MANIFEST A RESPECTFUL SPIRIT IN THE CONGREGATION

11. (a) What will maintaining a proper spirit help us to avoid? (b) What do we learn from David’s example?

¹¹ We should keep in mind that Jehovah has assigned the elders “to shepherd the congregation of God.” (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2) Thus, we realize that the wise course is to respect God’s arrangement, whether we have the privilege of serving as elders or not. Maintaining a proper spirit can help us to avoid being oversensitive about position. When King Saul of Israel felt that David had become a threat to his kingship, Saul “was continually looking suspiciously at David.” (1 Sam. 18:9) The king developed a bad spirit and even wanted to kill David. Rather than being overly concerned with position as Saul was, how much better to be like David. In spite of all the injustice heaped upon him, the young man maintained respect for God-appointed authority.​—Read 1 Samuel 26:23.

12. What will contribute to unity in the congregation?

¹² Differences of viewpoint can become a source of irritation in the congregation​—even among the overseers. The Bible’s counsel can help us in this regard: “In showing honor to one another take the lead” and, “Do not become discreet in your own eyes.” (Rom. 12:10, 16) Instead of insisting that we are right, we should acknowledge that there is often more than one acceptable way to look at a situation. If we try to see others’ point of view, we can contribute to the unity of the congregation.​—Phil. 4:5.

13. How should we view our own opinions, and what Bible example illustrates this?

¹³ Does this mean that it is wrong to offer our observation if we see something in the congregation that we feel needs adjustment? No. In the first century, an issue arose over which there was much disputing. The brothers “arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and older men in Jerusalem regarding this dispute.” (Acts 15:2) No doubt each of those brothers had an opinion on the subject and an idea of how the matter might be handled. However, once each one expressed his thought and a spirit-directed decision was made, the brothers did not continue to bring up their individual opinions. After the letter with the decision reached the congregations, “they rejoiced over the encouragement” and were “made firm in the faith.” (Acts 15:31; 16:4, 5) Likewise today, once we bring a matter to the attention of the responsible brothers, we should be content to leave it to their prayerful consideration.

CONTRIBUTE TO A WHOLESOME SPIRIT IN GOD’S ORGANIZATION

16, 17. Regarding ‘the spirit we show,’ what are you personally determined to do?

¹⁶ What delightful results can be obtained if each member of the congregation makes it his or her goal to contribute to the wholesome spirit of the congregation! After considering these matters, we may decide that we personally can improve in displaying an upbuilding spirit. If so, we should not hesitate to let ourselves be examined in the light of God’s Word. (Heb. 4:12) Paul, who was very concerned about his actions in the congregations, said: “I am not conscious of anything against myself. Yet by this I am not proved righteous, but he that examines me is Jehovah.”​—1 Cor. 4:4.

¹⁷ As we strive to act in harmony with the wisdom from above, not taking ourselves or our position too seriously, we will contribute to a wholesome spirit in the congregation. By having a forgiving spirit and thinking positively of others, we will enjoy peaceful relations with fellow worshippers. (Phil. 4:8) As we do these things, we can be confident that Jehovah and Jesus will be pleased ‘with the spirit we show.’​—Philem. 25.