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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

1. What sacrifices have many made, and why did they make them?

MILLIONS of God’s people today have made sacrifices. Many brothers and sisters have chosen to remain single. Married couples have postponed having children. Families have kept their lives simple. All have made these decisions for one important reason​—they want to serve Jehovah as fully as possible. They are content and trust that Jehovah will provide all the things they truly need. Will they be disappointed? No! Why can we be certain of that fact? One reason is that Jehovah blessed Abraham, “the father of all those having faith.”​—Rom. 4:11.

2. (a) According to Hebrews 11:8-10, 16, why was Abraham willing to leave Ur? (b) What will we discuss in this article?

² Abraham willingly left the comfortable lifestyle available to him in the city of Ur. Why? Because he was awaiting “the city having real foundations.” (Read Hebrews 11:8-10, 16.) What is that “city”? What challenges did Abraham face while he waited for that city to be built? And how can we be like Abraham and those in our day who have followed his example?

WHAT IS “THE CITY HAVING REAL FOUNDATIONS”?

3. What is the city that Abraham awaited?

³ The city that Abraham awaited is God’s Kingdom. That Kingdom is made up of Jesus Christ and 144,000 anointed Christians. Paul refers to the Kingdom as “a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem.” (Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:8-10; 14:1) Jesus taught his disciples to pray for this same Kingdom, asking that it come so that God’s will can take place on earth as it does in heaven.​—Matt. 6:10.

4. According to Genesis 17:1, 2, 6, how much did Abraham know about the city, or Kingdom, that God promised?

⁴ Did Abraham know the details of how God’s Kingdom would be structured? No. For many centuries, those details were a “sacred secret.” (Eph. 1:8-10; Col. 1:26, 27) But Abraham did know that some of his offspring would become kings. Jehovah had specifically made that promise to him. (Read Genesis 17:1, 2, 6.) Abraham had such strong faith in God’s promises that it was as if he could see the Anointed One, or Messiah, who would be King of God’s Kingdom. For this reason, Jesus could tell the Jews in his day: “Abraham your father rejoiced greatly at the prospect of seeing my day, and he saw it and rejoiced.” (John 8:56) Clearly, Abraham knew that his descendants would form a Kingdom that had Jehovah’s backing, and he was willing to wait for Jehovah to fulfill that promise.

5. How do we know that Abraham was waiting for the city designed by God?

⁵ How did Abraham show that he was waiting for the city, or Kingdom, designed by God? First, Abraham did not join himself to any earthly kingdom. He remained a nomad, choosing not to settle down and give his support to a human king. In addition, Abraham did not try to set up his own kingdom. Instead, he kept obeying Jehovah and waited for Him to fulfill His promise. In doing so, Abraham showed extraordinary faith in Jehovah. Let us examine some of the challenges he faced and see what we can learn from his example.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID ABRAHAM FACE?

6. What kind of city was Ur?

⁶ The city Abraham left was relatively safe, sophisticated, and comfortable. It was protected by massive fortifications and a moat on three sides. People in Ur were proficient in both writing and arithmetic. And the city apparently was a center for business; many business documents have been found at the site. Private houses were made of brick; the walls were coated with plaster and then whitewashed. Some of these homes had 13 or 14 rooms surrounding a paved courtyard.

7. Why did Abraham have to trust that Jehovah would protect him and his family?

⁷ Abraham had to trust that Jehovah would protect him and his family. Why? Recall that Abraham and Sarah left the safety and comfort of living in a house in the city of Ur to dwell in tents in the open fields of Canaan. No longer were he and his family protected by thick walls and deep moats. Instead, they were now vulnerable to attack by enemy forces.

8. At one time, what did Abraham have to deal with?

⁸ Abraham did God’s will, but at one time he struggled to feed his family. He had to deal with a severe famine that struck the very land to which Jehovah had sent him. That famine was so bad that Abraham decided to move his family to Egypt temporarily. However, while he was in Egypt, Pharaoh, the ruler of the country, took his wife from him. Imagine the anxiety that Abraham must have felt until Jehovah persuaded Pharaoh to return Sarah to Abraham.​—Gen. 12:10-19.

9. What family difficulties did Abraham have to cope with?

⁹ Abraham’s family life was difficult. His beloved wife, Sarah, could not have children. For decades they had to deal with that bitter disappointment. Eventually, Sarah gave her servant girl, Hagar, to Abraham so that she could bear children for Abraham and Sarah. But when Hagar became pregnant with Ishmael, she began to despise Sarah. The situation became so difficult that Sarah chased Hagar away from home.​—Gen. 16:1-6.

10. What incidents involving Ishmael and Isaac tested Abraham’s trust in Jehovah?

¹⁰ Sarah finally became pregnant and gave Abraham a son whom he named Isaac. Abraham loved both of his sons, Ishmael and Isaac. But because of the bad way that Ishmael treated Isaac, Abraham was forced to send Ishmael and Hagar away. (Gen. 21:9-14) Later, Jehovah asked Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. (Gen. 22:1, 2; Heb. 11:17-19) In both cases, Abraham had to trust that Jehovah would eventually make things turn out well for his sons.

11. Why did Abraham have to wait patiently on Jehovah?

¹¹ Throughout this time, Abraham had to learn to wait patiently on Jehovah. He was likely over 70 when he and his family left Ur. (Gen. 11:31–12:4) And for some one hundred years, he lived in tents, roaming the land of Canaan. Abraham died when he was 175. (Gen. 25:7) But he did not see Jehovah fulfill His promise to give the land he walked on to his descendants. And he did not live to see the city, God’s Kingdom, established. Even so, Abraham is described as dying “old and satisfied.” (Gen. 25:8) Despite all the challenges he had to deal with, Abraham maintained strong faith and was content to wait on Jehovah. Why was he able to endure? Because throughout Abraham’s life, Jehovah protected him and treated him as a friend.​—Gen. 15:1; Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:22, 23.

12. What are we waiting for, and what will we consider?

¹² Like Abraham, we are awaiting the city having real foundations. We are not waiting for it to be built, however. God’s Kingdom was established in 1914 and has already taken complete control of heaven. (Rev. 12:7-10) But we are waiting for it to take complete control of the earth. While we wait for that to happen, there are many situations that we must deal with that are similar to those that Abraham and Sarah faced. Have Jehovah’s modern-day servants been able to imitate Abraham’s example? The life stories published in The Watchtower show that, like Abraham and Sarah, many today have had faith and patience. Let us consider just a few of those stories and see what we can learn.

