1. Why do we thank Jehovah?

JEHOVAH gives us “every good gift and every perfect present.” (James 1:17) He is our loving Shepherd, and he tenderly cares for all our needs. (Psalm 23:1-3) Indeed, Jehovah deserves our sincere thanks. He is our “refuge and strength,” especially when we suffer. (Psalm 46:1) We feel the way the psalmist did who wrote: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever.”​—Psalm 106:1.

2, 3. (a) What are the dangers of becoming ungrateful? (b) What questions will we discuss in this article?

² Why should we be thankful to Jehovah? As foretold, people in the last days have become very ungrateful. (2 Timothy 3:2) Many do not appreciate the good things Jehovah has done for them. We live in a materialistic world that encourages millions of people to buy more than they really need. As a result, many are not satisfied with what they already have. Like the ancient Israelites, we could become ungrateful and lose our appreciation for our blessings and for our precious relationship with Jehovah.​—Psalm 106:7, 11-13.

³ Think, too, about what can happen when we suffer trials. Our problems may become so overwhelming that we focus on them instead of our blessings. (Psalm 116:3) How can we remain grateful? How can we keep a positive attitude despite severe trials? Let us see.

“HOW MANY THINGS YOU HAVE DONE, O JEHOVAH”

4. How can we remain grateful to Jehovah?

⁴ It takes effort to remain grateful to Jehovah. First, we need to look for the ways Jehovah has blessed us personally. And then, we need to think carefully about how those blessings show God’s great love for us. When the psalmist did so, he was amazed by all the wonderful things that Jehovah had done for him.​—Read Psalm 40:5; 107:43.

5. What can we learn from the apostle Paul about gratitude?

⁵ We can learn how to be grateful to Jehovah by considering the example of the apostle Paul. We know that he meditated on his blessings because he regularly thanked God in prayer. Paul recognized that he had been “a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man.” He was grateful that, despite his past, God and Christ had shown him mercy and had given him the privilege of preaching to others. (Read 1 Timothy 1:12-14.) Paul was also very grateful for his Christian brothers and sisters and often thanked Jehovah for their good qualities and faithful service. (Philippians 1:3-5, 7; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3) Paul was quick to thank Jehovah for all that his brothers had done for him when he endured trials. (Acts 28:15; 2 Corinthians 7:5-7) It does not surprise us that Paul encouraged Christians this way: “Show yourselves thankful . . . , encouraging one another with psalms, praises to God, spiritual songs sung with gratitude.”​—Colossians 3:15-17.

MEDITATION AND PRAYER HELP US TO REMAIN THANKFUL

6. Why are you grateful to Jehovah?

⁶ How can we imitate Paul’s example? We can meditate on what Jehovah has done for us personally. (Psalm 116:12) If someone asked you, “What blessings from Jehovah are you grateful for?” how would you answer? Would you include your precious relationship with Jehovah? Or the forgiveness of your sins because of Christ’s ransom sacrifice? Would you mention Christian brothers and sisters who have helped you during difficult times? Would you say how grateful you are for your marriage mate or children? Take time to meditate on the many ways God has blessed you. This will motivate you to thank him every day.​—Read Psalm 92:1, 2.

7. (a) Why should we thank Jehovah in our prayers? (b) How will you benefit from thanking Jehovah in your prayers?

⁷ When we meditate on all our blessings, we will want to thank Jehovah in prayer. (Psalm 95:2; 100:4, 5) Some people only use prayer to ask God for things. But Jehovah is pleased when our prayers include thanks to him for what we already have. In the Bible, we find many examples of God’s servants, such as Hannah and Hezekiah, who thanked Jehovah in their prayers. (1 Samuel 2:1-10; Isaiah 38:9-20) So imitate their grateful attitude, and thank Jehovah for what he has done for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18) When you do so, you will feel refreshed, your love for God will grow, and you will become and remain his friend.​—James 4:8.

8. What could cause us to become ungrateful?

⁸ If we are not careful, we can easily lose our appreciation for Jehovah’s good gifts. Why? Because we are imperfect and have inherited an unthankful attitude from our first parents. Jehovah gave Adam and Eve a paradise home and made sure that they had everything they needed. They could have lived forever in peace. (Genesis 1:28) But they did not appreciate their blessings. They were greedy and wanted more. In the end, they lost everything. (Genesis 3:6, 7, 17-19) We live in an unthankful world, and we too could become unthankful for all that Jehovah has done for us. We could lose our appreciation for our close friendship with God or our privilege of being part of a worldwide brotherhood. We could be distracted by the things of this world. (1 John 2:15-17) To avoid that trap, we need to meditate on our many blessings and regularly thank God for the privilege we have of being his people.​—Read Psalm 27:4.

WHEN COPING WITH TRIALS

9. When suffering severe trials, why should we meditate on our blessings?

⁹ A grateful attitude will help us to endure severe trials. We may feel overwhelmed by terrible situations that suddenly change our lives, such as the unfaithfulness of our marriage mate, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a devastating natural disaster. Meditating on Jehovah’s blessings will give us comfort and will strengthen us to endure. Consider the following experiences.

10. How did Irina benefit from meditating on her blessings?

¹⁰ Irina, a regular pioneer in North America, was married to an elder who was unfaithful to her and abandoned her and their children.a (See footnote.) What helps Irina to continue serving Jehovah faithfully? She says: “I am grateful for Jehovah’s personal care for me as an individual. By choosing to count my blessings each day, I can see what a privilege it is to be known and loved by our protective heavenly Father. I know that he will never abandon me.” Although Irina has endured many tragic circumstances in her life, her joyful attitude helps her to cope successfully and to encourage others.

