Shepherds Who Really Shepherd the Sheep
1, 2. (a) How do the elders help us?
Jeremiah 3:15 — And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and they will feed you with knowledge and insight.
Answer 1: The elders help us by providing spiritual food that responds to our needs. As this passage indicates, to do so they need knowledge and insight. It is not simply a matter of telling us what to do but of understanding our situation and using the Bible with loving concern. In this way, they can guide us when we are beginning to stray, strengthen us when we feel weak, and help us remain close to Jehovah.
Answer 2: One very valuable form of help is timely counsel. At times, an elder sees that we are taking a course that could harm us and approaches us to reason with us from the Bible. Although receiving counsel is not always easy, we can remember that such concern is an expression of love. His desire is to protect our friendship with Jehovah, not to make us feel bad.
Answer 3: They also comfort us during especially painful times, such as when we lose someone we love. And if we feel unworthy, they can remind us how much Jehovah loves us. Such attention is very valuable because not every difficulty can be seen from the outside. Knowing that an elder is interested in our feelings can help us accept the spiritual support we need at such times.
Answer 4: Maria’s experience highlights that shepherding visits allow elders to get to know us better and discover how to help us. She senses that they truly want to understand her. This teaches us that shepherding is not limited to conveying Bible information. It also involves cultivating a trusting relationship so that the brother feels loved and can calmly express what concerns him.
1, 2. (b) What has Jehovah done so that we receive the spiritual support we need? (See also the box “The Shepherd in Bible Times.”)
Jeremiah 23:4 — And I will raise up over them shepherds who will really shepherd them. They will no longer be afraid or be terrified, and none will be missing,” declares Jehovah.
Answer 1: Jehovah promised that his people would have shepherds who would truly care for them. This shows that he knows our needs and is not indifferent to our fears. The spiritual support we receive through the elders is part of his loving care. Therefore, when they offer us help, we can view it as an opportunity to benefit from a provision that Jehovah has made with us in mind.
Answer 2: Jehovah fulfilled his promise in the best possible way by sending Jesus to the earth. He showed how God’s sheep should be treated—with love, understanding, and a willingness to sacrifice oneself for them. Thus, Jehovah not only promised support but also gave us in his Son the perfect model of a shepherd. Elders can look to that model when caring for us.
Answer 3: Afterward, Jesus arranged for elders to shepherd the Christian congregation. In this way, the care of the sheep did not end when he left the earth. Jehovah made it possible for his servants to continue receiving teaching, guidance, and comfort. Thinking about this continuity helps us value the work of the brothers who today devote time and effort to caring for the congregation spiritually.
Answer 4: Jehovah made clear what kind of shepherds he wanted for his people: men who would act according to his will and care for the sheep with knowledge and insight. Therefore, it is not enough merely to hold a responsibility. What matters is caring for the brothers as Jehovah desires. The loving intent behind shepherding gives us confidence to approach the elders when we need support.
3. Why could Jesus say, “I am the fine shepherd”? (John 10:11, 14)
John 10:11,14 — I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his life in behalf of the sheep. I am the fine shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me,
Answer 1: Jesus could say this because his love for the sheep moved him to give his life for them. He did not merely express affection; he was willing to make the greatest sacrifice. This helps us understand how much we mean to him. It also teaches elders that good shepherding is shown by actions and by a willingness to put the needs of the brothers ahead of their own.
Answer 2: Another reason is that Jesus knew the individual needs of his sheep. He did not view his disciples simply as a group that had to be taught. He took an interest in each one and knew how to provide relief. This is an important aspect of his example: The better elders know the brothers, the easier it is for them to give help suited to their circumstances.
Answer 3: Jesus was an excellent shepherd because the way he treated people brought them relief. His mild and humble personality made it possible for those who were overburdened to approach him. Therefore, an elder who imitates him seeks to make his conversations and counsel helpful to the brother rather than add to his burden. The affection with which he says something is just as important as what he says.
Answer 4: The disciples came to know Jesus and trust him. That trust was connected with the love and attention they received from him. A good shepherd must not only know the sheep; he must also allow them to know him and feel comfortable at his side. His example shows that closeness and loving treatment are fundamental to caring well for others.
4, 5. (a) Why could Martha and Mary expect Jesus to help them?
