1. What did Manoah do when he heard he was going to be a father?

MANOAH and his wife were sure that they could never have children. Then one day, Jehovah’s angel told Manoah’s wife that she would have a son. What a wonderful surprise! When she told Manoah the news, he was very excited. But he also thought seriously about what Jehovah expected of him as a father. How could he and his wife train their son to love Jehovah and serve him when so many people in Israel were doing bad things? Manoah begged Jehovah to send his angel again and said: “Please let the man of the true God whom you just sent come again to instruct us about what we should do with the child who will be born.”​—Judges 13:1-8.

2. What do you need to teach your children, and how can you do that? (See also the box “Your Most Important Bible Students.”)

² If you are a parent, you probably understand how Manoah felt. You too have the responsibility to help your children to know and love Jehovah. (Proverbs 1:8) During family worship, you can help them to keep learning about Jehovah and the Bible. Of course, you need to do more than study the Bible with your children every week. (Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9.) What else will help you to train them to love and serve Jehovah? In this article, we will discuss Jesus’ example. Although he was not a father, you can learn from the way he taught and trained his disciples. Jesus loved them and was humble. And he had insight, that is, he understood how they really felt and knew how to help them. Let us now see how we can imitate Jesus.

LOVE YOUR CHILDREN

3. How did Jesus’ disciples know that he loved them?

³ Jesus often told his disciples that he loved them. (Read John 15:9.) He also spent a lot of time with them. (Mark 6:31, 32; John 2:2; 21:12, 13) Jesus was not just their teacher; he was their friend. So there was no doubt in their minds that he loved them. What can you learn from Jesus?

4. How can you show your children that you love them? (See opening picture.)

⁴ Tell your children that you love them, and show them how important they are to you. (Proverbs 4:3; Titus 2:4) Samuel, who lives in Australia, says: “When I was very young, Dad used to read My Book of Bible Stories to me every evening. He would answer my questions, hug me, and kiss me good-night. What a surprise when I later discovered that Dad was not raised in a family where hugs and kisses were common! Yet, he made a real effort to express his love for me. As a result, I developed a strong bond with him, and I felt contented and secure.” Help your children to feel that way by often saying to them “I love you.” Hug and kiss them. Spend time talking with them, eating with them, and playing with them.

5, 6. (a) Because Jesus loved his disciples, what did he do? (b) How should you discipline your children?

⁵ Jesus said: “All those for whom I have affection, I reprove and discipline.”a (See footnote.) (Revelation 3:19) For example, his disciples argued many times about who was the greatest among them. Jesus did not ignore this problem. Instead, he patiently counseled them again and again. But he was always kind, and he waited for the right time and place to correct them.​—Mark 9:33-37.

⁶ Because you love your children, you know that you must discipline them. Sometimes it is enough to explain to them why something is right or wrong. But what if they still do not obey? (Proverbs 22:15) Learn from Jesus. Patiently continue to discipline them by guiding, training, and correcting them. Choose the right time and place to discipline them, and do so in a kind way. A sister in South Africa named Elaine remembers the way her parents disciplined her. They always explained what they expected of her. If they told her that she would be punished for disobeying, then that is what they would do. But she says: “They never disciplined me in anger or without explaining why I was being disciplined.” Because of this, she always knew that her parents loved her.

BE HUMBLE

7, 8. (a) What did Jesus’ disciples learn from his prayers? (b) How can your prayers teach your children to rely on God?

⁷ When Jesus was about to be arrested and killed, he begged his Father: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you; remove this cup from me. Yet, not what I want, but what you want.”b (See footnote.) (Mark 14:36) Imagine how Jesus’ disciples felt when they heard, or later learned about, his prayer. They realized that even though he was perfect, he still asked his Father for help. So they learned that they too should be humble and rely on Jehovah.

⁸ Your children can learn much from your prayers. Of course, you do not pray only to teach your children. But when they hear you pray, they can learn to rely on Jehovah. In your prayers, do not just ask Jehovah to help your children, but ask him to help you too. Ana, who lives in Brazil, says: “When there were problems, such as when my grandparents were ill, my parents would ask Jehovah to give them the strength to cope with the situation and the wisdom to make good decisions. Even when under terrible pressure, they left their problems in Jehovah’s hands. As a result, I learned to rely on Jehovah.” When your children hear you ask Jehovah to give you the courage to witness to a neighbor or to ask your employer for time off for a convention, they realize that you rely on Jehovah for help, and they learn to do the same.

9. (a) How did Jesus teach his disciples to be humble and unselfish? (b) If you are humble and unselfish, what will your children learn?

⁹ Jesus told his disciples to be humble and unselfish, and he also set the example. (Read Luke 22:27.) His apostles saw that he made sacrifices to serve Jehovah and help others, and they learned to do the same. You too can teach your children by your example. Debbie, who has two children, says: “I never felt jealous because of the time my husband spent with others as an elder. I knew that whenever our family needed my husband’s attention, he would give it to us.” (1 Timothy 3:4, 5) How did the example of Debbie and her husband, Pranas, affect their family? He says that his children were always willing to help at assemblies. They were happy, made good friends, and wanted to be with their brothers and sisters. All in the family now serve Jehovah in the full-time ministry. If you are humble and unselfish, you teach your children to be willing to help others.

