from, wol.jw.org/en/wol/pl/r1/lp-e?q=w12+2%2F15 CULTIVATE PEACE IN THE HOME 3 For the seed of righteousness to bear fruit in a family environment, peaceful conditions in the home are essential. (Read James 3:18.) Even if a Christian’s family is not yet unified in pure worship, he must make an earnest effort to cultivate peace in the home. How can this be done? 4 Christians must maintain their inner peace. This calls for heartfelt prayer, which can bring us the incomparable “peace of God.” (Phil. 4:6, 7) Happiness and peace result from taking in knowledge of Jehovah and applying Scriptural principles in life. (Isa. 54:13) Participation in congregation meetings and zealous activity in the field ministry are also vital if we are to enjoy peace and happiness. Sharing in Christian activities in some way is generally possible for believers living in divided households. For example, consider Enza,* whose husband is violently opposed. She engages in the disciple-making work after taking care of her household duties. Enza says, “Jehovah richly blesses me with good results each time I make the effort to share the good news with others.” Such blessings certainly result in peace, satisfaction, and happiness. 5 We need to make an earnest effort to cultivate a peaceful relationship with unbelieving family members. This may present a challenge because what they want us to do may at times conflict with Bible principles. Our holding firmly to right principles may upset some unbelieving family members, but such a stand promotes peace in the long run. Of course, being unyielding when something does not violate Scriptural principles may cause unnecessary friction. (Read Proverbs 16:7.) When facing a challenge, it is important to seek Scriptural counsel from publications of the faithful and discreet slave class and from the elders.—Prov. 11:14. 6 Cultivating peace in a household calls for trust in Jehovah and insight into the feelings of unbelieving family members. (Prov. 16:20) Even new Bible students can show discernment in this regard. Some unbelieving husbands or wives may not object to having their mate study the Bible. They may even acknowledge that this could be good for the family. Others, however, may manifest hostility. Esther, who is now a Witness, admits that she reacted in “pure anger” when her husband began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. “I either threw out his literature or burned it,” she says. Howard, who at first opposed his wife’s Bible study, remarks: “Many husbands are afraid that their wives are being tricked into joining a religious sect. A husband may not know how to react to this supposed threat and may become antagonistic.” 7 A student whose mate is opposed should be helped to see that he does not have to discontinue his Bible study. Often he will be able to resolve matters by being mild-tempered and showing respect for his unbelieving mate. (1 Pet. 3:15) Howard says, “I am so grateful that my wife stayed calm and did not overreact!” His wife explains: “Howard demanded that I give up studying the Bible. He said that I was being brainwashed. Instead of arguing, I said that he could be right, but I also told him that I could not honestly see how. So I asked him to read the book I was studying. He did so and could not disagree with what it said. This deeply affected him.” It is good to remember that unbelieving spouses may feel abandoned or threatened when their mate leaves to participate in Christian activities, but loving reassurances can go a long way in allaying such feelings.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 14:44:57 +0000
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