Your unbelieving relatives may need the reassurance that your love for Jehovah does not mean that you now love them less than you did in the past. Be sure to spend time with them.
5 However, something even more important must be considered if you are going to deal with the situation wisely. God’s Word urges wives: “Be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18.) Thus, it cautions against a spirit of independence. In addition, by saying “as it is becoming in the Lord,” this scripture indicates that subjection to one’s husband should also take into consideration subjection to the Lord. There has to be a balance.
6 For a Christian, attending congregation meetings and witnessing to others about one’s Bible-based faith are important aspects of true worship that are not to be neglected. (Romans 10:9, 10, 14; Hebrews 10:24, 25) What would you do, then, if a human directly commanded you not to comply with a specific requirement of God? The apostles of Jesus Christ declared: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Their example provides a precedent that is applicable to many situations in life. Will love for Jehovah move you to render to him the devotion that rightly belongs to him? At the same time, will your love and respect for your unbelieving relatives cause you to try to do this in a way that is acceptable to him?—Matthew 4:10; 1 John 5:3.
7 Jesus noted that this would not always be possible. He warned that because of opposition to true worship, believing members of some families would feel cut off, as if a sword had come between them and the rest of the family. (Matthew 10:34-36.)
If your unbelieving relatives objects to your religion, do not give them valid causes for complaint in other areas. Keep the home clean. Care for your personal appearance. Be generous with expressions of love and appreciation. Instead of criticizing, be supportive. Do not retaliate if you feel you have been wronged. (1 Peter 2:21, 23.) Make allowances for human imperfection, and if a dispute arises, humbly be the first to apologize.
You may also choose to share in the Christian ministry at times when your relative is not at home. It is wise for a Christian wife to refrain from preaching to her husband when this is unwelcome. Rather, she follows the apostle Peter’s counsel: “You wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:1, 2)
Encourage your relatives to visit a Kingdom Hall to hear for themselves what is discussed and to see firsthand what sort of people Jehovah’s Witnesses are. In time, your relatives' attitude may soften. Even when relatives are adamantly opposed, destroy Bible literature, and forbid children to attend Christian meetings, there usually are opportunities to read elsewhere, to talk to fellow Christians, and to witness to and help others informally. You can also pray to Jehovah. Some youths have to wait until they are old enough to live outside the family home before they can do more. Whatever the situation at home, however, do not forget to “honor your father and your mother.” Do your part to contribute to peace in the home. (Romans 12:17, 18) Above all, pursue peace with God.
If you would like further help, I think the Family Happiness book is a wonderful help. I pray Jehovah will bless your long-suffering and efforts.
2006-06-21 04:17:38
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answer #1
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answered by Jeremy Callahan 4
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It seems strange that a supposed Jehovah's Witness would not know how to correctly spell or punctuate the name of her own religion...
It seems as though your problem is either:
1. Fear of man (your housemates' opinions); or
2. Mis-prioritize recreation over godly works
(2 Timothy 4:3-5) They will turn their ears away from the truth... You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.
For nearly every Christian preacher, informal witnessing is the first step anyway. Have you tried to discuss your beliefs with your housemates? That may help them to understand that this is an important part of your life, and can also help you determine the wisdom of continuing to live in a household with these persons.
It will also help if you make a specific appointment with a person in your congregation, to work together in the field ministry. Your housemates need only know that you are "meeting a friend" which is true. Or you can simply meet with the service group at the Kingdom Hall before or after the typical Sunday meeting.
As all bible students know, the public preaching work is not an option for anyone who would call himself a Christian. Jesus himself commanded the congregation:
(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
2006-06-21 04:49:51
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answer #2
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answered by achtung_heiss 7
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we all need to pray to Jehovah to help us go out into the field. the devil works on all of us, he does not want us to anything for Jehovah and Jesus. he loves it when we miss meetings or service. many times I find it hard to go out, even now when we do go in service many are not at home. in our territory many people work no matter when we go door to door. you may find them home once and never again. what I do is say Jehovah push me out the door. and it works. by the way it is spelled Jehovah Witness
2006-06-21 10:33:34
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answer #3
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answered by lover of Jehovah and Jesus 7
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Am I right in thinking that if you don't go out you are made to feel guilty and run the risk of being disfellowshipped? Do you think Jesus would have done that?
2006-06-21 04:20:56
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answer #4
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answered by ivallrod 4
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you would be amazed by the power of prayer.
i'm in a very similar situation, and it's one of those things that you have to force yourself, it's like working out, hard for the first few weeks, and you start to get addicted to it the more you do it
2006-06-21 04:05:02
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answer #5
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answered by RozzyG 2
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Maybe it is God telling you to re-evaluate your religion. JW's may have a view of Christianity that is not Christian.
2006-06-21 04:08:16
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answer #6
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answered by Ray S 2
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Satan tries his best hon... you just gotta tell him where to stick it lol!
2006-06-21 04:09:04
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answer #7
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answered by ~Donna~ 3
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