The father knew that the prodigal had already paid a dear price​—the emotional scars of “living a debauched life” and losing all his money, the agony of being friendless and without food and shelter during a famine, the shame of eating with pigs, and finally, the long journey home. So, too, Jehovah realizes that one truly suffers while “lost” and that it is not easy to return.

‘Do Not Be Afraid. I Will Really Help’

Two elders made a call on an inactive couple who in the past had been exceptionally zealous Witnesses. No sooner had the conversation begun than the inactive husband defensively remarked that he knew he should be out in the field service teaching others. “Right now I don’t think you should,” was the surprising reply of Russell, one of the elders. “If you had a member of your family sick, would you tell him to go out and mow the lawn? Well, we’re not going to tell you to ‘mow the lawn’ either. We want you to get well. What can we do to help?” Loving assistance, including warm hospitality by the elders, helped the couple get well spiritually, and the husband is even serving as an elder once again.​—Compare James 5:14, 15.

Some repentant ones hesitate to reassociate because they feel unable to take on the full responsibilities of a Witness all at one time. However, Jehovah is reasonable. A gradual step-by-step recovery is usually most practical. Paul said that some who in his day had become spiritually “dull” needed someone to teach them again the elementary things of the Truth. (Hebrews 5:11, 12) This spiritual food builds strength and makes other steps possible. In a number of interviews with Witnesses who once became inactive but later recovered, the majority said they had needed regular assistance. Yet those in the congregation are more than willing to render such assistance. They feel as does Jehovah, who told his chosen people: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you.”​—Isaiah 41:10.

Yes, God says: “I will really help you.” You may have to break off from some bad associates. You may have to brave opposition from relatives who do not approve of your attending Christian meetings. There may be some matters that you will have to confess to the elders. (Psalm 32:3-5) But never forget that Jehovah is there to help. One Witness who recovered said: “Jehovah just allowed me to see one step at a time and he greatly helped me.” Another one added: “The minute I stepped into the Kingdom Hall all my old friends gave me hugs and kisses. Their happiness just overwhelmed me. I thought ‘Why was I afraid?’” Though some might have an attitude similar to that of the prodigal’s older brother, the vast majority will rejoice to see you return.​—Luke 15:25-32.

Why not taste for yourself? One Christian woman who recovered after staying away for some time declared: “There is no other place to find inner peace. Everything else just fell into place once I became spiritually active again. This world offers nothing of value. You have such a good feeling knowing you are pleasing to Jehovah and have his protection. You can sleep at night. Your life now is satisfying and you can develop a real hope for life in the New Order.”