to Roman law, Onesimus had to return to his master. Paul sent him back, although he would have liked to keep him with him. In this way, he gave priority to doing what was right and preserving peace between these two brothers.
3. What might Paul have wondered about when sending Onesimus back? (See also the picture.)
Answer 1: Paul may have wondered how Philemon would receive Onesimus. Would he exercise his legal right to punish him severely, or would he treat him as a brother? Philemon’s reaction could deeply affect the peace of the congregation.
Answer 2: He may also have thought about the other brothers, including slaves and masters. A harsh reaction could lead to comments, divisions, or controversy. Paul understood that a personal situation could influence the entire congregation.
Colossians 4:7-9 — Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you so that you will know how we are and that he may comfort your hearts. He is coming along with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will tell you all the things happening here.
Answer 3: Paul sent Tychicus along with Onesimus. Colossians shows that both would bring information to the brothers, and it presents Onesimus in a positive way. Speaking about him in that manner surely helped prepare a peaceful atmosphere.
4, 5. How can elders contribute to creating a peaceful atmosphere in the congregation?
Answer 1: Elders contribute to peace when they treat the brothers as friends, just as Paul treated Philemon. They do not place themselves above them but view them as valuable fellow workers and show them affection.
2 Corinthians 1:24 — Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.
Answer 2: Paul said that he was not the master of the brothers’ faith but a fellow worker for their joy. This viewpoint helps elders give counsel and assistance humbly, without giving the impression that they want to control others.
1 Peter 5:1-3 — Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of the Christ and a sharer of the glory that is to be revealed, I make this appeal to the elders among you: Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.
Answer 3: First Peter reminds us that elders should shepherd willingly and be examples, not act as masters. When they take time to listen to, value, and help the sheep, the peaceful atmosphere of the congregation is strengthened.
6. Why is it important to praise others?
Answer 1: Sincere praise makes the brothers feel loved and valued. This is very necessary because at times someone may be struggling with insecurities or worries that others do not know about.
Proverbs 12:25 — Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word cheers it up.
Answer 2: Proverbs 12:25 says that a good word cheers a person up. Praise can relieve anxiety and prevent someone from becoming irritable, defensive, or competitive. Thus, a kind word can contribute greatly to peace.
Answer 3: Paul praised Philemon for his love and faith. We can look for opportunities to sincerely praise not only accomplishments but also efforts. If we see something good in a brother, we should not keep it to ourselves—let us tell him.
7. Why must we be careful about what we say about others? (Philemon 10-12)
Answer 1: We need to be careful because our words influence how others view and treat a brother. If we speak well of him, they will be more likely to treat him with kindness and respect.
Answer 2: Paul spoke well of Onesimus. His kind words may have helped Philemon see him differently—not focusing on what had happened before, but on the Christian he had become.
Answer 3: The opposite is also true: Negative comments can prejudice others and harm peace. Therefore, we need to cultivate a positive view of our brothers before speaking about them.
8. What will help us think and speak well of our brothers? (See also the pictures.)
Answer 1: It will help us to imitate Paul and focus on the virtues of the brothers. He knew their faults, but he did not allow those faults to become the main thing he saw in them.
Philippians 1:3-5 — I thank my God always when I remember you in every supof faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. because of the contribution you have made to the good news from the first day until this moment.
Answer 2: Paul thanked Jehovah when he remembered the brothers in Philippi. We can do something similar: pray for our brothers and thank Jehovah for their qualities. This habit will help us speak about them affectionately.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 — We always thank God when we mention all of you in our prayers, for we continually remember your faithful work, your loving labor, and your endurance because of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.
Answer 3: Paul remembered the faithful work, love, and endurance of the Thessalonians. When we focus on such qualities, our view of our brothers becomes more positive, and we are moved to express it with upbuilding words.
9. Why is it so noteworthy that Paul spoke kindly to Philemon?
Answer 1: It is striking because Paul wrote with affection and kindness while he was a prisoner. He had previously suffered violence, unjust arrests, detention, and a shipwreck. Even so, he did not take out his stress on Philemon.
