The Watchtower — Study Edition · July 15, 2009

Table of Contents

July 15, 2009

Study Edition

STUDY ARTICLES FOR THE WEEKS OF:

August 31, 2009–September 6, 2009

Finding Treasures “Carefully Concealed in Him”

PAGE 3

SONGS TO BE USED: 121, 105

September 7-13, 2009

Christian Families​—Follow Jesus’ Example!

PAGE 7

SONGS TO BE USED: 205, 158

September 14-20, 2009

Imitate Jesus​—Teach With Love

PAGE 15

SONGS TO BE USED: 156, 215

September 21-27, 2009

Imitate Jesus​—Preach With Boldness

PAGE 19

SONGS TO BE USED: 92, 148

Purpose of Study Articles

Study Article 1 PAGES 3-7

Jehovah invites all his servants to seek treasures of incomparable value that are “carefully concealed in” Christ. What are these treasures? How can we find them? How do they benefit us? This article can help us to find the answers.

Study Article 2 PAGES 7-11

From the time of creation, Jesus has been deeply interested in the well-being of humans. This article considers how the teachings of Jesus and the example he set while on earth can help all of us to enjoy good relationships with family members.

Study Articles 3, 4 PAGES 15-23

What made Jesus an effective teacher? Above all, he loved Jehovah, he loved people, and he loved the message he preached. Love moved him to preach with boldness even in the face of opposition. These articles will discuss how we can imitate Jesus and be both loving teachers and bold preachers.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Do You Follow the “Surpassing Way” of Love?

PAGE 12

Ninety Years Ago I Began to ‘Remember My Grand Creator’

PAGE 24

Cooperation Promotes Spiritual Progress

PAGE 28

Accept Gratefully​—Give Wholeheartedly

PAGE 29

Seeds of Truth Reach Remote Regions

PAGE 32

Finding Treasures “Carefully Concealed in Him”

“Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.”​—COL. 2:3.

1, 2. (a) What artifacts were discovered in 1922, and where did they end up? (b) God’s Word extends what invitation to everyone?

DISCOVERIES of hidden treasures have often made headline news. For example, in 1922, after decades of painstaking work in a harsh environment, British archaeologist Howard Carter made a dramatic discovery. He found the nearly intact royal tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen, containing nearly 5,000 objects.

² As spectacular as Carter’s discovery was, most of the artifacts he found ended up in museums or in private collections. They may have some historical or artistic value, but they have little or no effect on our day-to-day life. However, God’s Word invites us to search for treasures that truly affect us. The invitation is open to everyone, and the reward is worth far more than any material treasure.​—Read Proverbs 2:1-6.

3. In what ways are the treasures that Jehovah urges his worshippers to seek beneficial?

³ Consider the value of the treasures that Jehovah urges his worshippers to seek. Among such treasures is “the fear of Jehovah,” which can be a protection and a safeguard for us in these perilous times. (Ps. 19:9) Finding “the very knowledge of God” can lead to the greatest honor any human can have​—a close personal relationship with the Most High. And with the treasures of God-given wisdom, knowledge, and discernment, we will be able to deal successfully with problems and issues in our daily life. (Prov. 9:10, 11) How can we find such precious treasures?

Finding Spiritual Treasures

4. What directions to spiritual treasures do we have?

⁴ Unlike archaeologists and other explorers who often have to search far and wide for their treasures, we know exactly where spiritual treasures can be found. God’s Word, like a treasure map, points us to the precise place where we will be able to find the treasures that God promised. Referring to the Christ, the apostle Paul wrote: “Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.” (Col. 2:3) As we read those words, we might ask: ‘Why should we search for those treasures? How are they “concealed in” Christ? And how do we find them?’ To get the answers, let us take a closer look at the apostle’s words.

5. Why was Paul writing about spiritual treasures?

⁵ Paul wrote those words to his fellow Christians in Colossae. He told them that he was struggling in their behalf so that ‘their hearts might be comforted and they might be harmoniously joined together in love.’ (Read Colossians 2:1, 2.) Why such concern? Evidently, Paul was aware that the brothers there might have been influenced by some among them who were promoting certain Greek philosophies or were advocating a return to the observance of the Mosaic Law. He strongly warned the brothers: “Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ.”​—Col. 2:8.

6. Why should we be interested in Paul’s counsel?

⁶ Today, we face similar influences from Satan and his wicked system. Worldly philosophy, including secular humanism and the theory of evolution, shapes people’s thinking, morals, goals, and lifestyle. False religion plays a major role in many popular holiday celebrations. The entertainment industry panders to the debased tendencies of the fallen flesh, and much of the content of the Internet poses a real danger to young and old alike. Constant exposure to these and other worldly trends can easily affect our feelings and attitude toward the direction that Jehovah provides, causing us to relax our firm hold on the real life. (Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.) Clearly, we need to grasp the meaning of Paul’s words to the Colossians and take his counsel to heart if we do not want to succumb to Satan’s cunning schemes.

7. What two things did Paul say would help the Colossians?

⁷ Returning to Paul’s words to the Colossians, we note that after mentioning his concern, he went on to point out two things that would help them to be comforted and to be united in love. First, he mentioned “the full assurance of their understanding.” They had to be fully convinced that their understanding of the Scriptures was correct, so that their faith would be based on a sure foundation. (Heb. 11:1) Then, he mentioned “an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God.” They needed to advance beyond a basic knowledge of the truth and have a clear understanding of the deeper things of God. (Heb. 5:13, 14) Sound counsel indeed for the Colossians and for us today! How, though, can we acquire such assurance and accurate knowledge? Paul provided the key in his profound statement about Jesus Christ: “Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.”

Treasures “Concealed in” Christ

8. Explain the meaning of the term “concealed in” Christ.

⁸ To say that all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge are “concealed in” Christ does not mean that they are locked away, out of the reach of anyone. Rather, it simply means that to find the treasures, we must put forth strenuous effort, and our attention must be directed to Jesus Christ. This is in harmony with what Jesus said about himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Yes, to find the knowledge of God, we must avail ourselves of the help and direction that Jesus provides.

9. What roles have been assigned to Jesus?

⁹ In addition to being “the way,” Jesus said that he is “the truth and the life.” This indicates that his role is much more than that of being the means of approach to the Father. Jesus also has roles that are vital to the understanding of Bible truth and the gaining of everlasting life. Truly, concealed in Jesus are spiritual gems of incomparable value, waiting for careful students of the Bible to discover. Let us examine some of the gems that directly affect our future prospects and our relationship with God.

10. What can we learn about Jesus from Colossians 1:19 and 2:9?

¹⁰ “It is in him that all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily.” (Col. 1:19; 2:9) Having been with his heavenly Father for aeons of time, Jesus knows better than anyone else the personality and will of God. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus taught others what his Father had taught him and reflected in his actions the qualities that his Father had nurtured in him. That is why Jesus could say: “He that has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) All the wisdom and knowledge of God are hidden, or are dwelling, in Christ, and there is no better way for us to learn about Jehovah than by carefully learning all that we can about Jesus.

11. What is the connection between Jesus and Bible prophecies?

¹¹ “The bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.” (Rev. 19:10) Those words indicate that Jesus is the central figure in the outworking of the many prophecies in the Bible. From Jehovah’s first prophetic declaration, recorded at Genesis 3:15, to the glorious visions of the book of Revelation, Bible prophecies can be correctly understood only when the role of Jesus in connection with the Messianic Kingdom is taken into consideration. That explains why many of the prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures are puzzling to those who do not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. It also explains why Jesus appears to be no more than a great man to those who do not value the Hebrew Scriptures, which contain many Messianic prophecies. Knowledge of Jesus gives God’s people the key to unlocking the meaning of Bible prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled.​—2 Cor. 1:20.

12, 13. (a) How is Jesus “the light of the world”? (b) Having been freed from religious darkness, Christ’s followers are under what obligation?

¹² “I am the light of the world.” (Read John 8:12; 9:5.) Long before Jesus’ birth on earth, the prophet Isaiah foretold: “The people that were walking in the darkness have seen a great light. As for those dwelling in the land of deep shadow, light itself has shone upon them.” (Isa. 9:2) The apostle Matthew explained that Jesus fulfilled that prophecy when He commenced preaching and said: “Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:16, 17) Jesus’ ministry brought to the people spiritual enlightenment and freedom from enslavement to false religious teachings. “I have come as a light into the world,” said Jesus, “in order that everyone putting faith in me may not remain in the darkness.”​—John 1:3-5; 12:46.

¹³ Many years later, the apostle Paul told his fellow Christians: “You were once darkness, but you are now light in connection with the Lord. Go on walking as children of light.” (Eph. 5:8) Being freed from bondage to religious darkness, Christians are under obligation to walk as children of light. This is in line with what Jesus said to his followers in the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matt. 5:16) Do you appreciate the spiritual treasures you have found in Jesus so much that you would recommend them to others, both by word of mouth and by your fine Christian conduct?

