No matter where we live, Bible principles can help us choose recreation that is good for us. This article shows us how we can make wise choices in our recreation.

STUDY ARTICLE 2 PAGES 9-14

The decisions we make about singleness and marriage affect our life. They also affect our friendship with God. This article helps single and married servants of God to use the counsel in 1 Corinthians chapter 7 to make good decisions.

STUDY ARTICLES 3, 4 PAGES 15-25

In these last days, many situations cause suffering to Jehovah’s servants and others. What are some of these situations? Where can we find the comfort we need? These two articles show how Jehovah and his Witnesses comfort people in these troubled times.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

26 Why Is It Important to “Keep on the Watch”?

29 Let Us Rejoice Together!

32 Questions From Readers

Is Your Recreation Beneficial?

pp. 3–8

Is Your Recreation Beneficial?

THEME SCRIPTURE

“Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.”—EPHESIANS 5:10.

1, 2. (a) How do we know that Jehovah wants us to enjoy life? (b) Since the time we use for recreation is a gift from God, what should this make us want to do?

THE Bible makes it clear that Jehovah wants us to enjoy our life. For example, Psalm 104:14, 15 says that Jehovah makes “food to go forth from the earth, and wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice, to make the face shine with oil, and bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man.” It is Jehovah who gives us the food we need to live. He makes the crops grow so that we can have grain, oil, and wine. Even though wine is not necessary to keep living, it can make “the heart of mortal man rejoice.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7; 10:19) Jehovah wants us to be joyful. He wants our hearts to be filled with “good cheer.”—Acts 14:16, 17.

² So we should not think that it is wrong to use some of our time to “observe intently the birds of heaven” and “the lilies of the field.” Activities like these can give us energy and make our life more enjoyable. (Matthew 6:26, 28; Psalm 8:3, 4) A happy and healthy life is a “gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13) The time we use for recreation is a part of the gift that God gave us. So we should use it in a way that pleases God.a

VARIETY AND LIMITS IN RECREATION

3. Why do people make different choices of recreation?

³ Those with the correct view of recreation know that they have the freedom to make choices. They also know that there are limits to what they can do for recreation. Why do people make different choices? To help us understand this, we can compare our choice of recreation to our choice of food. People in different parts of the world like eating different types of food. In the same way, Christians living in different parts of the world enjoy different types of recreation. Even those in the same area may choose to do different things. For example, one person may think that reading a good book is relaxing, but another may think that it is boring. Another may like doing physical things, like riding a bicycle, but others may not like this kind of activity. Just as people can choose what sort of food they like, they can also choose the type of recreation they like.—Romans 14:2-4.

4. Why should we set limits on the type of recreation we choose? What example helps us to understand this?

⁴ Even though we have the freedom to make our own choices in recreation, we should not do everything we are tempted to do. Think again about the example of food. We might like to eat different types of food. But we would not choose to eat food that is rotten. It could make us sick. In the same way, we might like to try different types of good recreation. But we would not do immoral or violent things or anything that would put our life in danger. Things like these go against Bible principles. They damage our friendship with Jehovah and could damage our health. So we must set limits on the recreation we choose. We need to think carefully about what we would like to do and then choose recreation that will benefit us and be pleasing to Jehovah. (Ephesians 5:10) How can we decide what type of recreation is good for us?

5. How do we know if our recreation pleases Jehovah?

⁵ For our recreation to benefit us and please Jehovah, it must agree with the standards in the Bible. (Psalm 86:11) To help you make decisions about recreation, you may use a simple checklist. The list has three questions that we can ask ourselves. The questions are: what? when? and who? We will talk about them now.

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?

6. What entertainment should we never choose? Why do we not choose it?

⁶ Before choosing any entertainment, we need to ask: What does the activity include? It is good to remember that there are two sorts of entertainment. The first sort involves things that we would never do. The second involves things that we might decide to do. What is the first sort of entertainment? A lot of the entertainment in this wicked world includes activities that are completely against Bible principles or that break God’s laws. (1 John 5:19) True Christians should never choose this sort of entertainment. This means anything that includes demonism, homosexuality, pornography, or violence. It also includes entertainment that shows people causing physical pain to others for pleasure, or any other entertainment that makes immoral acts seem good. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; read Revelation 21:8.) No matter where we are, we would never want to choose this sort of entertainment. We want to show Jehovah that we hate “what is wicked.”—Romans 12:9; 1 John 1:5, 6.

7, 8. What can help us make good decisions in entertainment? What example can we think about when we make choices about recreation?

⁷ The second sort of entertainment involves activities that we need to think carefully about before we decide. The Bible may not talk about these exact types of entertainment. But Bible principles will help us understand what Jehovah thinks is good and right. So before we make decisions about these types of entertainment, we should be sure that they are not against Bible principles. (Proverbs 4:10, 11) Then we need to make a decision that will help us to keep a good conscience. (Galatians 6:5; 1 Timothy 1:19) How can we make good choices? Think again about food. Before we try a new kind of food, we want to know what is in it. In a similar way, before we choose our recreation, we want to know about it so that we can decide if it is good for a Christian.—Ephesians 5:17.

⁸ For example, you may like sports. Many people do. Sports can be fun and exciting. But in some sports the competition can become violent or can put a person’s life in danger. Some sports are dangerous and cause physical injuries. In other sports, people celebrate in a wild and violent way and can think that their nation is better than others. What should you do if you like sports in which these things happen? As you think about what is involved in these sports, you would likely decide that your way of thinking does not agree with Jehovah’s way of thinking or agree with the message of peace and love that we preach to others. (Isaiah 61:1; Galatians 5:19-21) But if you are sure that the recreation agrees with Jehovah’s principles, then it may benefit you and give you energy.—Galatians 5:22, 23; read Philippians 4:8.

WHEN DO I PARTICIPATE IN RECREATION?

9. What can you learn from your answer to the question: When will I participate in recreation?

⁹ The first question we discussed was: What? Our answer to that question shows what we like and what we approve of. Now the second question is: When? So we need to ask: When will I participate in recreation, and how much time will I use for it? The answer to this second question shows what our priorities are, that is, what we think is more important. So, what can help us to decide how important recreation is in our life?

10, 11. How do Jesus’ words found at Matthew 6:33 help us to decide how much time to use for recreation?

¹⁰ Jesus Christ told his followers: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) We show that our love for Jehovah comes first in our life by obeying what Jesus said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Jesus’ words can help us to decide how important recreation is in our life and how much time we should use for it.

¹¹ Notice that Jesus told us to keep on “seeking first the kingdom.” He did not tell us to keep on seeking only the Kingdom. Jesus knew that we would need to care for many things in life in addition to seeking the Kingdom. We need to use enough time for seeking work, food, housing, clothing, a basic education, recreation, and other things. But these do not come first in our life. The Kingdom comes first. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) When we come to understand what should come first, we will put recreation and all other activities in second place and seek the Kingdom first. If we do this, recreation can benefit us.