John 11:5 — Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
Answer 1: They could expect his help because Jesus loved them, and they had a close friendship with him. The account makes clear that his affection included all three siblings. Therefore, after Lazarus died, they had reason to expect his comfort. This relationship teaches us that love demonstrated beforehand makes it easier to accept help when a time of grief arrives.
Answer 2: Jesus often stayed at their home, so he knew Martha, Mary, and Lazarus well. Their relationship did not begin when tragedy arose; they already had closeness and friendship. Something similar happens when elders take a regular interest in the brothers. When a serious difficulty arises, that prior trust can make it easier for a person to speak about his feelings and receive the spiritual support he needs.
Answer 3: Although Martha and Mary were disappointed because Jesus had not prevented Lazarus’ death, they could still expect his comfort. Their grief did not erase the friendship they had with him. This reminds us that a person can feel very sad and express disappointment while still needing and wanting spiritual help. A good shepherd seeks to understand such feelings and approach with loving concern.
Answer 4: They knew that Jesus was not someone distant but a friend who knew and loved them. The paragraph applies this idea to the elders: When they are good friends of the brothers, they can help them more easily. Therefore, it is worthwhile to cultivate friendship in everyday circumstances. The trust that develops in this way is especially valuable when someone needs comfort or spiritual strength.
4, 5. (b) What was Jesus willing to do to help them?
John 11:8 — The disciples said to him: “Rabbi, just lately the Judeans were seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
Answer 1: Jesus was willing to return to a region where people had tried to kill him. The disciples reminded him of the danger, so it was not a risk-free journey. Even so, he decided to go to help his friends. His example shows that a shepherd’s love must not remain merely good intentions; it moves him to act even when helping involves personal sacrifice.
Answer 2: The trip to Bethany must have taken about two days. Jesus was willing to devote that time and make the necessary effort to be with Martha and Mary. This teaches us that caring for someone sometimes requires more than a quick conversation. Elders imitate his example when they make room for the brothers and give importance to their needs, even when helping them requires time.
Answer 3: What stands out is that Jesus turned his love into concrete help. He deeply loved that family and decided to draw close to them at a particularly painful time, despite the difficulties of the journey. For spiritual shepherds, the lesson is clear: Concern for someone should move us to look for a way to support him. Sincere interest becomes visible when a person is willing to act.
Answer 4: Jesus accepted both the effort of the journey and the danger of returning to that region. He did not let those difficulties make him lose sight of his friends’ pain. The paragraph thus highlights the self-sacrificing spirit of a good shepherd. It also helps us appreciate what the elders do, because behind their support there may be time and personal effort that we do not see.
6. How did Jesus comfort Martha?
John 11:23 — Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.”
Answer 1: Jesus comforted Martha by giving her a specific hope: her brother’s death would not be permanent. Kindly, he helped her look to the future instead of continuing to think only about what might have been prevented. Elders can imitate him by directing attention to Jehovah’s promises. In this way, they offer comfort that does not depend solely on human words but on a sure hope.
Answer 2: Martha expressed how she felt, and Jesus listened with interest. Although he knew that he could resurrect Lazarus, he did not treat her grief as something unimportant. That patience is part of true comfort. When someone is grieving, he needs to be able to talk about his loss. Elders can be of great help by calmly listening before trying to strengthen him with Jehovah’s promises.
Answer 3: Jesus also strengthened Martha’s faith by reminding her that God had given him power over death. He did not merely tell her about a better future; he helped her trust in the basis for that hope. Similarly, elders can explain why Jehovah’s promises deserve our trust. Such help can sustain us even when the pain is still very intense.
Answer 4: I am struck by the way Jesus combined kindness, listening, and teaching. He did not merely give Martha an explanation, nor did he only listen to her. He attended to her feelings and strengthened her faith. That combination is very useful in shepherding: understanding the person makes it possible to speak tactfully to him, and using Jehovah’s promises gives him reasons to move forward with hope.
7. How did Jesus react when he saw Lazarus’ family and friends weeping? (See also the picture.)
John 11:33,35 — When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he groaned within himself and became troubled. Jesus gave way to tears.
Answer 1: Jesus was deeply affected by the pain of Mary and those accompanying her, and he eventually wept. He did not observe the sadness of others from a distance; he shared it. This reaction shows us that a good shepherd needs empathy. To comfort someone, it is not enough to understand the facts; we must also take a genuine interest in what the person is feeling.