HAVE INSIGHT

10. How did Jesus use insight when some people in Galilee came looking for him?

¹⁰ Jesus had perfect insight. He did not focus just on what people did but on why they did it. He could read their hearts. For example, one time some people in Galilee came looking for him. (John 6:22-24) He realized that the main reason they were there was, not because they wanted to listen to him teach, but because they wanted food. (John 2:25) Jesus knew how they really felt. Then he patiently corrected them and explained to them what changes they needed to make.​—Read John 6:25-27.

11. (a) How can you try to understand how your children feel about preaching? (b) How can you help your children enjoy the ministry?

¹¹ Although you cannot read hearts, you too can have insight. For example, you can try to understand how your children feel about the ministry. You might ask yourself, ‘Could it be that they only look forward to the time in the ministry when we might stop to rest and eat or drink something?’ If you realize that your children do not enjoy the ministry very much, try to make it more interesting for them. Give them small tasks they can do so that they feel useful.

12. (a) What did Jesus warn his disciples about? (b) Why did Jesus’ disciples really need his warning?

¹² How else did Jesus use insight? He knew that one mistake can lead to another and even to serious sin, and he warned his disciples about this. For example, the disciples knew that sexual immorality was wrong. But Jesus warned them about what could lead to immorality. He said: “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. If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you.” (Matthew 5:27-29) Jesus’ disciples lived among immoral Roman people who liked to watch plays full of sex scenes and dirty language. So Jesus lovingly warned his disciples to avoid anything that would make it difficult for them to do what was right.

13, 14. How can you help your children avoid immoral entertainment?

¹³ As a parent, you can use insight to protect your children from doing something that does not please Jehovah. Sadly, today even little children are in danger of seeing pornography and other immoral material. Of course, you should tell your children that it is wrong to look at immoral things. But there is more you can do to protect them. Ask yourself: ‘Do my children know why pornography is so dangerous? What could make them want to look at these pictures? Do I make it easy for them to talk to me about anything, so that they will ask me for help even if they are tempted to look at pornography?’ Even when children are very young, you could say to them: “If you ever see something on the Internet that makes you curious about sex and you want to look at it, please come and talk to me. Don’t be scared or too shy to ask me for help. I want to help you.”

¹⁴ When you are choosing entertainment for yourself, also think carefully about how you can be a good example for your children. Pranas, mentioned earlier, says: “You can say a lot about a lot of things, but your children will watch what you do and imitate you.” If you are always careful to choose music, books, and movies that are clean entertainment, you can help your children to do the same.​—Romans 2:21-24.

JEHOVAH WILL HELP YOU

15, 16. (a) Why can you be sure that Jehovah will help you to train your children? (b) What will we discuss in the next article?

¹⁵ What happened when Manoah asked Jehovah to help him be a good parent? “The true God listened to Manoah.” (Judges 13:9) Parents, Jehovah will listen to your prayers too. He will help you to train your children. And he will help you to express your love, to be humble, and to have insight.

¹⁶ Just as Jehovah will help you to train your children when they are still young, he can help you to train them when they become teenagers. In the next article, we will discuss how Jesus’ example of love, humility, and insight can help you train your teenager to serve Jehovah.

1, 2. (a) What do some parents of teenagers worry about? (b) How can children benefit from their teenage years?

ONE of the happiest moments for parents is when their children get baptized. Berenice’s four children all got baptized before they were 14 years old. She says: “It was a highly emotional experience for us. We were, of course, grateful that our children wanted to serve Jehovah. But we also knew that as teenagers our children would face many challenges.” You too may worry about this if your son or daughter is a teenager or will soon be a teenager.

² An expert on child psychology says that the teenage years can be difficult for both parents and children, but parents should not think that their teenagers are crazy or childish. Instead, he says that teenagers are creative, have deep emotions, and have a need to spend time with friends. So while they are teenagers, your children can develop a closer friendship with Jehovah, as Jesus did when he was young. (Read Luke 2:52.) They can also improve their abilities in preaching and develop a strong desire to do more in God’s service. And they can make their own decisions, such as to dedicate their life to Jehovah and obey him. But what can you do as a parent to train your teenager to serve Jehovah? You can learn from the way Jesus trained his disciples with love, humility, and insight.

LOVE YOUR TEENAGER

3. How did the apostles know that Jesus was their friend?

³ Jesus was more than just the Master of his apostles. He was also their friend. (Read John 15:15.) In Bible times, a master would not usually talk with his slaves about his thoughts and feelings. But Jesus did not treat his apostles like slaves. He loved them and spent time with them. He was happy to tell them what he was thinking and feeling, and he listened carefully when they expressed what they were thinking and feeling. (Mark 6:30-32) This communication between Jesus and his apostles made them very close friends and prepared the apostles for the work they would do in the future.

4. Parents, how can you be friends with your children? (See opening picture.)

⁴ Although you have authority over your children, you can also be their friend. Friends spend time together. Perhaps you can spend less time working or doing other things so that you have more time with your children. This is something you should pray and think about seriously. Friends also enjoy similar things. So find out what your teenager likes, such as his favorite music, movies, or sports. Then try to enjoy what he enjoys. Ilaria, who lives in Italy, says: “My parents took an interest in the music I listened to. In fact, my dad became my best friend, and I felt free to talk to him about even delicate matters.” By being your children’s friend and helping them to be Jehovah’s friends, you do not lose your authority as a parent. (Psalm 25:14) Your children will see that you love them and respect them, and it will be easier for them to talk to you about anything.