12. How can Luke 14:28 help us to make decisions about our recreation?

¹² Before we make decisions about recreation, we need to think carefully about “the expense,” or the time it will involve. (Luke 14:28) Just as some things cost money, recreation costs, or uses up, time. We need to decide how much of our time we will use for recreation. We should not use so much time for recreation that we do not have enough time for important things like personal Bible study, family worship, attending Christian meetings, or preaching. (Mark 8:36) But if recreation will give us the energy to continue in our service to God, we may decide that to use our time for that activity will benefit us.

WHO ARE MY FRIENDS?

13. Why should we think carefully about the people we associate with in our recreation?

¹³ The third question is: Whom do I associate with in my recreation? The answer to this question is important because the people we associate with will affect whether we make good choices. For example, we enjoy eating meals when we are with other people. The same is true about recreation. We enjoy recreation more when we are with good friends. So it is understandable that many of us, especially young people, enjoy recreation with others. But before we choose our recreation, we need to decide who would be a good associate and who would be a bad associate. This will help us to make sure that recreation will benefit us.—2 Chronicles 19:2; read Proverbs 13:20; James 4:4.

14, 15. (a) How does Jesus’ example help us to choose good friends? (b) When choosing friends, what questions should we ask ourselves?

¹⁴ Following Jesus’ example will help us make good friends. Jesus has always loved people. (Proverbs 8:31) While he was on earth, he showed love and respect for everyone. (Matthew 15:29-37) But Jesus knew that there was a difference between being friendly and being a close friend. Although Jesus was friendly to all people, he was not close friends with everyone. His words to his 11 faithful apostles show us how he chose his close friends. He said: “You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.” (John 15:14; see also John 13:27, 30.) The only people Jesus chose to be his close friends were those who followed him and served Jehovah.

¹⁵ Before you decide to choose someone as your close friend, it would be good to remember what Jesus said. Ask yourself these questions: Does this person show by what he says and what he does that he obeys the commands of Jehovah and Jesus? Does he love what is good and hate what is bad? Will he help me to put the Kingdom first in my life and to be a loyal servant of Jehovah? If you answer yes to these questions, you have a good friend with whom you can spend time in recreation.—Read Psalm 119:63; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:22.

DOES OUR RECREATION PASS THE TEST?

16. What should we ask ourselves about our recreation?

¹⁶ We have discussed three questions about recreation: what? when? and who? Before we participate in recreation, we must think carefully about the quality and quantity of our recreation and about the friends we choose to enjoy it with. For our recreation to benefit us, it must agree with the standards in the Bible. When we think about the quality of our recreation, we need to ask: What does it include? Is it the kind of recreation that Jehovah approves, or is it violent or immoral? (Proverbs 4:20-27) When we think about the quantity, we need to ask: How much time will I use for recreation? Is the activity worth the time I will use for it? (1 Timothy 4:8) And when we think about the friends we choose, we need to ask: Who will join me in this activity? Will they be good friends for me, or will they be bad associations?—Ecclesiastes 9:18; 1 Corinthians 15:33.

17, 18. (a) How can we test to see if our entertainment agrees with the standards in the Bible? (b) What decision will you make about your recreation?

¹⁷ If our recreation does not agree with Bible standards in any of these three ways, it does not pass the test. But if our entertainment follows Bible standards in the three ways we talked about, our recreation will honor Jehovah and benefit us.—Psalm 119:33-35.

¹⁸ So when we are making decisions about our recreation, we should do all we can to do the right thing at the right time and with the right people. It should be our desire to obey what the Bible tells us to do: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”—1 Corinthians 10:31.

[Footnote]

a In this article, the words “recreation” and “entertainment” both refer to the things we enjoy doing to relax.

SOME WORDS EXPLAINED

▪ Laws: Rules in the Bible that tell us what God says is right and wrong

▪ Principles: Basic truths from the Bible that help us to make good decisions

DO YOU REMEMBER?

How can the principles in these scriptures help you to make good choices in your recreation?

▪ Philippians 4:8

▪ Matthew 6:33

▪ Proverbs 13:20

[Blurb on page 4]

Choose recreation that Jehovah approves of and that benefits you

[Blurb on page 5]

Jesus chose only those who served Jehovah as his close friends

[Blurb on page 6]

The Kingdom should come first in our life

[Blurb on page 8]

We should do the right thing at the right time and with the right people

[Diagram on page 4]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

✔What

[Diagram on page 6]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

✔When

[Diagram on page 7]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

✔Who

[Picture on page 5]

How does Jesus’ example help us to choose good friends and good recreation?

Wise Counsel About Singleness and Marriage

pp. 9–14

Wise Counsel About Singleness and Marriage

THEME SCRIPTURE

“This I am saying . . . to move you to that which is becoming and that which means constant attendance upon the Lord without distraction.”—1 CORINTHIANS 7:35.

1, 2. Why should we learn what the Bible says about singleness and marriage?

HAPPINESS, frustration, and worry are emotions, or feelings, that we often experience in our relationships with the opposite sex. Because we experience these different emotions, we need to ask for God’s guidance. There are many reasons we need him to guide us. For example, some Christians who are happy being single may think that their family or friends are trying to pressure them to marry. Others may want to be married but have not found the right person. And some need direction on how to prepare for the responsibilities of being a husband or wife. Also, both single and married Christians need to protect themselves from sexual immorality.

² These situations can affect our happiness. But more important, they can affect our friendship with God. In 1 Corinthians chapter 7, the apostle Paul gave advice on singleness and marriage. He wanted his readers to do what is right and to continue serving God with their whole heart and not be distracted. (1 Corinthians 7:35) Paul’s advice about these important matters can help you. He wanted single and married people to use their situation as a way to serve Jehovah well.

A SERIOUS DECISION THAT EACH PERSON MAKES

3, 4. (a) What can happen if friends and family try to pressure someone to marry? (b) How can Paul’s words help us to have the right thinking about marriage?

³ Jewish people in the first century believed that it was very important to get married. Many people today think the same. If a person does not get married by a certain age, family and friends may worry and think that they need to give this person advice about getting married. Family and friends may say that he or she should do more to find someone to marry. Or family and friends may suggest someone whom they think he or she could marry. And some arrange for two people to meet each other because they think they should get married. When people do these things, they could cause embarrassment and damage friendships. They could hurt the feelings of those involved.

⁴ Paul did not tell others that they should marry or that they should stay single. (1 Corinthians 7:7) He was content to serve Jehovah without a wife, but he did not criticize people who wanted to get married. Christians today have the right to decide for themselves if they should marry or stay single. Others should not tell them which choice they should make.

SUCCESS AS A SINGLE PERSON

5, 6. Why did Paul encourage Christians to remain single?

⁵ Paul’s words to the Corinthians help us understand that single Christians can serve God well. (Read 1 Corinthians 7:8.) Some religious leaders of Christendom who do not marry think that they are better than others who do marry. But Paul did not think like that. Even though he was not married, he did not think that he was better than those who were married. Paul explained that single Christians may be able to serve God in ways that married Christians cannot. What does this mean?

⁶ A single Christian can often accept assignments in Jehovah’s service that a married person may not be able to accept. Paul was given a special honor to be sent as “an apostle to the nations.” (Romans 11:13) In Acts chapters 13 to 20, we can read about Paul’s experiences. Paul traveled with other missionaries to preach in new areas, and they started many new congregations. He endured difficult situations in his ministry that many of us today will not experience. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27, 32, 33) But Paul was willing to endure all these difficulties to make disciples, and this brought him much joy. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-7, 9; 2:19) If Paul had been married, he might not have been able to do everything that he did.