IMITATING ABRAHAM’S EXAMPLE

13. What do you learn from the experience of Brother Walden?

¹³ Be willing to make sacrifices. If we are to put God’s city, the Kingdom, first in our lives, we must be like Abraham, who willingly made sacrifices to please God. (Matt. 6:33; Mark 10:28-30) Note the example of a brother named Bill Walden.b In 1942, Bill was about to graduate from a U.S. university with a degree in architectural engineering when he started studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Bill’s professor had arranged for Bill to have a job after graduation, but Bill declined. He explained that he had decided to give up the promise of a secular career in order to serve God more fully. Shortly afterward, Bill was drafted for military service. He respectfully refused and as a result was fined $10,000 and sentenced to five years in prison. He was released after three years. Later, he was invited to attend Gilead School and served as a missionary in Africa. Then Bill married Eva, and they served together in Africa, which called for sacrifices. Eventually they returned to the United States to care for Bill’s mother. Summarizing his life story, Bill says: “Tears come to my eyes when I think of the awesome privilege of having been used by Jehovah for more than 70 years in his service. I often thank him for guiding me toward making his service my career.” Are you able to make the full-time ministry your career?

14-15. What do you learn from the experience of Brother and Sister Apostolidis?

¹⁴ Do not expect your life to be trouble-free. From Abraham’s example we learn that even those who devote their entire life to serving Jehovah must still deal with problems. (Jas. 1:2; 1 Pet. 5:9) Consider how this proved true in the experience of Aristotelis Apostolidis.c He got baptized in 1946 in Greece, and in 1952 he got engaged to a sister named Eleni, who had the same goals as he did. However, Eleni fell ill and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was removed, but just a few years after the couple got married, the tumor came back. The doctors operated again, but Eleni was left partially paralyzed, and her speech was impaired. She remained a zealous minister despite her illness and despite the government persecution at the time.

¹⁵ For 30 years, Aristotelis cared for his wife. During this time he served as an elder, worked on assembly committees, and helped to build an Assembly Hall. Then, in 1987, Eleni was hurt in an accident while she was preaching. She was in a coma for three years, and then she died. Aristotelis sums up his experience by saying: “Over the years, trying circumstances, difficult challenges, and unforeseen occurrences have called for an inordinate amount of tenacity and perseverance. Yet, Jehovah has always given me the needed strength to overcome these problems.” (Ps. 94:18, 19) How Jehovah loves those who do all they can for him despite dealing with trials!

16. What good advice did Brother Knorr give his wife?

¹⁶ Focus on the future. Abraham focused on the future rewards that Jehovah would give him, and this helped him to overcome his immediate challenges. Sister Audrey Hyde tried to keep this positive outlook, even though her first husband, Nathan H. Knorr, died of cancer and her second husband, Glenn Hyde, became afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.d She says that she was helped by something Brother Knorr told her just a few weeks before his death. She says: “Nathan reminded me: ‘After death, our hope is sure, and we will never have to suffer pain again.’ Then he urged me: ‘Look ahead, for there is where your reward is.’ . . . He added: ‘Keep busy​—try to use your life doing something for others. This will help you to find joy.’” What practical advice it is to stay busy in doing good for others and to “rejoice in the hope”!​—Rom. 12:12.

17. (a) Why do we have good reason to focus on the future? (b) How will following the example recorded at Micah 7:7 help us to enjoy future blessings?

¹⁷ Today, we have more reason than ever to focus on the future. World events clearly show that we are in the final part of the last days of this system of things. Soon we will no longer need to wait for the city having real foundations to take full control of all the earth. Among the many blessings we will enjoy will be that of seeing our loved ones raised from the dead. At that time, Jehovah will reward Abraham for his faith and patience by bringing him and his family back to life on earth. Will you be there to welcome them? You can be if you, like Abraham, are willing to make sacrifices for God’s Kingdom, if you keep your faith despite problems, and if you learn to wait patiently on Jehovah.​—Read Micah 7:7.

1. What did David say about Jehovah’s humility?

CAN we really say that Jehovah is humble? Yes, we can. David once said: “You give me your shield of salvation, and your humility makes me great.” (2 Sam. 22:36; Ps. 18:35) Perhaps David was thinking of the day when the prophet Samuel came to the house of David’s father to anoint the future king of Israel. David was the youngest of eight boys; yet, he was the one whom Jehovah chose to replace King Saul.​—1 Sam. 16:1, 10-13.

2. What will we consider in this article?

² David would certainly agree with the sentiments expressed by a psalmist who said of Jehovah: “He stoops down to look on heaven and earth, raising the lowly from the dust. He lifts up the poor . . . to make him sit with nobles.” (Ps. 113:6-8) In this article, we will first consider some important lessons about humility by reviewing instances when Jehovah showed this quality. Then we will examine what we can learn from King Saul, the prophet Daniel, and Jesus about the quality of modesty.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM JEHOVAH’S EXAMPLE?

3. How does Jehovah deal with us, and what does this prove?

³ Jehovah proves that he is humble by how he deals with imperfect human worshippers. Not only does he accept our worship but he also views us as his friends. (Ps. 25:14) In order to make friendship with him possible, Jehovah took the initiative by providing his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. What mercy​—what compassion—​he has shown us!

4. What has Jehovah given us, and why?

⁴ Consider another expression of Jehovah’s humility. As the Creator, Jehovah could have made us without the ability to choose the course of our lives. But he did not do that. He made us in his image and gave us free will. He wants us lowly humans to serve him from our heart because we love him and we recognize the benefits of obeying him. (Deut. 10:12; Isa. 48:17, 18) How grateful we should be for this expression of Jehovah’s humility!

5. How does Jehovah teach us to be humble? (See cover picture.)

⁵ Jehovah teaches us to be humble by the way he deals with us. Jehovah is the wisest Person in the universe. Even so, he is willing to accept suggestions from others. For example, Jehovah allowed his Son to assist him in creating all things. (Prov. 8:27-30; Col. 1:15, 16) And even though Jehovah is almighty, he delegates authority to others. For instance, he appointed Jesus to be King of the Kingdom, and He will give a measure of authority to the 144,000 humans who become corulers with Jesus. (Luke 12:32) Of course, Jehovah trained Jesus to be King and High Priest. (Heb. 5:8, 9) He also trains Jesus’ corulers, but he does not give them this assignment and then step in to manage every detail of the work. Instead, he trusts that they will do his will.​—Rev. 5:10.

