9, 10. Is tact required when dealing with our Christian brothers?

⁹ Tactful with Christian brothers. Not only should we cultivate tact in dealing with those who do not know Jehovah, but it is also required when dealing with our spiritual brothers. At times brothers and sisters who are very tactful in the field ministry may forget the need to be tactful in their brotherly relationships. Gentleness in speech and deeds is vital within Jehovah’s organization for building up a spirit of love and unity and having good everyday relations. Paul said: “Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.”—Gal. 6:10.

¹⁰ We are interested in our brothers, particularly their spiritual interests, because we are all in Jehovah’s organization. (Phil. 2:2, 4) However, the tactful person appreciates that while taking an interest in his brothers he should not pry into their personal matters, perhaps asking embarrassing questions that he has no business asking. Tactfulness will help us to avoid becoming “a busybody in other people’s matters.”—1 Pet. 4:15.

11. How do the Scriptures indicate the need for tactfulness on the part of elders in the congregation?

¹¹ Tactfulness is especially important for elders who are handling problems in the congregation. When the apostle Paul gave Timothy instructions on how to deal with wayward ones in the Christian congregation, he stressed the need to be gentle and kind, saying: “A slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, . . . keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps . . . they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26) Likewise the apostle advised using a “spirit of mildness” when approaching a brother who has taken a false step before being aware of it. (Gal. 6:1) In counseling such ones elders need to be tactful, but at the same time firm for the principles of righteousness.

¹³ The use of theocratic tact produces much good fruit whether we are dealing with the public, our spiritual brothers and sisters, or our own families. It has a pleasing effect on the hearer, as Proverbs 16:24 shows: “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.” By all means, then, cultivate tactfulness, motivated by a strong desire to benefit everyone you meet.