Our International Unity Honors Jehovah

CONCERN FOR ONE ANOTHER

¹ As the apostle Paul illustrated so well, members of the congregation belong to one another and care for one another. (1 Cor. 12:14-26) What affects one part, or segment, of the organization affects all of God’s people. We may be separated by great distances from some of the members of the worldwide brotherhood, but we are not less concerned about their welfare. If some of our brothers are being persecuted, the rest of us are greatly distressed. If some are suffering want or have become victims of disaster or war or civil strife, the rest are eager to find ways to render spiritual as well as material assistance.​—2 Cor. 1:8-11.

² All of us should pray for our brothers every day. There are brothers who are facing temptations to do what is bad. The sufferings of some of our brothers may be publicly known, but the opposition that others face daily from workmates and from within divided households is relatively unknown. (Matt. 10:35, 36; 1 Thess. 2:14) This is a concern of all because we are a worldwide association of brothers. (1 Pet. 5:9) There are also those working hard in Jehovah’s service, taking the lead in the preaching work and in overseeing congregations. And there are those charged with the oversight of the worldwide work. All need our prayers, by which we demonstrate our genuine interest in our brothers and the love we have for them, even when there may not be anything else that we can personally do to be of assistance.​—Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 1:2, 3; 5:25.

³ With all the turmoil on earth during these last days and the resulting emergencies as well as frequent disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, Christian Witnesses of Jehovah must be prepared to come to the aid of one another. At times, this may mean conducting extensive relief efforts and arranging for large amounts of material assistance. First-century Christians set a fine example in this regard. Remembering Jesus’ counsel, the disciples in other lands gladly sent material gifts to the brothers in Judea during a time of famine. (Acts 11:27-30; 20:35) The apostle Paul organized relief ministration so that everything was carried out in an orderly manner. (2 Cor. 9:1-15) In modern times, when our brothers become victims of circumstances and need material relief, the organization and individual Christians are quick to respond and supply what is needed.