6-7. What can we learn from our heavenly Father about delegating authority to others?

⁶ If our heavenly Father​—who does not need help from anyone—​delegates authority to others, how much more so should we do the same! For instance, are you a family head or an elder in the congregation? Follow Jehovah’s example by delegating tasks to others and then resisting the urge to micromanage them. When you imitate Jehovah, not only will you get the work done but you will also train others and boost their confidence. (Isa. 41:10) What else can those with a measure of authority learn from Jehovah?

⁷ The Bible indicates that Jehovah is interested in the opinions of his angelic sons. (1 Ki. 22:19-22) Parents, how can you imitate Jehovah’s example? When appropriate, ask your children for their opinions on how a task should be done. And when fitting, follow their suggestions.

8. How did Jehovah deal patiently with Abraham and Sarah?

⁸ Jehovah’s humility is also expressed by his patience. For example, Jehovah is patient when those who serve him question his decisions respectfully. He listened as Abraham stated his concerns about the decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. (Gen. 18:22-33) And remember how Jehovah dealt with Abraham’s wife, Sarah. He did not become offended or angry when she laughed at his promise that she would become pregnant in her old age. (Gen. 18:10-14) Instead, he treated Sarah with dignity.

9. What can parents and elders learn from Jehovah’s example?

⁹ Parents and elders, what can you learn from Jehovah’s example? Consider how you respond when those under your authority question your decisions. Is your initial reaction to correct them? Or do you try to understand their point of view? Families and congregations surely benefit when those in authority imitate Jehovah. So far, we have discussed what we can learn about humility from Jehovah’s example. Now let us see what we can learn about modesty from examples recorded in God’s Word.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE EXAMPLE OF OTHERS?

10. How does Jehovah use the example of others to teach us?

¹⁰ As our “Grand Instructor,” Jehovah provides examples in his Word in order to teach us. (Isa. 30:20, 21) We learn as we meditate on Bible accounts about those who showed godly qualities, including modesty. We also learn as we examine what happened to those who failed to show such fine qualities.​—Ps. 37:37; 1 Cor. 10:11.

11. What can we learn from Saul’s bad example?

¹¹ Reflect on what happened to King Saul. He started out as a modest young man. He was aware of his limitations and even hesitated to take on more responsibility. (1 Sam. 9:21; 10:20-22) Yet, in time Saul became presumptuous. He revealed this bad trait soon after he became king. On one occasion, he lost patience while waiting for the prophet Samuel. Instead of modestly trusting in Jehovah to act in behalf of the people, Saul offered up a burnt sacrifice even though he was not authorized to do so. As a result, Saul lost Jehovah’s favor and eventually the kingship. (1 Sam. 13:8-14) We are wise if we learn from this warning example and avoid acting presumptuously.

12. How did Daniel show modesty?

¹² In contrast with Saul’s bad example, consider the good example of the prophet Daniel. Throughout his life, Daniel remained a humble and modest servant of God who always looked to Jehovah for guidance. For instance, when he was used by Jehovah to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel did not take credit for the interpretation. Rather, he modestly gave all the glory and credit to Jehovah. (Dan. 2:26-28) What is the lesson for us? If brothers enjoy listening to our talks or if we have a measure of success in the ministry, we want to remember to give all the glory to Jehovah. We should modestly acknowledge that we could not do these things without Jehovah’s help. (Phil. 4:13) When we have this attitude, we are also imitating Jesus’ fine example. How so?

13. What do we learn about modesty from Jesus’ words found at John 5:19, 30?

¹³ Although he was the perfect Son of God, Jesus depended on Jehovah. (Read John 5:19, 30.) He never tried to grab authority from his heavenly Father. Philippians 2:6 tells us that Jesus “gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God.” As a submissive Son, Jesus understood his limitations and respected his Father’s authority.

14. When asked to do something that was beyond his authority, how did Jesus respond?

¹⁴ Consider how Jesus responded when the disciples James and John along with their mother approached him and asked for a privilege that was beyond Jesus’ authority to give. Without hesitating, Jesus stated that only his heavenly Father could decide who would sit at Jesus’ right hand and at his left in the Kingdom. (Matt. 20:20-23) Jesus showed that he respected his limitations. He was modest. He never went beyond what Jehovah commanded him to do. (John 12:49) How can we imitate Jesus’ fine example?

15-16. How can we apply the Bible’s counsel found at 1 Corinthians 4:6?

¹⁵ We imitate Jesus’ example of modesty by applying the Bible’s counsel found at 1 Corinthians 4:6. There we are told: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” So when asked for advice, we never want to promote our own opinion or simply say the first thing that comes to our mind. Rather, we should direct attention to the counsel found in the Bible and in our Bible-based publications. In this way, we acknowledge our limitations. With modesty, we give credit to the “righteous decrees” of the Almighty.​—Rev. 15:3, 4.

¹⁶ Along with honoring Jehovah, we have other good reasons for displaying modesty. We will now look at how humility and modesty can bring us joy and help us get along with others.

HOW WE BENEFIT FROM BEING HUMBLE AND MODEST

17. Why are humble and modest people joyful?

¹⁷ When we are humble and modest, we are more likely to be joyful. Why so? When we are aware of our limitations, we will be grateful and happy for any help that we receive from others. For example, think of the occasion when Jesus healed ten lepers. Only one of them returned to thank Jesus for curing him of his dreadful disease​—something the man could never have done on his own. This humble and modest man was thankful for the help he received, and he glorified God for it.​—Luke 17:11-19.

18. How do humility and modesty help us to get along with others? (Romans 12:10)

¹⁸ Humble, modest people tend to get along well with others and are more likely to have close friends. Why? They willingly acknowledge that other people have fine qualities and show confidence in them. Humble and modest ones are happy when others succeed in whatever assignment they receive and are quick to commend them and honor them.​—Read Romans 12:10.

19. What are some reasons why we should avoid pride?

¹⁹ In contrast, proud people find it difficult to commend others, preferring that they themselves receive praise. They are more likely to compare themselves with others and to promote a spirit of competition. Rather than training others and giving them authority, they are likely to say, “If you want something done right”​—the way that pleases them—​“you have to do it yourself.” A proud person is often ambitious and jealous. (Gal. 5:26) Such people seldom have lasting friendships. If we detect that we have a problem with pride, we should earnestly pray for Jehovah’s help to ‘make our mind over’ so that this bad trait does not become deeply rooted within us.​—Rom. 12:2.