Answer 2: When we are tired, stressed, or facing a trial, we might lose patience and speak harshly. Paul’s example shows that our circumstances do not have to determine how we treat others.
Answer 3: Paul chose a loving tone because he wanted to resolve the matter peacefully. This teaches us that kindness is not weakness; it can be a strength that protects relationships within the congregation.
10. What does the example of Onesimus teach us?
Answer 1: Onesimus teaches us that if we have offended someone, we should acknowledge the mistake and do everything in our power to restore the friendship. He did not avoid the situation but returned to make peace.
Answer 2: Returning to Philemon could not have been easy. Onesimus made a long, costly, exhausting journey and was willing to face the possible consequences. His example shows that humility requires actions, not merely good intentions.
Answer 3: We do not know whether Onesimus thought he had reasons to flee. But even if he did, he did not allow that to prevent him from seeking peace with the man who was now his brother. That is a fine model for us.
11. If we have offended someone, how can we make peace? (See also the pictures.)
Matthew 5:23-25 — “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift. “Be quick to settle matters with your legal opponent, while you are with him on the way there, so that somehow the opponent may not turn you over to the judge, and the judge to the court attendant, and you get thrown into prison.
Answer 1: Jesus taught that we should take the initiative to make peace. So if we know that a brother has something against us, we should not let time pass. Resolving the matter promptly shows that we value the friendship.
Answer 2: We can begin by sincerely apologizing. We should also listen to the other person and try to understand how he feels. A humble apology focuses on repairing the damage, not on defending ourselves.
Answer 3: It is important to acknowledge the mistake without justifying ourselves or blaming other people or circumstances. That could diminish the value of our apology and prolong the problem. Asking for forgiveness requires humility, but it is usually the quickest path to peace.
12. Why was Paul convinced that Philemon would forgive Onesimus?
Answer 1: Paul was convinced that Philemon would forgive Onesimus because he knew his good qualities. He knew that Philemon loved Christ and the brothers, qualities that would move him to act mercifully.
Answer 2: The account does not directly say how Philemon reacted. However, Paul asked him to receive Onesimus and expressed confidence in him. That confidence was based on the kind of Christian Philemon had shown himself to be.
Answer 3: This teaches us not to define our brothers by a painful matter. If we know their spiritual qualities, it will be easier for us to trust that they want to do what is right and contribute to a peaceful solution.
13. Why is showing love essential for maintaining peace? (Colossians 3:14)
Colossians 3:14 — But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.
Answer 1: Colossians 3:14 calls love “a perfect bond of union.” That is why it is essential for peace: Love unites brothers of different backgrounds and motivates us to protect that unity when difficulties arise.
Answer 2: Philemon was known for his love for the brothers, and that quality would be indispensable for forgiving Onesimus. The stronger our love is, the easier it will be to forgive and continue treating kindly the person who has offended us.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Answer 3: First Corinthians describes a patient and kind love that does not keep account of the injury. Such love does not ignore the problem, but it prevents resentment from controlling the way we treat our brother.
14. How do we know that Philemon was hospitable?
Answer 1: We know that Philemon was hospitable because he made his home available for the congregation to hold meetings there. Opening his home in that way showed practical love for the brothers.
Answer 2: Additionally, Paul asked him to prepare a place for him to stay. This request indicates that Paul knew Philemon’s generosity and trusted that he would gladly welcome the brothers.
Answer 3: His hospitality surely made many feel welcome and encouraged. It was not simply a matter of making a house available; he used what he had to strengthen the congregation.
15. Why will we love our brothers more if we are hospitable? (See also the pictures.)
Answer 1: Hospitality allows us to get to know the brothers better, including those who are not part of our close circle. As we talk and spend time together, we discover qualities that we may not have seen before.
Answer 2: When we learn about their background, how they learned the truth, and what trials they have endured, our affection and respect grow. We thus gain a better understanding of the beautiful variety that exists among Jehovah’s people.