11. What helped Kyung-sook to cope with a serious illness?

¹¹ Kyung-sook, who lives in Asia, pioneered with her husband for more than 20 years. Suddenly, she was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and was told that she had from three to six months to live. Although she and her husband had endured many trials before, they always had good health. She says: “This health issue hit me hard. I felt that I had lost everything, and I was very scared.” What has helped Kyung-sook to cope? She says: “Every night before going to bed, I go to the rooftop of our home and pray out loud about five things that I am grateful for from that day. Then I feel reassured, and I am moved to express my love for Jehovah.” How has Kyung-sook benefited from these nightly prayers? She says: “I have come to realize that Jehovah sustains us through trialsome circumstances and that there are far more blessings in our lives than there are trials.”

12. How was Jason comforted after his wife’s death?

¹² Jason, who serves at a branch office in Africa, has been in the full-time service for more than 30 years. He says: “Seven years ago, I lost my wife in death, and the pain can be overwhelming. Letting myself dwell on what she experienced while fighting cancer can be very disheartening.” What has given Jason some relief? He says: “At one point I was remembering a pleasant time that my wife and I had spent together, and I thanked Jehovah in prayer for that memory. I felt a sense of relief and thereafter started to thank Jehovah regularly for such happy memories. Gratefulness has made a big difference in my outlook. I still feel the pain of the loss, but thanking Jehovah for having had a good marriage and for the privilege of serving him with someone who deeply loved him has improved my outlook.”

13. What has helped Sheryl to endure the loss of most of her family?

¹³ When Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the central Philippines in late 2013, Sheryl, who was only 13 years old at the time, lost almost everything. She says: “I lost my home, and I lost most of my family.” Her father, her mother, and three of her siblings died in the powerful storm waters. What has helped Sheryl to endure this tragedy without becoming bitter? Sheryl is still grateful to Jehovah because she meditates on all the blessings she has. She says: “I saw all that the brothers and sisters did to bring relief and encouragement to those who needed help. I knew that brothers all around the world were praying for me.” She adds: “I am very thankful that Jehovah is my God. He always gives us the things we need.” Yes, when we are thankful for our blessings, we avoid being overwhelmed by grief. This will help us to endure any difficulties we may experience.​—Ephesians 5:20; read Philippians 4:6, 7.

“AS FOR ME, I WILL EXULT IN JEHOVAH”

14. What exciting hope do we have? (See opening picture.)

¹⁴ Throughout history, Jehovah’s people have been grateful for their blessings. After they were saved from Pharaoh and his armies at the Red Sea, the Israelites joyfully sang songs, praising and thanking Jehovah. (Exodus 15:1-21) Today, one of our most treasured blessings is knowing that soon there will be no more pain. (Psalm 37:9-11; Isaiah 25:8; 33:24) Imagine how we will feel when Jehovah destroys all of his enemies and welcomes us into a new world of peace and righteousness. How thankful we will be to Jehovah on that day!​—Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3, 4.

15. What are you determined to do throughout 2015?

¹⁵ During 2015, we look forward to many blessings from Jehovah. Of course, we may suffer some trials. But whatever happens, we know that Jehovah will never abandon us. (Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 9:9, 10) He will continue to give us everything we need to serve him faithfully. Let us be determined to imitate the attitude of the prophet Habakkuk, who said: “Although the fig tree may not blossom, and there may be no fruit on the vines; although the olive crop may fail, and the fields may produce no food; although the flock may disappear from the pen, and there may be no cattle in the stalls; yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17, 18) Throughout the coming year, may we continue to meditate on all our blessings and be encouraged to follow the advice of our 2015 yeartext: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good.”​—Psalm 106:1.

1, 2. What did Jesus do on the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E.? (See opening picture.)

IN Jerusalem, on the night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., there was a full moon. Jesus and his apostles celebrated the Passover, a memorial that reminded people of the way Jehovah delivered Israel from Egypt 1,500 years before. Jesus had a special meal with his 11 loyal apostles, a meal that his followers would repeat yearly to remember his death.​—Matthew 26:1, 2.

² Jesus said a prayer, passed unleavened bread to his apostles, and said: “Take, eat.” Then he took a cup of wine, prayed again, and said: “Drink out of it, all of you.” (Matthew 26:26, 27) The bread and the wine had special meaning. Jesus’ faithful apostles learned many things on that important night.

3. What questions will we discuss in this article?

³ Jesus wanted his disciples to remember his death yearly. The occasion was later called “the Lord’s Evening Meal,” or the Memorial. (1 Corinthians 11:20) Some questions arise. Why should we remember Jesus’ death? What is the meaning of the bread and the wine? How can we prepare for the Memorial? Who should partake? And how do Christians show that they value their hope?

WHY WE REMEMBER JESUS’ DEATH

4. What did Jesus’ death make possible for us?

⁴ Because Adam sinned, we inherited sin and death. (Romans 5:12) No imperfect human can give God a ransom for his life or the life of others. (Psalm 49:6-9) But Jesus gave his perfect life for us and presented to God the value of that ransom. By doing so, Jesus made it possible for us to have the hope of living forever, free from sin and death.​—Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22.

5. (a) How do we know that God and Jesus love us? (b) Why should we attend the Memorial?

⁵ God proved his love for humans by providing the ransom. (John 3:16) Jesus also proved his love by giving his life for us. Even before he came to earth, Jesus “was especially fond of the sons of men.” (Proverbs 8:30, 31) We deeply appreciate what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us! That is why we obey Jesus’ command to “keep doing this in remembrance of me” by attending the Memorial.​—1 Corinthians 11:23-25.

WHAT THE EMBLEMS MEAN

6. What do we understand about the Memorial bread and wine?

⁶ During his last meal with his apostles, Jesus did not perform a miracle by changing the bread into his body or the wine into his blood. He said of the bread: “This means my body.” He said of the wine: “This means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many.” (Mark 14:22-24) It is clear that the bread and the wine are symbols, or emblems.