Answer 2: Although Jesus was going to resurrect Lazarus, he was moved when he saw his family and friends suffering. Knowing that there was a solution did not prevent him from sharing their pain. This is a very useful lesson: confidence in the resurrection does not mean that a loss stops hurting. Elders imitate Jesus when they respect that sadness and tenderly accompany those who are grieving.
Answer 3: Jesus’ tears made those present perceive how much he loved Lazarus. His reaction communicated affection that everyone could recognize. Similarly, an elder’s empathy helps a brother feel that he is not receiving cold or routine attention. When he sees that his pain matters, he may feel more supported and find it easier to accept spiritual comfort.
Answer 4: The picture helps us notice Jesus sharing the sadness of Martha, Mary, and the other people. He does not appear detached from the suffering around him. That sums up the paragraph’s lesson very well: a good shepherd tries to put himself in the place of his brothers. Before thinking about what to say, he can ask himself how he would feel in those circumstances and what kind of treatment he would need.
8. How did Jesus make sure that his sheep would continue to receive good care after he returned to heaven?
1 Peter 5:1-2 — 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;
Answer 1: Jesus entrusted his apostles with the responsibility of caring for the flock. Peter took that assignment very seriously and later encouraged other elders to continue this work. Thus, the sheep continued to receive attention. The passage also shows that this care should be provided willingly, not merely to fulfill an obligation.
Answer 2: After his resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter, and by extension the other apostles, to feed and shepherd his sheep. In this way, he took measures to ensure that the flock would not be neglected when he returned to heaven. This helps us understand that shepherding occupies an important place in the congregation: Jesus himself considered it necessary for the well-being of his followers.
Answer 3: Jesus did not merely give a responsibility; he had also shown how to fulfill it. The apostles had seen him treat people with love, recognize their needs, and comfort those who suffered. Thus, they had a clear model for caring for the flock. Today, elders also need to observe his example, because shepherding well involves reflecting his loving way of treating each person.
Answer 4: The loving way Jesus referred to his sheep helped Peter understand how valuable they were to him. Years later, Peter still had clearly in mind the importance of caring for them and passed that responsibility on to other elders. The lesson is that shepherding should not be done impersonally. Each brother receiving care is someone whom Jesus loves and considers valuable.
9. Why can it be said that elders have a great responsibility? (Acts 20:28)
Acts 20:28 — Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.
Answer 1: Their responsibility is enormous because they care for a congregation that Jehovah considers very valuable. The price paid for it was the blood of his Son. Therefore, no brother deserves careless attention. Remembering to whom the sheep belong and how much they are worth helps elders view shepherding as a sacred duty.
Answer 2: Elders must care for very delicate needs: comforting those who are grieving, strengthening the weak, and encouraging those who are depressed. It is not enough to resolve organizational matters. They are helping people who may be going through very painful times. Therefore, they need to develop qualities and skills that enable them to understand these individuals and give them spiritual help appropriate to their situation.
Answer 3: David explains that he views his work as an invitation from Jesus to help him care for his sheep. This way of understanding shepherding emphasizes that the brothers do not belong to the elder. He has received the privilege of sharing in their care. Keeping this thought in mind promotes humble, respectful, and loving treatment, rather than viewing the responsibility as a position of personal importance.
Answer 4: It is understandable that at times an elder may feel that he does not have enough ability to deal with certain difficulties. But the paragraph reminds us that Jehovah can give him strength. At the same time, he needs to work at improving his qualities and skills. These two things complement each other: trusting in Jehovah’s help and continuing to learn. Thus, he can face his responsibility without relying solely on his own abilities.
10. What must an elder do to care well for the sheep? (Proverbs 27:23 and footnote)
Proverbs 27:23 — You should know well the appearance of your flock. Take good care of your sheep,
Answer 1: He must know well the brothers in his care. The principle of this proverb shows that caring for a flock requires paying attention to its condition. Applied to the congregation, this means taking an interest in how the brothers are doing and what difficulties they are facing. Such knowledge makes it possible to offer personal help instead of assuming that everyone needs the same counsel or the same kind of encouragement.
Answer 2: Knowing the sheep also requires balance. The paragraph reminds us that elders must respect the brothers’ privacy. Taking an interest does not mean meddling or trying to know everything. Rather, it means creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding what is necessary in order to help. Such respect makes spiritual care feel like an expression of love, not an invasion of privacy.