John 6:44 — No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him on the last day.
Answer 3: John 6:44 reminds us that Jehovah draws people to his family. Thinking about this helps us value each brother and look beyond differences in personality, age, or background.
16. What might Philemon have done to apply the words of Colossians 3:13?
Colossians 3:13 — Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same.
Answer 1: Philemon may have remembered these words when thinking about Onesimus. If he still felt resentful, he knew that he should continue putting up with him and forgive him generously, just as Jehovah forgives his servants.
Answer 2: The counsel does not deny that someone may have a reason for complaint. But it encourages us not to remain focused on the offense. Philemon could choose not to let what had happened before define his relationship with Onesimus.
Answer 3: When we find it difficult to forgive, we can ask ourselves how we would apply those words in our own case. Remembering Jehovah’s generous forgiveness helps us take concrete steps to restore peace.
17. What does Paul’s counsel “Continue putting up with one another” mean?
Answer 1: It means being patient with the brothers and treating them kindly even when they irritate or offend us. Putting up with one another does not mean enduring with resentment, but continuing to show love.
Psalms 103:13-14 — As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust.
Answer 2: Jehovah knows our weaknesses well and remembers that we are dust. His example teaches us to be reasonable with others. If Jehovah focuses on our virtues, we too should strive to see the good qualities of our brothers.
Psalms 130:3 — If errors were what you watch, O Jah, Then who, O Jehovah, could stand?
Answer 3: Psalm 130:3 makes us think that no one could stand if Jehovah kept a record of all errors. Remembering this helps us not keep account of the faults of others or feed resentment.
18. What do each of us want to do?
Answer 1: We want to look every day for ways to promote peace. We can treat the brothers kindly, speak well of them, and humbly acknowledge our mistakes when we have offended someone.
Answer 2: We also want to cultivate strong love for the brothers. That love will enable us to forgive generously and do our part so that the congregation has a peaceful atmosphere.
Psalms 37:11 — But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.
Answer 3: Psalm 37:11 promises abundant peace for the meek. Every effort we now make to promote peace shows that we value that promise and want to reflect the qualities that will exist in the new world.
What do we learn from the apostle Paul?
Answer 1: Paul had authority to give orders, but he preferred to ask Philemon to act out of love. His example reminds us that treating the brothers as friends, rather than trying to impose decisions on them, contributes to the peace of the congregation.
Answer 2: We also learn to look for and mention what is good in others. Paul praised Philemon and spoke well of Onesimus; our words can help others view a brother with affection and treat him kindly.
Answer 3: Paul wrote kindly even while imprisoned and after undergoing many trials. Therefore, tiredness or our worries do not have to determine how we speak to others; we can continue to be kind.
What do we learn from Onesimus?
Answer 1: Onesimus did not merely regret what had happened; he returned to face a difficult situation and try to make peace with Philemon. If we have offended someone, we can take the initiative instead of waiting for the other person to take the first step.
Answer 2: His return journey must have required effort and humility. This teaches us that repairing a friendship may cost us time or cause discomfort, but it is worthwhile when peace with a brother is at stake.
Answer 3: We do not know all the reasons why Onesimus left, but we do know that he was willing to return. His example encourages us to acknowledge our part, offer sincere apologies, and listen to the offended person without justifying ourselves.
What do we learn from Philemon?
Answer 1: Paul trusted that Philemon would receive Onesimus well because he knew his love. When we cultivate genuine affection for the brothers, it becomes easier to forgive and protect peace even if someone has disappointed us.
Answer 2: Philemon opened his home for meetings and was generous with others. Hospitality helps us get to know the brothers better; as a result, we come to value their qualities and avoid judging them solely by one mistake.
Answer 3: The counsel at Colossians 3:13, which he may have heard in his own congregation, invites us to continue putting up with and freely forgiving one another. Like Philemon, we can choose patience and kindness rather than holding on to resentment.
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