This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. To make a donation, please visit donate.jw.org.

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

1. What does Bible prophecy reveal to us?

WHAT does the near future hold for Jehovah’s people? We do not have to guess. Bible prophecy gives us a window through which we can see major events that will affect all of us. One prophecy in particular allows us to see what some of the most powerful governments on earth will do. That account, recorded in Daniel chapter 11, traces the history of two opposing forces, the king of the north and the king of the south. A large portion of that prophecy has already been fulfilled, so we can be confident that the rest of it will also come true.

2. As indicated at Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 11:7 and 12:17, what facts must we keep in mind when studying Daniel’s prophecy?

² To understand the prophecy recorded in Daniel chapter 11, we need to keep in mind that it identifies only rulers and governments that have had a direct influence on God’s people. And even though God’s servants make up only a small portion of the world’s population, they are often at the center of major world events. Why? Because Satan and his entire system have one prime objective​—conquering those who serve Jehovah and Jesus. (Read Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 11:7; 12:17.) In addition, the prophecy recorded by Daniel must harmonize with other prophecies in God’s Word. In fact, we can come to the right understanding of Daniel’s prophecy only if we compare it with other portions of the Scriptures.

3. What will we discuss in this article and the one that follows?

³ With those points in mind, we will now examine Daniel 11:25-39. We will see who the king of the north and the king of the south were from 1870 to 1991, and we will see why it is reasonable for us to clarify our understanding of a portion of this prophecy. In the following article, we will discuss Daniel 11:40–12:1, and we will clarify our understanding of what that part of the prophecy reveals about the period from the 1990’s to the war of Armageddon. As you study these two articles, it will be helpful to consult the chart “Rival Kings in the Time of the End.” First, though, we need to identify the two kings in this prophecy.

IDENTIFYING THE KING OF THE NORTH AND THE KING OF THE SOUTH

4. What three factors should we look for when identifying the king of the north and the king of the south?

⁴ The titles “king of the north” and “king of the south” were initially given to political powers located north and south of the literal land of Israel. Why do we say that? Notice what the angel who delivered the message to Daniel said: “I have come to make you understand what will befall your people in the final part of the days.” (Dan. 10:14) Until Pentecost 33 C.E., the literal nation of Israel was God’s people. From then on, however, Jehovah made it obvious that he viewed Jesus’ faithful disciples as his people. Therefore, much of the prophecy recorded in Daniel chapter 11 involves, not the literal nation of Israel, but Christ’s followers. (Acts 2:1-4; Rom. 9:6-8; Gal. 6:15, 16) And the identity of the king of the north and the king of the south changed over time. Even so, several factors remained constant. First, the kings interacted with God’s people in a significant way. Second, they showed by their treatment of God’s people that they hated the true God, Jehovah. And third, the two kings engaged in a power struggle with each other.

5. Can we identify the king of the north and the king of the south from the 2nd century C.E. to the late 19th century? Explain.

⁵ At some time during the second century C.E., the true Christian congregation began to be overrun by false Christians, who had adopted pagan teachings and who were hiding the truths found in God’s Word. From that time until the late 19th century, there was no organized group of God’s servants on earth. The weeds of false Christianity flourished and hid the identity of true Christians. (Matt. 13:36-43) Why is that fact significant? It indicates that what we read about the king of the north and the king of the south could not apply to rulers or kingdoms that held power from sometime in the 2nd century to the second half of the 19th century. There was no organized group of God’s people for them to attack.b However, we can expect that the king of the north and the king of the south would reappear in the late 19th century. Why is that the case?

6. When could God’s people again be identified? Explain.

⁶ From 1870 onward, God’s people began to get organized as a group. It was in that year that Charles T. Russell and his associates formed a Bible study class. Brother Russell and his close associates acted as the foretold messenger who ‘cleared up a way’ before the Messianic Kingdom was established. (Mal. 3:1) God’s people could once again be identified! Were there any world powers on the scene that would have a significant impact on God’s servants? Consider the following facts.

WHO IS THE KING OF THE SOUTH?

7. Who was the king of the south well into World War I?

⁷ By 1870, Britain had become the largest empire on earth, and it had the most powerful military force. That empire was pictured as a small horn that vanquished three other horns​—France, Spain, and the Netherlands. (Dan. 7:7, 8) And it filled the role of the king of the south well into World War I. During this same time, the United States of America had become the dominant economic power and was forming a close partnership with Britain.

8. Who has been the king of the south throughout the last days?

⁸ During World War I, the United States and Britain were welded into a powerful military alliance. At that time, Britain and its former colony became the Anglo-American World Power. As Daniel foretold, this king had amassed “an exceedingly large and mighty army.” (Dan. 11:25) Throughout the last days, the Anglo-American alliance has been the king of the south.c Who, though, has filled the role of the king of the north?

THE KING OF THE NORTH REAPPEARS

9. When did the king of the north reappear, and how was Daniel 11:25 fulfilled?

⁹ In 1871, the year after Russell and his associates formed their Bible study group, the king of the north reappeared. That year Otto von Bismarck was instrumental in establishing the German Empire. Prussian King Wilhelm I became its first emperor, and he appointed Bismarck as the first chancellor.d Over the next few decades, Germany became a colonial power, controlling countries in Africa and the Pacific Ocean, and began challenging the power of Britain. (Read Daniel 11:25.) The German Empire built a powerful army and the second-largest navy in the world. Germany unleashed them against its enemies in the first world war.