5. How could Jesus’ disciples have a happy life doing Jehovah’s work?

⁵ Jesus knew that if his disciples were enthusiastic about serving Jehovah and kept busy preaching the good news, they would be truly happy. So he encouraged them to work hard in the preaching work, and he promised that he would help them.​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

6, 7. How do you show love for your children when you teach them to have a regular routine of serving Jehovah?

⁶ You want your children to stay close to Jehovah. And Jehovah wants you to train and discipline them. He has given you the authority to do that. (Ephesians 6:4) So you need to make sure that your children get that training regularly. Think about this: You make sure that your children attend school because you know that their education is important and you want them to enjoy learning new things. In a similar way, you make sure that they attend meetings, assemblies, and family worship. After all, the education they get from Jehovah can save their lives. So help them to enjoy learning about Jehovah and to realize that he can teach them to be truly wise. (Proverbs 24:14) Also, train your children to go out in field service regularly. Imitate Jesus’ example by helping them to enjoy teaching God’s Word to others.

⁷ How does a regular routine of serving Jehovah, such as study, meetings, and field service, help teenagers? Erin, who lives in South Africa, says: “We children often whined and complained about Bible study, meetings, and field service. Sometimes we deliberately disrupted our family study to try to get out of it. But our parents didn’t give in.” She is grateful to her parents because they helped her realize how important these things are. Now, whenever she has to miss a meeting or cannot go out in field service, she is eager to get back to her routine as quickly as possible.

BE HUMBLE

8. (a) How did Jesus show that he was humble? (b) How did Jesus’ humility help his disciples?

⁸ Although Jesus was perfect, he was humble and told his disciples that he needed Jehovah’s help. (Read John 5:19.) Did this make the disciples respect Jesus less? No. The more they saw that he relied on Jehovah, the more they trusted him. Later, they imitated his example of humility.​—Acts 3:12, 13, 16.

9. When you admit your mistakes and say that you are sorry, how can this help your teenager?

⁹ Unlike Jesus, we are imperfect and make mistakes. So be humble. Realize that there are many things you cannot do, and admit your mistakes. (1 John 1:8) Then your teenager will learn to admit his own mistakes, and he will respect you even more. After all, whom do you respect more? A boss who admits when he is wrong or one who never says he is sorry? Rosemary, who has three children, says that she and her husband were willing to admit their mistakes. She explains: “That moved our children to open up to us when they had a problem.” She adds: “We taught our children where to find the best solutions to their problems. When they needed help, we always referred them to our Bible-based literature, and we prayed together.”

10. How was Jesus humble even when he was telling his disciples what to do?

¹⁰ Jesus had the authority to tell his disciples what to do. But because he was humble, he often explained why they should do it. For example, he did not just tell them to seek first the Kingdom and God’s righteousness. He also said: “And all these other things will be added to you.” When Jesus told them to stop judging, he explained: “That you may not be judged; for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged.”​—Matthew 6:31–7:2.

11. How can you help your teenager by explaining why you have made a rule or a decision?

¹¹ Find the right time to explain to your teenager why you have made a rule or a decision. When he understands why, he will likely want to obey you. Barry, who raised four children, says: “Giving reasons helps teenagers to trust you.” Teenagers will see that you have not made a rule or a decision just because you have the authority to do so but because you have a good reason. Also remember that teenagers are no longer small children. They are learning how to think for themselves, and they want to make their own decisions. (Romans 12:1) Barry explains: “Teenagers need to learn to make sensible decisions based on reason rather than emotion.” (Psalm 119:34) So be humble and explain to your teenager why you have made a decision. In that way, he learns to make his own decisions, and he will know that you respect him and that you realize that he is becoming an adult.

HAVE INSIGHT

12. Because Jesus had insight, how did he help Peter?

¹² Jesus had insight and understood what help his disciples needed. For example, when Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed, Peter told Jesus to be kind to himself. Jesus knew that Peter loved him, but he also knew that the way Peter reasoned was wrong. How did Jesus help him and the other disciples? First, he corrected Peter. Then, Jesus explained what would happen to those who avoid doing Jehovah’s will when it is difficult to do. Jesus also said that Jehovah would reward those who are not selfish. (Matthew 16:21-27) Peter learned the lesson.​—1 Peter 2:20, 21.

13, 14. (a) What might show that your teenager needs to strengthen his faith? (b) How can you find out what help your son or daughter really needs?

¹³ Pray to Jehovah for insight so that you can understand what help your teenager needs. (Psalm 32:8) Perhaps you see that he is not as happy as he used to be or that he talks negatively about the brothers. Maybe you feel that there is something he is not telling you. Do not immediately think that your teenager is secretly doing something very wrong.a (See footnote.) But do not ignore the problem or just hope that it will go away. It could be that you need to help him strengthen his faith.

¹⁴ To find out how you can help your teenager, ask questions kindly and respectfully. It is like drawing water out of a well. If you draw it out too quickly, you will not get as much water as you want. In a similar way, if you are impatient when you ask questions or try to force your teenager to talk, you will not find out what he really thinks and feels. (Read Proverbs 20:5.) Ilaria remembers that when she was a teenager, she wanted to spend more time with her classmates but knew that it was wrong. Her parents noticed that she was worried about something. Ilaria says: “One evening, they simply mentioned that they had noticed that I was a bit down, and they asked me what the problem was. I burst into tears, explained the situation, and asked for help. They hugged me, told me that they understood, and promised to help me.” Ilaria’s parents immediately began to help her make good friends in the congregation.