7. How did two single Witnesses use their situation to preach about the Kingdom?

⁷ Many single Christians use their situation to do more in the preaching work. Sara and Limbania are single pioneer sisters in Bolivia. They moved to a village where no one had preached for many years. There was no electricity in that village, and the sisters said that the main interest of the people was reading, since they were not busy watching television or listening to the radio. Some people were still reading old magazines and books of Jehovah’s Witnesses that were not even being printed anymore. At nearly every door, the sisters met people who wanted to learn about the Bible, so it took a long time to finish the territory. One older woman told the sisters: “The end must be near because Jehovah’s Witnesses have reached us at last.” Soon people in the village started attending congregation meetings.

8, 9. (a) Why did Paul say that it was good to serve God as a single person? (b) What are some benefits of serving Jehovah as a single person?

⁸ It is true that married Christians have good results when they preach in difficult territories. But some assignments that single pioneers could accept would be difficult for Christians who are married or who have children. When Paul wrote to the congregations, he knew that there was still a lot of work to do to preach the good news. And he wanted everyone to experience the joy of making disciples, just as he had experienced it. That is why Paul said that it was good to serve Jehovah as a single person.

⁹ A pioneer sister in the United States explained how she feels about being single. She said that some people think that it is impossible for single people to be happy. But she knows that having a friendship with Jehovah brings real happiness. Even though being single is a sacrifice, she believes that if a person uses his situation in a good way, it can be a wonderful gift. Being single does not stop a person from being happy. It is an opportunity for happiness. She said: “I know that Jehovah excludes no one, single or married, from his tender affections.” This sister is now serving Jehovah in a country where there is a great need for people to preach the good news. If you are single, can you do more to teach the truth to others? If you can, then being single will be like a precious gift from Jehovah.

SINGLE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MARRY

10, 11. How does Jehovah help those who have not yet found the right person to marry?

¹⁰ After being single for some time, a Witness of Jehovah may decide to get married. Because he knows he needs guidance, he asks Jehovah for help to find someone whom he can marry and be happy with.—Read 1 Corinthians 7:36.

¹¹ If you want to marry a person who serves Jehovah with his whole heart, continue to pray to Jehovah about your desire. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Even if it seems that you are waiting a long time, do not get discouraged. Jehovah knows what you need, and if you trust in him, he will help you to cope with your situation.—Hebrews 13:6.

12. If someone asks you to marry, what should you carefully think about before you answer?

¹² What if someone who does not have a strong relationship with God or someone who is not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses asks you to marry? Maybe you have a strong desire to get married. But if you make a bad choice, the emotional pain you feel will be worse than the loneliness you felt when you were single. Remember that you must stay married to the person you choose to marry. The choice you make now will affect the rest of your life. (1 Corinthians 7:27) Do not marry someone just because you feel that this is your only opportunity to get married. You may regret that decision later.—Read 1 Corinthians 7:39.

PREPARE FOR MARRIAGE

13-15. What possible difficulties should a couple talk about before they get married?

¹³ Paul said that it was good to serve Jehovah as a single person, but he did not think that he was better than those who decided to marry. Paul wanted to help married couples, and the counsel he wrote helps them to understand what to expect after they get married and how to stay married.

¹⁴ Some couples may need to change their ideas about what marriage will be like. When they are courting, the couple may think that their love is very special. They think that they are the only people ever to feel this way. They begin their married life with these feelings and believe that they will never be unhappy in their marriage. But real life is not like this. It is not possible to be happy all the time. It is true that romantic moments can bring joy. But they are not enough to solve the problems and difficulties that every couple experiences in marriage.—Read 1 Corinthians 7:28.a (See footnote.)

¹⁵ After they are married, some couples are surprised or even disappointed when they do not agree on important matters. For example, they may disagree on how they should use their money. Or they may disagree on what they should do for recreation, where they will live, and how often to visit their families. And each has imperfections that can irritate the other person. When two people are courting, they could think that they do not need to talk about these important things. But if they do not talk about them, these situations could cause difficulties later. So it is better for the couple to talk about them before they get married.

16. Why should a couple agree on how they will solve difficulties?

¹⁶ To have a happy marriage, a couple must agree on how they care for their responsibilities. They should agree on how to discipline their children. And as their parents get older, they need to agree on how they will care for them. Every family has difficult situations. But a couple should not let these difficulties divide them. The Bible’s advice will help them solve problems, endure the problems that they cannot easily solve, and stay happy together.—1 Corinthians 7:10, 11.

17. Why are married couples “anxious for the things of the world”?

¹⁷ Paul explains more about married life at 1 Corinthians 7:32-34. (Read.) Married people are “anxious for the things of the world.” These are things like food, clothing, housing, and other basic needs. Why are married people “anxious for the things of the world”? For example, when a brother was single, maybe he used a lot of time and energy in the ministry. But after he gets married, he must use some of that time and energy to care for his wife. And the wife does the same for him. Jehovah understands that both husband and wife want their mate to be happy. He knows that the couple may not have the same time and energy for his service as they did when they were single. Now they may need to use some of that time and energy to make their marriage strong.

18. What changes may a married couple need to make in how they use recreation time?

¹⁸ But what about the time that the couple used for recreation and other activities when they were single? If a couple must take some time and energy from Jehovah’s service to keep their marriage strong, they should do the same with the time and energy that they used for recreation when they were single. If a husband used the same amount of time on sports with his friends as he did before he was married, how would his wife feel? Or how would the husband feel if his wife used the same amount of time for activities with her friends as she did before she was married? Both of them might feel lonely, unhappy, and unloved. To avoid this, a couple must do everything they can to make their marriage strong.—Ephesians 5:31.

JEHOVAH REQUIRES US TO BE MORALLY CLEAN

19, 20. (a) Why do married people need to protect themselves from immorality? (b) What danger is there if a married couple are separated for a long time?

¹⁹ Servants of Jehovah do everything they can to stay morally clean. Some decide to marry to avoid immorality. But just being married is not enough to protect a person from sexual immorality. A married person still needs to be careful to stay morally clean. In Bible times, a city was protected by large, strong walls. If a person stayed inside the city, he would be safe. But outside the walls it could be dangerous because of robbers and criminals. The limits that Jehovah has made for married people are like that strong wall around a city. Married people can be protected from sexual immorality only if they obey the laws and limits that Jehovah has made for marriage.

²⁰ Paul explained what those limits are at 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. Sexual relations with her husband are the right of the wife only. And sexual relations with his wife are the right of the husband only. God says that each one should give the marital “due,” or sexual relations that married people have the right to receive. If couples are away from each other for a long time, they cannot give this “due.” Some husbands and wives go on separate vacations. Others are away from their marriage mate for a long time because of their work. Satan could use these situations to ruin marriages. If a man and wife do not consider the sexual needs of each other, one of them could be tempted to commit adultery. Jehovah will bless family heads who care for their families and who do not put their marriage in danger.—Psalm 37:25.