14, 15. (a) How were sheep and other animals featured in true worship in Bible times? (b) Why is Jesus an incomparable treasure in his role as “the Lamb of God”?

¹⁴ Jesus is “the Lamb of God.” (John 1:29, 36) Throughout the Bible, sheep played a notable role in the remission of sin and approach to God. For instance, after Abraham had demonstrated that he was willing to offer his son Isaac, he was told not to harm Isaac and was provided with a ram, or male sheep, as a substitute. (Gen. 22:12, 13) When the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, sheep again played a significant role, this time as part of “Jehovah’s passover.” (Ex. 12:1-13) Further, the Mosaic Law provided for the sacrifice of various animals, including sheep and goats.​—Ex. 29:38-42; Lev. 5:6, 7.

¹⁵ None of those sacrifices​—in fact, no sacrifice offered by humans—​could bring permanent release from sin and death. (Heb. 10:1-4) Jesus, on the other hand, is “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” This fact alone makes Jesus a treasure that outranks any material treasure that has ever been found. Therefore, we do well to take time to study the subject of the ransom carefully and exercise faith in that marvelous provision. By doing so, we put ourselves in line for a grand blessing and reward​—glory and honor with Christ in heaven for the “little flock” and everlasting life in Paradise on earth for the “other sheep.”​—Luke 12:32; John 6:40, 47; 10:16.

16, 17. Why is it essential that we understand Jesus’ role as “the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith”?

¹⁶ Jesus is “the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith.” (Read Hebrews 12:1, 2.) In Hebrews chapter 11, we find Paul’s masterful discussion of faith, which includes a concise definition and a list of such exemplary men and women of faith as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and Rahab. With all of this in mind, Paul urged his fellow Christians to “look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.” Why?

¹⁷ Although those faithful men and women listed in Hebrews chapter 11 had strong faith in God’s promise, they did not know all the details of how God would fulfill his promise through the Messiah and the Kingdom. In that sense, their faith was incomplete. In fact, even those who were used by Jehovah to pen the many Messianic prophecies did not fully grasp the import of what they wrote. (1 Pet. 1:10-12) Only through Jesus can faith be perfected, or made complete. How essential that we clearly understand and recognize Jesus’ role as “the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith”!

Keep On Seeking

18, 19. (a) Name other spiritual gems concealed in Christ. (b) Why should we continue to look to Jesus for spiritual treasures?

¹⁸ We have considered just a few of Jesus’ precious roles in God’s purpose for mankind’s salvation. There are still other spiritual gems concealed in Christ. Finding them will bring us delight and benefits. For example, the apostle Peter called Jesus “the Chief Agent of life” and “a daystar” that rises. (Acts 3:15; 5:31; 2 Pet. 1:19) And the Bible applied the term “Amen” to Jesus. (Rev. 3:14) Do you know the meaning and significance of these roles? As Jesus said, “keep on seeking, and you will find.”​—Matt. 7:7.

¹⁹ There is no one in all history whose life has been so full of meaning and so closely connected with our eternal welfare as that of Jesus. In him are spiritual treasures that are easily within reach of anyone who wholeheartedly seeks them. May it be your joy and blessing to find the treasures “carefully concealed in him.”

Do You Recall?

• Christians are urged to seek what treasures?

• Why is Paul’s counsel for the Colossians still appropriate for us today?

• Name and explain some of the spiritual treasures “concealed in” Christ.

[Pictures on page 5]

The Bible is like a treasure map guiding us to the riches “carefully concealed in” Christ

Christian Families​—Follow Jesus’ Example!

“Christ . . . [left] you a model for you to follow his steps closely.”​—1 PET. 2:21.

1. (a) What role did God’s Son have in creation? (b) How does Jesus feel toward mankind?

WHEN God made the heavens and the earth, his firstborn Son was beside him “as a master worker.” The Son of God also cooperated with his Father when Jehovah designed and created the huge variety of animal and plant life here on earth and when He prepared the Paradise that would be home to creatures made in Jehovah’s image and likeness. God’s Son, who later became known as Jesus, had a great love for mankind. “The things [he] was fond of were with the sons of men.”​—Prov. 8:27-31; Gen. 1:26, 27.

2. (a) How has Jehovah provided for imperfect mankind? (b) What is one area of life in which the Bible provides direction?

² After the first human pair sinned, the redemption of sinful mankind became an important part of Jehovah’s purpose. Jehovah provided Christ’s ransom sacrifice to make that redemption possible. (Rom. 5:8) Furthermore, Jehovah provided his Word, the Bible, which gives guidance to man on how best to cope with inherited imperfection. (Ps. 119:105) In his Word, Jehovah provides direction to help people maintain strong, happy families. Regarding marriage, the book of Genesis states that a man must “stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.”​—Gen. 2:24.

3. (a) What did Jesus teach about marriage? (b) What will we consider in this article?

³ During his earthly ministry, Jesus emphasized that marriage was intended to be permanent. He taught principles that when applied would help family members to avoid attitudes and conduct that threatened their marriage or the happiness of their family. (Matt. 5:27-37; 7:12) This article will discuss how Jesus’ teachings and the example he set while on earth can help husbands, wives, parents, and children to live happy, fulfilling lives.

How a Christian Husband Honors His Wife

4. What parallel exists between the role of Jesus and that of Christian husbands?

⁴ God appointed the husband as head of the family, just as Jesus is Head of the congregation. The apostle Paul stated: “A husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation, he being a savior of this body. Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it.” (Eph. 5:23, 25) Indeed, Jesus’ treatment of his followers sets the standard for how Christian men need to treat their wives. Let us consider some of the ways in which Jesus exercised his God-given authority.

5. How did Jesus exercise his authority over his disciples?

⁵ Jesus was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29) He was also a man of action. Never did he abdicate his responsibilities. (Mark 6:34; John 2:14-17) He kindly gave counsel to his disciples, even repeatedly when necessary. (Matt. 20:21-28; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 22:24-27) Still, Jesus did not berate or humiliate them, nor did he make them feel unloved or incapable of carrying out what he was teaching them to do. Instead, he praised and encouraged his disciples. (Luke 10:17-21) No wonder Jesus gained the respect of his disciples by his loving and compassionate treatment of them!

6. (a) What can a husband learn from the way that Jesus treated his disciples? (b) What encouragement does Peter give to husbands?

⁶ Jesus’ example teaches husbands that Christian headship is not a position of harsh domination. Rather, it is one marked by respect and self-sacrificing love. The apostle Peter encouraged husbands to imitate Jesus’ loving ways by “dwelling in like manner” with their wives, “assigning them honor.” (Read 1 Peter 3:7.) How, then, can a husband exercise his authority and at the same time treat his wife as someone worthy of honor?

7. In what way can a husband honor his wife? Illustrate.

⁷ One way a husband can honor his wife is by carefully considering her point of view and her feelings before he makes decisions that affect the family. Perhaps a decision has to be made regarding a move or a change of job or regarding everyday matters, such as where to take a vacation or how to adjust the family budget so as to cope with the rising cost of living. Because the family will be affected, it would be beneficial and kind for the husband to consider his wife’s opinion, as it may help him to arrive at a balanced, more considerate decision, and it will be easier for her to support him. (Prov. 15:22) Christian husbands who honor their wives gain not only the love and respect of their wives but, more important, the approval of Jehovah.​—Eph. 5:28, 29.

How a Wife Shows Deep Respect for Her Husband

8. Why is Eve’s example one to be avoided?

⁸ In Jesus, Christian wives have a perfect model of submission to authority. What a difference there is between his view of authority and the attitude displayed by the first human wife! Eve failed to provide a good model for wives to follow. She had a divinely commissioned head through whom Jehovah communicated instruction. Yet, Eve did not respect this arrangement. She failed to accept the instruction that Adam conveyed to her. (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:3; 1 Cor. 11:3) Granted, Eve was deceived; yet she should have consulted her husband as to the propriety of heeding the voice that claimed to tell her what “God knows.” Instead, she presumed to direct her husband.​—Gen. 3:5, 6; 1 Tim. 2:14.

9. What example in being submissive does Jesus set?

⁹ Jesus, by contrast, provided the perfect model of submission to his Head. His attitude and life course show that he “gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God.” On the contrary, “he emptied himself and took a slave’s form.” (Phil. 2:5-7) Today, as ruling King, Jesus maintains the same attitude. He humbly submits to his Father in all things and supports His headship.​—Matt. 20:23; John 5:30; 1 Cor. 15:28.

10. How might a wife support her husband’s headship?

¹⁰ A Christian wife does well to imitate Jesus by supporting her husband’s headship. (Read 1 Peter 2:21; 3:1, 2.) Consider a situation in which she has an opportunity to do this. Her son is seeking permission to engage in an activity for which parental permission is needed. Because the matter has not previously been discussed by the parents, it would be appropriate for the mother to inquire, “Did you ask your father?” If the son has not, she should discuss the matter with her husband before anything is decided. Moreover, a Christian wife would certainly want to avoid contradicting her husband or challenging his opinion in front of their children. If she disagrees with her husband about something, she would talk with him in private.​—Eph. 6:4.