15. What is another way that Jesus showed he had insight?

¹⁵ Jesus also had insight when he noticed the good qualities of his disciples. For example, when Nathanael heard that Jesus was from Nazareth, he said: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) If you were there, would you have thought that Nathanael was negative or prejudiced or that he did not have faith? That is not what Jesus thought. Instead, he had insight and knew that Nathanael was honest, so he said: “Truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” (John 1:47) Jesus could read hearts, and he used that ability to look for people’s good qualities.

16. How can you encourage your teenager to improve?

¹⁶ Although you cannot read hearts like Jesus, you can have insight. Jehovah can help you to look for your teenager’s good qualities. Even if your teenager disappoints you, never say that he is a bad person or a troublemaker. Do not even think that about him. Instead, tell him that you can see his good qualities and that you are sure he wants to do what is right. Notice what he does to improve and commend him. Help him to work on his good qualities by giving him more responsibilities when possible. Jesus did that with his disciples. A year and a half after meeting Nathanael (also called Bartholomew), Jesus gave him an important responsibility. He made Nathanael an apostle, and Nathanael faithfully did the work Jesus gave him. (Luke 6:13, 14; Acts 1:13, 14) So instead of making your teenager feel that what he does is never good enough, commend and encourage him. Make him feel that he can make you and Jehovah happy and that he can use his abilities to serve Jehovah.

TRAINING YOUR CHILDREN WILL BRING YOU GREAT JOY

17, 18. If you keep training your teenager to serve Jehovah, what can be the result?

¹⁷ You may feel as the apostle Paul did. He worried a lot about those who were like children to him. These were the ones he had helped to learn about Jehovah, and he loved them very much. So it was painful for him to think that some of them might not continue serving Jehovah. (1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 2:4) Victor, who raised three children, says: “The teenage years were not easy. Yet, the good times outweighed the challenges we faced. With Jehovah’s help, we enjoyed a close friendship with our children.”

¹⁸ Parents, you work so hard to train your children because you love them very much. Do not give up. Just think of how much joy you will have when your children make the decision to serve God and continue serving him faithfully.​—3 John 4.

What have archaeologists found that shows that Jericho was captured in a short time?

Joshua 6:10-15, 20 says that the Israelite soldiers marched around the city of Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they went around the city seven times. Then God made the strong walls of Jericho fall, and the Israelites captured the city. Have archaeologists found anything that shows that the siege of Jericho was short, just as the Bible says?

In ancient times, a city was under siege when an army surrounded its walls, ready to attack it. If a siege lasted a long time, the people in the city would eat most of the food they had stored. When the soldiers finally captured the city, they would take everything they wanted, including any food that was left. That is why archaeologists have discovered very little food or none at all in the ruins of cities in Palestine that were attacked in this way. But the ruins of Jericho are different. Biblical Archaeology Review says: “The most abundant item found in the destruction, apart from pottery, was grain.” It adds: “To find such an extensive amount of grain is exceptional.”

The Bible says that the Israelites did not take any of the food in Jericho because Jehovah had commanded them not to. (Joshua 6:17, 18) It also says that the Israelites attacked Jericho in the spring, right after the harvest, when there was a lot of grain stored in the city. (Joshua 3:15-17; 5:10) So the fact that there was still a lot of grain in Jericho after the siege confirms that the siege was short, just as the Bible says.

1. What is God’s main quality, and how does knowing this make you feel about him?

THE Bible tells us that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) But what does this really mean? Love is not just one of Jehovah’s many beautiful qualities. It is his main quality. He does not just have love. He is love. Love guides everything he does. How thankful we are that love motivated Jehovah to create the entire universe and all living things!

2. What confidence does God’s love give us? (See opening picture.)

² Jehovah has kind and tender feelings for his creation. His love for us gives us confidence that his purpose for mankind will come true in the best possible way. The result will be real happiness for those who obey him. For example, because of love, Jehovah “has set a day on which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed,” Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:31) We are confident that this judgment will happen. For obedient humans, it will mean a wonderful future that will last forever.

WHAT HISTORY HAS SHOWN

3. What would life be like if God did not love mankind?

³ What would mankind’s future be like if love were not God’s main quality? Humans would continue to rule one another and be influenced by an unloving and hateful god, Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19; read Revelation 12:9, 12.) The future would be horrible if Jehovah did not love us!

4. Why did Jehovah allow rebellion against his rule?

⁴ When Satan rebelled against God’s rulership, he also influenced our first parents to rebel. He questioned God’s right to be the Universal Sovereign. Satan claimed that his rule would be better than God’s. (Genesis 3:1-5) Wisely, Jehovah allowed Satan a short time to try to prove his claim. But the results clearly show that neither humans nor Satan can be good rulers.

5. What has mankind’s history clearly proved?

⁵ Today the world keeps getting worse. Over 100 million people have been killed in wars in the past 100 years. The Bible says about “the last days”: “Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.” (2 Timothy 3:1, 13) The Bible also says: “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) History has clearly proved those words to be true. Jehovah did not create humans with the ability or the right to rule themselves without his direction.

6. Why has God allowed wickedness?

⁶ By allowing wickedness to continue for a period of time, Jehovah has also proved that only his rule can be successful. In the future, God will destroy all the wicked. After that, if anyone ever questions his loving way of ruling, God will act right away. He can use mankind’s history as proof that such rebels should be removed quickly. Wickedness will never be allowed again.