7. What does the unleavened bread represent?

⁷ On that important evening, Jesus used unleavened bread from the Passover meal. (Exodus 12:8) The Bible sometimes uses leaven to represent sin. (Matthew 16:6, 11, 12; Luke 12:1) The unleavened bread Jesus used represented his sinless body. (Hebrews 7:26) This is why we use unleavened bread at the Memorial.

8. What does the wine represent?

⁸ The wine Jesus used represented his blood, or his life, as does the wine we use at the Memorial today. At a place outside Jerusalem called Golgotha, he died for us and gave his life “for forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28; 27:33) If we appreciate that precious gift, we will personally prepare each year for this special occasion. How can we do that?

SOME WAYS TO PREPARE

9. (a) Why should we use the schedule for Memorial Bible reading? (b) How do you feel about the ransom?

⁹ One way to prepare for the Memorial is to use the schedule for Memorial Bible reading found in Examining the Scriptures Daily. Reading the Bible accounts will help us to meditate on what Jesus did just before his death.a (See footnote.) “We look forward to the Memorial,” wrote one sister. “It becomes more special each year. I remember standing in the funeral home . . . , looking at my dear dad and coming to a true heartfelt appreciation for the ransom. . . . Oh, I knew all the scriptures and how to explain them! But only when I felt the cold reality of death did my heart fairly leap with joy over what will be accomplished for us by means of that precious ransom.” Meditating on how Jesus’ sacrifice will help us personally is an important part of preparing for the Memorial.

10. What else can we do to prepare for the Memorial?

¹⁰ Another way we can prepare is to increase the time we spend in the ministry, inviting as many people as possible to the Memorial. Perhaps we could auxiliary pioneer. When we talk to others about God, his Son, and the hope of everlasting life, we will feel satisfied that we have done what God wants us to do.​—Psalm 148:12, 13.

11. Why did Paul say that some Corinthians ate and drank unworthily at the Memorial?

¹¹ When preparing for the Memorial, meditate on what Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth. (Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-34.) He said that if a person who ate the bread and drank the wine did so unworthily, or disrespectfully, he would be guilty regarding “the body and the blood of the Lord.” So if an anointed person is involved in wrong conduct and partakes of the emblems, he “eats and drinks judgment against himself.” In Paul’s time, many of the Corinthians were involved in wrong conduct. Possibly, some of them ate and drank too much before or during the Memorial and became sleepy. They were showing great disrespect for the occasion, so when they partook of the emblems, God did not approve.

12. (a) What did Paul compare the Memorial to? What warning did he give to partakers? (b) What should a partaker do if he has seriously sinned?

¹² Comparing the Memorial to a meal, Paul warned partakers: “You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of ‘the table of Jehovah’ and the table of demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-21) If a person who partakes of the emblems has seriously sinned, he must go to the elders for help. (Read James 5:14-16.) If his actions prove that he has sincerely repented, then he is not showing disrespect for Jesus’ sacrifice when he partakes at the Memorial.​—Luke 3:8.

13. Why should we pray about the hope God has given us?

¹³ We can also prepare for the Memorial by praying and meditating on the hope God has given to us personally. We would never want to show disrespect for Jesus’ sacrifice. So we do not partake of the emblems if we do not have clear evidence that we are anointed. Who, then, should partake of the emblems?

WHO SHOULD PARTAKE?

14. Because the anointed are part of the new covenant, what do they do at the Memorial?

¹⁴ Those who partake of the Memorial emblems are absolutely sure that they are part of the new covenant. Jesus said of the wine: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood.” (1 Corinthians 11:25) Jehovah made the Law covenant with the Israelites but later said that he would replace it with a new covenant. (Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.) God made this new covenant, or agreement, with the anointed. (Galatians 6:15, 16) Jesus’ death made this agreement possible. (Luke 22:20) Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant. The loyal anointed ones who are part of the new covenant will be with Jesus in heaven.​—Hebrews 8:6; 9:15.

15. Who are part of the Kingdom covenant? If they are faithful, what privilege will they have?

¹⁵ The anointed know that they are also part of the Kingdom covenant. (Read Luke 12:32.) This covenant was made between Jesus and his loyal anointed followers, who shared “in his sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10) Faithful anointed ones today are also part of this covenant. They will rule as kings with Christ in heaven forever. (Revelation 22:5) They are qualified to partake of the emblems during the Lord’s Evening Meal.

16. Briefly explain the meaning of Romans 8:15-17.

¹⁶ The anointed are absolutely sure that they are God’s children and that they can partake of the emblems. (Read Romans 8:15-17.) Paul said that they cry out: “Abba, Father!” The Aramaic word “Abba” is both loving, like “papa,” and respectful, like “father.” It expresses the special relationship that the anointed have with Jehovah when they receive “a spirit of adoption as sons.” God’s spirit “bears witness” with them, so that they know without a doubt that they are his anointed sons. It does not mean that they do not want to live on the earth. They know that if they are faithful until their death, they will be kings in heaven with Jesus. And they know that they “have an anointing from the holy one,” Jehovah. Today there are only a few of these 144,000 sons of God left on earth. (1 John 2:20; Revelation 14:1) They feel so close to Jehovah that they call him “Abba, Father!”

VALUE YOUR BIBLE-BASED HOPE

17. What hope do the anointed have? How do they know that they are anointed?

¹⁷ If you are an anointed Christian, you will often mention your heavenly hope in your personal prayers. And the Scriptures will have special meaning to you. For example, when the Bible talks about the marriage in heaven between Jesus and his “bride,” you know that this applies to you and you look forward to it. (John 3:27-29; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 21:2, 9-14) Or when the Bible explains God’s love for the anointed, you know that he is talking to you. And when you read instructions specifically for the anointed in God’s Word, holy spirit moves you to obey them. God’s holy spirit “bears witness” with you that your hope is to go to heaven.