10. How was Daniel 11:25b, 26 fulfilled?

¹⁰ Daniel then points forward to what would happen to the German Empire and the military force that it had built. The prophecy states that the king of the north “will not stand.” Why not? “Because they will plot schemes against him. And those eating his delicacies will bring his downfall.” (Dan. 11:25b, 26a) Back in Daniel’s day, those eating “the king’s delicacies” included royal officials in “the king’s service.” (Dan. 1:5) To whom does the prophecy here refer? It refers to high-ranking officials of the German Empire​—including the emperor’s generals and military advisers—​who eventually helped bring down the monarchy.e The prophecy not only foretold the fall of the empire but also mentioned the outcome of the war with the king of the south. Speaking of the king of the north, it states: “As for his army, it will be swept away, and many will fall down slain.” (Dan. 11:26b) In the first world war, just as foretold, the German army was “swept away” and many did “fall down slain.” That war proved to be the deadliest in human history up until that time.

11. What did the king of the north and the king of the south do?

¹¹ Describing the time leading up to World War I, Daniel 11:27, 28 says that the king of the north and the king of the south would “sit at one table speaking lies.” It also says that the king of the north would accumulate “a great amount of goods.” Again, this is what happened. Germany and Britain told each other that they wanted peace, but those statements proved to be lies when the war broke out in 1914. And in the decades before 1914, Germany grew rich, becoming the second-largest economy in the world. Then, in fulfillment of Daniel 11:29 and the first part of verse 30, Germany fought with the king of the south but was defeated.

THE KINGS FIGHT GOD’S PEOPLE

12. In the first world war, what did the king of the north and the king of the south do?

¹² From 1914 onward, the two kings have intensified their conflict with each other and with God’s people. For example, in the first world war, both the German government and the British government persecuted God’s servants who refused to take up arms. And the U.S. government threw into prison those who were taking the lead in the preaching work. This persecution fulfilled the prophecy recorded at Revelation 11:7-10.

13. In the 1930’s and during the second world war, what did the king of the north do?

¹³ Then, in the 1930’s and especially during the second world war, the king of the north attacked God’s people without mercy. When the Nazi party took control of Germany, Hitler and his followers banned the work of God’s people. The opposers killed hundreds of Jehovah’s people and sent thousands more to concentration camps. Those events were foretold by Daniel. The king of the north was able to “profane the sanctuary” and “remove the constant feature” by severely restricting the freedom of God’s servants to praise Jehovah’s name publicly. (Dan. 11:30b, 31a) Its leader, Hitler, even vowed that he would exterminate God’s people in Germany.

A NEW KING OF THE NORTH RISES

14. Who took on the role of the king of the north after the second world war? Explain.

¹⁴ After the second world war, the Communist government of the Soviet Union took control of the vast territories it had captured from Germany, and it became the king of the north. Like the totalitarian Nazi regime, the Soviet Union showed great hostility toward anyone who put the worship of the true God ahead of absolute obedience to the state.

15. What did the king of the north do after World War II ended?

¹⁵ Soon after World War II ended, the new king of the north, the Soviet Union and its allies, launched his own assault on God’s people. In harmony with the prophecy recorded at Revelation 12:15-17, this king banned our preaching work and sent thousands of Jehovah’s people into exile. In fact, throughout the last days, the king of the north has poured out “a river” of persecution in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the work of God’s people.f

16. How did the Soviet Union fulfill Daniel 11:37-39?

¹⁶ Read Daniel 11:37-39. In fulfillment of that prophecy, the king of the north did not show any “regard for the God of his fathers.” How so? The Soviet Union, with the goal of eliminating religion, tried to break the power of the traditional religious organizations. To achieve that goal, the Soviet government had already back in 1918 issued an order that laid the foundation for atheism to be taught in schools. How did this king of the north “give glory to the god of fortresses”? The Soviet Union spent an enormous amount of money building its army and producing thousands of nuclear weapons to fortify its realm. Both the king of the north and the king of the south eventually gathered enough firepower to kill billions of people!

A RARE ACT OF COOPERATION

17. What is “the disgusting thing that causes desolation”?

¹⁷ The king of the north has supported the king of the south in one key endeavor; they “put in place the disgusting thing that causes desolation.” (Dan. 11:31) That “disgusting thing” is the United Nations.

18. Why is the United Nations described as a “disgusting thing”?

¹⁸ The United Nations organization is described as a “disgusting thing” because it claims to be able to do something that only God’s Kingdom can do​—bring world peace. And the prophecy says that the disgusting thing “causes desolation” because the United Nations will play a key role in the destruction of all false religion.​—See the chart “Rival Kings in the Time of the End.”

WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW THIS HISTORY?

19-20. (a) Why do we need to know this history? (b) What question will we answer in the next article?

¹⁹ We need to know this history because it proves that from the 1870’s to the early 1990’s, Daniel’s prophecy about the king of the north and the king of the south has been fulfilled. So we can have faith that the remaining portion of the prophecy will also come true.