Jesus’ Example for Parents

11. What example did Jesus set for parents?

¹¹ Even though Jesus did not marry or father children, he is an excellent model for Christian parents. How so? He lovingly and patiently taught his disciples by word and example. He showed them how to carry out the commission that he gave them. (Luke 8:1) Jesus’ disposition and conduct toward his disciples taught them how they were to treat one another.​—Read John 13:14-17.

12, 13. What is required if parents are to raise God-fearing children?

¹² Children tend to imitate their parents, either for good or for bad. So, parents, ask yourselves: ‘What message are we sending to our children when it comes to the amount of time that we dedicate to TV and entertainment on the one hand and Bible study and participation in the field service on the other? What really are our family’s priorities? Are we setting a good example by centering our lives and our decisions on true worship?’ God’s law must first be in the parents’ own hearts if they are to rear God-fearing children.​—Deut. 6:6.

¹³ If parents strive to apply Bible principles in everyday matters, this will not escape their children’s notice. The parents’ words and teachings will carry weight. However, if children perceive a double standard, they might draw the conclusion that Bible principles are not really important or practical. As a result, the children may be more inclined to weaken in the face of worldly pressure.

14, 15. What values should parents cultivate in their children, and what is one way that they can do this?

¹⁴ Christian parents realize that a child’s upbringing entails more than providing for his material needs. Therefore, it would be extremely shortsighted to teach a child to pursue goals that would serve only for his material advantage. (Eccl. 7:12) Jesus taught his disciples to make spiritual values and pursuits their priority. (Matt. 6:33) Therefore, in imitation of Jesus, Christian parents should also strive to cultivate in their children a desire to pursue spiritual goals.

¹⁵ One way that parents can do this is by making the most of opportunities for their children to associate with those who are in the full-time service. Consider how encouraging it can be for teenagers to become acquainted with pioneers or with the circuit overseer and his wife. Visiting missionaries, Bethelites, and those doing international construction work can speak with enthusiasm about the joys of serving Jehovah. No doubt such visitors will have interesting experiences to relate. Their example of self-sacrificing service may greatly help your children to make wise decisions, set praiseworthy goals, and get the appropriate schooling to be able to support themselves in the full-time service.

Children​—What Will Help You to Follow Jesus’ Example?

16. How did Jesus honor his earthly parents and his heavenly Father?

¹⁶ Children, Jesus provides an excellent example for you too. Jesus was given into the care of Joseph and Mary, and he obeyed them. (Read Luke 2:51.) He recognized that, despite their imperfections, they were entrusted with the God-given responsibility of looking after him. That being the case, they were to be honored. (Deut. 5:16; Matt. 15:4) As a grown-up, Jesus always did the things pleasing to his heavenly Father. That meant resisting temptation. (Matt. 4:1-10) You youngsters may at times be tempted to disobey your parents. So, what can help you to follow Jesus’ example?

17, 18. (a) What kind of pressure do youngsters face at school? (b) Remembering what can help youths to meet tests?

¹⁷ Likely, most of your schoolmates have little or no regard for Bible standards. They might try to get you to participate in questionable activities and make fun of you when you refuse. Do your schoolmates ever call you names because you refuse to participate in certain activities with them? If so, how do you react? You know that if you allow yourself to be intimidated and go along with the crowd, you will disappoint your parents and Jehovah. Where would you wind up if you followed your schoolmates? Perhaps you have set certain goals for yourself, such as becoming a pioneer or a ministerial servant, serving in a territory where there is a greater need for Kingdom publishers, or becoming a Bethelite. Will associating with your schoolmates help you reach your goals?

¹⁸ Do you youths in the Christian congregation ever find yourselves in situations where your faith is put to the test? How do you respond? Think of your model, Jesus. He refused to give in to temptation and stood firm for what he knew to be right. Remembering this will help to give you the strength to tell your schoolmates clearly that you do not want to join them in doing something that you know to be wrong. Like Jesus, keep focused on the prospects of a lifetime of joyful service and obedience to Jehovah.​—Heb. 12:2.

The Key to Happy Family Life

19. What course in life brings true happiness?

¹⁹ Jehovah God and Jesus Christ want the very best for mankind. Even in our imperfect state, it is possible for us to enjoy a measure of happiness. (Isa. 48:17, 18; Matt. 5:3) Jesus taught religious truths that form a basis for mankind’s happiness, but that was not all that he conveyed to his disciples. Jesus also taught the very best way of living. More than that, he left a practical example of a balanced life and a balanced attitude. All of us, whatever our role in the family, can benefit from following his example. So, husbands, wives, parents, and children, follow Jesus’ example! Embracing Jesus’ teachings and imitating his example is truly the key to enjoying a satisfying and happy family life.

How Would You Answer?

• How should husbands exercise their God-given authority?

• How can a wife imitate Jesus’ example?

• What can parents learn from the way Jesus treated his disciples?

• What can young people learn from Jesus’ example?

[Picture on page 8]

Before making a decision that affects the family, what will a loving husband do?

[Picture on page 9]

What situation provides a wife an opportunity to support her husband’s headship?

[Picture on page 10]

Children imitate the good habits of their parents

Do You Follow the “Surpassing Way” of Love?

“GOD is love.” These words of the apostle John identify God’s most dominant quality. (1 John 4:8) It is God’s love for mankind that makes it possible for us to draw close to him and to have a personal relationship with him. In what other way does God’s love affect us? It has been said: “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” That is true. However, it is also true that we are shaped and fashioned by whom we love and by who loves us. As we are created in God’s image, we have the ability to mirror God’s love in our lives. (Gen. 1:27) Hence, the apostle John wrote that we love God “because he first loved us.”​—1 John 4:19.

Four Words to Describe Love

The apostle Paul called love the “surpassing way.” (1 Cor. 12:31) Why did he describe love in this manner? To what kind of love was Paul referring? To find out, let us take a closer look at the word “love.”

The ancient Greeks had four basic words, used in various forms, to describe love: stor·geʹ, eʹros, phi·liʹa, and a·gaʹpe. Of these, a·gaʹpe is the term used to describe the God who “is love.”a Concerning this love, Professor William Barclay in his New Testament Words says: “Agapē has to do with the mind: it is not simply an emotion which rises unbidden in our hearts; it is a principle by which we deliberately live. Agapē has supremely to do with the will.” In this context, a·gaʹpe is love that is governed, or guided, by principle, but it is often accompanied by strong emotion. As there are good and bad principles, it is evident that Christians should be guided by good principles, which are laid down in the Bible by Jehovah God himself. When we compare Biblical descriptions of a·gaʹpe with other terms used in the Bible to describe love, we will better understand the love that we should demonstrate.

Love Within the Family Circle

What a delight it is to belong to a warm, close-knit family! Stor·geʹ was the Greek word often used to refer to the natural affection that exists between members of the same family. Christians strive to show love to members of their family. Paul prophesied that in the last days, people in general would have “no natural affection.”b​—2 Tim. 3:1, 3.

The natural love that should exist between family members is sadly lacking in today’s world. Why do so many expectant mothers have abortions? Why do so many families show no interest in their aged parents? Why does the divorce rate continue to skyrocket? The answer really is, Lack of natural affection.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that “the heart is more treacherous than anything else.” (Jer. 17:9) Family love involves our heart and our feelings. Interestingly, though, Paul used a·gaʹpe to describe the love that a husband should show for his wife. Paul compared that love to the love that Christ shows for the congregation. (Eph. 5:28, 29) This love is based on principles laid down by Jehovah, the Originator of the family arrangement.

Genuine love for family members moves us to show interest in our aged parents or motivates us to shoulder responsibility for our children. It also motivates parents to give their children loving discipline when necessary and prevents parents from acting out of mere sentimentality, which often results in an overly permissive attitude toward children.​—Eph. 6:1-4.

Romantic Love and Bible Principles

The physical love shared by a man and a woman in the marriage arrangement is truly a gift from God. (Prov. 5:15-17) However, the word eʹros, which refers to romantic love, is not used by the inspired Bible writers. Why not? Some years ago, The Watchtower made this comment: “Today the whole world seems to be committing the same mistake the ancient Greeks did. They worshiped Eros as a god, bowed at his altar and offered sacrifices to him. . . . But history shows that such worship of sexual love only brought degradation, debauchery and dissolution. Perhaps that is why the Bible writers made no use of the word.” For us to avoid getting involved in relationships based purely on physical attraction, romantic feelings must be tempered, or controlled, by Bible principles. So ask yourself, ‘Are my romantic feelings balanced with true love for my companion?’