18. What hope do the “other sheep” have? How do you feel about this hope?

¹⁸ If you are one of the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” God has given you the opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) How do you feel about your future? You are excited when you meditate on what the Bible says about the future Paradise. You look forward to living in a peaceful world with your family and friends. You want to see the end of hunger, poverty, suffering, sickness, and death. (Psalm 37:10, 11, 29; 67:6; 72:7, 16; Isaiah 33:24) You cannot wait to see your resurrected loved ones. (John 5:28, 29) You are deeply grateful to Jehovah for this wonderful hope! Even though you do not partake of the emblems, you attend the Memorial because you appreciate Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.

WILL YOU BE THERE?

19, 20. (a) How is it possible for you to live forever? (b) Why will you attend the Memorial?

¹⁹ You can live forever, either on earth or in heaven, only if you exercise faith in Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the ransom. When you go to the Memorial, meditate on your hope and on the great importance of Jesus’ death. After sunset on Friday, April 3, 2015, millions of people around the world will attend the Memorial at Kingdom Halls and other locations.

²⁰ When we prepare to attend the Memorial with the right attitude, we will be very grateful for Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. By listening closely to the Memorial talk, you will be moved to show love for others and tell them about Jehovah’s love and his purpose for all of us. (Matthew 22:34-40) Be determined to be there.

1-3. What challenges do married couples experience? (See opening picture.)

“IF YOU put forth sincere effort and show that you want your marriage to succeed, you can enjoy Jehovah’s blessing,” says a husband who has been happily married for 38 years. Yes, it is possible for husbands and wives to be happy together and to support each other through difficult times.​—Proverbs 18:22.

² It is common for married couples to experience some difficulties. The Bible calls this “tribulation in their flesh.” (1 Corinthians 7:28) Why? Everyday problems can cause stress in a marriage. Because they are imperfect, husbands and wives sometimes hurt each other’s feelings and fail to communicate clearly with each other. (James 3:2, 5, 8) Many couples have demanding jobs and are also raising children. Stress and exhaustion make it a challenge to find enough time to strengthen their marriage. Financial problems, illness, or other difficulties might slowly weaken their love and respect for each other. And a marriage that seems to be strong can be devastated by “the works of the flesh,” such as sexual immorality, brazen conduct, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions.​—Galatians 5:19-21.

³ To make matters worse, people in these “last days” are often selfish and lack respect for God, attitudes that can poison a marriage. (2 Timothy 3:1-4) In addition, a vicious enemy is determined to destroy marriages. The apostle Peter warns us: “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”​—1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12.

4. How is it possible to have a strong and happy marriage?

⁴ A husband in Japan admits: “I was under a lot of stress financially. And because I didn’t really communicate with my wife, she also came under a lot of pressure. In addition, she recently experienced serious health problems. At times, this stress caused us to clash.” There will be some challenges in a marriage, but we can overcome them. With Jehovah’s help, couples can enjoy a strong and happy relationship. (Read Psalm 127:1.) Let us discuss five ways to build a strong and lasting marriage. We will also examine why love is necessary to keep a marriage strong.

INCLUDE JEHOVAH IN YOUR MARRIAGE

5, 6. What can husbands and wives do to include Jehovah in their marriage?

⁵ When a couple are loyal and submissive to Jehovah, their marriage will have a strong foundation. (Read Ecclesiastes 4:12.) By following God’s loving guidance, husbands and wives include God in their marriage. The Bible says: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way. Walk in it,’ in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Today, couples “hear” Jehovah’s word when they read the Bible together. (Psalm 1:1-3) They strengthen their marriage even more by having regular family worship that is enjoyable and upbuilding. And when couples pray together every day, they build a marriage that can resist the attacks of Satan’s world.

⁶ Gerhard from Germany says: “Whenever our joy has been clouded by personal difficulties or misunderstandings, the counsel from God’s Word has helped us to develop patience and practice forgiveness.” He adds that these qualities are essential in a successful marriage. When husbands and wives work hard to keep God in their marriage by serving him together, they stay close to Jehovah and strengthen their relationship.

HUSBANDS WHO ARE LOVING FAMILY HEADS

7. How should a husband treat his wife?

⁷ The way a husband takes the lead in his family can help build a strong and happy marriage. The Bible says: “The head of every man is the Christ; in turn, the head of a woman is the man.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) What does that mean? Husbands should treat their wives in the same way that Jesus treated his disciples. He was never cruel or harsh. Jesus was always loving, kind, reasonable, mild-tempered, and lowly in heart.​—Matthew 11:28-30.

8. How can a husband gain his wife’s love and respect?

⁸ Christian husbands do not need to demand the respect of their wives. Instead, they “continue showing them consideration” and “assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.” (1 Peter 3:7; footnote) In public and in private, husbands should use respectful words and show compassion. By the way they treat their wives and speak to them, husbands show that their wives are precious to them. (Proverbs 31:28) When a husband treats his wife lovingly, she will love and respect him and Jehovah will bless their marriage.

WIVES WHO ARE HUMBLE AND SUBMISSIVE

9. How can a wife show that she is submissive?

⁹ Unselfish love for Jehovah that is based on his principles will help us to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.” (1 Peter 5:6) An important way that a wife shows respect for Jehovah’s authority is by cooperating with her husband. The Bible says: “You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18) It is true that a wife may not like all her husband’s decisions. But as long as his decisions are not against God’s laws, a submissive wife will want to cooperate with her husband.​—1 Peter 3:1.

10. Why is loving submission important?

¹⁰ Jehovah has given wives an honorable role in the family. A wife is her husband’s “partner.” (Malachi 2:14) When a couple are making family decisions, a wife respectfully says what she thinks and how she feels, yet she remains submissive. A wise husband will listen carefully to what his wife says. (Proverbs 31:10-31) Loving submission can bring joy, peace, and harmony to the family. As a result, husbands and wives can feel satisfied because they know that they are pleasing God.​—Ephesians 5:22.