²⁰ In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. So who fills the role of the king of the north today? The next article answers that question.

The prophecies mentioned in this chart overlap one another. They prove in multiple ways that we are living in “the time of the end.”​—Dan. 12:4.

• 

  

  Scripture(s) Rev. 11:7; 12:13, 17; 13:1-8, 12

  Prophecy “The wild beast” roams the earth for many centuries. In the time of the end, its seventh head is wounded. Later, that head is healed and “all the earth” follows the beast. Satan uses that beast to “wage war with the remaining ones.”

  Fulfillment After the Flood, human governments opposed to Jehovah emerge. Many centuries later, during World War I, the British Empire is severely weakened. It recovers when it is joined by the United States. Especially in the time of the end, Satan uses his entire political system to persecute God’s people.

• 

  Scripture(s) Dan. 11:25-45

  Prophecy Rivalry between the king of the north and the king of the south during the time of the end.

  Fulfillment Germany and Anglo-American powers compete. In 1945 the Soviet Union and its allies become the king of the north. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapses, and in time, Russia and its allies take over the role of the king of the north.

• 

  Scripture(s) Isa. 61:1; Mal. 3:1; Luke 4:18

  Prophecy Jehovah sends his “messenger” to “clear up a way” before the Messianic Kingdom is established. This group sets out to “declare good news to the meek.”

  Fulfillment From the 1870’s onward, C. T. Russell and his associates work zealously to explain Bible truths. During the 1880’s, they begin to emphasize that God’s servants need to preach. They publish such articles as “Wanted 1,000 Preachers” and “Anointed to Preach.”

• 

  Scripture(s) Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43

  Prophecy An enemy oversows a field of wheat with weeds that are allowed to grow and hide the wheat until the harvest time arrives; then the weeds are separated from the wheat.

  Fulfillment From the late 1800’s onward, true Christians begin to be distinguished from false Christians. During the time of the end, true Christians are gathered and separated from false Christians.

• 

  Scripture(s) Dan. 2:31-33, 41-43

  Prophecy The feet of iron and clay belong to an image made of various metals.

  Fulfillment Clay represents the radical and popular elements within the sphere of the Anglo-American World Power. These elements weaken the ability of this world power to act with ironlike strength.

• 

  

  Scripture(s) Matt. 13:30; 24:14, 45; 28:19, 20

  Prophecy “The wheat” is gathered into the “storehouse” and “the faithful and discreet slave” is appointed over the “domestics.” The preaching of the “good news of the Kingdom” begins to spread to “all the inhabited earth.”

  Fulfillment In 1919 the faithful slave is appointed over God’s people. From that time onward, the Bible Students step up their preaching activities. Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses preach in over 200 lands and produce Bible-based material in over 1,000 languages.

• 

  Scripture(s) Dan. 12:11; Rev. 13:11, 14, 15

  Prophecy A two-horned wild beast takes the lead in creating “an image to the wild beast” and gives “breath to the image.”

  Fulfillment The Anglo-American World Power takes the lead in creating the League of Nations. This organization is supported by other nations. Eventually, the king of the north joins the League as well​—but only from 1926 to 1933. Like the United Nations (UN) after it, the League is given praise that is due God’s Kingdom.

• 

  

  Scripture(s) Dan. 8:23, 24

  Prophecy A fierce-looking king brings “ruin in an extraordinary way.”

  Fulfillment The Anglo-American World Power has caused vast ruin. For example, during World War II, the United States caused terrible ruin on an unprecedented scale when it dropped two atomic devices on an enemy of the dual world power.

• 

  Scripture(s) Dan. 11:31; Rev. 17:3, 7-11

  Prophecy The “scarlet-colored” beast with ten horns ascends out of the abyss and is an eighth king. The book of Daniel refers to this king as “the disgusting thing that causes desolation.”

  Fulfillment The League of Nations plunges into inactivity during World War II. After the war, the UN is “put in place.” The UN, like the League before it, is given glory that is due God’s Kingdom. The UN will attack religion.

• 

  

  Scripture(s) 1 Thess. 5:3; Rev. 17:16

  Prophecy The nations proclaim “peace and security,” and “the ten horns” and “the wild beast” attack “the prostitute” and destroy her. Thereafter, destruction befalls the nations.

  Fulfillment The nations may claim that they have achieved peace and security. Then, the nations supporting the UN destroy the institutions of false religion. This marks the opening phase of the great tribulation. That tribulation will end with the destruction of the entire world system at Armageddon.

• 

  Scripture(s) Ezek. 38:11, 14-17; Matt. 24:31

  Prophecy Gog invades the land of God’s people. Then, angels gather the “chosen ones.”

  Fulfillment The king of the north, acting along with the rest of the world’s governments, attacks God’s people. Some time after the beginning of this attack, the remaining anointed ones are gathered to heaven.

• 

  Scripture(s) Ezek. 38:18-23; Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45; Rev. 6:2; 16:14, 16; 17:14; 19:20

  Prophecy “The one seated” on a “white horse” completes “his conquest” by destroying Gog and his army. “The wild beast” is “hurled into the fiery lake,” and the giant image is crushed.

  Fulfillment Jesus, the ruling King of God’s Kingdom, comes to the rescue. Together with his 144,000 corulers and his angelic armies, he destroys the coalition of nations, Satan’s entire political system.

