2. Why consider the need to give support to sisters?
Because the world does not always treat women with the dignity that they deserve but the Bible encourages us to give support to women. Apostle who had a change of heart regarding women when he became a Christian told a congregation in Rome to welcome sister Phoebe and give her whatever help she may need. He was following Jesus example of regarding women with dignity.
5. Why might some sisters find it difficult to benefit from upbuilding association?
One reason is that a sister may be single and so be unable to find her place in a congregation, as sister Jordan says, “Because I am single, I often feel that I can’t find my place in the congregation, that I do not really fit in.” Kristen, a pioneer who moved to another congregation said a person that is new to a congregation may feel alone. Those who live in a religiously divided home may feel somewhat separated from their literal family and at the same time feel isolated from their spiritual family. Those who are housebound because they care for a family member who is chronically sick can also feel alone because they may not be able to go out or receive visitors often.
7. What is one way we can encourage sisters?
We must let our sisters know that they are important to us. One way to do that is by welcoming them and speaking with them at Christian meetings.
8. In what other ways can we imitate Jesus?
Jesus socialized with others. We want to socialize with sisters. Yes, we can invite them over for a simple meal or for some recreation and ensure we keep the conversation upbuilding. Elders imitate Jesus who knew that singleness could be challenging for some, but according to Luke 11:28 he made it clear that neither getting married nor having children is the key to lasting happiness but the putting Jehovah’s service first.
10. What can help our sisters thrive?
Two sisters help us to understand what can help our sisters thrive. Sister Abigail who is single and pioneering said she feels sometimes she’s taken for granted or overlooked. Sister Pam, who served for many years as a missionary it is helpful when people tell her that they appreciate her. Our sisters will thrive when show them and tell them that we appreciate and care about them.
11. How did Jesus show that he valued the women who accompanied him in his ministry?
Jesus allowed women to minister to from their belongings. He revealed deep spiritual truths to them, and even informed them in advance of his death and resurrection. He prepared them and the apostles for the trials they would suffer in the future. No wonder, though the apostles fled when Jesus was arrested, some of those women were by his side while he was dying on the torture stake.
13. What are Christian women doing today, and how can we show our appreciation for what they do?
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Sisters are involved in constructing and maintaining buildings, supporting foreign-language groups, and volunteering at Bethel facilities. They assist in disaster relief work, help to translate our publications, and serve as pioneers and missionaries. As do brothers, sisters attend pioneer school, the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, and Gilead School. Also, wives help their husband to carry a heavy load in the congregation and in the organization. It would be hard for those brothers to care adequately for their assignments without the support of their wives.
15. When might sisters need someone to speak up for them?
Sisters need someone to speak up for them when they face certain challenges. For example, a widow or a divorced sister may need someone to be her advocate and help her care for some tasks that her husband used to do. An elderly sister may need help to speak to medical professionals. Or a pioneer sister who works on other theocratic projects may need someone to speak up for her if she is criticized for not being in the ministry as often as other pioneers are.
18. In what other ways can we help our sisters?
We can do what Christian friends did to Annette, the sister who cared for her ailing mother. She says: “Some of the friends would come over to relieve me, or they would bring food. This made me feel loved and a part of the congregation.” Jordan who felt lonely because she was new to a congregation received help too. A brother offered her tips on car maintenance. She says: “It’s nice to know that my brothers and sisters care about my safety.”