KEEP FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER FREELY

11. Why is forgiveness essential?

¹¹ To build a marriage that lasts, husbands and wives must learn to forgive each other. When couples “continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely,” they strengthen their relationship. (Colossians 3:13) However, a marriage is weakened when a couple refuse to forget past mistakes and use them to attack each other. Just as cracks can weaken a building, hurt feelings and anger make it more and more difficult for a couple to be forgiving and work together. But a marriage becomes much stronger when a husband and a wife forgive each other, just as Jehovah forgives them.​—Micah 7:18, 19.

12. How does love cover “a multitude of sins”?

¹² True love “does not keep account of wrongs.” In fact, “love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, footnote; read 1 Peter 4:8.) So if we love others, there is no limit to the number of times we can forgive. When the apostle Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus replied: “Up to 77 times.” (Matthew 18:21, 22) What did Jesus mean? He meant that there is no limit to the number of times a Christian should forgive others.​—Proverbs 10:12.a (See footnote.)

13. How can we fight the tendency to be unforgiving?

¹³ Annette from Germany says: “If a couple do not want to be forgiving, resentment and mistrust grow, and that is poison to a marriage. Being forgiving strengthens the bonds of marriage and draws you closer together.” Be thankful and express appreciation. Look for things to commend your spouse for. By doing so, you will be able to fight the tendency to be unforgiving. (Colossians 3:15) As a result, you will have peace of mind, unity, and God’s approval.​—Romans 14:19.

APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE

14, 15. What is the Golden Rule, and how can applying it strengthen a marriage?

¹⁴ Most likely you want to be treated with dignity and respect. You appreciate it when others listen to you and care about how you feel. But have you ever heard a person say, “I am going to do to him what he did to me”? Sometimes this reaction is understandable. However, the Bible tells us: “Do not say: ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me.’” (Proverbs 24:29) Jesus taught people the best way to handle difficult situations. What Jesus said is often called the Golden Rule: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” (Luke 6:31) Jesus meant that we should treat people the way we would like to be treated, not the way they treat us. This means that we need to put into our marriage what we hope to get out of it.

¹⁵ Couples strengthen their relationship when they truly care about each other’s feelings. “We have tried to put the Golden Rule into practice,” says a husband in South Africa. “True, there are times when we’re upset, but we have worked hard to treat each other the way we would like to be treated​—with respect and dignity.”

16. What should husbands and wives never do to each other?

¹⁶ Do not reveal your mate’s weaknesses to others or keep complaining about traits that upset you, not even as a joke. Remember that marriage is not a competition to prove who is stronger, who can shout louder, or who can say something that hurts the most. True, all of us are imperfect and sometimes upset others. But there is never a good reason for a couple to make each other feel ashamed, to use hurtful words when speaking to each other or, worse, to push or hit each other.​—Read Proverbs 17:27; 31:26.

17. How can husbands live by the Golden Rule?

¹⁷ In some cultures, men bully or hit their wives to prove that they are strong. But the Bible says: “The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and the one controlling his temper than one conquering a city.” (Proverbs 16:32) A person needs great inner strength to show self-control as did Jesus Christ, the greatest man who ever lived. A man who bullies or hits his wife is a weak man who will lose his relationship with Jehovah. The psalmist David, who was a strong and courageous man, said: “Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, upon your bed, and keep silent.”​—Psalm 4:4.

“CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH LOVE”

18. Why is it important to keep showing love?

¹⁸ Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Love is the most important quality in a marriage. The Bible says: “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” (Colossians 3:12, 14) Husbands and wives need to show unselfish love and imitate Jesus Christ, who was willing to sacrifice himself for others. If a marriage is based on such love, it will be strong despite any annoying habits, serious health challenges, distressing financial problems, and difficulties with in-laws.

19, 20. (a) How can couples successfully build a strong and happy marriage? (b) What will we discuss in the next article?

¹⁹ Love, loyalty, and sincere effort are needed for a successful marriage. When there are difficulties, mates should not give up on their marriage. They should be determined to grow closer to each other. Couples who love Jehovah and each other should be determined to resolve their problems, because “love never fails.”​—1 Corinthians 13:8; Matthew 19:5, 6; Hebrews 13:4.

²⁰ It is especially difficult to build a strong and happy marriage in these “critical times.” (2 Timothy 3:1) But with Jehovah’s help, it is possible. Still, couples also have to fight against the world’s obsession with sex. In the next article, let us see how husbands and wives can keep their marriage strong.

1, 2. (a) Why did 24,000 Israelites lose their wonderful reward? (b) Why is this account important for us?

SHORTLY before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, tens of thousands of men committed “sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab.” As a result, 24,000 Israelites died. They had waited so long and were so close to receiving their inheritance! Sadly, they lost a wonderful reward because they gave in to the temptation to commit immorality.​—Numbers 25:1-5, 9.

² That tragic example was “written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:6-11) We live at the very end of “the last days” and are very close to the new world. (2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:13) Sadly, though, some of Jehovah’s worshippers have lowered their moral standards and have given in to the temptation to commit immorality. They are now suffering the sad consequences of their actions, and if they are not repentant, they could even lose the opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth.

3. Why do married couples need Jehovah’s direction and protection? (See opening picture.)

³ Husbands and wives need Jehovah’s direction and protection to keep their marriage safe because the world is obsessed with sex. (Read Psalm 127:1.) In this article, we will discuss how a couple can protect their marriage. They need to guard their hearts, draw close to God, put on the new personality, communicate well, and give each other the marriage due.

GUARD YOUR HEART

4. Why have some Christians been tempted to commit immorality?

⁴ How is it possible for a Christian to be tempted to commit immorality? It often starts with the eyes. Jesus explained: “Everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27, 28; 2 Peter 2:14) Many who have committed immorality have lowered their moral standards by viewing pornography, reading erotic literature, or watching shocking material on the Internet. Others have watched movies, stage plays, or television programs that are sexually explicit. Still others have visited nightclubs and strip shows or have gone to places to have sensual or immoral massages.