Answer 3: David highlights a practical reason for knowing the brothers well: this enables him to choose the Bible texts that will help them most. If he does not know what concerns them, his words may be true but may not address their main need. Therefore, understanding the difficulty first is part of good preparation. The goal is not merely to share a verse but to give timely help.
Answer 4: An elder needs to take an interest in each brother’s actual situation, not settle for a general impression. The paragraph connects this knowledge with the ability to provide good care. There may be personal difficulties that are not evident, and understanding them helps him treat the person with greater compassion. This also encourages us to accept the elders’ respectful interest and allow them to get to know us better.
11. How do the brothers benefit when the elders listen to them with interest?
James 1:19 — Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,
Answer 1: They benefit because the elder can better understand what they need before responding. James highlights the importance of giving priority to listening. In a shepherding conversation, this helps prevent hasty conclusions. In addition, the brother senses that his words matter and that he is not being given a prepared answer without taking his circumstances and feelings into account.
Answer 2: Catherine felt appreciated and loved because the elders tactfully asked her questions and paid attention to what she said. She did not simply need information; she was suffering after her husband abandoned her. Their effort to understand her was part of the help. Her experience shows that listening with genuine interest can communicate love even before offering Bible-based counsel.
Answer 3: That conversation helped Catherine remember that Jehovah had not abandoned either her or her daughters. This is a very profound benefit: the elders’ attention strengthened her confidence in Jehovah’s care. Therefore, listening is not a secondary step in shepherding. When done with empathy, it can help a distressed person feel accompanied and spiritually supported.
12. How can elders use the Bible skillfully when making shepherding visits?
Titus 1:7,9 — For as God’s steward, an overseer must be free from accusation, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding firmly to the faithful word as respects his art of teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage by the teaching that is wholesome and to reprove those who contradict.
Answer 1: They use the Bible skillfully when they base their teaching on it and select passages that address the brother’s needs. Titus links this faithfulness to the Word with the ability to encourage. Therefore, the purpose of the visit is not to give personal opinions but to help the person through Bible-based teaching.
Answer 2: First, they need to understand what difficulty the brother is facing. Then they can choose Bible principles or accounts that fit the situation. Andrew explains that he tries to do this. This shows that using the Bible well does not mean reading many texts but choosing the most appropriate ones. A well-chosen passage can help the person clearly see how Jehovah is guiding and comforting him.
Answer 3: They can also prepare for the visit by using the book Bible Texts for Christian Living. The elders mentioned in the paragraph find passages there related to specific needs. This preparation enables them to arrive with ideas that can truly be useful. The publication helps them locate Bible-based assistance; what remains essential is showing the brother how God’s Word responds to what he is experiencing.
Answer 4: Elihu pays attention to feelings such as anguish, worry, disappointment, and discouragement. This helps him look for appropriate texts when preparing for a visit. This is important because two people may go through similar circumstances and feel differently. A skillful shepherd seeks to understand not only what has happened but also how the brother is experiencing it, so that he can better comfort him.
Answer 5: Catherine’s experience shows that a well-chosen text can continue to help long after the visit. She and her daughters read the passage an elder had shown them several times and found comfort during very difficult moments. This encourages shepherds to choose carefully. Their goal is to leave the brother with Bible-based help to which he can return whenever he needs it.
13. How does a shepherd show that he is approachable? (See also the pictures and the box “You Are All Brothers.”)
Luke 18:15-16 — Now people were also bringing him their infants for him to touch them, but on seeing this, the disciples began to reprimand them. However, Jesus called the infants to him, saying: “Let the young children come to me, and do not try to stop them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such ones.
Answer 1: He does so by making people of all ages feel welcome. Jesus was busy, but he wanted children to be able to approach him. An elder imitates him when he pays attention to both young and old. In this way, he makes clear that being busy does not mean that the brothers are a nuisance to him.
Answer 2: An approachable shepherd takes advantage of brief conversations before and after the meetings to show interest in the brothers. Lauren explains that she finds it easier to approach an elder who regularly asks how she is doing and offers her help. These small contacts are very valuable: when a serious problem arises, the person already knows that she will find someone willing to listen to and support her.