1-2. What will we consider in this article?

WE HAVE more evidence than ever before that we are living at the end of the last days of this system of things. Soon, Jehovah and Jesus Christ will destroy all governments that oppose the Kingdom. Before that event occurs, the king of the north and the king of the south will continue their conflict with each other and with God’s people.

² In this article, we will consider the prophecy recorded at Daniel 11:40–12:1. We will identify the current king of the north and discuss why we can face with confidence the challenges that lie ahead.

A NEW KING OF THE NORTH EMERGES

3-4. Who has emerged as the king of the north? Explain.

³ After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, God’s people in that vast region enjoyed “a little help”​—a period of freedom. (Dan. 11:34) As a result, they were able to preach freely, and before long the number of publishers in the former Communist bloc rose to hundreds of thousands. Gradually, Russia and its allies emerged as the king of the north. As discussed in the preceding article, for a government to fill the role of the king of the north or the king of the south, it must do three things: (1) interact directly with God’s people, (2) show by its actions that it is an enemy of Jehovah and his people, and (3) compete with the rival king.

⁴ Note why we can say that today the king of the north is Russia and its allies. (1) They have had a direct impact on God’s people, banning the preaching work and persecuting hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters who live in areas under their control. (2) Those actions show that they hate Jehovah and his people. (3) They have been competing with the king of the south, the Anglo-American World Power. Let us see how Russia and its allies have filled the role of the king of the north.

THE KING OF THE NORTH AND THE KING OF THE SOUTH CONTINUE PUSHING

5. What time period is described at Daniel 11:40-43, and what happens during that time?

⁵ Read Daniel 11:40-43. This part of the prophecy provides an overview of the time of the end. The passage highlights the rivalry between the king of the north and the king of the south. As foretold by Daniel, in the time of the end, the king of the south would engage with the king of the north “in a pushing,” or he would “lock horns with him.”​—Dan. 11:40; ftn.

6. What evidence is there that the two kings have been pushing each other?

⁶ The king of the north and the king of the south continue to compete for world domination. For example, consider what happened after World War II when the Soviet Union and its allies gained influence over much of Europe. The actions of the king of the north forced the king of the south to form an international military alliance, known as NATO. The king of the north continues to compete with the king of the south in an expensive arms race. The king of the north fought his rival in proxy wars and insurgencies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In recent years, Russia and its allies have spread their influence across the globe. They have also engaged with the king of the south in cyber warfare. The kings have accused each other of using destructive computer programs in an effort to damage their economies and political systems. And as foretold by Daniel, the king of the north continues his attack on God’s people.​—Dan. 11:41.

THE KING OF THE NORTH ENTERS “THE LAND OF THE DECORATION”

7. What is “the land of the Decoration”?

⁷ Daniel 11:41 says that the king of the north will enter into “the land of the Decoration.” What is that land? In ancient times, the literal land of Israel was considered to be “the most beautiful of all the lands.” (Ezek. 20:6) But what made that land especially precious was that it was the location where true worship was practiced. Since Pentecost 33 C.E., that “land” is not a single, literal geographic location; it cannot be, for Jehovah’s people are spread throughout the earth. Rather, “the land of the Decoration” today is the realm of activity of Jehovah’s people that includes such things as their worship of Jehovah through meetings and the field ministry.

8. How has the king of the north entered into “the land of the Decoration”?

⁸ During the last days, the king of the north has repeatedly entered into “the land of the Decoration.” For example, when Nazi Germany filled the role of the king of the north, particularly during the second world war, that king entered into “the land of the Decoration” by persecuting and killing God’s people. After World War II when the Soviet Union took on the role of the king of the north, that king entered into “the land of the Decoration” by persecuting God’s people, exiling them.

9. In recent years, how have Russia and its allies entered into “the land of the Decoration”?

⁹ In recent years, Russia and its allies have also entered into “the land of the Decoration.” How? In 2017, this current king of the north banned the work of Jehovah’s people and threw some of our brothers and sisters into prison. He also banned our publications, including the New World Translation. Further, he confiscated our branch office in Russia as well as Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls. After these actions, in 2018 the Governing Body identified Russia and its allies as the king of the north. However, even when Jehovah’s people are severely persecuted, they refuse to participate in any action to subvert or change human governments. Rather, they follow the Bible’s counsel to pray for “all those who are in high positions,” especially when such ones are making decisions that could affect freedom of worship.​—1 Tim. 2:1, 2.

WILL THE KING OF THE NORTH CONQUER THE KING OF THE SOUTH?

10. Will the king of the north conquer the king of the south? Explain.

¹⁰ The prophecy recorded at Daniel 11:40-45 focuses mainly on the activity of the king of the north. Does this mean that he will conquer the king of the south? No. The king of the south will still be “alive” when Jehovah and Jesus destroy all human governments at the war of Armageddon. (Rev. 19:20) Why can we be so sure? Consider what the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation indicate.

11. What does Daniel 2:43-45 indicate? (See cover picture.)

¹¹ Read Daniel 2:43-45. The prophet Daniel describes a series of human governments that have had an impact on God’s people. They are described as the various parts of a giant metal image. The last human government in that series is depicted as the feet of the image that are made of iron mixed with clay. The feet represent the Anglo-American World Power. That prophecy indicates that the Anglo-American World Power will still be functioning when God’s Kingdom strikes and destroys human governments.