OBEY THE BIBLE’S COUNSEL

21. (a) Why are decisions about singleness and marriage difficult to make? (b) How can the counsel in 1 Corinthians chapter 7 help us?

²¹ Decisions about singleness and marriage are very difficult to make. Whether you decide to remain single or decide to marry, there will be problems because everyone is imperfect. And even though Jehovah blesses his people, sometimes they will be disappointed about things that happen in their life. But the wise counsel that Paul gave in 1 Corinthians chapter 7 can help you avoid many of the problems we have talked about. Whether we are single or married, we can please Jehovah. (Read 1 Corinthians 7:37, 38.) The greatest blessing in our life is to have God’s approval. We can have his approval now and also in the future when we live in the new world that God has promised. Then, men and women will not have the pressures and problems that they have today.

[Footnote]

a For more information, see the book The Secret of Family Happiness, chapter 2, paragraphs 16-19.

SOME WORDS EXPLAINED

▪ Courting: The time that a couple use to get to know each other to decide if they should marry

▪ Sexual immorality: Breaking God’s laws about sexual relations

▪ Counsel: Advice or instruction from the Bible

WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?

▪ Why should we not pressure single people to get married?

▪ How can a single servant of Jehovah use his situation in the best way?

▪ How can a couple who are courting prepare for some of the difficulties in marriage?

▪ Why do married people need to protect themselves from immorality?

[Blurb on page 9]

Whether you are single or married, serve Jehovah with your whole heart

[Blurb on page 10]

Being single can be an opportunity for happiness

[Blurb on page 11]

The choice you make about marriage will affect the rest of your life

[Blurb on page 12]

Talk about possible problems before you get married

[Pictures on page 11]

Single Christians are happy when they do more to teach the truth to others

[Picture on page 13]

What changes may some have to make after marriage?

Trust in Jehovah, “the God of All Comfort”

pp. 15–19

Trust in Jehovah, “the God of All Comfort”

THEME SCRIPTURE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort.”—2 CORINTHIANS 1:3.

1. What does everyone need?

FROM the time we are born, we need comfort. A baby cries to let us know when it needs comfort. Perhaps it wants someone to hold it or it is hungry. Even when we are older, we often need someone to comfort us. This happens especially when we are in difficult situations.

2. What promise does Jehovah give to those who trust in him?

² Our family and friends can give us some comfort. But they cannot help us in all situations that make us suffer. There are times when only God can give us comfort. His Word promises us: “Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, . . . and their cry for help he will hear.” (Psalm 145:18, 19) The Bible also says that “the eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help.” (Psalm 34:15) But if we want God to comfort us, we must trust in him. David said: “Jehovah will become a secure height for anyone crushed, a secure height in times of distress. And those knowing your name will trust in you, for you will certainly not leave those looking for you, O Jehovah.”—Psalm 9:9, 10.

3. What did Jesus say to help us understand how much Jehovah loves us?

³ Jehovah’s worshippers are precious to him. Jesus said: “Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them goes forgotten before God. But even the hairs of your heads are all numbered. Have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6, 7) Jehovah told the Israelites: “With a love to time indefinite I have loved you. That is why I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”—Jeremiah 31:3.

4. Why can we trust in Jehovah’s promises?

⁴ If we trust in Jehovah and his promises, we can have comfort in times of suffering. We should have the same trust in God that Joshua had. He said: “Not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you. Not one word of them has failed.” (Joshua 23:14) And we can be sure that even if we are suffering because of difficult situations now, “God is faithful” and will never leave his loyal servants.—Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.

5. Why are we able to comfort others?

⁵ The apostle Paul calls Jehovah “the God of all comfort.” “To comfort” means to bring peace or relief to someone who is suffering. It means to relieve someone’s sadness. Jehovah certainly does this. (Read 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.) Our heavenly Father is not limited by anything or anyone. So he can do whatever is needed to comfort those who love him. Because we have been comforted by God, we are able to comfort our brothers “in any sort of tribulation.” No one can comfort us better than Jehovah can!

THE CAUSES OF SUFFERING

6. What are some of the causes of suffering?

⁶ We need comfort in many situations in life. One of the greatest causes of suffering is the death of someone we love, especially a husband, a wife, or a child. Others may need comfort because they have suffered as a result of prejudice. Also, bad health, old age, poverty, problems between husband and wife, and wickedness in the world can make us suffer.

7. (a) In times of trouble, what do we need? (b) What can Jehovah do to heal a “broken and crushed” heart?

⁷ In times of trouble, we suffer in many ways. We need comfort because our heart, our mind, our emotions, our health, and even our faith may suffer. For example, think about the heart. God’s Word says that our heart can be “broken and crushed.” (Psalm 51:17) Jehovah can certainly help us in this situation. He “is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.” (Psalm 147:3) Even in very difficult situations, God can bring relief to our troubled heart if we pray to him, have faith in him, and obey his commandments.—Read 1 John 3:19-22; 5:14, 15.

8. How can Jehovah help us when our mind needs comfort?

⁸ Because we experience different kinds of trials, our mind sometimes needs comfort. We need help when we have these tests. The writer of Psalm 94:19 said: “When my disquieting thoughts became many inside of me, your own consolations began to fondle my soul.” Also, Paul wrote: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7) When our mind needs comfort, we need to read the Bible and think deeply about what it says. This will give us great comfort.—2 Timothy 3:15-17.

9. What can help us when we have negative emotions?

⁹ Sometimes, we may become so discouraged that we feel full of negative emotions. Perhaps we think that we cannot do something that according to the Bible is our responsibility or that we cannot care for an assignment in the congregation. In this situation too, Jehovah can comfort and help us. For example: When Jehovah told Joshua to lead the Israelites against powerful enemy nations, Moses told the people: “Be courageous and strong. Do not be afraid or suffer a shock before them, because Jehovah your God is the one marching with you. He will neither desert you nor leave you entirely.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) With Jehovah’s help, Joshua was able to lead God’s people into the Promised Land and to conquer all their enemies. Moses had received the same kind of help from Jehovah at the Red Sea.—Exodus 14:13, 14, 29-31.

10. If bad situations affect our health, what can help us?

¹⁰ Bad situations can affect our health. Of course, it helps when we eat right, get enough rest, exercise regularly, and keep our home and body clean. Also, if we think about what the Bible says about the future, that may help our health. So when we are suffering because of a trial or problem, it is helpful to remember that Paul too suffered and to think of his encouraging words: “We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out; we are persecuted, but not left in the lurch; we are thrown down, but not destroyed.”—2 Corinthians 4:8, 9.

11. What can we do if we feel that our faith is getting weak?

¹¹ Some trials can affect our faith. Jehovah can help us with this too. His Word promises us: “Jehovah is giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14) If we feel that our faith is getting weak, we should ask for the help of the elders. (James 5:14, 15) And constantly thinking of our hope of everlasting life can give us strength during tests of our faith.—John 17:3.