Answer 3: The pictures show an elder and his family sharing a game with some friends and then talking in the Kingdom Hall with a sister and her daughter. They highlight that trust is also cultivated by spending time together. Being approachable is not just saying that we are available; it means developing a friendship that allows the brothers to feel comfortable and approach us when they need support.
14. What do we learn from John’s experience?
John 13:35 — By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”
Answer 1: We learn that love is essential for helping someone spiritually. Jesus identified it as a characteristic of his disciples, and John experienced it in the way an elder treated him. That affection was fundamental in helping him continue studying and attending the meetings. Therefore, in shepherding, it is not enough to convey correct teachings; the person also needs to feel that he is genuinely loved.
Answer 2: John’s experience shows the value of patience. When he began studying, he had emotional and spiritual ups and downs, but he had an elder who treated him affectionately. That support helped him move forward. The lesson is that a shepherd should not focus only on the difficulties of the moment. With love and patience, he can help the person continue drawing closer to Jehovah.
Answer 3: The elder’s treatment helped John understand how Jehovah viewed him. This is a very valuable result of shepherding: the person not only appreciates the brother who cares for him but also gains a better perception of God’s love. In John’s case, this strengthened his determination not to give up. A shepherd’s sincere affection can greatly help someone who is struggling.
15. What are some rewards of shepherding the brothers? (Acts 20:31, 35)
Acts 20:31,35 — “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
Answer 1: One reward is the happiness that comes from giving of oneself for others. Paul had put great effort into caring for the brothers and yet emphasized the joy of giving. Thus, sacrifice and happiness are not mutually exclusive. Although shepherding can be demanding, helping someone can bring very deep satisfaction.
Answer 2: Javier explains that shepherding has strengthened his own faith. When visiting the brothers, he is reassured that Jehovah cares about those who love and obey him. It is beautiful to think that spiritual help benefits both parties. The brother receives encouragement, but the elder is also strengthened when he observes Jehovah’s care and shares in this loving work.
Answer 3: Another reward Javier mentions is that his love for Jehovah has increased. Caring for the sheep enables him to appreciate more fully the interest God has in each one. Thus, shepherding is not merely work done for others; it can also draw the elder himself closer to Jehovah. His service helps him understand and value divine love more deeply.
Answer 4: The paragraph presents a realistic view: concern for the brothers can be so intense that it even causes someone to lose sleep, as happened to Paul. However, this does not mean that shepherding lacks joy. The reward lies in giving valuable help to beloved people. Recognizing both the effort and the satisfaction helps us appreciate more what the elders do for the congregation.
16. Why was Paul compared to a mother?
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 — On the contrary, we became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us.
Answer 1: He was compared to a mother because he treated the Thessalonians tenderly and was willing to give of himself for them. His work consisted of more than teaching them; he had come to love them deeply. The comparison helps elders remember that good shepherding combines spiritual teaching with sincere affection and personal care.
Answer 2: A mother makes many sacrifices for her baby because she loves him, and Paul felt similar affection for the brothers in Thessalonica. That comparison highlights the motivation of a good shepherd. He does not help simply because he has a responsibility, but because people matter to him. When elders cultivate that love, they can care for the flock with a tenderness that goes beyond merely fulfilling a task.
Answer 3: The comparison also includes the joy of seeing someone dear grow. Just as a mother enjoys watching her child develop, Paul felt great satisfaction when he observed the spiritual progress of the Thessalonians. For an elder, seeing a brother strengthen his faith or cultivate Christian qualities can be a great reward. That growth gives real value to the efforts he has made to help him.
Answer 4: The experience of Miguel and Juan illustrates that joy. Miguel enjoyed helping Juan develop Christian qualities and later felt very proud when he saw him become an elder. He remembered not only the difficulties Juan had gone through but also how much he had progressed. This shows the satisfaction that comes from lovingly accompanying another person’s spiritual growth.
17. What aspects of the shepherding work do you appreciate most?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 — Now we request you, brothers, to show respect for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you; and to give them extraordinary consideration in love because of their work. Be peaceable with one another.
Answer 1: I appreciate the effort they make to care for us spiritually. This passage encourages us to value their work and treat them with love. At times we see the counsel or the visit, but not all the effort behind it. Remembering this helps me not to take their service for granted and to express gratitude for what they do.