5. Why do we need to guard our imperfect heart?

⁵ Some give in to temptation because they seek attention from someone other than their marriage mate. We live in a world where people have very little self-control and find pleasure in every kind of immorality. Also, because our imperfect heart is deceitful and desperate, we may easily develop romantic feelings for someone other than our husband or wife. (Read Jeremiah 17:9, 10.) Jesus said: “Out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality.”​—Matthew 15:19.

6, 7. (a) What can happen if wrong desires develop in our heart? (b) How can we avoid sinning against Jehovah?

⁶ Once wrong desires have developed in their hearts, two people who are attracted to each other may start having conversations about things that they should discuss only with their own husband or wife. Soon, they make more and more excuses to be together. They meet each other more frequently, pretending that they just met by accident. As their feelings for each other become more intense, it becomes more difficult to do what is right. The more their relationship grows, the more difficult it is to end it, even though they know that what they are doing is wrong.​—Proverbs 7:21, 22.

⁷ They completely forget Jehovah’s moral standards as wrong desires and conversations turn into holding hands, kissing, caressing, and touching each other in a sexual way. Sadly, they are doing things that they should do only with their own marriage mate. They are “drawn out and enticed [“caught as by bait,” footnote]” by their own desire. Finally, when the desire is strong enough, they commit sexual immorality. (James 1:14, 15) It is tragic because both individuals could have avoided sinning against Jehovah if they had allowed him to strengthen their respect for marriage. How can a person develop such respect?

KEEP DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD

8. How does our friendship with Jehovah protect us from immorality?

⁸ Read Psalm 97:10. Friendship with Jehovah can protect us from immorality. When we learn about his wonderful qualities, we try to “become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love.” As a result, we will have the strength to reject “sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness.” (Ephesians 5:1-4) Husbands and wives who know that “God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers” work hard to remain faithful to each other.​—Hebrews 13:4.

9. (a) How could Joseph remain faithful despite being tempted by his employer’s wife? (b) What lessons can we learn from Joseph’s example?

⁹ Some Christians have lowered their moral standards by spending time with non-Witness workmates after work hours. Others have also been tempted while at work. That is what happened to a young man named Joseph. While at work, he realized that his employer’s wife was very attracted to him. Day after day she tried to tempt him to have sex with her. Eventually, “she grabbed hold of him by his garment and said: ‘Lie down with me!’” But Joseph refused and ran away. How could Joseph be strong enough to remain faithful? It was because he was determined to protect his friendship with God. Joseph did lose his job and was sent to prison, but Jehovah blessed him. (Genesis 39:1-12; 41:38-43) Whether we are at work or anywhere else, we need to avoid tempting situations.

PUT ON THE NEW PERSONALITY

10. How does the new personality help to protect a marriage?

¹⁰ The new personality that is “created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty” will protect a couple from committing sexual immorality. (Ephesians 4:24) When we put on the new personality, we “deaden” our body members by fighting against “sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness.” (Read Colossians 3:5, 6.) Here, the word “deaden” means that we must do whatever is necessary to fight against immoral desires. We will avoid anything that might cause us to have improper sexual desires. (Job 31:1) When we live according to God’s standards, we learn to hate “what is wicked” and hold on tight to “what is good.”​—Romans 12:2, 9.

11. How can the new personality strengthen a marriage?

¹¹ When we put on the new personality, we imitate Jehovah’s qualities. (Colossians 3:10) When a husband and wife show “compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience,” they will have a strong marriage and Jehovah will bless them. (Colossians 3:12) Also, they will enjoy greater harmony when they “let the peace of the Christ control [their] hearts.” (Colossians 3:15; footnote) Having “tender affection,” a couple will “take the initiative” to give each other attention and respect.​—Romans 12:10; footnote.

12. What qualities do you think are important for a happy marriage?

¹² When one couple were asked what qualities have helped them to have a happy marriage, Sid, the husband, said: “Love is the main quality that we’ve always worked on. And we’ve also found mildness to be very important.” Sonja, his wife, agreed and said: “Kindness is certainly a vital quality. And we have also tried to show humility, even though it isn’t always easy.”

COMMUNICATE WELL

13. What is necessary for a strong marriage, and why?

¹³ One of the best ways to keep our marriage strong is to talk to our marriage mate in a kind way. Unfortunately, some husbands and wives speak to each other with less respect than they do to strangers or even to their pets! When “malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech” are in a marriage, they slowly weaken a couple’s relationship. (Ephesians 4:31) A critical and hurtful attitude will damage a marriage. So couples need to strengthen their relationship by speaking to each other in a kind, tender, and compassionate way.​—Ephesians 4:32.

14. What should we avoid doing?

¹⁴ The Bible says that there is “a time to be silent.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7) Of course, this does not mean that we can stop speaking to our marriage mate, because communication is important for a good marriage. One wife in Germany says: “Under such circumstances, silence can hurt your partner.” She adds: “Even though it is not always easy to keep calm under stress, it is not good just to let off steam. Then you impulsively say or do something that can hurt your marriage mate, and that only makes matters worse.” Husbands and wives do not solve their problems by screaming or by refusing to talk to each other. Instead, couples strengthen their marriage when they choose to settle disagreements quickly and do not let them grow into arguments.

15. How can good communication strengthen a marriage?

¹⁵ You can make your marriage stronger when you take time to share your thoughts and feelings with each other. How you say something is as important as what you say. So even in difficult situations, do your best to use kind words and speak in a kind way. Then it will be easier for your husband or wife to listen to you. (Read Colossians 4:6.) A couple can strengthen their marriage with good communication when they use words that are encouraging and beneficial.​—Ephesians 4:29.