During “the bloom of youth” when sexual impulses are often very strong, young people who stick to Bible principles will remain morally clean. (1 Cor. 7:36; Col. 3:5) We view marriage as a sacred gift from Jehovah. Jesus said regarding married couples: “What God has yoked together let no man put apart.” (Matt. 19:6) Rather than staying together only as long as there is mutual attraction, we are committed to our marriage. When marriage problems arise, we do not look for an easy way out but earnestly strive to display godly qualities to make our family life happy. Such efforts will bring lasting happiness.​—Eph. 5:33; Heb. 13:4.

Love Among Friends

Life would be boring without friends! A Bible proverb says: “There exists a friend sticking closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24) Jehovah wants us to have genuine friends. The close bond of friendship between David and Jonathan is well-known. (1 Sam. 18:1) And the Bible says that Jesus “had affection” for the apostle John. (John 20:2) The Greek word for “affection” or “friendship” is phi·liʹa. There is nothing wrong with having a close friend in the congregation. However, at 2 Peter 1:7, we are encouraged to supply love (a·gaʹpe) to our “brotherly affection” (phi·la·del·phiʹa, a compound word of phiʹlos, the Greek word for “friend,” and a·del·phosʹ, the Greek word for “brother”). In order to enjoy enduring friendships, we need to apply this counsel. We do well to ask ourselves, ‘Are my feelings of friendship balanced with Bible principles?’

God’s Word helps us to avoid partiality in our dealings with our friends. We do not apply double standards: a relatively lenient standard for our friends and a different, stricter standard for people who are not our friends. Furthermore, we do not use flattery to make friends. Most important, applying Bible principles gives us the discernment needed to be selective in choosing friends and to avoid ‘bad associations that spoil useful habits.’​—1 Cor. 15:33.

A Unique Bond of Love!

The bond that unites Christians is truly unique! The apostle Paul wrote: “Let your love be without hypocrisy. . . . In brotherly love have tender affection for one another.” (Rom. 12:9, 10) Indeed, Christians enjoy ‘love (a·gaʹpe) without hypocrisy.’ This love is not limited to an emotion that wells up in our hearts. Rather, it is deeply rooted in Bible principles. However, Paul also speaks of “brotherly love” (phi·la·del·phiʹa) and “tender affection” (phi·loʹstor·gos, a compound word of phiʹlos and stor·geʹ). According to one scholar, “brotherly love” is “affectionate love, showing kindness, sympathy, offering help.” Combined with a·gaʹpe, it promotes close companionship among Jehovah’s worshippers. (1 Thess. 4:9, 10) The other expression, translated “tender affection,” occurs only once in the Bible and refers to being close in warm intimacy, as in a family.c

The bond that unites true Christians is a combination of family love and affection for true friends, with all relationships governed by love based on Bible principles. The Christian congregation is, not a social club or a secular organization, but a close-knit family united in the worship of Jehovah God. We call fellow believers brothers and sisters, and we view them that way. They are part of our spiritual family, we love them as friends, and we always behave toward them in harmony with Bible principles. May we all continue to contribute to the bond of love that unifies and identifies the true Christian congregation.​—John 13:35.

[Footnotes]

[Blurb on page 12]

How do you contribute to the bond of love that unites us?

Imitate Jesus​—Teach With Love

“Never has another man spoken like this.”​—JOHN 7:46.

1. How did people react to Jesus’ way of teaching?

IMAGINE how thrilling it must have been to hear Jesus teach! The Bible gives us glimpses of the impact he made on those who met him. For instance, Gospel writer Luke relates that people in Jesus’ hometown “began . . . to marvel at the winsome words proceeding out of his mouth.” Matthew reports that those who listened to Jesus as he taught in the Sermon on the Mount “were astounded at his way of teaching.” And John observes that the officers who were sent to arrest Jesus returned empty-handed, saying: “Never has another man spoken like this.”​—Luke 4:22; Matt. 7:28; John 7:46.

2. What teaching methods did Jesus use?

² Those officers were not mistaken. Jesus was unquestionably the greatest Teacher who ever lived. He taught with clarity, simplicity, and irrefutable logic. He skillfully used illustrations and questions. He adapted his teaching to those to whom he spoke, whether they were of high station or low. The truths he taught were easy to grasp yet truly profound. However, these things alone did not make Jesus the great Teacher that he was.

A Key Quality​—Love

3. As a teacher, how did Jesus differ from the religious leaders of his day?

³ Among the scribes and Pharisees, there were doubtless intelligent men who possessed knowledge and the skills to impart it. What made Jesus’ way of teaching so different from theirs? The religious leaders of the day had no love for the common people. Rather, they despised them, viewing them as “accursed people.” (John 7:49) In contrast, Jesus was moved with pity for them, since they were “skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) He was warm, sympathetic, and kind. Further, the religious leaders had no true love for God. (John 5:42) Jesus, however, loved his Father and delighted to do his will. The religious leaders twisted God’s words to serve their own ends, but Jesus loved “the word of God”​—he taught it, explained it, defended it, and lived by it. (Luke 11:28) Yes, love permeated the very being of the Christ, governing what he taught, how he dealt with people, and how he instructed them.

4, 5. (a) Why is it important to teach with love? (b) In teaching, why are knowledge and skill also important?

⁴ What about us? As followers of Christ, we desire to imitate him in our ministry and in our life. (1 Pet. 2:21) Thus, our objective is not only to impart Bible knowledge but also to reflect Jehovah’s qualities, especially his love. Whether we have a lot of knowledge or just a little, an abundance of teaching skills or just a few, the love we show will go a long way in reaching the hearts of those to whom we preach. To be truly effective in our disciple-making work, we must imitate Jesus by teaching with love.

⁵ Of course, to be good teachers, we need knowledge of our subject and we need skill to impart that knowledge. Jesus helped his disciples to acquire both, and Jehovah, through his organization, helps us to do so today. (Read Isaiah 54:13; Luke 12:42.) Still, we should aim to teach not only with our minds but also with our hearts. When knowledge, skill, and love work together, the results can be most satisfying. In what ways, then, can we show love when we teach? How did Jesus and his disciples do so? Let us see.

We Must Love Jehovah

6. How do we speak about someone we love?

⁶ We enjoy talking about the things we love. When we speak about something dear to our heart, we become animated and our whole demeanor reflects enthusiasm and warmth. This is especially true when we talk about a person whom we love. Usually, we are eager to share with others what we know about that person. We praise, honor, and defend him. We do that because we want others to feel as attracted to that person and his qualities as we are.

7. What did Jesus’ love for God move him to do?

⁷ Before we can cultivate love for Jehovah in others, we must know and love him ourselves. After all, true worship is based on love for God. (Matt. 22:36-38) Jesus set a perfect example. He loved Jehovah with his whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. Having spent perhaps billions of years in heaven with his heavenly Father, Jesus knew him well. The result? “I love the Father,” Jesus said. (John 14:31) That love was reflected in everything Jesus said and did. It motivated him always to do the things pleasing to God. (John 8:29) It impelled him to denounce the religious leaders, who hypocritically claimed to represent God. It also moved him to speak about Jehovah and to help others to know and love God.

8. Love for God motivated Jesus’ disciples to do what?

⁸ Like Jesus, his first-century disciples loved Jehovah, and this love moved them to preach the good news with courage and zeal. They filled Jerusalem with their teaching, even though the powerful religious leaders opposed them. The disciples simply could not stop speaking about the things they had seen and heard. (Acts 4:20; 5:28) They knew that Jehovah was with them and would bless them​—and bless them he did! In fact, less than 30 years after Jesus’ death, the apostle Paul could write that the good news had been preached “in all creation that is under heaven.”​—Col. 1:23.

9. How can we strengthen our love for God?

⁹ If we want to be truly effective teachers, we too need to make sure that we continue to strengthen our love for God. How can we do that? By often communicating with God through prayer. We also strengthen our love for God by studying his Word, by reading Bible-based publications, and by attending Christian meetings. As we grow in knowledge of God, our hearts will be filled with love for him. Then, as we express our love for God in words and deeds, others will observe it and may be drawn to Jehovah.​—Read Psalm 104:33, 34.

We Must Love What We Teach

10. What is a hallmark of a good teacher?

¹⁰ A hallmark of a good teacher is that he loves what he teaches. He must believe that it is true, that it matters, and that it is valuable. If a teacher cares about what he teaches, his enthusiasm will be evident, exerting a powerful influence on those whom he teaches. On the other hand, if a teacher does not truly appreciate what he teaches, how can he expect his students to value what they are hearing? Never underestimate your example as a teacher of God’s Word. Jesus said: “Every well-trained student will be like his teacher.”​—Luke 6:40, The New Berkeley Version in Modern English.