HOW HAS GOD SHOWN HIS LOVE?

7, 8. How has Jehovah shown his love?

⁷ Jehovah has shown his great love in many ways. Think of the size and the beauty of our universe. It is made up of billions of galaxies, and each galaxy has billions of stars and planets. In our galaxy, the Milky Way, one of the stars is the sun. Without the sun, life could not exist on the earth. All these creations point to Jehovah as our Creator and show his qualities, such as his power, wisdom, and love. Yes, God’s “invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship.”​—Romans 1:20.

⁸ Jehovah designed the earth especially for life. Everything on earth benefits animals and humans. God made a beautiful garden home for humans to live in and gave them perfect minds and bodies designed to live forever. (Read Revelation 4:11.) In addition, “he gives food to every living thing, for his loyal love endures forever.”​—Psalm 136:25.

9. Although Jehovah is a God of love, what does he hate?

⁹ Jehovah is the God of love, yet he hates what is bad. For example, Psalm 5:4-6 says of Jehovah: “You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness . . . You hate all those who behave wickedly.” He also hates “violent and deceptive people.”

THE END OF WICKEDNESS IS NEAR

10, 11. (a) What will happen to wicked people? (b) How will Jehovah reward obedient humans?

¹⁰ At the proper time, Jehovah will remove wickedness from the entire universe because he is a God of love and he hates what is bad. God’s Word promises: “Evil men will be done away with, but those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth. Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more.” The enemies of Jehovah “will vanish like smoke.”​—Psalm 37:9, 10, 20.

¹¹ God’s Word also promises: “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.” (Psalm 37:29) Faithful humans “will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11) Why? Because our loving God always does what is best for his faithful servants. The Bible tells us: “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) What a wonderful future for obedient humans who appreciate God’s love!

12. Who is “the blameless one”?

¹² The Bible tells us: “Take note of the blameless one, and keep the upright one in sight, for the future of that man will be peaceful. But all the transgressors will be destroyed; the future of wicked people will be cut off.” (Psalm 37:37, 38) “The blameless one” comes to know Jehovah and his Son and obediently does God’s will. (Read John 17:3.) He earnestly believes that “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) Because the end of the world is near, it is urgent that we “hope in Jehovah and follow his way.”​—Psalm 37:34.

THE GREATEST ACT OF GOD’S LOVE

13. What was the greatest act of God’s love?

¹³ Even though we are imperfect, we can obey God. We can also have a close relationship with Jehovah because of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, the greatest act of God’s love. Jehovah provided the ransom so that obedient humans could have the opportunity to be freed from sin and death. (Read Romans 5:12; 6:23.) Jesus was faithful to God for a very long time in heaven, so Jehovah was confident that his Son would remain faithful on earth. As a loving Father, Jehovah was deeply hurt when he saw how badly people treated his Son. Yet, Jesus faithfully supported God’s right to rule and showed that a perfect human can remain loyal to God even in the most difficult situations.

14, 15. What did Jesus’ death do for mankind?

¹⁴ Despite the most severe tests, Jesus remained loyal and supported Jehovah’s right to rule. We should be grateful that by means of his death, Jesus paid the ransom price because it gives humans the opportunity to live forever in God’s new world! The apostle Paul described the love that Jehovah and Jesus showed through the ransom. He said: “Indeed, while we were still weak, Christ died for ungodly men at the appointed time. For hardly would anyone die for a righteous man; though perhaps for a good man someone may dare to die. But God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8) The apostle John wrote: “By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.”​—1 John 4:9, 10.

¹⁵ Jesus said that “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Even though it was very painful for Jehovah, he gave his Son as a ransom. This shows how much he loves humans. And that love will last forever. Paul wrote: “I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”​—Romans 8:38, 39.

GOD’S KINGDOM IS RULING NOW

16. What is the Messianic Kingdom, and whom has Jehovah appointed to be its Ruler?

¹⁶ God’s government, the Messianic Kingdom, is also proof of Jehovah’s love for mankind. How so? Jehovah has already appointed a Ruler who loves mankind and is qualified to rule, Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 8:31) In addition, 144,000 chosen from mankind will rule with Christ in heaven. When they are resurrected, they take with them their experience of what it was like to be a human. (Revelation 14:1) While Jesus was on earth, the Kingdom was the main theme of his teaching, and he taught his disciples to pray: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10) We look forward to the fulfillment of such prayers when God’s Kingdom brings many blessings to mankind!

17. Compare the rule of Jesus to the rule of humans.

¹⁷ There is a huge difference between Jesus’ loving rule and the rule of humans. Human rule has led to wars that have killed millions. But our Ruler, Jesus, truly loves us and imitates God’s beautiful qualities, especially his love. (Revelation 7:10, 16, 17) 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 yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) What a loving promise that is!

18. (a) What has been happening since 1914? (b) What will we consider in the next article?

¹⁸ The Bible shows that God’s Kingdom began to rule in heaven in 1914. Since then, there has been a gathering of the last members of those who will rule with Jesus in heaven, as well as a gathering of “a great crowd” of people who will survive the end of this system and enter into the new world. (Revelation 7:9, 13, 14) How large is the great crowd today? What does God require of them? The next article will examine these questions.

1, 2. How do the Scriptures show the importance of love?

