Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-30-04 (week of 5-24-31, 2004) WT Study (4-15-04) Abbreviated Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in bluePURSUING KINDNESS IN A HOSTILE WORLD
"The desirable thing in earthling man is his loving-kindness."?Proverbs 19:22
What a man desires is unfailing love ;
better to be poor than a liar.?Proverbs 19:22 (NIV)
What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. ?Proverbs 19:22 (NASB)
What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
and a poor man is better than a liar.?Proverbs 19:22 (ESV)
Loyalty
makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.?Proverbs 19:22 (NLT)www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
Opening Comments
Once again, life is busy. I had 2 job interviews this week, the planting continues, hopefully no tornadoes this weekend. Pardon the abbreviated version.
Experienced readers of my reviews should have at least one flag drop on the field. Look at the title, "hostile world"? The WTS likes to characterize the people around us as a group without any redeeming qualities yet then wants the average JW to devote their life to finding one individual worthy of saving. They demonize 6 billion plus people has unworthy of a JW?s association as drug addicts, wife beaters, child molesters, drunkards, murderers, adulterers, fornicators, people devoid of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control.
Also, why choose a scripture from the OT on kindness (a snippet at that)? Are there no scriptures in the NT that describe the Christian quality of kindness? Could it be that with few exceptions in the New World Translation, the word is rendered "undeserved kindness" (grace in most other translations).
Insight Book Volume 2 p. 155 Kindness
On the other hand, in the great majority of occurrences, kha´ris is rendered "grace" by most English Bible translators. The word "grace," however, with some 14 different meanings does not convey to most readers the ideas contained in the Greek word. To illustrate: In John 1:14, where the King James Version says "the Word was made flesh . . . full of grace and truth," what is meant? Does it mean "gracefulness," or "favor," or what? Scholar R. C. Trench, in Synonyms of the New Testament, says kha´ris implies "a favour freely done, without claim or expectation of return?the word being thus predisposed to receive its new emphasis [as given it in the Christian writings] . . . , to set forth the entire and absolute freeness of the loving-kindness of God to men. Thus Aristotle, defining [kha´ris], lays the whole stress on this very point, that it is conferred freely, with no expectation of return, and finding its only motive in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver." (London, 1961, p. 158) Joseph H. Thayer in his lexicon says: "The word [kha´ris] contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved . . . the N. T. writers use [kha´ris] pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ." (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 1889, p. 666) Kha´ris is closely related to another Greek word, kha´ri·sma, concerning which William Barclay?s New Testament Wordbook (1956, p. 29) says: "The whole basic idea of the word [kha´ri·sma] is that of a free and undeserved gift, of something given to a man unearned and unmerited."?Compare 2Co 1:11, Int.w90 2/15 p. 23 Will You Benefit From Undeserved Kindness?If we could meet all of God?s requirements perfectly, it would be a deserved kindness for him to give us the blessings he has promised. But Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are showing us kindness that is "undeserved." A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, by J. H. Thayer, explains the meaning of the word used by the apostle Paul to describe this quality of God: "The word [kha´ris] contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved." No works of ours can earn God?s blessing. It is, as Paul says, an undeserved kindness. If you are sincerely doing all you can within your limitations to fulfill your obligations to God, be happy at doing that. Jehovah asks no more of you. START OF ARTICLEParagraphs 1-5 Do you consider yourself to be a kind person? If so, living in today?s world can be trying. Why is it so difficult to express kindness even in so-called (buzzword) Christian lands? The whole world is in the control of an unkind spirit person, Satan the Devil. Thus, this world tends to resemble its rebel ruler, whose attitude is characterized by vicious behavior. Statements like this characterize everyone who is not a JW as being unkind and under the control of the devil, demonizing them. The unkindness could be expressed by spiteful (the worst spite I ever encountered was from JWs at the KH) neighbors, unfriendly strangers, even friends (non-JW of course) and family (non-JW of course) who may, at times, act thoughtlessly (thoughtless spite?). Such lack of kindness by others could make us feel hostile ourselves, and we may consider returning unkindness for unkindness. Yes, I have had revenge well up in my heart when I found out that a brother or sister were trashing my reputation to others in the congregation. I was tempted to do the same. I have been in the ministry with JWs who argued and called the householder names, once even swearing. Where did they learn that? In the dealings with fellow JWs? That may even lead to spiritual or physical health