EXAMPLES OF COMFORT FROM GOD

12. How did Jehovah comfort Abraham?

¹² The writer of Psalm 119 said to Jehovah: “Remember the word to your servant, for which you have made me wait. This is my comfort in my affliction, for your own saying has preserved me alive.” (Psalm 119:49, 50) Today, we have Jehovah’s written Word, the Bible, which has many examples of how God gave comfort to his servants. For example, Abraham was very worried when he heard that Jehovah was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. He asked God: “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” Jehovah comforted Abraham by promising him not to destroy Sodom if there were 50 righteous people in it. But Abraham asked Jehovah five more times: What if there are only 45 righteous people? 40? 30? 20? 10? Jehovah patiently and kindly promised Abraham that the city would not be destroyed even if there were only ten righteous people there. Even though there were not even ten righteous people there, Jehovah saved the lives of Lot and his daughters.—Genesis 18:22-32; 19:15, 16, 26.

13. How did Hannah show that she trusted in Jehovah?

¹³ Elkanah’s wife Hannah really wanted to have a child. But she was not able to have children, and this upset her. She prayed to Jehovah about this, and High Priest Eli said to her: “May the God of Israel grant your petition.” This comforted Hannah, “and her face became self-concerned no more.” (1 Samuel 1:8, 17, 18) Hannah trusted that Jehovah would take care of the problem for her. Even though she did not know what would happen, she had inner peace. In time, Jehovah answered her prayer. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel.—1 Samuel 1:20.

14. Why did David need comfort? Whom did he ask for comfort?

¹⁴ Another example of someone who was comforted by God is King David. Jehovah “sees what the heart is.” So when he chose David to be king of Israel, he knew that David wanted to do what was right and that he loved true worship. (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Samuel 5:10) But later, David committed adultery with Bath-sheba and tried to hide this sin from others by having her husband killed. When David was helped to understand how serious his sin really was, he prayed to Jehovah: “According to the abundance of your mercies wipe out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash me from my error, and cleanse me even from my sin. For my transgressions I myself know, and my sin is in front of me constantly.” (Psalm 51:1-3) David truly repented of his sin, and Jehovah forgave him. But David still had to suffer the results of what he did. (2 Samuel 12:9-12) But Jehovah’s mercy comforted David.

15. What help did Jehovah give Jesus just before his death?

¹⁵ When on earth, Jesus experienced many difficult situations. God permitted these tests, but Jesus was always faithful. He was a perfect man who always trusted in Jehovah and obeyed him as Ruler. Just before he was betrayed and killed, Jesus prayed to Jehovah: “Let, not my will, but yours take place.” An angel then appeared to Jesus and strengthened him. (Luke 22:42, 43) God gave Jesus the comfort, strength, and help he needed at that time.

16. How can Jehovah help us if our life is in danger because of our faith?

¹⁶ Jehovah can and will help us to be faithful to him even if our life is in danger because of our faith. We are also comforted by the hope of the resurrection. And how we hope for the day when the last enemy, death, “is to be brought to nothing”! (1 Corinthians 15:26) Jehovah’s loyal servants who have died, along with others who have died, are in his memory. Jehovah’s memory cannot fail. He will resurrect them. (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) Our faith in the resurrection promise gives us comfort and strong hope during times of persecution.

17. How can Jehovah comfort us when someone we love dies?

¹⁷ It is so comforting to know that our loved ones who have died will be resurrected to life in a wonderful new world. There will be no more causes of suffering. And it will be an honor for the “great crowd” of Jehovah’s servants who survive the end of this system to welcome and teach those who are resurrected!—Revelation 7:9, 10.

UNDERNEATH ARE GOD’S ETERNAL ARMS

18, 19. How has God comforted his servants when they were being persecuted?

¹⁸ Moses wrote a strengthening and comforting song to the people of Israel. In this song, he said: “A hiding place is the God of ancient time, and underneath are the indefinitely lasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27) The prophet Samuel later told the Israelites: “Do not turn aside from following Jehovah, and you must serve Jehovah with all your heart. . . . Jehovah will not desert his people for the sake of his great name.” (1 Samuel 12:20-22) As long as we serve Jehovah faithfully, he will never leave us. He will always give us the help we need.

¹⁹ God is giving help and comfort to his people in these critical last days. In modern times, many of our brothers around the world have been persecuted and put in prison just because they served Jehovah. Their experiences prove that Jehovah really comforts his servants in times of trial. For example, one of our brothers in the Soviet Union was sentenced to 23 years in prison because of his faith. But even in prison, he still received Bible literature that strengthened and comforted him. He said: “During all those years, I learned to trust in Jehovah and received strength from him.”—Read 1 Peter 5:6, 7.

20. Why can we be sure that Jehovah will not abandon us?

²⁰ No matter what may happen to us in the future, it will be good for us to remember the comforting words: “Jehovah will not forsake his people.” (Psalm 94:14) Even though we personally need comfort, we can also comfort others. In the next article, we will learn how we can comfort those who suffer in this troubled world.

SOME WORDS EXPLAINED

▪ Prejudice: Unfair or unjust treatment

▪ Trial: Suffering, tribulation, a difficult situation that tests a person’s faith

▪ Negative emotions: Feelings such as fear, anxiety, or discouragement

WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?

▪ What are some things that can cause us suffering?

▪ How does Jehovah comfort his servants?

▪ If our life is in danger, what can comfort us?

[Blurb on page 15]

No one can comfort us better than Jehovah can!

[Blurb on page 17]

We can get comfort from God if we pray to him and have faith in him

[Blurb on page 18]

When your mind needs comfort, think deeply about the Scriptures

[Box/Pictures on page 17]

HOW TO COPE WITH THINGS THAT COULD AFFECT OUR . . .

▪ heart Psalm 147:3; 1 John 3:19-22; 5:14, 15

▪ mind Psalm 94:19; Philippians 4:6, 7

▪ emotions Exodus 14:13, 14; Deuteronomy 31:6

▪ health 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9

▪ faith Psalm 145:14; James 5:14, 15

“Comfort All the Mourning Ones”

pp. 20–25

“Comfort All the Mourning Ones”

THEME SCRIPTURE

“Jehovah has anointed me . . . to comfort all the mourning ones.”—ISAIAH 61:1, 2.

1. What did Jesus do for mourning ones? Why?

JESUS CHRIST said: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) Jehovah gave Jesus a work to do. When Jesus did this work, he showed the same love for people that his Father showed. (1 John 4:7-10) The apostle Paul talked about one way that Jehovah shows love when he called Him “the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3) Jesus showed the same love in his ministry on the earth, as Isaiah had prophesied he would. (Read Isaiah 61:1, 2.) Jesus applied Isaiah’s prophecy to himself. (Luke 4:16-21) During his ministry, Jesus comforted mourning ones and gave them encouragement and peace.

2, 3. Why do followers of Jesus need to comfort others?

² All followers of Jesus need to comfort those who mourn. (1 Corinthians 11:1) Paul said: “Keep comforting one another and building one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) People need comfort because we are living in “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) More and more, good people throughout the world have to live among those who say and do things that cause suffering and sadness.

³ As Bible prophecy tells us, in these last days of this wicked system of things, many are “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” And exactly as the Bible says, the way wicked people think and act is going “from bad to worse.”—2 Timothy 3:2-4, 13.