LOVE is Jehovah God’s main quality. (1 John 4:16) His first creation, Jesus Christ, spent billions of years in heaven with his Father and learned what a loving God Jehovah is. (Colossians 1:15) Jesus has shown the same type of love during his entire life, both in heaven and on earth. So we can be sure that Jehovah and Jesus will always rule in a loving way.

² When someone asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, Jesus said: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’”​—Matthew 22:37-39.

3. Who is our “neighbor”?

³ It is important to show love in all our relationships. Jesus said that we must love Jehovah and also love our neighbor. But who is our “neighbor”? If we are married, our closest neighbor is our husband or wife. Our neighbor also includes our brothers and sisters in the congregation, as well as the people we meet in the ministry. In this article, we will learn how we can show love for our neighbor.

LOVE YOUR MARRIAGE MATE

4. How can a marriage be successful despite human imperfection?

⁴ Jehovah created Adam and Eve and brought them together. That was the first marriage. God wanted them to have a happy marriage and fill the earth with their children. (Genesis 1:27, 28) However, after they disobeyed Jehovah, their marriage was damaged, and sin and death were passed on to all of us. (Romans 5:12) Despite that, a marriage can be successful today. In the Bible, Jehovah, the Creator of marriage, has given the very best advice for husbands and wives.​—Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

5. How important is love in a marriage?

⁵ The Bible shows that warm and tender love is essential for happy relationships. This is certainly true in marriage. The apostle Paul described genuine love when he said: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) When we think about Paul’s words and apply them, we can have a happy marriage.

6, 7. (a) What does the Bible say about being a head? (b) How must a Christian husband treat his wife?

⁶ Jehovah decided who should be the head of the family. Paul explained: “I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn, the head of a woman is the man; in turn, the head of the Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) But Jehovah expects the husband to be a loving head, never mean or cruel. Jehovah himself is a kind and unselfish Head. As a result, Jesus respects God’s loving authority. He said: “I love the Father.” (John 14:31) Jesus would not feel that way if Jehovah were harsh with him.

⁷ Even though a husband is the head of his wife, the Bible tells him to honor her. (1 Peter 3:7) How can a husband do that? He can consider what she needs and respect her preferences. The Bible says: “Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it.” (Ephesians 5:25) Yes, Jesus even gave his life for his followers. When a husband is a loving head like Jesus, it will be easier for a wife to love and respect him and honor his decisions.​—Read Titus 2:3-5.

LOVE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

8. How should we feel about our brothers and sisters?

⁸ Today, millions of people all over the earth worship Jehovah. They are our brothers and sisters. How should we feel about them? The Bible says: “Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10; read Romans 12:10.) The apostle Peter wrote that our “obedience to the truth” should result in genuine “brotherly affection.” Peter also told fellow Christians: “Above all things, have intense love for one another.”​—1 Peter 1:22; 4:8.

9, 10. Why are God’s people united?

⁹ Our worldwide organization is unique. Why? Because we have deep and genuine love for our brothers and sisters. More important, because we love Jehovah and obey his laws, he supports us with the most powerful force in the universe, his holy spirit. God’s spirit helps us to be a truly united worldwide brotherhood.​—Read 1 John 4:20, 21.

¹⁰ Paul emphasized the need for love among Christians when he wrote: “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” (Colossians 3:12-14) How thankful we are that love, “a perfect bond of union,” exists among us no matter where we come from!

11. What identifies God’s organization?

¹¹ The genuine love and unity of Jehovah’s servants identify them as the ones who practice the true religion. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples​—if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35) And the apostle John wrote: “The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Whoever does not practice righteousness does not originate with God, nor does the one who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:10, 11) Love and unity identify Jehovah’s Witnesses as Christ’s true followers, the people God is using to preach the good news of the Kingdom worldwide.​—Matthew 24:14.

GATHERING “A GREAT CROWD”

12, 13. What are those of the “great crowd” doing today, and what will they soon experience?

¹² Most of Jehovah’s servants today are part of “a great crowd” that comes from many different parts of the world, and they show their support for the Kingdom. They “are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” by showing faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. Those of the “great crowd” love Jehovah and his Son, and they worship Jehovah “day and night.”​—Revelation 7:9, 14, 15.

¹³ Soon God will destroy this wicked world in the “great tribulation.” (Matthew 24:21; read Jeremiah 25:32, 33.) But Jehovah will protect and lead his servants into his new world because he loves them. As he promised nearly 2,000 years ago, “he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” Do you look forward to living in Paradise after wickedness, suffering, and death are gone?​—Revelation 21:4.

14. How large has the great crowd become?

¹⁴ At the start of the last days in 1914, there were only a few thousand servants of God. Motivated by love for neighbor and with the help of God’s holy spirit, that small group of anointed brothers and sisters preached the good news of the Kingdom despite difficulties. What has been the result? Today a great crowd of people who have the hope of living forever on earth is being gathered. There are about 8,000,000 Witnesses in more than 115,400 congregations around the world, and the number keeps growing. For example, over 275,500 new Witnesses were baptized in the 2014 service year. That is about 5,300 baptized each week.

15. How do many hear about the good news today?

¹⁵ It is amazing to see how many have heard about the good news of the Kingdom. Today our publications are available in over 700 languages. The Watchtower is the most widely distributed magazine in the world. More than 52,000,000 copies are printed each month, and the magazine is published in 247 languages. And our Bible study book What Does the Bible Really Teach? has been translated into over 250 languages. So far, over 200,000,000 copies have been printed.