12. What does the seventh head of the wild beast represent, and why is that significant?

¹² The apostle John also describes a series of world powers that have had an effect on Jehovah’s people. John depicts these governments as being like a seven-headed wild beast. The seventh head of that beast represents the Anglo-American World Power. This is significant because the beast is not shown as growing any other heads. The seventh head of this beast is still dominant when Christ and his heavenly forces destroy it along with the rest of the beast.b​—Rev. 13:1, 2; 17:13, 14.

WHAT WILL THE KING OF THE NORTH DO IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

13-14. Who is “Gog of the land of Magog,” and what may provoke him to attack God’s people?

¹³ A prophecy recorded by Ezekiel gives some insight into what may happen during the last days of the king of the north and the king of the south. If we view the prophecies of Ezekiel 38:10-23; Daniel 2:43-45; 11:44–12:1; and Revelation 16:13-16, 21 as speaking about the same time period and events, it appears that we can expect the following developments.

¹⁴ Sometime after the start of the great tribulation, “the kings of the entire inhabited earth” will form a coalition of nations. (Rev. 16:13, 14; 19:19) That coalition becomes what the Scriptures call “Gog of the land of Magog.” (Ezek. 38:2) That coalition of nations will make one final all-out assault on God’s people. What will provoke the attack? Speaking of this time, the apostle John saw a storm of unusually large hailstones raining down on God’s enemies. That symbolic hailstorm may take the form of a hard-hitting judgment message delivered by Jehovah’s people. It could be that this message provokes Gog of Magog into attacking God’s people with the intention of wiping them off the earth.​—Rev. 16:21.

15-16. (a) To what event may Daniel 11:44, 45 be referring? (b) What happens to the king of the north and the rest of Gog of Magog?

¹⁵ This hard-hitting message and the final attack by God’s enemies may be the same events referred to at Daniel 11:44, 45. (Read.) There, Daniel says that “reports out of the east and out of the north” disturb the king of the north, who goes off in “a great rage.” The king of the north intends “to devote many to destruction.” The “many” referred to seem to be Jehovah’s people.c Daniel may here be describing the final all-out assault on God’s people.

¹⁶ This attack by the king of the north, acting along with the rest of the world’s governments, provokes the Almighty and brings on the war of Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16) At that time, the king of the north, along with the rest of the nations that make up Gog of Magog, comes to his end, and there will be “no helper for him”.​—Dan. 11:45.

17. Who is Michael “the great prince” mentioned at Daniel 12:1, and what does he do?

¹⁷ The very next verse in Daniel’s account gives more details about how the king of the north and his allies will come to their end and how we will be saved. (Read Daniel 12:1.) What does this verse mean? Michael is another name for our ruling King, Christ Jesus. He has been “standing in behalf” of God’s people since 1914 when his Kingdom was established in the heavens. In the near future, he will “stand up,” or take significant action, at the war of Armageddon. That battle will be the final event in what Daniel calls the greatest “time of distress” in history. John’s prophecy recorded in Revelation refers to the time leading up to this battle as “the great tribulation.”​—Rev. 6:2; 7:14.

WILL YOUR NAME BE “WRITTEN DOWN IN THE BOOK”?

18. Why can we face the future with confidence?

¹⁸ We can face the future with confidence because both Daniel and John confirm that those who serve Jehovah and Jesus will survive this unparalleled time of distress. Daniel says that the survivors will have their names “written down in the book.” (Dan. 12:1) How do we get our names in that book? We must give clear evidence that we have faith in Jesus, the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) We need to get baptized in symbol of our dedication to God. (1 Pet. 3:21) And we must show our support for God’s Kingdom by doing what we can to help others learn about Jehovah.

19. What should we do now, and why?

¹⁹ Now is the time to build trust in Jehovah and his organization of loyal servants. Now is the time to support God’s Kingdom. If we do, we will be saved when the king of the north and the king of the south are destroyed by God’s Kingdom.

“I am a timid person by nature,” explains Sara,a “and I don’t have a lot of self-confidence. So I feel uncomfortable when I am with people who have a strong, aggressive personality. But I feel relaxed when I am with someone who is mild and humble. I can open up to that sort of person, share my feelings, and discuss my problems. My best friends are like this.”

Sara’s comments reveal that mildness endears us to fellow humans. Mildness also pleases Jehovah. His Word exhorts us: “Clothe yourselves with . . . mildness.” (Col. 3:12) What is mildness? How did Jesus show mildness? And how can this quality make our lives happier?

WHAT IS MILDNESS?

Mildness is an inner, peaceful disposition. A mild person deals with others in a gentle, kind way and is able to face life’s irritations with calmness and self-control.

Mildness is a sign of inner strength. The Greek word for “mildness” was used to describe a wild horse that had been tamed. The strength of the horse remains, but patient training has bridled its raw power. Likewise, when we display mildness, we tame our unruly nature and deal peaceably with others.