20. Why should we be humble and modest?

²⁰ How thankful we are for Jehovah’s example! We see his humility in how he deals with his servants, and we want to imitate him. In addition, we want to imitate the fine examples found in the Bible of modest people who had the privilege of walking with God. May we always give Jehovah the honor and the glory that he deserves. (Rev. 4:11) Then we too will qualify to walk with our heavenly Father, who loves humble and modest people.

1. Why did Jehovah create life?

THERE was a time when Jehovah was alone. But he was not lonely. He was complete in every way. Nevertheless, God wanted others to enjoy life. Motivated by love, Jehovah began creating.​—Ps. 36:9; 1 John 4:19.

2. How did Jesus and the angels feel about Jehovah’s creative works?

² First, Jehovah created a fellow worker. Then, by means of this first Son, “all other things were created,” including millions of intelligent spirit creatures. (Col. 1:16) Jesus rejoiced at the opportunity to work with his Father. (Prov. 8:30) And the angelic sons of God also had reason to rejoice. They had front-row seats, as it were, when Jehovah and his Master Worker, Jesus, made the heavens and the earth. How did the angels respond? They “began shouting in applause” when the earth was formed, and they no doubt continued to applaud each of Jehovah’s creative works, including his final masterpiece, humans. (Job 38:7; Prov. 8:31, ftn.) Each of these creations revealed Jehovah’s love and wisdom.​—Ps. 104:24; Rom. 1:20.

3. As indicated at 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22, what does Jesus’ ransom sacrifice make possible?

³ Jehovah intended for the human family to enjoy everlasting life on the beautiful planet that he had created. But when Adam and Eve rebelled against their loving Father, sin and death cast a shadow over the earth. (Rom. 5:12) How did Jehovah respond? Immediately, he stated how he would rescue mankind. (Gen. 3:15) Jehovah purposed to provide a ransom that would make it possible for Adam and Eve’s children to be freed from sin and death. He could then allow each person to choose to serve Him and to receive everlasting life.​—John 3:16; Rom. 6:23; read 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22.

4. What questions will we consider in this article?

⁴ God’s promise to resurrect the dead raises a number of questions. For example, how will the resurrection likely take place? Will we be able to recognize our loved ones when they are brought back to life? In what ways will the resurrection bring us joy? And how can meditating on the resurrection build our appreciation for Jehovah’s love, wisdom, and patience? Let us consider each of those questions.

HOW WILL THE RESURRECTION LIKELY TAKE PLACE?

5. Why is it reasonable to believe that people will be resurrected in an orderly, gradual manner?

⁵ When Jehovah through his Son resurrects countless millions, we may assume that not all of them will come back to life at the same time. Why not? Because an explosion in the earth’s population would likely cause chaos. And Jehovah never does anything in a disorganized, chaotic way. He knows that for peace to last, order must be maintained. (1 Cor. 14:33) Jehovah God was wise and patient when he worked with Jesus to prepare the earth in a gradual manner before creating mankind. In turn, Jesus will display those same qualities during the Thousand Year Reign when he works with Armageddon survivors as they prepare the earth to receive resurrected ones.

6. According to Acts 24:15, who will be among those resurrected by Jehovah?

⁶ Most important of all, those who survive Armageddon will need to teach resurrected ones about God’s Kingdom and about Jehovah’s requirements. Why? Because the majority of those who return to life will be among “the unrighteous.” (Read Acts 24:15.) They will have to make many changes in order to benefit from Christ’s ransom. Just think of the work involved in teaching the truth about God to millions of people who have no knowledge of Jehovah. Will each person receive individual instruction, similar to the way we conduct Bible studies today? Will these new ones be assigned to congregations and be trained to teach those who are resurrected after them? We will have to wait and see. We do know, however, that by the end of Christ’s Thousand Year Reign, “the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.” (Isa. 11:9) What a busy but enjoyable thousand years that will be!

7. Why will God’s people have fellow feeling when teaching resurrected ones?

⁷ During the Thousand Year Rule of Christ, all of Jehovah’s earthly children will have to make changes to please him. So all of them will have true fellow feeling as they help the resurrected ones to combat sinful tendencies and to live by Jehovah’s standards. (1 Pet. 3:8) No doubt those who come back to life will be drawn to Jehovah’s humble people, who will also be “working out [their] own salvation.”​—Phil. 2:12.

WILL WE BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO ARE RESURRECTED?

8. Why is it reasonable to assume that those greeting resurrected individuals will be able to recognize their loved ones?

⁸ For a number of reasons, we can assume that those greeting resurrected individuals will be able to recognize their loved ones. For instance, based on resurrections that have already occurred, it seems that Jehovah will re-create people so that they look, speak, and think in the same way as they did shortly before they died. Remember that Jesus likened death to sleep and the resurrection to being awakened from sleep. (Matt. 9:18, 24; John 11:11-13) When people awaken from sleep, they look and sound the same as when they went to sleep, and they retain their memory. Consider the example of Lazarus. He had been dead for four days, so his body had begun to decay. Yet, when Jesus resurrected him, his sisters immediately recognized him, and Lazarus obviously remembered them.​—John 11:38-44; 12:1, 2.

9. Why will resurrected ones not come back with a perfect mind and body?

⁹ Jehovah promises that no one living under Christ’s rule will say: “I am sick.” (Isa. 33:24; Rom. 6:7) Thus, those who are raised from the dead will be re-created with healthy bodies. However, they will not immediately be perfect. If they were, they might seem unfamiliar to their loved ones. It seems that all mankind will gradually grow to perfection during the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. It is only at the end of the thousand years that Jesus will hand the Kingdom back to his Father. Then the Kingdom will have accomplished its work completely, including the raising of mankind to a perfect state.​—1 Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-3.

IN WHAT WAYS WILL THE RESURRECTION BRING US JOY?

10. How will the resurrection affect you?

¹⁰ Imagine what it will be like to greet your loved ones again. Will the joy you feel make you laugh or cry? Will you fill the air with songs of praise to Jehovah? One thing is certain, you will feel intense love for your caring Father and his unselfish Son because of the wonderful gift of the resurrection.

11. According to Jesus’ words recorded at John 5:28, 29, what will those who live by God’s righteous standards experience?