problems. The unkindness and cruelty at the KH led to my physical and spiritual problems. That is why I no longer attend. Stressful world conditions may also make it difficult for us to show kindness. But don?t JWs have the hope of the kingdom that will soon be here!!!! Is it possible to purse kindness in a hostile world? There they go demonizing over 6 billion people! That we do not allow the influence of Satan to stifle our kindness, especially in stressful situations? Threats and acts of terrorism Possible use of biological or nuclear weapons by various national groups Existing with minimal food, shelter, clothing, and medical care Are these the reasons JWs are unkind?Kindness Within the Family Picture (sorry no scanner yet) Shows a black family, mother, father, teenage son sitting of the front stoop, father with newspaper in hand talking. (when?s the last time you sat on the stoop talking with your children?) Mother has skirt on but father and son are in casual shirts and slacks: Caption: Kindness shown by all in the family promotes unity and cooperation. Paragraphs 6-8 To have Jehovah?s blessing and direction, the fruitage of the spirit is vital and needs to be fully (buzzword) cultivated. The WTS provides themselves (and the elders) an out here. If families are having problems, it is because they are not "fully" cultivating the spirit. Since we are all imperfect, is it possible to do that? Such kindness needs to be evident in the way members of the family speak to one another, children honoring and respecting their parents and parents treating their children appropriately. Notice how specific the WTS about how children should treat their parents but vague about how parents treat their children "appropriately." Now there is a subjective word. My parents were screamers, especially my JW mother. I can remember attending WT studies about how parents were not to scream at their children only to go home to my mother screaming at us all afternoon. Hmmmm??. Now as a sop the WTS adds: Be quick to commend, slow to condemn. Like people at the KH are treated that way by the WTS and its representatives. "Brother/Sister you did a fine job, but here are 10 ways you could have done it better." My ex-elder husband said that he dealt with a family fight every week. Some family situations had developed to the point that they barely talked to each other. What goes on behind closed doors in JW families is shocking. One young sister told me that her MS father called her a "stupid whore" at least once a day, and she was only 11!Kindness in the WorkplacePicture: 2 white men at work in work clothes (jeans/casual shirts). One man is giving the other a card and shaking his hand (no hugs?) Caption: You can show kindness when illness strikes a co-worker and his family.When was the last time a fellow JW gave you a card when you were ill or a family member was ill? When was the last time they even noticed or talked to you about the details of your life beyond a quick "how are you" and then disappearing before you can answer? When was the last time you heard of a JW giving anyone a card a work for anything except maybe retirement?Paragraphs 9-10 Rivalry among employees may lead to one?s job being jeopardized by a fellow employee who acts deceitfully or craftily thus undermining one?s reputation with the employer. Actually, I have had this happen in the congregation more often than at work. What about you? This also demonizes non-JW fellow employees as being a group of unrepentant backstabbers. Believe me you will find more at the KH than at work. Nevertheless, bearing in mind that the kind thing is usually the right thing to do (when isn?t it?), a servant of Jehovah (what happened to being a Christian?) should strive to the extent possible (the average JW will use this as an out to put the blame on the non-JW) to win over those who are not well-disposed (well-disposed to what? Being evangelized at every turn at work?). Showing a caring attitude may help in this (see picture). An employer may force his opinions on his employees and may want everyone to take part in some nationalistic even or in a celebration of an unscriptural nature. I?m curious. I work in government and we are protected by law from this. What about those of you with jobs in the private sector? At that moment it might not be wise to go into detail about how wrong it would be to comply with the employer?s wishes. Yes, don?t tell them that Jesus said "true" Christians would be no part of the world, and that only "pagans" celebrated birthdays and that they are unchristian. Now notice how the WTS has to instruct JWs, "true" Christians, on how to act: Perhaps you could kindly explain your reasons for not personally participating. Do not repay sarcastic comments with sarcastic comments. This indicates that the WTS has been getting reports from the COs/DOs and non-JWs about JWs that have not been kindly explaining their reasons and putting the WTS in the position of explaining why their members are not acting in a "Christian" manner.Kindness at SchoolParagraphs 11-12Picture: 2 girls whispering behind the back of a young woman (sister because she has a skirt on and they both have slacks on and she is carrying a NWT on the bottom of her schoolbooks with the title visible to all she passes).
Some boys act in a macho fashion in order to be well-thought-of by other students, going as far as bully others in school.Sounds like being at the KH!