‘I am not a mild person by nature,’ we may think. We do live in a world where aggression and impatience are common, so we may find it a challenge to display a mild spirit. (Rom. 7:19) Clearly, it requires effort to cultivate mildness, but Jehovah’s holy spirit will help us to strengthen our resolve to reach our goal. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Why should we make the effort to cultivate mildness?

Mildness is a quality that attracts people. As Sara, quoted above, observed, we feel relaxed in the company of a mild-tempered person. Jesus is an outstanding example of a mild and kind person. (2 Cor. 10:1) Even children who hardly knew him wanted to be close to him.​—Mark 10:13-16.

Mildness protects us as well as those around us. If we are mild, we do not quickly get frustrated or react angrily. (Prov. 16:32) We thus avoid feelings of guilt that arise after we hurt someone​—especially a person whom we love. And mildness protects those around us from suffering because of our unrestrained spirit.

THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF MILDNESS

Despite his heavy responsibilities and busy schedule, Jesus was mild-tempered toward all. Many in his day were struggling and loaded down, and they needed refreshment. How comforted they must have felt when Jesus said to them: “Come to me, . . . for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart”!​—Matt. 11:28, 29.

How can we cultivate the mildness that Jesus displayed? We study God’s Word to learn how Jesus interacted with people and handled difficult situations. Then, when we face situations that test our mildness, we strive to act like Jesus. (1 Pet. 2:21) Consider three factors that helped Jesus to be mild.

Jesus was humble at heart. Jesus said that he was both “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29) The Bible mentions these two qualities together because mildness is closely connected with humility. (Eph. 4:1-3) Why is that so?

Humility helps us to avoid taking ourselves too seriously or becoming overly sensitive. How did Jesus respond to those who unjustly criticized him for being “a glutton” and “given to drinking wine”? He let his example stifle the criticism, and he mildly pointed out that “wisdom is proved righteous by its works.”​—Matt. 11:19.

If someone makes a thoughtless comment about your race, sex, or background, why not make the effort to respond mildly? Peter, a Christian elder in South Africa, says: “When I find myself irritated by what someone says, I ask myself, ‘How would Jesus react?’” He adds: “I have learned not to take myself too seriously.”

Jesus understood human weakness. Jesus’ disciples had good intentions, but sometimes their imperfect nature hindered them from carrying out their intentions. For example, the night before Jesus died, Peter, James, and John failed to give him the emotional support he requested. Jesus recognized that “the spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:40, 41) Thanks to this insight, Jesus did not get irritated with his apostles.

Mandy is a sister who used to be very demanding, but now she tries hard to imitate Jesus’ example of mildness. She says, “I try to accept human imperfection in all its facets and to see the positive in others, something that Jehovah certainly sees.” Could Jesus’ compassionate view of human weakness also help you to deal mildly with others?

Jesus left matters in God’s hands. Jesus accepted unjust treatment while he was on earth. He was misunderstood, despised, and tortured. Even so, he remained mild-tempered because he “entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously.” (1 Pet. 2:23) Jesus knew that his heavenly Father would care for him and deal with injustices at the right time.

If we get angry and try to fight a personal injustice, we could easily overreact and make things worse. That is why the Scriptures remind us: “Man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness.” (Jas. 1:20) Even if our anger is justified, imperfection may lead us to react in a wrong way.

A sister in Germany named Cathy used to think, ‘If you don’t stand up for yourself, no one else will.’ But when she learned to trust in Jehovah, her attitude changed. “I no longer need to be on the defensive,” she says. “I feel free to act mildly, knowing that Jehovah has everything under perfect control.” If you have ever been a victim of injustice, following Jesus’ example of trusting in God will also help you to maintain a mild spirit.

“HAPPY ARE THE MILD-TEMPERED”

Jesus pointed out that mildness plays a significant role in our happiness. “Happy are the mild-tempered,” he said. (Matt. 5:5) Note how mildness helps in the following situations.

Mildness defuses tension in marriage. “I have said a lot of hurtful things to my wife that I didn’t mean,” admits Robert, a brother from Australia. “But rash words spoken in anger cannot be withdrawn. I felt so bad when I saw how much I had hurt her.”

“We all stumble many times” in our speech, and our thoughtless words can threaten marital peace. (Jas. 3:2) On such occasions, mildness helps us to remain calm and control our tongue.​—Prov. 17:27.

Robert worked hard to develop calmness and self-control. What has been the result? “Nowadays, whenever a disagreement arises, I make a conscious effort to listen carefully, to speak mildly, and not to allow myself to get upset,” he says. “My relationship with my wife is so much better.”

Mildness helps us to get along better with others. Those who are quick to take offense end up with few friends. Mildness, however, helps us “to maintain . . . the uniting bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:2, 3) Cathy, quoted earlier, says, “Mildness has given me the power to make every encounter with another person a bit more pleasant, even though some people are difficult to deal with.”

Mildness brings inner peace. The Bible associates “the wisdom from above” with mildness and peace. (Jas. 3:13, 17) A mild person has “a calm heart.” (Prov. 14:30) Martin, who has worked hard to develop the quality of mildness, observes, “I am now more flexible and less aggressive, and I enjoy more inner peace and happiness.”