GIVE THE MARRIAGE DUE

16, 17. Why is it important to be sensitive to each other’s emotional and sexual needs?

¹⁶ Couples can also build a strong marriage when they put the personal needs of their mate ahead of their own. (Philippians 2:3, 4) Husbands as well as wives need to be sensitive to each other’s emotional and sexual needs.​—Read 1 Corinthians 7:3, 4.

¹⁷ Sadly, some marriage mates do not show affection or are not intimate with each other. And some men think that if they are gentle with their wife, it means that they are weak. But the Bible says: “You husbands should try to understand the wives you live with.” (1 Peter 3:7, Phillips) A husband needs to understand that the marriage due does not just involve having intercourse. He needs to be loving and affectionate at all times. Then his wife is more likely to enjoy sexual relations. When both show love and affection, it will be easier to satisfy each other’s emotional and physical needs.

18. How can husbands and wives strengthen their relationship?

¹⁸ Although there is no excuse for us to be unfaithful to our marriage mate, a lack of tenderness could be one of the reasons why a husband or a wife seeks love and intimacy from someone else. (Proverbs 5:18; Ecclesiastes 9:9) That is why the Bible counsels married couples not to “deprive each other” of the marriage due unless both have agreed to do so for a short time. Why? “In order that Satan may not keep tempting you for your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:5) It would be so tragic for a couple to allow Satan to use their “lack of self-control” to tempt either mate to commit adultery! By giving the marriage due, each mate seeks, “not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” They do this because they love each other, not because it is their duty. Intimate expressions of love and tenderness strengthen their relationship.​—1 Corinthians 10:24.

KEEP STRENGTHENING YOUR MARRIAGE

19. What should we be determined to do, and why?

¹⁹ We are so close to entering the new world! What a disaster it would be to give in to wrong desires, as the 24,000 Israelites on the Plains of Moab did. After describing what happened, the Bible warns: “Let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) To strengthen our marriage, we must remain faithful to Jehovah and to our spouse. (Matthew 19:5, 6) Now, more than ever before, we need to “do [our] utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.”​—2 Peter 3:13, 14.

1, 2. Who can benefit from the Song of Solomon, and why? (See opening picture.)

THE bride and groom looked into each other’s eyes and smiled. Everyone could see that they were in love. The brother who had given their wedding talk noticed how tenderly they held each other, and he wondered: ‘As the years go by, will their love deepen? Or will it slowly fade away?’ When a husband and wife truly love each other, their relationship can endure even the most difficult problems. But sadly, many married people become unhappy and break up. So you may wonder, ‘Can love really last?’

² Even when King Solomon was alive, true love was not common. Why? Solomon explained: “One upright man out of a thousand I found, but a woman among them I have not found. This alone I have found: The true God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:26-29, footnote) Immoral foreign women who worshipped Baal were living among the Israelites. As a result, many Israelite men and women had also become immoral.a (See footnote.) But about 20 years earlier, King Solomon wrote a poem about a man and a woman who were truly in love. Whether we are married or not, the Song of Solomon can help us to understand what true love is and how we can show it.

TRUE LOVE IS POSSIBLE!

3. Why is true love between a man and a woman possible?

³ Read Song of Solomon 8:6. Love is described as “the flame of Jah.” Why? Because Jehovah’s greatest quality is love, and he created us with the ability to imitate his love. (Genesis 1:26, 27) After Jehovah created the first man, Adam, he gave him a beautiful wife. When Adam saw Eve for the first time, he felt so happy that he just had to describe how he felt about her. Eve also felt very close to her husband. After all, Jehovah had created Eve from Adam. (Genesis 2:21-23) From the beginning, Jehovah made it possible for a man and a woman to have true and lasting love for each other.

4, 5. What is the story in the Song of Solomon?

⁴ The Song of Solomon beautifully describes the love that a man and woman can have for each other. The song is about the love between a country girl from the village of Shunem, or Shulem, and a young shepherd. This is their story: The girl was working in her brothers’ vineyards close to where King Solomon and his soldiers were camped. He noticed the girl and ordered his servants to bring her into the camp. Then he told her how beautiful she was and offered her many gifts. But the girl was in love with a shepherd and insisted that she wanted to be with him. (Song of Solomon 1:4-14) The shepherd looked for her and went into the camp. When he found her, they expressed their love for each other with beautiful words.​—Song of Solomon 1:15–17.

⁵ When Solomon returned to Jerusalem, he took the young woman with him, and the shepherd followed her. (Song of Solomon 4:1-5, 8, 9) Nothing that Solomon said or did could change the girl’s love for the shepherd. (Song of Solomon 6:4-7; 7:1-10) So Solomon let the girl go back home. Finally, the Shulammite called to her dear one to come running to her “like a gazelle.”​—Song of Solomon 8:14.

6. Why can it be difficult to know who is speaking in the Song of Solomon?

⁶ The Song of Solomon is a beautiful song. In fact, it has been called “the song of songs.” (Song of Solomon 1:1) But in the song, Solomon did not include the names of the characters when they were speaking. He wanted the beauty of poetry and song to stand out instead of adding many details. Even though the song does not include names, it is still possible to know which character is speaking by what he or she says.b​—See footnote.

“YOUR EXPRESSIONS OF AFFECTION ARE BETTER THAN WINE”

7, 8. How did the shepherd and the girl express their love for each other? Give examples.

⁷ The young woman and the shepherd said beautiful things to each other to express their love. Some of their “expressions of affection” may sound strange to us because they were written over 3,000 years ago. (Song of Solomon 1:2) Even though their culture was different from ours today, we can understand how the couple felt about each other. For example, the shepherd said that the girl’s eyes were like “those of doves,” which meant that he loved her kind eyes. (Song of Solomon 1:15) And she said that his eyes were as beautiful as doves. (Read Song of Solomon 5:12.) To her, the color of his eyes stood out against the white, like blue-gray doves bathing in milk.