4. What has happened to conditions on earth in our time?

⁴ This does not surprise us, for God’s Word tells us that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) “The whole world” includes the political, religious, and commercial parts of this world, as well as the ways that Satan uses to spread his ideas. There is no doubt that Satan the Devil is “the ruler of the world” and “the god of this system of things.” (John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4) Conditions on earth continue to get worse because Satan is now very angry. He knows that he has only a short time left. (Revelation 12:12) It is so comforting to know that God will not allow Satan and his wicked system to continue much longer and that the issue of Jehovah’s sovereignty will be resolved!—Genesis, chapter 3; Job, chapter 2.

THE GOOD NEWS IS BEING PREACHED IN ALL THE EARTH

5. How is the prophecy about the preaching work coming true in these last days?

⁵ Jesus prophesied: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Just as Jesus said, Jehovah’s people around the world are preaching the good news about God’s Kingdom. Today, more than 7,500,000 Witnesses of Jehovah in more than 107,000 congregations are doing this work. Jesus preached and taught about God’s Kingdom, and Jehovah’s Witnesses do the same. (Matthew 4:17) Through this work, they give comfort to many mourning ones. In just two recent years, 570,601 were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses!

6. What do you think about the growth of our preaching work?

⁶ Jehovah’s Witnesses now translate and distribute Bible literature in more than 500 languages. No one has ever done a work like this before! Even though they are in a world controlled by Satan, Jehovah’s people are active in His service and keep increasing. That would be impossible without the help and direction of God’s holy spirit. Because the good news is being preached throughout the earth, people who accept the Kingdom message can have the same comfort that Jehovah’s people have.

OTHERS IN THE CONGREGATION CAN COMFORT US

7. (a) Why can we not expect Jehovah to end all causes of unhappiness now? (b) How do we know that it is possible for us to endure persecution and tribulation?

⁷ Because we live in a world full of wickedness, we all will suffer in some way. We should not expect God to take away everything that makes us unhappy before he destroys this system of things. While we wait for that day, persecution will test whether we are faithful to Jehovah and support his sovereignty. (2 Timothy 3:12) But with the help and comfort from our heavenly Father, we can be like anointed Christians in ancient Thessalonica, who showed “endurance and faith” during persecutions and tribulations.—Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5.

8. How does the Bible show that Jehovah comforts his servants?

⁸ Jehovah certainly gives his servants the comfort that they need. For example, when wicked Queen Jezebel wanted to kill the prophet Elijah, he became afraid and fled. He even said that he wanted to die. But instead of criticizing Elijah, Jehovah comforted him and gave him the courage to continue his work as a prophet. (1 Kings, chapter 19) Another example of how Jehovah comforts his people is the help he gave to the congregation in the time of the apostles. The Bible says that the congregation throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria entered into a period of peace, being built up. And “as it walked in the fear of Jehovah and in the comfort of the holy spirit it kept on multiplying.” (Acts 9:31) We too are very grateful to have the comfort of the holy spirit!

9. Why can learning about Jesus comfort us?

⁹ As Christians, we have been comforted by learning about Jesus Christ and by following his example. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) When we learn about the kind and loving way that Jesus treated people and then try to do as he did, we can get some relief from the stress that we may feel.

10, 11. Who in the congregation can give comfort?

¹⁰ We can also get comfort from others in the congregation. For example, think about how the elders can help those whose faith is getting weak. James wrote: “Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the older men of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him.” And what is the result of their help? “The prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.” (James 5:14, 15) But elders are not the only ones in the congregation who can give us comfort.

¹¹ Women often find it easier to talk to other women about their problems. Older and more experienced sisters especially can give very good advice to younger sisters. These older Christian women may have experienced similar situations in their lives. By listening and caring, they can be a great help to the younger sisters. (Read Titus 2:3-5.) Of course, elders and others can and should “speak consolingly to the depressed souls” among us. (1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15) And it is good to remember that God “comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation.”—2 Corinthians 1:4.

12. Why is it important to be at the meetings?

¹² A very important way to get comfort is to be at Christian meetings. The information from the Bible that we hear at the meetings encourages us. We read that Judas and Silas “encouraged the brothers with many a discourse and strengthened them.” (Acts 15:32) Before and after our meetings, there is encouraging conversation among members of the congregation. So even if we are suffering because of a problem, it is better to spend time with fellow Christians. Staying by ourselves will only make things worse. (Proverbs 18:1) Instead, we should do what the apostle Paul said: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.”—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

THE BIBLE GIVES US COMFORT

13, 14. In what ways can the Scriptures comfort us?

¹³ Whether we are baptized Christians or we are just beginning to learn about God and his purposes, we can get great comfort from the Bible. Paul wrote: “All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) The Bible can comfort us and make us “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) We can get knowledge of the truth about God’s purposes and a true hope for the future by reading and studying the Bible and our publications. If we do that, we can enjoy the comfort and other benefits that the hope from the Bible gives us.

¹⁴ Jesus was a fine example in the way he used the Scriptures to instruct and comfort others. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to two of his disciples. Jesus fully opened up the Scriptures to them. No doubt this comforted them. (Luke 24:32) The apostle Paul followed Jesus’ excellent example and used the Scriptures to reason with people. In Beroea, those who listened to him “received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily.” (Acts 17:2, 10, 11) So it is very important that we read the Bible every day and that we allow it along with our publications to help us! They give us comfort and hope in these troubled times.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO COMFORT OTHERS

15, 16. What are some things we can do to help and comfort our brothers?

¹⁵ There are many things we can do to help and comfort our brothers. For example, we may help older or sick ones do their grocery shopping. We may help others with things that they need to do around the house. This shows that we are interested in them. (Philippians 2:4) We can tell our brothers how much we admire their abilities and their good qualities, such as love, courage, and faith.

¹⁶ One thing we can do to comfort the elderly is to visit them and listen as they tell us about their past experiences and blessings in Jehovah’s service. As a result, they may encourage and comfort us! We might read the Bible or our publications with those we visit. Maybe we could study with them the article in The Watchtower or the information for the Congregation Bible Study for the meeting that week. We might watch one of our DVDs with them. And we might read or tell some encouraging experiences from our publications.

17, 18. Why can we be sure that Jehovah will help and comfort his loyal servants?

¹⁷ If we know that a brother or sister needs comfort, we pray for them. (Romans 15:30; Colossians 4:12) When we suffer because of difficult situations, and also when we try to comfort others, we can have the same faith as David: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.” (Psalm 55:22) Jehovah will always comfort and help us. He will never disappoint his loyal servants.

¹⁸ God told his worshippers of the past: “I—I myself am the One that is comforting you people.” (Isaiah 51:12) Jehovah will do the same for us and will bless our efforts to comfort others. Whatever our hope is, each of us can be comforted by Paul’s words to anointed Christians of his time: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort your hearts and make you firm in every good deed and word.”—2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17.

SOME WORDS EXPLAINED

▪ Mourning ones: Those who are sad or depressed or who are suffering

▪ The issue of Jehovah’s sovereignty: The question of whether Jehovah has the right to rule

▪ Sympathy: Feeling sorry for those who suffer

DO YOU REMEMBER?

▪ How widespread is our preaching work?

▪ What are some things we can do to comfort others?

▪ How does the Bible show that Jehovah comforts his people?