True, we may have to struggle to develop a mild spirit. “To be honest,” says one brother, “even to this day, I boil inside with anger on some occasions.” But Jehovah, who encourages us to pursue mildness, will help us in this struggle. (Isa. 41:10; 1 Tim. 6:11) He can ‘finish our training’; he can ‘make us strong.’ (1 Pet. 5:10) In time, like the apostle Paul, we can reflect “the mildness and kindness of the Christ.”​—2 Cor. 10:1.

1-2. According to Psalm 40:5, what gifts has Jehovah given us, and why will we consider them?

JEHOVAH is a generous God. Think of some of the gifts he has given us: our beautiful and unique home, the earth; our marvelously designed brain; and his precious Word, the Bible. By means of these three gifts, Jehovah has given us a place to live, he has granted us the ability to think and communicate, and he has answered the most important questions we could ask.​—Read Psalm 40:5.

² In this article, we will briefly consider those three gifts. The more we meditate on them, the more we will appreciate them and the stronger our desire will be to please our loving Creator, Jehovah. (Rev. 4:11) We will also be better equipped to help those who have been misled by the false doctrine of evolution.

OUR UNIQUE PLANET

3. Why is the earth unique?

³ God’s wisdom is clearly seen in the way he constructed our home, the earth. (Rom. 1:20; Heb. 3:4) Ours is not the only planet to orbit the sun, but the earth is unique because it has all the right conditions to sustain human life.

4. Why can we say that the earth is better than any man-made boat?

⁴ In some respects, the earth is like a boat floating in the vast ocean of space. But there are key differences between a man-made boat, full of people, and our earth. For example, how long would the occupants of a literal boat survive if they had to produce their own oxygen, food, and water and if they could not throw any waste products overboard? The people in that boat would soon die. In contrast, the earth supports billions of living creatures. It produces all the oxygen, food, and water we need, and we do not run out of those vital supplies. Its waste products are not ejected into space; yet, the earth remains beautiful and habitable. How is that possible? Jehovah designed the earth with the ability to recycle resources. We will briefly look at two of these brilliantly designed cycles, the oxygen cycle and the water cycle.

5. What is the oxygen cycle, and what does it confirm?

⁵ Oxygen is a life-sustaining gas that is used by some living things, including us. It has been estimated that living creatures breathe in a hundred billion tons of oxygen in a year. These same creatures breathe out a waste product called carbon dioxide. Yet, these living creatures never consume all the oxygen, and the atmosphere never becomes choked with the “waste” gas, carbon dioxide. Why not? Because Jehovah also created organisms​—from large trees to tiny algae—​that take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. In a very literal way, the oxygen cycle confirms the words recorded at Acts 17:24, 25: “God . . . gives to all people life and breath.”

6. What is the water cycle, and what does it prove? (See also the box “Jehovah’s Gift of the Water Cycle.”)

⁶ Water in liquid form exists on earth because our planet is located at the perfect distance from the sun. If it were just a little closer, all the water would boil off, leaving a hot, lifeless rock. If the earth were just a little farther from the sun, all the water would freeze, turning the earth into a giant ball of ice. Because Jehovah placed the earth at this ideal location, the earth’s water cycle can sustain life. The sun heats water in the oceans and on the earth’s surface and evaporates the water to form clouds. Each year, the sun evaporates nearly 120,000 cubic miles (500,000 cu km) of water. This water stays in the atmosphere for about ten days before falling as rain or snow. The water eventually makes its way back to the oceans or other bodies of water, and the cycle is repeated. This efficient, sustainable cycle proves that Jehovah is both wise and powerful.​—Job 36:27, 28; Eccl. 1:7.

7. What are some ways that we can show appreciation for the gift described at Psalm 115:16?

⁷ How can we develop appreciation for our amazing planet and all that it supplies? (Read Psalm 115:16.) One way is by meditating on the things Jehovah has made. That will motivate us to thank Jehovah each day for the good things he gives us. And we show that we appreciate the earth by keeping the part of it where we live as clean as possible.

OUR UNIQUE BRAIN

8. Why can we say that our brain is a marvel of engineering?

⁸ The human brain is a marvel of engineering. When you were in your mother’s womb, your brain was built according to a preset plan, and thousands of new brain cells were constructed every minute! Researchers estimate that an adult’s brain contains close to 100 billion special cells called neurons. These cells have been efficiently assembled into a package that weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). Consider just a few of the brain’s amazing abilities.

9. What proves to you that our ability to speak is a gift from God?

⁹ Our ability to speak is a miracle. Think for a moment about the mechanics of speaking. With each word you say, your brain has to coordinate the movement of some 100 muscles in your tongue, throat, lips, jaw, and chest. All those muscles have to move according to precise timing if the words are to be understood. Regarding the ability to speak languages, a study published in 2019 showed that newborn babies can pick out individual words. This finding reinforces what many researchers believe​—that we are born with the ability to recognize and learn languages. Certainly, our ability to speak is a gift from God.​—Ex. 4:11.

10. How can we show that we appreciate the God-given gift of speech?

¹⁰ One way we can show that we appreciate our gift of speech is by explaining our belief in God to those who wonder why we do not accept the teaching of evolution. (Ps. 9:1; 1 Pet. 3:15) Those who promote that doctrine would have us believe that the earth and all life on it came about by accident. Using the Bible and some of the points we discussed in this article, we can defend our heavenly Father and explain to those who are willing to listen why we are convinced that Jehovah is the Creator of heaven and earth.​—Ps. 102:25; Isa. 40:25, 26.