11. Why did Jesus love what he taught?

¹¹ Jesus loved what he taught. He knew he had something precious to share​—the truth about his heavenly Father, the very “sayings of God” and the “sayings of everlasting life.” (John 3:34; 6:68) Like a piercing light, the truths that Jesus taught exposed what was bad and highlighted what was good. They brought hope and comfort to humble ones who were deceived by false religious leaders and oppressed by the Devil. (Acts 10:38) The love Jesus had for truth is found not only in his teachings but in all he did.

12. How did the apostle Paul feel about the good news?

¹² Like Jesus, his disciples loved and valued the truth about Jehovah and Christ so much that opposers could not discourage them from sharing it with others. Paul wrote to fellow Christians in Rome: “There is eagerness on my part to declare the good news . . . For I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith.” (Rom. 1:15, 16) Paul considered it an honor to proclaim the truth. He wrote: “To me, . . . this undeserved kindness was given, that I should declare to the nations the good news about the unfathomable riches of the Christ.” (Eph. 3:8) It is not difficult to imagine Paul’s enthusiasm as he taught others about Jehovah and His purposes.

13. What reasons are there to love the good news?

¹³ The good news found in God’s Word enables us to come to know the Creator and to enter into a loving relationship with him. That good news provides satisfying answers to life’s important questions and has the power to transform our life, to infuse us with hope, and to fortify us in times of adversity. In addition, it points the way to a meaningful life that will never end. There is no body of knowledge more precious or more important than the good news. It is a priceless gift that has been given to us, bringing us great joy. And it brings us added joy when we share that gift with others.​—Acts 20:35.

14. How can we strengthen our love for what we teach?

¹⁴ What can you do to strengthen your love for the good news even further? While reading God’s Word, pause at times to reflect on what you read. For example, imagine yourself accompanying Jesus during his earthly ministry or traveling along with the apostle Paul. Picture yourself in the new world, and envision how different life will be. Reflect on the blessings you have received through your obedience to the good news. If you keep your love for the good news strong, those whom you teach will sense that love. For good reason, then, we should carefully ponder what we have learned and pay attention to what we teach.​—Read 1 Timothy 4:15, 16.

We Must Love People

15. Why should a teacher love his students?

¹⁵ A good teacher makes his students feel comfortable so that they are eager to involve themselves in what they are learning and are happy to express themselves. A loving teacher imparts knowledge because he genuinely cares for his students. He adapts his teaching to their needs and their level of understanding. He is sensitive to the abilities and circumstances of his students. When teachers have such love, students will discern it, and teaching and learning are enjoyable.

16. In what ways did Jesus show love for people?

¹⁶ Jesus showed that kind of love. His greatest expression of love was to surrender his perfect human life so that others might be saved. (John 15:13) During his ministry, Jesus tirelessly cared for people physically and especially spiritually. Rather than expecting people to come to him, he traveled hundreds of miles on foot to share the good news with them. (Matt. 4:23-25; Luke 8:1) He was patient and understanding. When his disciples needed correction, he offered it with love. (Mark 9:33-37) He encouraged them by expressing confidence that they would be effective preachers of the good news. No man has ever been a more loving teacher than Jesus. The love he showed to his disciples impelled them to love him in return and to keep his commandments.​—Read John 14:15.

17. How did Jesus’ disciples show love for others?

¹⁷ Like Jesus, his disciples displayed deep love and affection for those to whom they preached. Enduring persecution and risking death, they ministered to others and succeeded in preaching the good news. What affection they felt for those whom they helped spiritually! Touching indeed are the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “We became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us.”​—1 Thess. 2:7, 8.

18, 19. (a) Why are we willing to make sacrifices to carry out the preaching work? (b) Give an example to show that the love we demonstrate is noted by others.

¹⁸ Similarly, in modern times, Jehovah’s Witnesses scour the earth in search of those who yearn to know and serve God. In fact, for the past 17 years in a row, we have spent over one billion hours annually in the preaching and disciple-making work​—and we continue with that work. We do so willingly, although the preaching work requires that we sacrifice time, energy, and material resources. Like Jesus, we understand that our loving heavenly Father desires that people acquire the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. (John 17:3; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Love moves us to help honesthearted ones to come to know and love Jehovah as we do.

¹⁹ The love we show is noted by others. For instance, a pioneer sister in the United States writes letters to comfort those who have lost loved ones in death. In reply, one man wrote: “My first reaction was one of surprise that a person would put such effort into writing a letter to a total stranger in order to help him endure trying times. I can only conclude that you have a love for your fellow man and for the God who guides him along the paths of life.”

20. How important is it to teach with love?

²⁰ It has been said that when love and skill work together, you can expect a masterpiece. In our teaching, we seek to help our students develop a mind that knows Jehovah and a heart that loves him. Yes, to be truly effective teachers, we need a threefold love​—love for God, love of the truth, and love for people. As we cultivate that kind of love and display it in our ministry, we experience not only the joy of giving but also the satisfaction of knowing that we imitate Jesus and please Jehovah.

How Would You Answer?

• As we teach others the good news, why is it important to have . . .

love for God?

love for what we teach?

love for those whom we teach?

[Picture on page 15]

What made Jesus’ way of teaching different from that of the scribes and Pharisees?

[Picture on page 18]

Good teaching calls for knowledge, skill and, above all, love

Imitate Jesus​—Preach With Boldness

“We mustered up boldness . . . to speak to you the good news.”​—1 THESS. 2:2.

1. Why is the good news of the Kingdom so appealing?

HOW pleasant it is to hear good news! And the best news of all is the good news of God’s Kingdom. This good news assures us of an end to suffering, sickness, pain, sorrow, and death. It opens the way to everlasting life, reveals God’s purpose, and shows us how to come into a loving relationship with him. You would think that everyone would rejoice to hear this news that Jesus shared with mankind. Sadly, though, that is not the case.

2. Explain Jesus’ statement: “I came to cause division.”

² Jesus told his disciples: “Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth; I came to put, not peace, but a sword. For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.” (Matt. 10:34-36) Instead of embracing the good news, most people reject it. Some make themselves enemies of those who proclaim it, even if they are close family members.

3. In carrying out our assignment to preach, what do we need?

³ We proclaim the same truths that Jesus did, and upon hearing them, people react to us today as many did to him back then. This is to be expected. Jesus said to his disciples: “A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) In many lands we do not face outright persecution, but we do meet with disdain and apathy. Consequently, we need faith and courage to endure in our work of preaching the good news with boldness.​—Read 2 Peter 1:5-8.

4. Why did Paul need to ‘muster up boldness’ to preach?

⁴ Perhaps you at times find it hard to share in the ministry, or some aspect of it may seem intimidating. If so, you are in good company. The apostle Paul was a bold and fearless preacher who had an excellent grasp of the truth, yet even he had times when it was a struggle for him to preach. To the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul wrote: “After we had first suffered and been insolently treated (just as you know) in Philippi, we mustered up boldness by means of our God to speak to you the good news of God with a great deal of struggling.” (1 Thess. 2:2) In Philippi the authorities had beaten Paul and his companion Silas with rods, thrown them into prison, and confined them in stocks. (Acts 16:16-24) Even so, Paul and Silas “mustered up boldness” to continue preaching. How can we do the same? To answer, let us consider what enabled servants of God in Bible times to speak with boldness the truth about Jehovah, and let us learn how we can imitate their example.

Boldness Needed to Face Enmity

5. Why has boldness always been needed by those loyal to Jehovah?

⁵ The supreme example of courage and boldness was, of course, Jesus Christ. Still, since the beginning of human history, boldness has always been needed by all of those loyal to Jehovah. Why so? Following the rebellion in Eden, Jehovah foretold that there would be enmity between those who served God and those who served Satan. (Gen. 3:15) This enmity quickly became evident when Abel, a righteous man, was killed by his brother. Later, enmity was directed against Enoch, another faithful man who lived before the Flood. He prophesied that God would come with His holy myriads to execute judgment against the ungodly. (Jude 14, 15) This message was certainly not a popular one. People hated Enoch and evidently would have murdered him had Jehovah not cut his life short. What boldness Enoch displayed!​—Gen. 5:21-24.

6. Why did Moses need boldness in speaking to Pharaoh?

⁶ Think, too, of the boldness that Moses showed in speaking to Pharaoh, a ruler who was viewed, not as a mere representative of the gods, but as a god himself, the son of the sun god Ra. It may be that he, like other Pharaohs, worshipped his own image. Pharaoh’s word was law; he ruled by decree. Powerful, arrogant, and stubborn, Pharaoh was not accustomed to having others tell him what to do. It was before this man that Moses, a meek shepherd, appeared repeatedly​—unbidden and unwelcome. And what did Moses foretell? Devastating plagues. And what did he demand? Permission for several million of Pharaoh’s slaves to leave the country! Did Moses need boldness? Absolutely!​—Num. 12:3; Heb. 11:27.

7, 8. (a) What trials befell faithful ones of long ago? (b) What enabled those in pre-Christian times to show boldness in upholding and promoting pure worship?