¹¹ Imagine the joy that those who are resurrected will feel as they strip off their old personality and live according to God’s righteous standards. Those who make these changes will experience a resurrection of life. On the other hand, those who rebel against God will not be allowed to disrupt the peace of Paradise.​—Isa. 65:20; read John 5:28, 29.

12. In what way will all those on earth be blessed by Jehovah?

¹² Under Kingdom rule, all of God’s people will experience the truthfulness of what Proverbs 10:22 says: “It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, and He adds no pain with it.” With Jehovah’s spirit at work on them, God’s people will become spiritually rich, that is, they will become more and more like Christ and will grow toward perfection. (John 13:15-17; Eph. 4:23, 24) Each day they will become stronger, better people. What a joy life will be then! (Job 33:25) How, though, can meditating on the resurrection help you now?

APPRECIATE JEHOVAH’S LOVE

13. In line with Psalm 139:1-4, how will the resurrection show just how much Jehovah knows about us?

¹³ As we discussed earlier, when Jehovah resurrects people, he will restore their memories and the personality traits that made them who they were. Just think of what that implies. Jehovah loves you so much that he is keeping track of all that you think, feel, say, and do. So if he had to resurrect you, he would easily be able to restore your memories, attitude, and personality traits. King David was aware of just how interested Jehovah is in each one of us. (Read Psalm 139:1-4.) In what way can understanding how well Jehovah knows us affect us now?

14. In what way should we be affected when meditating on how well Jehovah knows us?

¹⁴ When we meditate on how well Jehovah knows us, we should not feel worried. Why not? Remember that Jehovah deeply cares for us. He cherishes the traits that make each one of us unique. He carefully notes the experiences in our life that make us who we are. What a comforting thought! Never should we feel that we are alone. Each minute of every day, Jehovah is right beside us, looking for opportunities to help us.​—2 Chron. 16:9.

APPRECIATE JEHOVAH’S WISDOM

15. How does the resurrection give evidence of Jehovah’s wisdom?

¹⁵ The threat of death is a powerful weapon. Those under Satan’s control use it to force people to betray their friends or to give up their convictions. But that threat is powerless against us. We know that if our enemies kill us, Jehovah will restore us to life. (Rev. 2:10) We are convinced that nothing they do can sever our attachment to Jehovah. (Rom. 8:35-39) What remarkable wisdom Jehovah has shown by giving us the resurrection hope! By means of it, he disarms Satan of one of his most effective weapons and at the same time arms us with unbreakable courage.

16. What questions do you need to ask yourself, and how can the answers help you to know how much you trust in Jehovah?

¹⁶ If enemies of Jehovah threaten you with death, will you be willing to entrust him with your life? How can you know? One way is to ask yourself, ‘Do the small decisions I make each day give evidence that I trust in Jehovah?’ (Luke 16:10) Another question could be, ‘Does my lifestyle prove that I trust in Jehovah’s promise to care for my material needs if I seek his Kingdom first?’ (Matt. 6:31-33) If the answer to those questions is yes, then you prove that you trust in Jehovah, and you will be prepared for any trial that comes your way.​—Prov. 3:5, 6.

APPRECIATE JEHOVAH’S PATIENCE

17. (a) How does the resurrection show that Jehovah is patient? (b) How can we show our appreciation for Jehovah’s patience?

¹⁷ Jehovah has a fixed day and hour when he will bring an end to this old system. (Matt. 24:36) He will not become impatient and act before that time. He has a longing to resurrect the dead, but he is patient. (Job 14:14, 15) He is waiting until the right time arrives to raise them to life. (John 5:28) We have good reasons to appreciate Jehovah’s patience. Just think: Because Jehovah is patient, many people, including us, have had time “to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Jehovah wants as many people as possible to have the opportunity to gain everlasting life. So let us show that we appreciate his patience. How? By earnestly looking for those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life” and helping them to love Jehovah and serve him. (Acts 13:48) Then they will benefit from Jehovah’s patience, just as we have.

18. Why should we be patient with others?

¹⁸ Jehovah will patiently wait until the end of the thousand years before he expects us to be perfect. Until that time, Jehovah is willing to overlook our sins. Surely, then, we have reason to look for the good in others and to be patient with them. Consider the example of one sister whose husband began suffering from severe anxiety attacks and stopped attending meetings. “This was very painful for me,” she says. “Our plans for our future as a family were turned upside down.” Yet through it all, this loving wife was patient with her husband. She relied on Jehovah and never gave up. Like Jehovah, she looked past the problem and focused on the good things about her husband. She says, “My husband has wonderful qualities, and he is working to recover, little by little.” How important it is that we are patient with those in our family or congregation who are trying to overcome difficult challenges!

19. What should we be determined to do?

¹⁹ Jesus and the angels were joyful when the earth was first created. But imagine how happy they will be to see the earth full of perfect people, who love and serve Jehovah. Imagine the joy that those who were brought from the earth to heaven to rule with Christ will feel as they see mankind benefiting from their work. (Rev. 4:4, 9-11; 5:9, 10) And imagine living when tears of joy replace tears of pain, when sickness, sorrow, and death are gone forever. (Rev. 21:4) Until then, be determined to imitate your loving, wise, and patient Father. If you do, you will maintain your joy, no matter what trials you face. (Jas. 1:2-4) How thankful we can be for Jehovah’s promise that “there is going to be a resurrection”!​—Acts 24:15.

1. What privilege do we enjoy?

WHAT a privilege we have to be part of Jehovah’s congregation! We are in a spiritual paradise that is full of peaceful, happy people. What is your place in the congregation?

2. What illustration did the apostle Paul use in several of his inspired letters?

² We can learn much about this topic from an illustration that the apostle Paul used in several of his inspired letters. In each of these letters, Paul compared the congregation to the human body. He also compared the individuals in a congregation to parts of the body.​—Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:16.

3. What three lessons will we consider in this article?

³ In this article, we will consider three important lessons that we can learn from Paul’s illustration. First, we will learn that each one of us has a placeb in Jehovah’s congregation. Second, we will discuss what we can do if we find it difficult to see our place in the congregation. And third, we will discuss why we need to stay busy fulfilling our own role in God’s congregation.

EACH ONE OF US HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN JEHOVAH’S CONGREGATION

4. What does Romans 12:4, 5 teach us?

⁴ The first lesson we can learn from Paul’s illustration is that each one of us has an important place in Jehovah’s family. Paul begins his illustration by saying: “Just as we have in one body many members, but the members do not all have the same function, so we, although many, are one body in union with Christ, but individually we are members belonging to one another.” (Rom. 12:4, 5) What was Paul’s point? Each one of us has a different role in the congregation, but each one of us is valuable.