16. Why does Jehovah’s organization continue to grow?

¹⁶ Our organization keeps growing because we have faith in God and accept the Bible as his inspired Word. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) We continue to enjoy Jehovah’s blessing despite Satan’s hatred and opposition.​—2 Corinthians 4:4.

ALWAYS LOVE OTHERS

17, 18. How does Jehovah expect us to feel toward those who do not worship him?

¹⁷ People respond in many different ways to our preaching. Some people listen to us, while others hate our message. How does Jehovah expect us to feel toward those who do not worship him? No matter how people react to our message, we follow the counsel found in the Bible. It says: “Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6) Whenever we defend our beliefs, we want to do so “with a mild temper and deep respect” because we love our neighbor.​—1 Peter 3:15.

¹⁸ Even when people get angry and reject our message, we show love for our neighbor and imitate Jesus’ example. When Jesus “was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten.” Instead, Jesus trusted in Jehovah. (1 Peter 2:23) So at all times, we show humility and apply the counsel: “Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing.”​—1 Peter 3:8, 9.

19. How should we treat our enemies?

¹⁹ Humility helps us to obey an important principle given by Jesus. He explained: “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45) As God’s servants, we must love our enemies no matter how they treat us.

20. How do we know that love for God and neighbor will fill the entire earth? (See opening picture.)

²⁰ At all times, we must show that we love Jehovah and our neighbor. Even if people oppose us and our message, we help them when they are in need. The apostle Paul wrote: “Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another; for whoever loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law. For the law code, ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder, you must not steal, you must not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this saying: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does not work evil to one’s neighbor; therefore, love is the law’s fulfillment.” (Romans 13:8-10) In this divided, violent, wicked world ruled by Satan, God’s servants show genuine love for their neighbor. (1 John 5:19) After Jehovah destroys Satan, his demons, and this wicked world, love will fill the entire earth. What a blessing it will be when all on earth love both Jehovah and their neighbor!

1. How important was the preaching work to Jesus? Explain.

JESUS loved to talk about God’s Kingdom. While Jesus was on earth, he spoke about the Kingdom more than any other subject. He mentioned the Kingdom more than 100 times during his ministry. The Kingdom was truly important to Jesus.​—Read Matthew 12:34.

2. How many were there to hear the command recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, and why do we say that?

² Soon after his resurrection, Jesus met with a group of more than 500 potential disciples. (1 Corinthians 15:6) Perhaps this was when Jesus gave the command to preach to “people of all the nations.” This work would not be easy.a (See footnote.) He told them that the preaching work would continue for a long time, right up until “the conclusion of the system of things.” When you preach the good news today, you are helping to fulfill that prophecy.​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

3. What three things have helped us to preach the good news?

³ After Jesus gave the command to preach, he said: “I am with you.” (Matthew 28:20) So Jesus promised his followers that he would direct the preaching work and that he would help them preach to the entire world. Jehovah is also with us. He has given us “every good thing” to help us preach. (Hebrews 13:20, 21) In this article, we will consider three of these good things: (1) the tools we have been given, (2) the methods we have used, and (3) the training we have been given. First, let us consider some of the tools we have used during the past 100 years.

TOOLS THAT HELP GOD’S SERVANTS TO PREACH

4. How have many different tools helped us in our preaching work?

⁴ Jesus compared the Kingdom message to seed that is planted in different types of soil. (Matthew 13:18, 19) To prepare the soil, a gardener uses many different tools. In a similar way, our King has given us tools we can use to help people accept our message. Some tools were useful for a short time, while others are still being used today. But all the tools have helped us to increase our preaching skills.

5. What was a testimony card, and how was it used?

⁵ In 1933, publishers began using the testimony card, a tool that helped many to start preaching. It was a small card with a short and simple Bible message. Sometimes a new card was published with a new message. Brother Erlenmeyer was about ten years old when he used a testimony card for the first time. He explained: “The standard introduction was, ‘Would you please read this card?’ After the householder read the card, we would present the literature and be on our way.”

6. How was the testimony card helpful?

⁶ The testimony card helped publishers in different ways. For example, some publishers were shy, and even though they really wanted to preach, they did not know what to say. Other publishers were very bold. They would tell the householder everything they knew in just a few minutes, but what they said was not always tactful. The testimony card helped all publishers to give a clear and simple message.

7. What were some challenges of using the card?

⁷ There were also challenges. Sister Grace Estep said: “At times, we would be asked, ‘Well, what does it say? Can’t you just tell me about it?’” Also, some householders could not read what was on the card. Others simply kept the card and closed the door. Some people did not like our message, so they tore the card into pieces. Despite the challenges, though, the testimony card helped publishers to preach to their neighbors and to be identified as preachers of the Kingdom.

8. How was the portable phonograph used? (See opening picture.)

⁸ Another tool that was used after 1930 was the portable phonograph. Some Witnesses called it Aaron because the machine spoke instead of them. (Read Exodus 4:14-16.) If the householder agreed to listen, the publisher would play a short Bible talk and then offer some literature. At times, entire families would gather to listen to a talk! In 1934, the Watch Tower Society began to build portable phonographs designed for the ministry. Eventually, the brothers recorded 92 different talks.