⁷ During the centuries that followed, prophets and other faithful servants of God continued to take a courageous stand for pure worship. Satan’s world was not kind to them. Paul states: “They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn asunder, they died by slaughter with the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in want, in tribulation, under ill-treatment.” (Heb. 11:37) What helped those loyal servants of God to stand firm? A few verses earlier, the apostle noted what had given Abel, Abraham, Sarah, and others the strength to endure. He stated: “They did not get the fulfillment of the promises, but [in faith] they saw them afar off and welcomed [“embraced,” ftn.] them.” (Heb. 11:13) No doubt, such prophets as Elijah, Jeremiah, and other faithful ones of pre-Christian times who boldly stood up for true worship were likewise helped to endure by keeping their eyes fixed on Jehovah’s promises.​—Titus 1:2.

⁸ Those faithful ones of pre-Christian times looked to a bright and appealing future. Upon being resurrected, they will eventually reach perfection and be “set free from enslavement to corruption” through the priestly services of Christ Jesus and his 144,000 underpriests. (Rom. 8:21) Moreover, Jeremiah and other bold servants of God in ancient times took courage because of Jehovah’s assurance, reflected in his promise to Jeremiah: “They will be certain to fight against you, but they will not prevail against you, for ‘I am with you,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘to deliver you.’” (Jer. 1:19) Today, when we reflect on God’s promises for our future and his assurance of spiritual protection, we are likewise strengthened.​—Prov. 2:7; read 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.

Love Motivated Jesus to Preach Boldly

9, 10. In what ways did Jesus show boldness in front of (a) the religious leaders, (b) a band of soldiers, (c) the high priest, (d) Pilate?

⁹ Our Exemplar, Jesus, demonstrated his boldness in various ways. For instance, though hated by those having power and influence, Jesus did not water down what God wanted people to know. He fearlessly exposed the powerful religious leaders for their self-righteousness as well as for their false teachings. Those men stood condemned, and Jesus told them so in words both direct and unmistakable. On one occasion, he said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you resemble whitewashed graves, which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men’s bones and of every sort of uncleanness. In that way you also, outwardly indeed, appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”​—Matt. 23:27, 28.

¹⁰ Confronted by a band of soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus courageously identified himself to them. (John 18:3-8) Later he was led before the Sanhedrin and questioned by the high priest. Even though he knew that the high priest was looking for a pretext to kill him, Jesus fearlessly affirmed that He was both Christ and the Son of God. He added that they would see him “sitting at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:53, 57-65) Shortly thereafter, Jesus stood bound before Pilate, who could have freed him. But Jesus remained silent in response to the accusations against him. (Mark 15:1-5) All of this took much courage.

11. How is boldness related to love?

¹¹ To Pilate, Jesus did say: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) Jehovah had commissioned Jesus to preach the good news, and Jesus delighted to do so because he loved his heavenly Father. (Luke 4:18, 19) Jesus also had love for the people. He knew their lives were difficult. Likewise, our bold and fearless witnessing is deeply rooted in love of God and love of neighbor.​—Matt. 22:36-40.

Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Preach Boldly

12. What brought joy to the early disciples?

¹² In the weeks following the death of Jesus, the disciples came to have reason to rejoice as Jehovah joined to them those being saved. Why, on just one day, some 3,000 Jews and proselytes from many lands who were in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost were baptized! What talk this must have generated in that Jewish stronghold! The Bible says: “Fear began to fall upon every soul, and many portents and signs began to occur through the apostles.”​—Acts 2:41, 43.

13. Why did the brothers pray for boldness, and with what result?

¹³ Infuriated, the religious leaders arrested Peter and John, held them in custody overnight, and ordered them not to speak about Jesus. Upon being released, the two reported to the brothers what had occurred, and they all prayed about the opposition they faced, requesting: “Jehovah, . . . grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness.” The result? “They were one and all filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness.”​—Acts 4:24-31.

14. How does the holy spirit assist us in our preaching?

¹⁴ Notice that it was Jehovah’s powerful holy spirit that helped the disciples speak God’s word with boldness. The courage to speak the truth to others, even to those who oppose our message, does not rest with us. Jehovah can and will give us his holy spirit if we ask him to do so. With Jehovah’s help, we too can demonstrate the boldness needed to come off victorious in the face of any opposition.​—Read Psalm 138:3.

Christians Today Preach With Boldness

15. How does the truth divide people today?

¹⁵ In our day, as in times past, the truth continues to divide people. Some respond favorably, while others neither understand nor appreciate our form of worship. Some criticize, ridicule, or even hate us, just as Jesus foretold. (Matt. 10:22) At times, we are the target of misinformation and malicious propaganda through the media. (Ps. 109:1-3) Yet, throughout the earth, Jehovah’s people boldly declare the good news.

16. What experience shows that boldness can change the view of those to whom we preach?

¹⁶ Our boldness may cause people to change their view of the Kingdom message. A sister in Kyrgyzstan relates: “While I was out in the preaching work, one householder told me: ‘I believe in God but not in the Christian God. If you come to this gate again, I will set my dog on you!’ Behind him was a large bulldog on a chain. But during the campaign to distribute Kingdom News No. 37, ‘The End of False Religion Is Near!,’ I decided to return to the same house in hopes of meeting one of the other members of that man’s family. However, the same man opened the door. I quickly prayed to Jehovah and then said: ‘Hello, I remember our conversation of three days ago, and I also remember your dog. But I couldn’t pass you by because just like you, I believe in the one true God. God will soon punish religions that dishonor him. You can learn more about it by reading this.’ To my amazement, the man accepted the Kingdom News. Then I went to another house. A few minutes later, the man came running after me with the Kingdom News in his hand. ‘I read it,’ he said. ‘What do I need to do so that I do not suffer God’s wrath?’” A study was started with the man, and he began attending Christian meetings.

17. How did the boldness of a sister strengthen a fearful Bible student?

¹⁷ Our boldness can also encourage others to be bold. In Russia a sister traveling by bus offered a magazine to a fellow passenger. At that, a man leaped from his seat, grabbed the magazine out of the sister’s hands, crumpled it, and flung it to the floor. Cursing her loudly, he demanded the sister’s address and warned her not to preach in the village. The sister prayed to Jehovah for help and reminded herself of Jesus’ words: “Do not become fearful of those who kill the body.” (Matt. 10:28) Calmly, she stood up and said to the man, “I will not give you my address, and I will continue to preach in the village.” Then she got off the bus. Unbeknownst to the sister, a Bible student of hers happened to be on the same bus. That woman had allowed fear of man to prevent her from attending Christian meetings. After observing the boldness of our sister, however, the Bible student decided that she would begin to attend meetings.

18. What will help you to preach with boldness, as Jesus did?

¹⁸ In this world alienated from God, it takes boldness to preach as Jesus did. What will help you to do so? Look to the future. Keep strong your love of God and neighbor. Pray to Jehovah for courage. Always remember, you are never on your own, for Jesus is with you. (Matt. 28:20) Holy spirit will strengthen you. And Jehovah will bless and support you. Therefore, may we be of good courage and say: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”​—Heb. 13:6.

How Would You Respond?

• Why is boldness needed by God’s servants?

• As to being bold, what do we learn from . . .

faithful ones who lived before Christ?

Jesus Christ?

the early Christians?

fellow Christians today?

[Picture on page 21]

Jesus fearlessly exposed the religious leaders

[Picture on page 23]

Jehovah gives us the courage to preach

Ninety Years Ago I Began to ‘Remember My Grand Creator’

As told by Edwin Ridgwell

ON Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, children at my school were unexpectedly assembled to celebrate the end of the Great War, later called World War I. I was only five years old and did not fully understand the occasion. Still, I knew from what my parents had taught me about God that I did not want to be part of the ceremony. I prayed to God, but then my emotions got the better of me, and I began to cry. Yet, I did not share in the celebration. That was the beginning of my ‘remembering my Grand Creator.’​—Eccl. 12:1.

Some months before this incident at school, our family had moved to live near Glasgow in Scotland. About that time, Father attended the public talk entitled “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” It changed his life. Father and Mother began studying the Bible and often talked together about God’s Kingdom and the blessings to come. I thank God that from then on my parents brought me up to love God and to put my trust in him.​—Prov. 22:6.

Beginning My Full-Time Ministry

At age 15, I qualified for higher education, but I really wanted to serve as a full-time minister. Father felt that I was too young, so I worked in an office for some time. However, the desire to serve Jehovah full-time was so strong that one day I wrote a letter to J. F. Rutherford, who was overseeing the worldwide preaching work at that time. I asked him what he thought about my plans. Brother Rutherford wrote back: “If you are old enough to work, you are old enough to engage in the Lord’s service. . . . I believe the Lord will bless you if you put forth an effort to faithfully serve Him.” That letter, dated March 10, 1928, moved our family. Before long, Father, Mother, my older sister, and I were serving as full-time ministers.