5. What “gifts” has Jehovah given to the congregation?

⁵ When you think of those who have a place in the congregation, your mind may immediately turn to those who take the lead. (1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17) It is true that through Christ, Jehovah has given “gifts in men” to His congregation. (Eph. 4:8) These “gifts in men” include Governing Body members, appointed helpers to the Governing Body, Branch Committee members, circuit overseers, field instructors, congregation elders, and ministerial servants. All these brothers are appointed by holy spirit to care for Jehovah’s precious sheep and serve the interests of the congregation.​—1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

6. According to 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8, what do brothers who are appointed by holy spirit strive to do?

⁶ Brothers are appointed by holy spirit to carry out various responsibilities. Just as various parts of the body, such as the hands and the feet, work to benefit the entire body, brothers who are appointed by holy spirit work hard to benefit the entire congregation. They do not seek personal glory. Instead, they strive to build up and strengthen their brothers and sisters. (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8.) We thank Jehovah for such unselfish, spiritually qualified men!

7. What blessings do many in full-time service enjoy?

⁷ Some in the congregation may be appointed to serve as missionaries, special pioneers, or regular pioneers. In fact, brothers and sisters around the world have made preaching and disciple-making their full-time career. In doing so, they have helped many to become disciples of Christ Jesus. Although these full-time evangelizers usually have few material things, Jehovah has rewarded them with a life filled with blessings. (Mark 10:29, 30) We treasure these dear brothers and sisters, and we are grateful that they are part of the congregation!

8. Why is every publisher of the good news precious to Jehovah?

⁸ Are appointed brothers and those in the full-time ministry the only ones to have a place in the congregation? Not at all! Every publisher of the good news is important to God and to the congregation. (Rom. 10:15; 1 Cor. 3:6-9) In fact, one of the most important goals of the congregation is to make disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Tim. 2:4) All who are associated with the congregation, both baptized and unbaptized publishers, try to make this work a priority.​—Matt. 24:14.

9. Why do we treasure our Christian sisters?

⁹ Jehovah gives Christian sisters a dignified place in the congregation. He values these wives, mothers, widows, and single sisters who loyally serve him. The Scriptures frequently mention outstanding women who pleased God. They are commended as fine examples of wisdom, faith, zeal, courage, generosity, and good works. (Luke 8:2, 3; Acts 16:14, 15; Rom. 16:3, 6; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 11:11, 31, 35) How thankful we are to Jehovah to have in our congregations Christian women who have these same beautiful qualities!

10. Why do we value our elderly ones?

¹⁰ We are also blessed to have many elderly ones. Some congregations have elderly brothers and sisters who have loyally devoted their entire life to serving Jehovah. Other older ones may have learned the truth more recently. In either case, our elderly ones may struggle with various health problems associated with advanced age. Those problems might limit what they can do in the congregation and in the preaching work. Yet, these older ones do what they can in the field ministry, and they use all the energy they have to encourage and train others! And we benefit from their experience. They are truly beautiful to Jehovah and to us.​—Prov. 16:31.

11-12. How have you been encouraged by the young ones in your congregation?

¹¹ Think, too, about our young ones. They face many challenges as they grow up in this world dominated by Satan the Devil and his wicked philosophies. (1 John 5:19) Yet, we all feel encouraged when we see our young ones comment at meetings, share in the ministry, and courageously defend their beliefs. Yes, you young ones have an important place in Jehovah’s congregation!​—Ps. 8:2.

¹² Some of our brothers and sisters, however, struggle to believe that they are a meaningful part of the congregation. What can help us to feel that we as individuals have a place in the congregation? Let us see.

SEE YOUR PLACE IN THE CONGREGATION

13-14. Why may some feel that they are not valuable to the congregation?

¹³ Note the second lesson that we can learn from Paul’s illustration. He draws attention to a problem that many have today; they find it difficult to believe that they are valuable to the congregation. Paul writes: “If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am no part of the body,’ that does not make it no part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am no part of the body,’ that does not make it no part of the body.” (1 Cor. 12:15, 16) What point was Paul making?

¹⁴ If you compare yourself with others in the congregation, you may be blinded to your own value. Some in the congregation may be gifted teachers, good organizers, or skilled shepherds. Perhaps you feel that you do not have those gifts to the same degree. This shows that you are humble and modest. (Phil. 2:3) But be careful. If you constantly compare yourself with those who have outstanding talents, you will be disappointed in yourself. You may even feel, as Paul mentioned, that you have no place in the congregation at all. What can help you to deal with such feelings?

15. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, what do we need to recognize about any gifts we may have?

¹⁵ Consider this fact: Jehovah gave some first-century Christians miraculous gifts of the holy spirit, but not all Christians received the same gifts. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.) Jehovah entrusted them with different gifts and abilities, but each Christian was valuable. Today, we do not have the miraculous gifts of the holy spirit. But the principle still applies. We may not all have the same talents, but all of us are valuable to Jehovah.

16. What counsel from the apostle Paul do we need to apply?

¹⁶ Rather than compare ourselves with other Christians, we need to apply the inspired counsel of the apostle Paul: “Let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.”​—Gal. 6:4.

17. How will we benefit if we follow Paul’s counsel?

¹⁷ If we follow Paul’s inspired counsel and examine our own actions, we may begin to see that we have unique gifts and abilities. For example, an elder may not be a gifted teacher when on the platform, but he may be very effective in the disciple-making work. Or he may not be as well-organized as some other elders in his congregation, but he might be well-known as a loving shepherd whom publishers feel free to approach for sound Scriptural advice. Or he might have a fine reputation for being hospitable. (Heb. 13:2, 16) When we clearly see our own strengths and gifts, we will have reason to feel good about what we can contribute to the congregation. And we will be less likely to envy our brothers who have gifts that are different from ours.

18. How can we develop our abilities?

¹⁸ No matter what place we have in the congregation, all of us should desire to improve in our service and develop our abilities. To help us improve, Jehovah provides wonderful training through his organization. For example, at our midweek meeting, we receive instruction on how to be more effective in our ministry. Are you taking full advantage of that training program?