⁸ The shepherd and the young woman praised each other’s good looks, but that is not all. For example, he loved the kind way she spoke to other people. (Read Song of Solomon 4:7, 11.) So he told her: “Your lips, my bride, drip with comb honey. Honey and milk are under your tongue.” To him, her words were as sweet and good as milk and the most delicious honey. When the shepherd told the girl “you are altogether beautiful” and “there is no blemish in you,” he was talking not just about her beauty but also about her lovely qualities.

9. (a) What does the love between a husband and wife include? (b) Why is it important that a husband and wife express their love to each other?

⁹ Today, for a husband and wife who serve Jehovah, marriage is much more than just a formal agreement. They truly love each other and express their love. But what kind of love should it be? Is it the unselfish love that the Bible teaches us to have for all people? (1 John 4:8) Is it the natural love that we feel toward our family? Is it the closeness between two good friends? (John 11:3) Or is it romantic love? (Proverbs 5:15-20) Actually, as a married couple, you need to express true love for each other in all these ways. By what you say and do, you can reassure each other of your love and be happy in your marriage. Yes, it is very important to do so, no matter how busy your life may be. In some cultures where marriages are arranged, the husband and wife may not have known each other before the wedding day. So as they get to know each other and their love grows, they need to tell each other of the love they feel. This will bring them closer together and strengthen their marriage.

10. How else can expressing affection to each other strengthen a marriage?

¹⁰ When a couple express their affection to each other, they strengthen their marriage in another way. In the song, King Solomon offered the young woman “gold ornaments studded with silver.” He praised her, saying that she was “as beautiful as the full moon, as pure as the sunlight.” (Song of Solomon 1:9-11; 6:10) But the young woman had already found the one she truly loved. What helped her to stay loyal to the shepherd? What comforted her when they could not be together? (Read Song of Solomon 1:2, 3.) She remembered how happy his words of love had made her feel. His expressions of affection had been “better than wine” to her, and there in the palace they comforted her like “fragrant oil” on the head. (Psalm 23:5; 104:15) It is important for a husband and wife to express their affection for each other often because it helps their love to grow. And their memories of these expressions will help their love to stay strong.

DO NOT AWAKEN LOVE “UNTIL IT FEELS INCLINED”

11. What can we learn from the Shulammite’s words to the women in Solomon’s palace?

¹¹ If you would like to get married, what can you learn from the Shulammite? She felt no love for King Solomon and firmly told the women in the palace: “Do not try to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” (Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5) So would it be right to start a romantic relationship with just anyone? No, instead it is wise to wait patiently and marry someone you can truly love.

12. Why did the Shulammite girl love the shepherd?

¹² Why did the Shulammite girl love the shepherd? She thought he was handsome, like “a gazelle.” His hands were strong like “cylinders of gold,” and his legs were beautiful and strong like “pillars of marble.” But he was not just strong and handsome. The girl knew that the shepherd loved Jehovah and had beautiful qualities. That is why he was special to her, “like an apple tree among the trees of the forest.”​—Song of Solomon 2:3, 9; 5:14, 15.

13. Why did the shepherd love the Shulammite girl?

¹³ The Shulammite was very beautiful. Even King Solomon was attracted to her, although he already had “60 queens and 80 concubines and young women without number.” Was her beauty the only reason the shepherd loved the girl? No. She also loved Jehovah and had beautiful qualities. For example, the girl was humble and compared herself to a common flower, “a saffron of the coastal plain.” But to the shepherd she was unique, “like a lily among thorns.”​—Song of Solomon 2:1, 2; 6:8.

14. If we would like to be married, what can we learn from the shepherd and the Shulammite?

¹⁴ Jehovah commands his servants to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39) This means that we would only date or marry someone who is a baptized servant of Jehovah. How will this help a marriage? A husband and wife will have to cope with the stress of daily life. But when they both have a close relationship with Jehovah, their marriage can be peaceful and happy. So if you would like to be married, follow the example of the shepherd and the Shulammite. Look for someone with beautiful qualities who really loves Jehovah.

MY BRIDE “IS LIKE A LOCKED GARDEN”

15. How is the loyalty of the Shulammite girl a good example for unmarried Christian couples?

¹⁵ Read Song of Solomon 4:12. Why did the shepherd say that his Shulammite girl was like “a locked garden”? A garden with a locked gate is not open to the public. The girl was like that garden because she loved only the shepherd. She planned to marry him, so she ignored any attention from the king. And she would not change her mind. She was like “a wall” and not “a door” that could be easily opened. (Song of Solomon 8:8-10) In the same way, a Christian couple who are planning to get married will be loyal to each other. They will not give romantic attention to anyone else.

16. If you are dating, what can you learn from the Song of Solomon?

¹⁶ When the shepherd asked the girl to go for a walk with him, her brothers did not let her go. Instead, they sent her to guard their vineyards. Did they not trust her? Did they think that their sister and the shepherd wanted to do something immoral? No. Her brothers wanted to protect their sister from a situation that could tempt her to do something wrong. (Song of Solomon 1:6; 2:10-15) If you are dating, how can you avoid anything that could lead you into sexual immorality? Decide ahead of time what you will avoid so as to keep your relationship clean. Never be alone together where no one else can see you. Express your affection for each other only in a clean way.

17, 18. How has this study of the Song of Solomon helped you?

¹⁷ Jehovah wants marriages to last. He wants a husband and wife to love each other. It is natural for them to be in love when they get married. But for their marriage to last, they must keep their love strong, like a flame that never stops burning.​—Mark 10:6-9.

¹⁸ If you would like to be married, look for someone you can truly love. When you find that person, work together to keep your love for each other strong. As we learned from the Song of Solomon, true and lasting love is possible, for it is “the flame of Jah.”​—Song of Solomon 8:6.