“Whet the appetites of your associates for truth; give advice only when it is asked for.”  [UB 556:16]

Thought Adjuster: “If someone exhibits no desire whatsoever to expand the ‘truth content’ of his life, it is indeed unwise to force-feed him, as it would only result in the development of a strong aversion toward this type of nutrition. 

“As below, so above.  In order to address your loftier spiritual ‘appetites’, let us look at them from the perspective of your down-to-earth physical appetites.  For those of you who suffer from a poor appetite—especially after a prolonged period of fasting, the first bite is the hardest one to take, as food has lost its power of attraction.  After fasting, it also advisable to slowly introduce back in your diet the elements you may be lacking, so that your body gets reacquainted with the health-conducive chemical reactions they trigger.  The simultaneous ingestion of digestive enzymes greatly helps in the process of ‘reawakening’ your intestinal tract. 

“The same applies to your spiritual appetites.  Material life can severely distract you from catering to your much finer spiritual life—about which some of you are still completely oblivious.  What would it take to awaken their spiritual appetites?

“You all have experienced that, once you have taken your first bite out of something pleasurable, you naturally long for more.  It is hard for anyone to refrain from taking another chip out the bag after sampling one—especially when the manufacturer sneakily added some flavor-enhancers.

“Spiritually speaking, by sharing with your sibling delectable morsels of truth, you may effectively awaken the interest of their spiritual taste buds.  The best way to do that is to ask them pointed questions, as they are great mind-openers.  How so?

“A question throws open a challenge to the mind.  It piques its interest and awakens it from its idling mode.  However, you need to ask questions that are pertinent to the life and to the mental capacities of the individual you engage in a conversation.   This is how your Master Jesus ‘whetted the appetites’ of those He encountered.  He took a genuine interest in their life, listened to their concerns, picked up clues from their demeanor.  Just as your ‘mental health therapists’ ask their patients leading questions, Jesus helped His interlocutors figure out the solicited answers before further expanding upon them.  Indeed, small servings are preferable to oversized ones, as they are easier to absorb and integrate.

“Dear ones, do not forget that the Spirit of Truth has been made available to all flesh since the glorious resurrection of Christ.  It is your on-site Teacher and you can become one of His effective assistants if you do so with equal wisdom and discernment.  “When the student is ready, the teacher comes”.  When the student is ready, he willingly attends the class.  Were he to be enlisted by force, he would rebel and altogether skip school.”