9. How effective was the portable phonograph?

⁹ When Hillary Goslin heard one of those talks, he borrowed the phonograph for a week to share the Bible’s message with his neighbors. As a result, several people became interested in the truth and got baptized. Brother Goslin’s two daughters eventually attended Gilead School and became missionaries. Like the testimony card, the portable phonograph helped many publishers to start preaching. Later, by means of the Theocratic Ministry School, the King would train his people to become effective teachers.

USING EVERY POSSIBLE METHOD TO REACH PEOPLE

10, 11. How were newspapers and the radio used to preach the good news, and why were those methods effective?

¹⁰ Under the direction of our King, God’s people have used different methods to reach as many people as possible in the preaching work. Those methods were especially important when we had only a few workers. (Read Matthew 9:37.) For example, many years ago newspapers were used to preach the good news. Each week Brother Russell sent a Bible talk to a news agency. Then, they sent his talk to newspapers in Canada, Europe, and the United States. By 1913, Brother Russell’s talks were published in 2,000 newspapers and were read by about 15,000,000 people!

¹¹ The radio was also used effectively to preach the good news. On April 16, 1922, Brother Rutherford gave one of his first talks on the radio, and about 50,000 people listened. Soon, we started using our own radio station called WBBR, and the first program was heard on February 24, 1924. The December 1, 1924, Watch Tower said: “We believe that the radio is the most economical and effective way of spreading the message of the truth that has yet been used.” Like newspapers, the radio helped us to reach many people in areas where there were only a few publishers.

12. (a) What types of public witnessing do you enjoy most? (b) What can help us to overcome any fears we might have about public witnessing?

¹² Public witnessing is an effective method being used to reach people today. More efforts are being made to preach to people at bus stops, train stations, and parking lots, as well as in public squares and markets. Does public witnessing make you nervous? If so, pray for help and consider what Brother Manera, a traveling overseer, said: “We looked at each new feature of service as another way to serve Jehovah, as another way to prove our loyalty to him, as another test of our integrity, and we were eager to prove ourselves willing to serve him in any way he asked.” When we overcome our fears and use new methods to preach, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah and become better preachers.​—Read 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.

13. Why is using our website in the ministry an effective preaching method, and what experiences have you had using it?

¹³ Many publishers enjoy telling people about our website, jw.org, where they can read and download Bible literature in over 700 languages. Each day, over 1.6 million people visit our website. In the past, the radio reached people with the good news in isolated areas. Today, our website does the same.

TRAINING MINISTERS OF THE GOOD NEWS

14. What training did the publishers need, and what school has helped them to become effective teachers?

¹⁴ The tools and methods we have discussed have been very effective. However, publishers in those early years needed to be trained how to be ministers. For example, sometimes a householder did not agree with what he heard on the phonograph. Other times a householder was interested and wanted to learn more. Publishers needed to know how to overcome objections tactfully and how to become better teachers. No doubt helped by God’s holy spirit, Brother Knorr saw that it was important for the publishers to learn how to speak in the ministry. So beginning in 1943, congregations started organizing the Theocratic Ministry School. This school helped all to become effective teachers.

15. (a) What did some experience when they gave a talk in the Theocratic Ministry School? (b) How has Jehovah’s promise recorded at Psalm 32:8 proved true in your case?

¹⁵ Many brothers were not used to speaking before an audience. Brother Ramu remembers his first talk back in 1944. The talk was about the Bible character Doeg. He said: “My knees were knocking together, my hands were shaking, and my teeth were chattering.” He added: “That was my first experience in platform speaking, but I did not quit.” Even though it was not easy, children too gave talks on the school. Brother Manera remembers what happened when one young boy gave his first talk: “He was so nervous that when he started his talk, he began to sob. But determined to give it, he sobbed his way through the entire talk.” Perhaps you do not comment at the meetings or participate in them because you are shy or you feel you cannot do it. If so, ask Jehovah to help you overcome your fears. He will help you as he helped those early Theocratic Ministry School students.​—Read Psalm 32:8.

16. What has been the goal of Gilead School (a) in the past and (b) since 2011?

¹⁶ God’s organization has also provided training through Gilead School. One goal of the school is to help students to strengthen their desire to preach the good news. Gilead School began in 1943, and since then, 8,500 students have been trained and sent to 170 countries. Since 2011, those invited to this school have been special pioneers, traveling overseers, Bethelites, or field missionaries who have not yet attended Gilead.

17. How effective is Gilead training?

¹⁷ Has Gilead School been effective? Yes. Consider what happened in Japan. In August 1949, there were fewer than ten publishers in that country. But by the end of that year, 13 missionaries were preaching with local publishers. Today, there are about 216,000 publishers in Japan, and almost half of them are pioneers!

18. What other schools do we have?

¹⁸ We have many other schools, such as the Kingdom Ministry School, the Pioneer Service School, the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, the School for Circuit Overseers and Their Wives, and the School for Branch Committee Members and Their Wives. These schools have successfully trained brothers and sisters and have strengthened their faith. It is clear that Jesus continues to train many people.

19. What did Brother Russell say about the preaching work, and how has this come true?

¹⁹ God’s Kingdom has been ruling for more than 100 years. During that time, our King, Jesus Christ, has been directing the preaching work. Back in 1916, Brother Russell believed that the preaching of the good news would expand all over the world. He said: “The work is increasing rapidly, and it will continue to increase, for there is a world-wide work to be done in preaching the ‘gospel of the kingdom.’” (Faith on the March, by A. H. Macmillan, page 69) That work is being done today! We thank Jehovah, the God of peace, that he gives us everything we need to do his will!