Other young people like to show off scholasticallyNot JWs, they take pride in non-education, at least beyond the three R?s
In sports or other activities (cheerleading, art, drama, music???) In parading their prowess, they often treat classmates and other students unkindly, erroneously thinking that this in itself somehow makes them superior.Sounds like being at the KH!
Young ones (buzzword) should also treat their teachers with kindness..(not) undermine respect for their teachers?.violate school rules?when a young Christian refuses to go along, he or she, may be targeted for ridicule or abuse.Now I was a JW in school and I managed to avoid this as well as the vast majority of my fellow students. The ones that undermine respect are in the minority, most want to get an education so they can go on to college.
How important it is to be a loyal servant of Jehovah (first a Christian now servant of Jehovah).Kindness to NeighborsParagraphs 13-15
Picture: White man helping older white woman start her car. He has on a checked shirt, tie, dress slacks and has rolled up his sleeves. How have you helped your neighbors? Do you find it hard because you rarely talk to them being admonished weekly by the WTS that they are bad association? Would you know if a neighbor were sick, or if a family member died.
Caption: Offering a hand to a neighbor in need is an act of kindness.
w93 8/1 p. 19 Let No One Spoil Your Useful HabitsJesus once likened the word of the Kingdom to seeds that "fell alongside the road, and the birds came and ate them up." (Matthew 13:3, 4, 19) Back then, soil along a road became hard as many feet walked back and forth on it. It is that way with many people. Their lives are filled with neighbors, relatives, and others coming and going, keeping them busy. This, as it were, tramples the soil of their hearts, making it hard for seeds of truth to take root. A similar unresponsiveness could develop in one who is already a Christian.What if your next-door neighbor are prejudiced against you because of your race, nationality, or religion? (What if they are not? I have had to undo damage in the past because some off-the-wall JW presented a personal opinion as religious fact.) What if they are rude at times or ignore you altogether?Who is taught to ignore whom? "Worldly" people are constantly presented as bad association, people to be avoided, by the WTS.
As a servant of Jehovah (Christian?), expressing kindness to the extent possible (like the Samaritan?) will be beneficial?he might even become a praiser of Jehovah.Do you think that the WTS is realizing that the increase from door to door is drying up and that they have to get JWs to be "kind" to family, workmates, schoolmates, and neighbors to have any new JWs come in?
Kindness in Our MinistryParagraphs 16-18
Kindness should characterize our Christian ministry? As an example, while engaged in street witnessing, you can show kindness by being brief and considerate when you approach people?do not block sidewalks?business territory?be brief. Sorry, but this is like reminding an adult to flush the toilet after each use! In the house-to-house ministry?do not overstay your welcome, especially if the weather is poor. Can you discern when a person is growing impatient or even irritated by your presence? Remember, one of your Christian brothers or sisters will most likely call at that home in the near future (yeah, like they will be less irritated then!), put for special effort to show kindness. Do not raise your voice or frown, but speak in a calm manner. A kind Christian does not want to provoke the householder into a battle of words. Do I hear the toilet flushing?!Kindness at Congregation MeetingsParagraphs 19-20
If a congregation is sharing a Kingdom Hall with one, two, or more congregations, it is important to deal kindly with those in the other congregations, according them dignity?rivalry is not conducive to cooperation?be kind or considerate even though there may be some differences of opinion.I can remember the days when the elders of the other congregation were not on speaking terms with the other. The one group referred to the KH as "our" KH and viewed the other congregation as renters. I can remember the battles over meetings times. I can remember when the cleaning of the KH switched to the other congregation that they would not clean up and the other congregation had to quick clean before a meeting. I can remember the shouting match when one congregation had a close vote on the meeting times and blamed the other congregation. I can remember when one congregation did not pay the electric bill because they felt the other congregation should do it. No electricity one Sunday?.I?m sure we all have stories.
Continue To Show KindnessParagraphs 21-22
We should therefore make it an integral part of our Christian personality. Showing kindness to others ought to become a habit.Why isn?t it a habit for most JWs? Are they slipping or did they never have it?
Concluding CommentsI will agree that kindness does not characterize JW congregations. In their desire to assure their own salvation and that of their families, they have little energy to show kindness to fellow JWs let alone people outside their congregations.
The "reminders" here are ludicrous. Non-JWs understand and practice the principles of kindness espoused here by the WTS and without the constant reminders 5 times a week.
The accounts on this DB from far and wide, urban and rural, of congregations that lack love in their dealings with each other, illustrate why the WTS seems compelled to state the obvious.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Blondie