[Blurb on page 20]

All followers of Jesus need to comfort those who suffer

[Blurb on page 21]

Jehovah’s Witnesses comfort many through the preaching work

[Blurb on page 23]

We get comfort at Christian meetings

[Blurb on page 25]

If you know of someone who needs comfort, pray for him

[Picture on page 22]

Do you comfort mourning ones?

[Picture on page 24]

Both young and old can encourage others

Why Is It Important to “Keep on the Watch”?

pp. 26–28

Why Is It Important to “Keep on the Watch”?

“WHAT will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matthew 24:3) We can read Jesus’ answer to his disciples’ question in Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21. The explanation he gave about the sign was clear and detailed. His followers would easily see the things that were part of the sign. Jesus told his disciples: “Keep on the watch.”—Matthew 24:42.

But if the sign was going to be so clear, why did Jesus say to “keep on the watch”? There are two possible reasons. One reason is that distractions might make some ignore the sign. Their faith could become weak, and they may stop watching for the sign. Another reason is that if part of the sign is not happening right where a Christian lives, he may not think that it affects him. So he might think that the final part of Jesus’ prophecy, the “great tribulation,” is not yet coming and that he does not need to keep on the watch.—Matthew 24:21.

“THEY TOOK NO NOTE”

Jesus reminded his followers about the people who lived in Noah’s day. The people must have noticed that Noah was preaching and building the ark. And they also would have known about the violence around them. But most “took no note.” (Matthew 24:37-39) People today have a similar attitude about warnings. For example, many do not obey the speed limit when they drive. Authorities often have to put speed bumps on the roads of city streets to force people to drive slowly. In the same way, a Christian may see the sign of the last days but not allow this to affect the way he lives. This happened to Arielle, a teenager in West Africa.

Arielle enjoyed watching women’s handball on television. When her school started a handball team, the desire to play made her forget that it could be a danger to her friendship with God. She joined the team as the goalkeeper. What happened? She explains: “Some of my teammates had boyfriends who used drugs and smoked. They made fun of me for being different.” Arielle thought that being with these people would not affect her. But after a while, the game started to affect even her worship. She says: “Handball filled my mind and heart. During Christian meetings, my thoughts often wandered from the Kingdom Hall to the handball court.” It even affected her Christian qualities. Instead of playing to enjoy the game, winning was now the most important thing. She practiced a lot because she loved to win. This caused her stress. She even lost friends when handball became so important to her.

But something happened during one game that made her think about her situation. The other team was awarded a penalty shot. Arielle was ready to defend the goal. She said: “Before I realized it, I had prayed to Jehovah to help me block the shot!” This made her realize how much the game had harmed her friendship with Jehovah. What did she do about this situation?

She said: “I had seen our DVD Young People Ask—What Will I Do With My Life?a (See footnote.) I decided to watch it again and this time to take it seriously.” Arielle knew that she had the same problem as André, the young man in the DVD. She thought about what the elder suggested to André. He told André to read and think about Philippians 3:8. So that is what Arielle did. She said that thinking about this scripture convinced her to quit the team.

This made a big difference to Arielle. She changed her attitude about competition, so she was not stressed anymore. She felt happier and closer to her Christian brothers and sisters. Activities in the congregation became more important to her. She said: “I concentrated at the meetings and enjoyed them again. My ministry also improved. Now I regularly serve as an auxiliary pioneer.”

If distractions are causing you to ignore the sign Jesus gave us, then you need to take action, just as Arielle did. You could try some of the following things. Do research in the Watch Tower Publications Index. The index can be like a map to hidden treasures. It shows you where you can find good counsel and experiences of others who have been in similar situations. You will benefit more from the meetings if you prepare well and take notes. And if you sit near the front of the hall, you may concentrate better. When the speaker asks questions of the audience, try to give a comment early. And keep on the watch by comparing what is happening in the world today with the sign that Jesus gave and with other prophecies about “the last days.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Revelation 6:1-8.

“PROVE YOURSELVES READY”

The sign of the last days is happening in “all the inhabited earth.” (Matthew 24:7, 14) Millions of people today are suffering because of diseases, food shortages, earthquakes, and other events that were prophesied in the Bible. Compared to people who live in areas with these problems, many others live in areas of peace and quiet. If you have not been affected by things that are part of the sign, should you think that the great tribulation is still a long way off? It would not be wise to allow such an idea to grow in our mind.

Think of Jesus’ prophecy about “pestilences and food shortages.” (Luke 21:11) Remember that Jesus did not say that these things would be equally bad in all places at the same time. Instead, he said that they would happen “in one place after another.” So we cannot expect to see the same things happening everywhere at the same time. And just after Jesus mentioned that some would suffer because of food shortages, he warned that others needed to be careful about overeating: “Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating.” (Luke 21:34) So all Christians will not experience every part of the sign. Jesus said: “When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) By means of modern technology, like television and the Internet, we can see all parts of the sign even if we are not experiencing these things where we live.

Remember that Jehovah has already set the “day and hour” when the great tribulation will begin. (Matthew 24:36) Nothing that happens on earth can change the “day and hour” that Jehovah has decided.

Jesus warned Christians everywhere: “Prove yourselves ready.” (Matthew 24:44) We should always be ready. Of course we cannot be doing congregation activities all the time. And none of us know what we will be doing at the time when the great tribulation begins. Some may be working in a field or caring for responsibilities at home. (Matthew 24:40, 41) So, what can we do to be ready?

Emmanuel, Victorine, and their six daughters live in an area of Africa where they do not experience all the things that are part of the sign of the last days. But they wanted to be ready, so they decided to have a Bible discussion every day. Emmanuel explains: “It was difficult to find a time convenient to all. We finally chose the half hour between six and six-thirty in the morning. After considering the day’s text, we prepare a few paragraphs in one of the publications scheduled for congregation study during the week.” Has this helped them to keep on the watch? Yes, it has! Emmanuel is coordinator of the body of elders in the congregation. Victorine often serves as an auxiliary pioneer, and she has helped many to learn the truth. And their daughters are all active in the congregation.

Jesus warns us: “Keep looking, keep awake.” (Mark 13:33) Do not let anything distract you from keeping on the watch. Instead, obey the good counsel we receive at the meetings and in our publications, just as Arielle did. And like Emmanuel’s family, try to do something every day to show that you are ready and to “keep on the watch.”

[Footnote]

a A modern-day drama about a Christian youth’s struggle to do what Jehovah says is right.

[Picture on page 28]

Emmanuel and his family have a Bible discussion every day. It helps them to “keep on the watch”

Let Us Rejoice Together!

pp. 29–31

Let Us Rejoice Together!

IT IS more and more difficult to be happy and joyful. For many it is difficult to think of positive, or good, things to say to others. Life in big cities can sometimes make people feel lonely and think that they do not want to be with others.

Professor Alberto Oliverio said that loneliness is very common today and that life in big cities can make some feel isolated, or lonely. Because they feel isolated, they may not be interested in their workmates, their neighbors, or those who work in the stores where they shop. The loneliness that the professor talked about can cause depression.