Answer 2: I especially value their efforts to listen to us and comfort us, not merely give us instructions. When someone is discouraged or going through a loss, he needs to feel that he matters. Elders who imitate Jesus strive to understand such feelings and strengthen confidence in Jehovah. That combination of empathy and Scriptural help is a very important reason to be grateful for the care they give the congregation.
Answer 3: I appreciate that they continue striving to imitate Jesus and improve as shepherds. Their work requires love, patience, time, and skill in using the Bible. It is not an easy responsibility, yet they endeavor to counsel, strengthen, and comfort us. The paragraph says that they are very valuable to Jehovah, and they are valuable to us as well. Thinking about this motivates me to accept their help appreciatively.
Why could Jesus say, “I am the fine shepherd”?
Luke 18:15-16 — Now people were also bringing him their infants for him to touch them, but on seeing this, the disciples began to reprimand them. However, Jesus called the infants to him, saying: “Let the young children come to me, and do not try to stop them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such ones.
Answer 1: One reason is that Jesus was approachable and lovingly cared even for little ones. The account shows that he wanted them to be able to come to him. That willingness was part of his excellent shepherding: he did not keep people at a distance. His example teaches elders to be available to everyone, regardless of age.
Answer 2: He could say this because he loved his sheep so much that he gave his life for them. That was the greatest demonstration that their welfare mattered to him. His example teaches us that true shepherding is based on love and a self-sacrificing spirit. It does not consist in seeking comfort or recognition, but in being willing to give of oneself to benefit others.
Answer 3: He was also an excellent shepherd because he knew his sheep and gave them the help they needed. In Martha’s case, he listened to her grief and strengthened her hope; when he saw Mary and the others weeping, he shared their sadness. Thus he showed that comforting requires caring for both feelings and faith. He did not treat people in a cold or impersonal way.
Answer 4: His care was not limited to the time he spent with his disciples on earth. After being resurrected, he instructed his apostles to continue caring for the flock. This reveals how much he cared about the future welfare of his sheep. In addition to giving them an example of love, he took steps to ensure that they would continue receiving spiritual food and care when he returned to heaven.
What qualities and skills must an elder cultivate to be a better shepherd?
John 13:35 — By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”
Answer 1: Above all, he must cultivate sincere love for the brothers. Jesus explained that love would identify his followers, and that quality is essential in a shepherd. Juan’s experience showed that an elder’s loving and patient treatment can greatly help someone who has ups and downs. Love sets the right tone for counsel, conversations, and all spiritual care.
Answer 2: He needs to learn to know the brothers well and listen to them with interest, always respecting their privacy. These skills enable him to understand what concerns them and how they feel. He must also be approachable, so that young and old can come to him confidently. In this way, help does not begin only when a serious problem arises; it rests on a friendship that has already been cultivated.
Answer 3: Another important skill is selecting and explaining the most suitable Bible texts. The elder needs to connect what he has heard with principles and accounts that truly address the brother’s need. To do this, he can prepare with publications such as Bible Texts for Christian Living. In this way, he combines personal interest with solid spiritual help and directs attention to Jehovah and his promises.
What rewards do elders receive when they shepherd the brothers?
Acts 20:31,35 — “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
Answer 1: They receive the joy that comes from helping others. Paul knew the effort and concerns involved in shepherding, but he also knew its happiness. Elders experience that satisfaction when they devote time and energy to strengthening a brother. Although the work may be demanding, love makes that effort very meaningful.
Answer 2: Shepherding can strengthen their own faith and increase their love for Jehovah. Javier explains that when he visits the brothers, he better appreciates how much God cares for them. Therefore, the elder is not merely the one who gives encouragement; he may receive it as well. By sharing in caring for the flock, he has more reasons to value Jehovah’s love and trust in him.
Answer 3: Another reward is seeing the spiritual progress of those they help. Paul rejoiced when he observed the growth of the Thessalonians, and Miguel enjoyed seeing Juan develop Christian qualities and become an elder. That satisfaction is like that of a mother who sees her child grow. Love makes the progress of others a source of personal joy as well.
Answer 4: Faithful shepherds also have the appreciation of Jehovah and the congregation. The article concludes by highlighting how valuable they are because of their efforts to counsel, strengthen, and comfort. That recognition is not the reason they serve, but it shows that their work matters. We can contribute to their joy by treating the elders with love and sincerely thanking them for their care.
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