19. How can you reach the goal of attending the School for Kingdom Evangelizers?

¹⁹ Another marvelous training program is the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. This school is open to brothers and sisters who are in the full-time ministry and who are between the ages of 23 and 65. It might seem to you that you could never reach this goal. But instead of making a list of reasons why you cannot attend, make a list of reasons why you want to attend. Then develop a plan that will help you meet the qualifications. With Jehovah’s help and with hard work on your part, what may have seemed impossible to you can become a reality.

USE YOUR GIFTS TO BUILD UP THE CONGREGATION

20. What can we learn from Romans 12:6-8?

²⁰ The third lesson we can learn from Paul’s illustration is found at Romans 12:6-8. (Read.) Here Paul once again shows that those in the congregation have different gifts. But now he emphasizes that we should use whatever gift we have to build up and strengthen the congregation.

21-22. What lesson can we learn from Robert and Felice?

²¹ Consider the example of a brother whom we will call Robert. After serving in a foreign land, he was assigned to serve at Bethel in his home country. Although he was reassured that the change of assignment was not because of any deficiency on his part, he said: “The negative view I had of myself​—feeling like a failure—​lingered for many months. There were times when I felt like quitting Bethel service.” How did he regain his joy? A fellow elder reminded him that Jehovah has trained us in each previous assignment so that we can be more useful in our current assignment. Robert recognized that he needed to stop looking at the past and start focusing on what he could do right now.

²² Brother Felice Episcopo faced a similar challenge. He and his wife graduated from Gilead in 1956 and served in the circuit work in Bolivia. In 1964 they had a child. Felice said: “We found it a challenge to leave our precious assignment. I must admit that I wasted about a year feeling sorry for myself. But with Jehovah’s help, I changed my attitude and got on with my new responsibility as a parent.” Can you relate to Robert or Felice? Do you get discouraged because you currently do not have the same privileges of service that you had in the past? If so, you will be happier if you change your focus and concentrate on what you can do right now to serve Jehovah and your brothers. Stay busy, using your gifts and abilities to help others, and you will find joy as you build up the congregation.

23. What should we take time to do, and what will we consider in the next article?

²³ Each one of us is precious to Jehovah. He wants us to be part of his family. If we take time to meditate on what we can do to build up our brothers and sisters and then work hard to fill that role, we will be less likely to feel that we do not belong in the congregation! But what about the way we view others in the congregation? How can we show that we appreciate them? In our next article, we will consider that important subject.

1. What has Jehovah given to each of his faithful servants?

JEHOVAH has lovingly given each of his faithful servants a place in his congregation. Although our roles are different, we are all valuable and we all need one another. The apostle Paul helps us to recognize this important lesson. How?

2. According to Ephesians 4:16, why do we need to value one another and work together?

² As recorded in the theme text for this article, Paul emphasized that none of us can look at another servant of Jehovah and say “I do not need you.” (1 Cor. 12:21) If the congregation is to function peacefully, we must value one another and work together. (Read Ephesians 4:16.) When we work together in unity, the congregation thrives and is built up in love.

3. What will we discuss in this article?

³ What are some areas in which we can show respect for other Christians in the congregation? In this article, we will consider how elders can show respect for fellow elders. Next, we will discuss how all of us can show that we value our brothers and sisters who are not married. And finally, we will learn how we can show appreciation for those who may not speak our language fluently.

SHOW RESPECT FOR FELLOW ELDERS

4. What counsel of Paul recorded at Romans 12:10 should elders follow?

⁴ All elders in the congregation are appointed by Jehovah’s holy spirit. Yet, each one has different gifts and abilities. (1 Cor. 12:17, 18) Some may be newly appointed and relatively inexperienced. Others may be limited because of age and health. Yet, no elder should look at any of his fellow elders and, in effect, say “I do not need you.” Instead, each elder should follow the counsel of Paul as recorded at Romans 12:10.​—Read.

5. How do elders show that they respect their fellow elders, and why is it important that they do so?

⁵ Elders show that they respect their fellow elders by carefully listening to them. This is especially important when the elders meet as a body to discuss serious matters. Why? Note what The Watchtower of October 1, 1988, stated: “Elders will recognize that Christ, by means of the holy spirit, can direct the mind of any elder on the body of elders to provide the Bible principle needed to cope with any situation or make any important decision. (Acts 15:6-15) No one elder has the monopoly of the spirit within the body.”

6. How can elders work together in unity, and how does the congregation benefit when they do so?

⁶ An elder who respects his fellow elders does not always try to speak first at elders’ meetings. He does not dominate the discussion, and he does not believe that his opinion is always right. Instead, he states his viewpoint humbly and modestly. He listens carefully to the comments of others. More important, he is eager to share Scriptural principles and to listen to direction from “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) As elders discuss matters in an atmosphere of love and respect, God’s holy spirit will be present, and it will guide them to reach decisions that strengthen the congregation.​—Jas. 3:17, 18.

SHOW RESPECT FOR CHRISTIANS WHO ARE NOT MARRIED

7. How did Jesus view singleness?

⁷ The congregation today includes married couples and families. Yet, it also includes many brothers and sisters who are not married. How should we view those who are single? Consider how Jesus viewed singleness. During his earthly ministry, Jesus did not marry. He remained single and focused his time and attention on his assignment. Jesus never taught that it was a requirement to get married or to be single. However, he did say that some Christians would choose not to marry. (Matt. 19:11, 12; see study note on Matthew 19:12.) Jesus respected those who were not married. He did not view single people as inferior or lacking in some way.

8. According to 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, what did Paul encourage Christians to consider?

⁸ Like Jesus, the apostle Paul carried out his ministry as a single person. Paul never taught that it would be wrong for a Christian to marry. He recognized that this was a personal matter. Still, Paul did encourage Christians to consider whether they could serve Jehovah as single people. (Read 1 Corinthians 7:7-9.) Certainly Paul did not look down on single Christians. In fact, he chose young Timothy, a single brother, to care for weighty assignments.b (Phil. 2:19-22) Obviously, then, it would be wrong to think that a brother is more qualified or less qualified based solely on whether he is married or not.​—1 Cor. 7:32-35, 38.

9. What can we say about marriage and singleness?

⁹ Neither Jesus nor Paul taught that Christians must marry or that they must remain single. What, then, can we say about marriage and singleness? The Watchtower of October 1, 2012, stated it nicely when it said: “Really, both [marriage and singleness] can be described as gifts from God. . . . Jehovah does not view [singleness] as a cause for shame or grief.” With this in mind, we need to respect the place of single brothers and sisters in the congregation.