In 1931 at a convention in London, Brother Rutherford called for volunteers to spread the good news in foreign lands. I volunteered, and along with Andrew Jack, I was assigned to Kaunas, then the capital of Lithuania. I was 18 years old.

Preaching the Kingdom Message Abroad

At the time, Lithuania was an impoverished agricultural society, and preaching in the rurals posed challenges. Accommodations were difficult to obtain, and some lodging places we remembered for a long time. For instance, one night Andrew and I woke up because we felt uncomfortable. After we lit the oil lamp, we saw that the bed was covered with hundreds of bedbugs. We were bitten from head to foot! Each morning for a week, I had to stand up to my neck in the cold water of a nearby river to ease the pain. Still, we were determined to carry on in the ministry. Soon thereafter, the lodging problem was solved when we met a young couple who had embraced Bible truth. They took us into their home, which was tiny but clean. We gladly slept on the floor, and what a relief it was!

Lithuania was then dominated by the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox clergy. Only the rich could afford a Bible. Our main objective was to cover as much territory as possible and to leave as much Bible literature as we could with interested ones. First, we would find accommodations in a town. Next, we cautiously covered outlying areas, and then we rapidly covered the town itself. In that way, we could usually finish our work before the local priests could stir up trouble for us.

Causing a Stir and Receiving Publicity

In 1934, Andrew was assigned to work in the branch office in Kaunas, and John Sempey became my partner. We had some memorable experiences. One day, I visited a solicitor’s office in a small town. The man became angry, pulled a pistol from a drawer, and ordered me to leave. I prayed silently and remembered the Bible counsel: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage.” (Prov. 15:1) So I said, “I came here as a friend with a message of good news, and I thank you for your restraint.” The man’s finger on the trigger of his gun relaxed, and I cautiously backed out of his office.

When I rejoined John, he told me that he too had had quite an experience. He had been taken to the police station because he was falsely accused of stealing a banknote of high value from a woman whom he had met. At the station, John was strip-searched. Of course, he did not have the banknote. Later they caught the real thief.

Both events caused quite a stir in that otherwise quiet township and resulted in extensive free publicity for our work!

Undercover Operations

A risky assignment was to take Bible literature into neighboring Latvia, where our preaching was banned. About once a month, we made trips to Latvia on a night train. At times, after dropping off literature, we traveled on to Estonia to pick up more literature, which we left in Latvia on our return trip.

On one occasion, a customs officer had been tipped off regarding our activity and demanded that we leave the train and bring the literature to his superior officer. John and I both prayed to Jehovah to help us. Surprisingly, the officer did not tell his superior what we were carrying but simply said, “These men have something to declare.” I “declared” what I described as literature that would help people in schools and colleges to understand the significance of what was happening in our very troubled world. The customs officer waved us through, and we safely made our deliveries.

As the political situation in the Baltic States deteriorated, anti-Witness sentiments grew and our preaching work was banned in Lithuania as well. Andrew and John were deported, and with World War II looming, all British subjects were advised to leave. I too left​—with sadness.

Privileges and Blessings in Northern Ireland

By then my parents had moved to Northern Ireland, and in 1937, I joined them there. Our literature had also been banned in Northern Ireland because of wartime hysteria, but we continued to preach throughout the war. After World War II, our work could again be carried on without legal restraint. Harold King, an experienced pioneer who later served as a missionary in China, took the lead in sponsoring open-air public talks. “This Saturday,” he said, “I will give the first open-air talk.” He looked at me and said, “You will give the talk next Saturday.” I was shocked.

I vividly remember my first talk. Hundreds of people were present. I delivered it while standing on a box and speaking without the help of any sound equipment. At the end of the talk, a man approached me, shook my hand, and introduced himself as Bill Smith. He said that he had noticed the crowd and stopped to see what was going on. It turned out that Bill had previously been contacted by my father but had lost contact with him when Father and my stepmother moved to Dublin to pioneer there. We started a Bible study. In time, nine members of Bill’s family became servants of Jehovah.

Later I called at large villas on the outskirts of Belfast, where I met a Russian woman who had lived in Lithuania. When I showed her some literature, she pointed to one book and said: “I have that one. My uncle who is a professor at the university in Kaunas gave it to me.” She showed me the book Creation, in Polish. The margins were filled with notes. How surprised she was to learn that I was the person who had initially given the book to her uncle when I met him in Kaunas!​—Eccl. 11:1.

When John Sempey heard that I was going to Northern Ireland, he asked me to call on his younger sister, Nellie, as she had shown some interest in Bible truth. My sister Connie and I conducted a Bible study with her. Nellie made rapid progress and dedicated her life to Jehovah. In time, we pursued a courtship and were married.

Nellie and I spent 56 years together in Jehovah’s service and were privileged to help more than a hundred people come to a knowledge of Bible truth. We had hoped to live on together through Armageddon into Jehovah’s new world, but the cruel enemy death snatched her in 1998. That was a devastating blow​—one of the greatest trials of my life.

Return to the Baltic States

About a year after Nellie died, I received a wonderful blessing. I was invited to visit the branch office in Tallinn, Estonia. A letter from the brothers in Estonia explained: “Out of ten brothers who were assigned to the Baltic States in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, you are the only one still alive.” It further said that the branch was preparing a history of the work in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and then it asked: “Can you come?”

What a privilege to recount the experiences that my partners and I had had in those early years! In Latvia, I was able to show the brothers the original apartment that was used as a branch office and the roof-space where we hid our literature, which was never found by the police. In Lithuania, I was taken to a little town called Šiauliai, where I had pioneered. At a gathering there, a brother told me: “Many years ago my mother and I bought a house in town. We were clearing rubbish out of the attic, and I came across the books The Divine Plan of the Ages and The Harp of God. When I read them, I realized that I had found the truth. You must have been the one who left those books at that house so many years ago!”

I also attended a circuit assembly in a town where I had pioneered. I had attended an assembly there 65 years earlier. Back then, there were 35 in attendance. But what a delight it was to look out over an audience of 1,500! How Jehovah has blessed the work!

‘Jehovah Did Not Leave Me’

Recently I received a totally unexpected blessing when a lovely Christian sister named Bee agreed to be my wife. We were married in November 2006.

I can assure any young person wondering what to do with his life that there is much wisdom in heeding the inspired words: ‘Remember your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.’ I can now rejoice, as the Bible psalmist did: “God, you have taught me from my youth on, and until now I keep telling about your wonderful works. And even until old age and gray-headedness, O God, do not leave me, until I may tell about your arm to the generation, to all those who are to come, about your mightiness.”​—Ps. 71:17, 18.

[Map on page 25]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

A risky assignment was to take literature into Latvia

ESTONIA

TALLINN

Gulf of Riga

LATVIA

RIGA

LITHUANIA

VILNIUS

Kaunas

[Picture on page 26]

I began serving as a colporteur (pioneer) at age 15 in Scotland

[Picture on page 26]

With Nellie at our wedding, 1942

Cooperation Promotes Spiritual Progress

A SPIRIT of cooperation is essential for those who want to make progress in raising a spiritually-minded family. When Jehovah created the first couple, he highlighted the need for cooperation. Eve was to work with Adam as his “complement.” (Gen. 2:18) Marriage should be a partnership, with the man and woman supporting each other. (Eccl. 4:9-12) Fulfilling the role that Jehovah assigns to parents and children also calls for cooperation.

Family Worship

Barry and Heidi have five children. They find that working together to have the family Bible study helps them to make progress. Barry explains: “For the family study, I give the children small assignments from time to time. I may ask them to prepare some comments based on articles in Awake! We also have practice sessions for field service so that each child is prepared with a presentation.” Heidi adds: “All of us have a list with spiritual goals we want to meet, and we review these periodically during the family study to see what progress we are making.” This couple also finds that having regular nights without television gives the entire family an opportunity to do some quiet reading.

Congregation Meetings

Mike and Denise raised four children. How did their family benefit from working together? Mike says: “At times, even the best-laid plans did not work out, but we found that cooperation helped us to get to the meetings on time.” Denise explains: “When the children were growing up, each one had chores to do. Kim, our daughter, helped with cooking and setting the table.” Their son Michael remembers: “Tuesday night we had a congregation meeting in our home. So we cleaned up the room, vacuumed the floor, and put the chairs out.” Matthew, another son, adds: “Dad made sure that he was home from work early on meeting nights to take the lead in getting us ready for the meeting.” What have been the results?

Worth All the Effort

Mike relates: “In 1987, Denise and I began serving as pioneers. At that time, three of our children were still at home. Two of them also became pioneers, and the others have worked on Bethel construction projects. An added joy for our family is that we have been able to help 40 different individuals to the point of dedication and baptism. We have also had the privilege of working as a family on construction projects, even abroad.”

Indeed, cooperating as a family is worth all the effort. Can you find additional ways that you can cooperate with one another in your family? You can be sure that having a spirit of cooperation will help your family to make further spiritual progress.