But the situation among Christian brothers and sisters is different. The apostle Paul wrote: “Always be rejoicing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) There are many reasons to be joyful and to rejoice with our brothers. We worship Jehovah, the Most High God. We understand the truth from the Bible. We have the hope of living forever. And we can help others to have these same blessings.—Psalm 106:4, 5; Jeremiah 15:16; Romans 12:12.

True Christians rejoice and share their joy with one another. That is why Paul wrote to the Philippians: “I am glad and I rejoice with all of you. Now in the same way you yourselves also be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:17, 18) Here, in just two verses, Paul spoke twice about being happy and rejoicing with one another.

Christians must be careful not to isolate themselves. A person who separates himself from his brothers cannot rejoice with them in the congregation. Paul encourages us to “continue rejoicing in the Lord” with our brothers. How can we do this?—Philippians 3:1.

REJOICE WITH OUR BROTHERS

When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he was probably a prisoner in Rome because of his preaching work. (Philippians 1:7; 4:22) Even though he was in prison, he was still active and zealous in the ministry. He rejoiced because he used his life to do everything he could to serve Jehovah, just as when people gave “a drink offering,” they poured out the whole drink as a sacrifice. (Philippians 2:17) Paul’s attitude shows us that our joy does not depend on our situation. Even though he was in prison, Paul said: “I will also keep on rejoicing.”—Philippians 1:18.

Paul had started the congregation in Philippi, so he had special affection for the brothers there. He knew that he could encourage them by telling them about the joy he felt in serving Jehovah. That is why he wrote: “Now I desire you to know, brothers, that my affairs have turned out for the advancement of the good news rather than otherwise, so that my bonds have become public knowledge in association with Christ among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest.” (Philippians 1:12, 13) When Paul told the Philippians this experience, they were encouraged. He rejoiced with his brothers in Philippi, and they rejoiced with him. The Philippians needed to remember their reasons for rejoicing and not become discouraged because Paul was in prison. They needed to imitate Paul’s attitude. (Philippians 1:14; 3:17) The Philippians could help Paul by praying for him and by giving him whatever help he needed.—Philippians 1:19; 4:14-16.

Do we have the same joyful attitude that Paul had? Can we try to think of the good things that happen to us in our life and in our ministry? When we are with our brothers, we can talk about good experiences in the ministry. We do not have to wait until we have an exciting or a special experience to do this. For example, maybe someone listened to the Kingdom message because of a good introduction we used or because of the way we reasoned with him. Maybe we had a good conversation with someone about a Bible verse. Or maybe while we were in the ministry, people recognized us as Jehovah’s Witnesses, and this was a good witness to them. When we tell our brothers experiences like these, it is a way that we can rejoice together.

Many of Jehovah’s people have made sacrifices to preach the good news, and many today are still making sacrifices. Pioneers, traveling overseers, Bethelites, missionaries, and international servants rejoice as they continue to work hard in their full-time service. Do we rejoice with them? We can show that we appreciate their work and that we are happy to be their “fellow workers for the kingdom of God.” (Colossians 4:11) We can do this by encouraging them when we are together at congregation meetings or assemblies. And we can think about their zeal and imitate their example. We can make opportunities to listen to their experiences and encouraging words by showing hospitality, maybe eating a meal with them.—Philippians 4:10.

REJOICE WITH THOSE ENDURING TRIALS

When Paul endured persecution and trials, it made him stronger and more determined to stay faithful to Jehovah. (Colossians 1:24; James 1:2, 3) He knew that the brothers in Philippi would possibly have similar trials. It gave him joy to know that by enduring his trials, he could encourage his brothers. That is why he said: “To you the privilege was given in behalf of Christ, not only to put your faith in him, but also to suffer in his behalf. For you have the same struggle as you saw in my case and as you now hear about in my case.”—Philippians 1:29, 30.

Today people also oppose us because of our preaching work. Sometimes this opposition is violent, but often it is not. For example, it could be that apostates tell lies about us, or family members are angry with us. Or maybe people we work with or we attend school with make fun of us. Jesus said that we should not be surprised or discouraged because of these trials. Instead, we should consider them as reasons to rejoice. He said: “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens.”—Matthew 5:11, 12.

We should not be afraid when we hear that our brothers in some countries are suffering cruel persecution. Instead, we should rejoice because they are enduring. We can pray for them and ask Jehovah to help them to keep their faith strong and to endure. (Philippians 1:3, 4) Maybe this is all we can do for our dear brothers who are suffering persecution. But in our own congregation, there are brothers whom we can help when they experience trials. We can show them by our actions that we care about them. For example, we could sometimes invite them to join us for our family worship or work with them in the ministry or enjoy time together in recreation. We can use these opportunities to rejoice with one another.

We have many reasons to rejoice together! We do not want to have the world’s attitude and isolate ourselves from others. Instead, we want to be with our brothers and share our joy with them. By doing this, we will help to make the congregation a place of love and unity. And we will enjoy being a part of the Christian brotherhood. (Philippians 2:1, 2) Paul encourages us: “Always rejoice in the Lord. Once more I will say, Rejoice!”—Philippians 4:4.

[Picture Credit Line on page 30]

Globe: Courtesy of Replogle Globes

Questions From Readers

p. 32

Questions From Readers

◼ What should I do when I have a question about something I read in the Bible or when I need advice about a personal problem?

Proverbs 2:1-5 encourages us to “keep searching for” understanding and discernment as if we were looking for hidden treasures. This helps us to understand that we need to make an effort to find answers to our Bible questions and to try to find solutions to our personal problems. How can we do this?

The book Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education has a chapter called “How to Do Research” on pages 33 to 38. It explains how we can find answers to our questions by using the publications that “the faithful and discreet slave” gives us. (Matthew 24:45) Page 36 explains that we can use the Watch Tower Publications Index. The index has a list of subjects and a list of scriptures. If we have a question about a word or Bible verse, we can search for that word or verse in the Index, and it will show which articles or books may contain the answer to our question. You may need to be patient to find an answer to your question. Remember that it is like looking for hidden treasures, so it will take time and effort.

Of course, there are some subjects and scriptures that our publications have not discussed. And at times, the publications may have talked about the verse you are interested in, but maybe this still does not answer your question. Also, some Bible accounts do not explain all the details, so we may have questions about these accounts. We should not expect to find answers immediately to every question. If there is no answer to our questions in the publications, then we should not try to guess the answer. If we do that, we could become involved in arguments about “questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith.” (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9) The brothers who work at the branch offices or at the world headquarters cannot answer every question about subjects that have not been explained in the publications. But we can be sure that the Bible gives us enough information to guide our life. And the things we do not yet understand give us an opportunity to show that we have strong faith in God and in his Word.—See pages 185 to 187 of the book Draw Close to Jehovah.

But what if you have done everything you can to research something that is important to you but you have not yet found a solution? You could talk to a mature Christian, maybe one of the local elders. They have a good knowledge of the Bible and have served Jehovah for many years. If you need advice about a personal problem or decision, they would be able to help you since they are nearby, and they know you and your situation. And never forget to pray to Jehovah and tell him everything that is troubling you. Ask him to guide your thinking with his holy spirit, and he will give you the wisdom and discernment you need.—Proverbs 2:6; Luke 11:13.