10. How can we show respect for our single brothers and sisters?

¹⁰ How can we show respect for the feelings and circumstances of our single brothers and sisters? We do well to keep in mind that some single Christians have made it a personal goal to remain unmarried. Other single Christians would like to marry, but they simply have not found the right person. Still others may have lost their mate in death. In any case, should those in the congregation feel the need to ask single Christians why they are not married or to offer to help them find a mate? Of course, some single Christians might ask for such assistance. But if help is not requested, how might such offers make our single brothers and sisters feel? (1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:13) Let us consider some comments from faithful single brothers and sisters.

11-12. How might we discourage single ones?

¹¹ One single circuit overseer who is very effective in his assignment feels that there are many benefits to being single. Yet, he noted that it can be discouraging when well-meaning brothers and sisters ask him: “Why are you not married?” A single brother serving at a branch office observed: “Sometimes brothers and sisters make me feel that single ones are to be pitied. This can make it seem that singleness is a burden rather than a gift.”

¹² A single sister who serves at Bethel said: “Some publishers assume that all single people are seeking a mate or that all single people view every social setting as an opportunity to find a mate. Once when I traveled to another part of the country for an assignment, I arrived on a meeting night. The sister who was hosting me told me that there were two brothers in the congregation who were my age. She assured me that she was not trying to set me up. But as soon as we got inside the Kingdom Hall, she pulled me over to meet the two brothers. Needless to say, that was quite an awkward situation for the three of us.”

13. What examples encouraged one single sister?

¹³ Another single sister who serves at Bethel observed: “I know older single pioneers who are well-grounded, focused, self-sacrificing, and content in their service and who add so much to a congregation. They have a balanced view of their singleness, feeling neither superior because they have stayed single nor deprived because they do not have a mate and family.” That is the beauty of a congregation in which you feel respected and valued. You feel neither pitied nor envied, neither ignored nor put on a pedestal. You just know that you belong.

14. How can we show that we respect single ones?

¹⁴ Our single brothers and sisters will be grateful if we value them based on their fine qualities and not on their marital status. Instead of feeling sorry for them, we do well to appreciate their faithfulness. As a result, our single brothers and sisters will never feel that we are saying to them: “I do not need you.” (1 Cor. 12:21) Instead, they will know that we respect them and value their place in the congregation.

SHOW RESPECT FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE FLUENTLY

15. What adjustments have some made to expand their ministry?

¹⁵ In recent years, many publishers have made it their goal to learn another language so that they can expand their ministry. Doing so means making adjustments. These brothers and sisters have left a congregation that uses their mother tongue in order to serve in a congregation where another language is spoken and where there is a greater need for Kingdom publishers. (Acts 16:9) This is a personal decision that these Christians make in order to advance Kingdom interests. Although it may take years for them to become fluent in the new language, they accomplish much good. Their fine qualities and experience strengthen and stabilize the congregation. We value these self-sacrificing brothers and sisters!

16. On what basis do elders evaluate the qualifications of brothers to serve as elders and ministerial servants?

¹⁶ A body of elders would not hold back from recommending a brother to serve as an elder or a ministerial servant simply because he is not yet fluent in the language of the congregation. The elders will evaluate a brother based on the Scriptural qualifications for elders and ministerial servants and not on how well he speaks the language of the local congregation.​—1 Tim. 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9.

17. What questions do some families face when moving to another country?

¹⁷ Some Christian families have moved to another country to seek refuge or to find employment. In such cases, their children may now be educated in the main language of their new country. The parents may also need to learn the main language in order to find employment. What if there is a local congregation or group in their mother tongue? Which congregation should the family attend? Should it be a congregation in which the main language of the country is spoken or a congregation in which the family’s mother tongue is spoken?

18. In harmony with Galatians 6:5, how can we show respect for the decision of the family head?

¹⁸ The family head must decide which congregation his family will attend. Because this is a personal matter, he must consider what is in the best interests of his family. (Read Galatians 6:5.) We need to respect the decision of the family head. Whatever he decides, let us accept his decision and welcome the family as a valued part of our congregation.​—Rom. 15:7.

19. What should family heads prayerfully consider?

¹⁹ In other cases, families may be serving in a congregation that uses the mother tongue of the parents, but the children may not be fluent in that language. If that congregation is located in an area where the national language is spoken, it might be that the children struggle to understand the meetings and do not progress spiritually. Why? Because the children may attend a school that uses the national language and not their parents’ mother tongue. In such cases, family heads should prayerfully consider what they need to do to help their children to draw closer to Jehovah and his people. Either they will need to help their children to become fluent in their mother tongue or they will need to consider moving to a congregation that uses a language that their children clearly understand. Whatever the family head decides, the congregation in which he chooses to serve should make him and his family feel respected and valued.

20. How can we show that we respect our brothers and sisters who are learning a new language?

²⁰ For all the reasons we have discussed, in many congregations, there will be brothers and sisters who are struggling to learn a new language. It might be difficult for them to express their thoughts. Yet, if we look beyond their language skills, we will see their love for Jehovah and their desire to serve him. If we see these beautiful qualities, we will deeply value and respect these brothers and sisters. We will not say “I do not need you” simply because they do not speak our language fluently.

WE ARE PRECIOUS TO JEHOVAH

21-22. What wonderful privilege do we have?

²¹ Jehovah has given us the wonderful privilege of having a place in his congregation. Whether we are male or female, single or married, young or old or we speak a certain language well or hardly at all, we are precious to Jehovah and to one another.​—Rom. 12:4, 5; Col. 3:10, 11.

²² May we continue to apply the many wonderful lessons we have learned from Paul’s illustration of the human body. In that way, we will look for even more ways to treasure our place and the place of others in Jehovah’s congregation.

IMITATE THEIR FAITH

Jehovah Healed His Pain

Nothing would frustrate Satan more and delight the loving heart of Jehovah more than our imitating the faith of Job!

In JW Library, go to PUBLICATIONS > ARTICLE SERIES > IMITATE THEIR FAITH.

On jw.org, go to BIBLE TEACHINGS > FAITH IN GOD > IMITATE THEIR FAITH.

HELP FOR THE FAMILY

How to Develop Patience

When two imperfect people marry, problems will arise. Patience can help a couple to overcome these issues and have a successful marriage.

In JW Library, go to PUBLICATIONS > ARTICLE SERIES > HELP FOR THE FAMILY.

On jw.org, go to BIBLE TEACHINGS > MARRIAGE & FAMILY > MARRIAGE.