[Picture on page 28]

Practice sessions promote progress in the field ministry

Accept Gratefully​—Give Wholeheartedly

JEHOVAH, our loving heavenly Father, has personal concern for us. God’s Word assures us that he deeply cares for all his servants. (1 Pet. 5:7) One way in which Jehovah demonstrates his care is by providing us with various forms of assistance to help us serve him faithfully. (Isa. 48:17) Especially when we face problems that are causing us distress, Jehovah wants us to make use of help that he makes available. The Mosaic Law illustrates that truth.

Under the Law arrangement, Jehovah provided loving assistance for “the afflicted one,” such as the orphan, the widow, and the alien resident. (Lev. 19:9, 10; Deut. 14:29) He knows that some of his servants may need help from their fellow worshippers. (Jas. 1:27) Hence, none of his servants need to be reluctant to accept help from those who are moved by Jehovah to give such assistance. Even so, when we accept help, we want to do so in the right spirit.

At the same time, God’s Word highlights that God’s people also have the opportunity to give. Recall the account of the “needy widow” whom Jesus observed at the temple in Jerusalem. (Luke 21:1-4) She likely benefited from Jehovah’s loving provisions for widows as mentioned in the Law. Still, although she was needy, that widow is remembered, not as someone who received, but as one who gave. Her giving attitude must have brought her happiness because, as Jesus said, “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) With that truth in mind, how might you “practice giving” and experience happiness as a result?​—Luke 6:38.

“What Shall I Repay to Jehovah?”

The psalmist wondered: “What shall I repay to Jehovah for all his benefits to me?” (Ps. 116:12) What benefits had he received? Jehovah had sustained him during a period of “distress and grief.” Moreover, Jehovah had “rescued [his] soul from death.” Now he wanted to “repay” Jehovah somehow. What could the psalmist do? He said: “My vows I shall pay to Jehovah.” (Ps. 116:3, 4, 8, 10-14) He resolved to keep all the solemn promises that he had made to Jehovah and to fulfill all his obligations to him.

You can do the same. How? By following a life course that at all times conforms to God’s laws and principles. Hence, make sure that your worship of Jehovah remains the most important thing in your life and that you let God’s spirit guide you in everything you do. (Eccl. 12:13; Gal. 5:16-18) In reality, of course, you can never fully repay Jehovah for all he has done for you. Still, it does ‘make Jehovah’s heart rejoice’ to see that you are wholeheartedly giving of yourself in his service. (Prov. 27:11) What a wonderful privilege it is to give Jehovah pleasure in this way!

Contribute to the Well-Being of the Congregation

You will no doubt agree that you have benefited from the Christian congregation in many ways. Through the congregation, Jehovah has provided an abundance of spiritual food. You received the truth that set you free from religious error and spiritual darkness. (John 8:32) At congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions arranged by “the faithful and discreet slave,” you obtained knowledge that will lead to everlasting life on a paradise earth without pain and suffering. (Matt. 24:45-47) Can you even begin to count all the benefits you have received​—and will yet receive—​through God’s congregation? What might you give the congregation in return?

The apostle Paul wrote: “All the body, by being harmoniously joined together and being made to cooperate through every joint that gives what is needed, according to the functioning of each respective member in due measure, makes for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:15, 16) While that scripture applies primarily to the body of anointed Christians, the principle it contains can apply to all Christians today. Yes, each member of the congregation can contribute to the well-being and growth of the congregation. In what ways?

We can do this by striving to be, at all times, a source of encouragement and spiritual refreshment to others. (Rom. 14:19) We can also contribute to “the growth of the body” by cultivating the fruitage of God’s spirit in all our dealings with fellow believers. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Further, we can look for opportunities to “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10; Heb. 13:16) Everyone in the congregation​—brothers and sisters, young and old—​can share in ‘building up the body in love.’

In addition, we can use our talents, energies, and resources to share in the life-saving work that the congregation carries out. “You received free,” said Jesus Christ. How should we respond? “Give free,” he said. (Matt. 10:8) Therefore, share fully in the vital work of Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Is your ability to do this limited? Remember the needy widow described by Jesus. What she gave was very limited. Yet, Jesus said that she did more than all the others. She gave all that her circumstances allowed her to give.​—2 Cor. 8:1-5, 12.

Receive in the Right Spirit

Nevertheless, there might be times that you may need to receive support from the congregation. Never hesitate to accept any help the congregation can offer when you struggle to cope with the pressures this system brings. Jehovah has provided qualified and caring men to “shepherd the congregation”​—to help you when you experience trials and tribulations. (Acts 20:28) Elders and others in the congregation want to console, support, and protect you during hard times.​—Gal. 6:2; 1 Thess. 5:14.

Make sure, though, that when you receive some needed help, you do so in the right spirit. Always accept with appreciation the support you receive. View such help given by fellow believers as an expression of God’s undeserved kindness. (1 Pet. 4:10) Why is that important? Because we do not want to receive in the way many in the world do​—without any gratitude.

Be Balanced and Reasonable

In his letter to the congregation in Philippi, Paul wrote regarding Timothy: “I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you.” However, then Paul added: “All the others are seeking their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:20, 21) With Paul’s serious observation in mind, how can we today avoid becoming too preoccupied with our “own interests”?

We should never be demanding when we request others in the congregation to give us their time and attention to help us handle our problems. Why not? Think about this: No doubt, we would be deeply grateful if a brother gave us some material assistance to help us cope with an emergency. But would we ever demand such material help from him? Of course not. In a rather comparable way, while our loving brothers are always happy to help us, we need to be balanced and reasonable in what we expect them to give in the way of their time. After all, whatever fellow believers do to help us cope with difficult times, we would want them to do willingly.

No doubt your Christian brothers and sisters will always be ready and willing to assist you. Still, at times they may simply be unable to meet all your needs. If that happens, be sure that Jehovah will sustain you, as he did the psalmist, in whatever trials you may face.​—Ps. 116:1, 2; Phil. 4:10-13.

So, then, do not hesitate to accept gratefully whatever provisions Jehovah makes for you​—especially in times of distress and trouble. (Ps. 55:22) He wants you to do that. However, he also wants you to be “a cheerful giver.” Therefore, be fully “resolved in [your] heart” to give whatever your circumstances allow in support of true worship. (2 Cor. 9:6, 7) In that way, you will be able to do both​—accept gratefully and give wholeheartedly.

[Box/​Pictures on page 31]

“What shall I repay to Jehovah for all his benefits to me?”​—Ps. 116:12

▪ Make opportunities to “work what is good toward all”

▪ Be a source of encouragement and spiritual refreshment to others

▪ Share fully in the disciple-making work to the extent that your circumstances allow

Seeds of Truth Reach Remote Regions

THE Tuva Republic in Russia is located at the southernmost edge of Siberia, with Mongolia to the south and east. Many people in Tuva live in remote communities that are hard to reach with the Kingdom message. However, some time ago, a group of people traveled from several outlying parts of Tuva to Kyzyl, its capital, to attend a seminar. Maria, a pioneer in Kyzyl, learned about their arrival, and she realized that this presented a rare opportunity to share the good news with them.

Maria relates what happened: “The school where I work as a teacher scheduled a seminar on the treatment of substance abuse. About 50 people from the remotest regions of Tuva were to attend. The group included teachers, psychologists, child-welfare inspectors, and others.” For Maria, this meeting was an opportunity and a challenge. She explains: “By nature I am shy, and I find it hard to witness informally. However, I prayed to Jehovah for courage to overcome my fear and use this opportunity to give a witness.” Did she succeed?

Maria continues: “I found an Awake! magazine that discussed the subject of phobias. ‘That might interest a psychologist,’ I thought, so I took the magazine with me to school. That day, one of the teachers attending the seminar came into my office, and I offered her the magazine. She gladly accepted it. In fact, she said that she herself had a phobia. The next day, I brought her the book Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work, Volume 1. That too she gladly accepted. Her positive reaction made me think that other teachers might also be interested in that publication. So I took a carton of Young People Ask books and other publications to school.” Before long, the carton was empty. Maria recounts what happened: “Several colleagues of the teacher to whom I had given the Young People Ask book came into my office and asked, ‘Where are they distributing the books?’” They had come to the right place!

The last day of the seminar was a Saturday. It was Maria’s day off, so she placed literature on several tables in her office. On a board, she wrote: “Dear Teachers! You may take literature for yourselves and your acquaintances. These fine publications will help you to be successful in your work and will strengthen your families.” What was the response? “I went to my office that day and saw that most of the literature was gone. I quickly got a new supply of books and magazines.” By the end of the seminar, Maria had placed 380 magazines, 173 books, and 34 brochures. When those who attended the seminar returned to the isolated regions where they lived and worked, the literature went with them. Says Maria, “I am so happy that seeds of truth have now reached the remotest parts of Tuva!”​—Eccl. 11:6.

[Map on page 32]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

RUSSIA

TUVA REPUBLIC