11. What is one reason why our brain is amazing?

¹¹ Our capacity to remember is amazing. In the past, one author estimated that the human brain has the ability to remember information that would fill the equivalent of 20 million books. Now, however, it is thought that our memory capacity is much larger. What unique ability do humans have?

12. How does our ability to learn moral lessons separate us from the animals?

¹² Among all the creatures on earth, only humans have the ability to learn moral lessons by remembering and analyzing past events. As a result, we can adopt better values and change our way of thinking and living. (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:9, 10) In fact, we can train our conscience to recognize the difference between right and wrong. (Heb. 5:14) We can learn to show love, compassion, and mercy. And we can develop a healthy sense of justice.

13. In line with Psalm 77:11, 12, how should we use our gift of memory?

¹³ One way we prove that we appreciate the gift of memory is by choosing to remember all the times that Jehovah has helped and comforted us in the past. This will build our confidence that he will also help us in the future. (Read Psalm 77:11, 12; 78:4, 7) Another way is by remembering the good things that other people do for us and being grateful for what they do. Researchers have found that people who are grateful are more likely to be happy. We also do well to imitate Jehovah regarding the things he chooses to forget. For example, Jehovah has a perfect memory, but if we are repentant, he chooses to forgive and forget the mistakes we make. (Ps. 25:7; 130:3, 4) And he wants us to do the same for others when they are sorry for mistakes they make that hurt us.​—Matt. 6:14; Luke 17:3, 4.

14. How can we show appreciation for the marvelous gift of our brain?

¹⁴ We can show appreciation for the marvelous gift of our brain by using it to honor the One who gave it to us. Some choose to use their brain for selfish purposes​—to set their own standards of right and wrong. But because Jehovah created us, it is only reasonable to expect that his standards are better than any standards we could set for ourselves. (Rom. 12:1, 2) When we live by his standards, our life is peaceful. (Isa. 48:17, 18) And we gain a clear purpose for living​—to bring honor to our Creator and Father and make him proud of us.​—Prov. 27:11.

THE BIBLE​—A UNIQUE GIFT

15. How does the gift of the Bible reflect Jehovah’s love for mankind?

¹⁵ The Bible is a loving gift from God. Our heavenly Father inspired men to write it because he cares greatly for his earthly children. By means of the Bible, Jehovah answers the most important questions we could ask, such as: Where did we come from? What is the purpose of life? And what does the future hold? Jehovah wants all his children to learn the answers to those questions, so throughout the centuries he has moved men to translate the Bible into many languages. Today, the whole Bible or portions of it are available in over 3,000 languages! The Bible is the most widely translated and distributed book in history. No matter where people live or what language they speak, most have the opportunity to learn the Bible’s message in their mother tongue.​—See the box “Making the Bible Available in African Languages.”

16. Based on Matthew 28:19, 20, how can we prove that we appreciate the Bible?

¹⁶ We can prove that we appreciate the Bible by reading it each day, meditating on what it teaches, and doing our best to apply what we learn. In addition, we show our gratitude to God by doing all we can to share its message with as many people as possible.​—Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 24:14; read Matthew 28:19, 20.

17. What kind of gifts have we considered in this article, and what will be discussed in the next article?

¹⁷ So far we have considered such God-given gifts as our home, the earth; our amazingly designed brain; and God’s inspired Word, the Bible. But there are other gifts that Jehovah has given us that are invisible to our eyes. These unseen treasures will be discussed in the next article.

1. What did Jesus say about heavenly treasures?

NOT all treasures can be seen. In fact, the greatest treasures are unseen. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus mentioned heavenly treasures that are vastly superior to material possessions. Then he added this truth: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21) Our heart will move us to pursue the things we treasure, or value highly. We store up “treasures in heaven” by gaining a good name, or standing, with God. Such treasures, Jesus explained, can never be destroyed or stolen.

2. (a) According to 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18, what does Paul urge us to focus on? (b) What will we discuss in this article?

² The apostle Paul urges us to “keep our eyes . . . on the things unseen.” (Read 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.) These unseen things are treasures that include the blessings we will enjoy in God’s new world. In this article, we will examine four unseen treasures that we can benefit from right now​—friendship with God, the gift of prayer, the help of God’s holy spirit, and heavenly support we have in our ministry. We will also consider how we can show that we appreciate these unseen treasures.

FRIENDSHIP WITH JEHOVAH

3. What is the greatest unseen treasure, and how is it possible?

³ The greatest unseen treasure is friendship with Jehovah God. (Ps. 25:14) How is it possible for God to make friends with sinful humans and remain completely holy? He can do so because the ransom sacrifice of Jesus “takes away the sin of the world” of mankind. (John 1:29) Jehovah knew in advance that his purpose to provide a Savior for mankind would not fail. That is why God could befriend humans who lived before Christ died.​—Rom. 3:25.

4. Give some examples of pre-Christian men who became friends of God.

⁴ Consider some pre-Christian men who became friends of God. Abraham was a man who showed outstanding faith. Over 1,000 years after Abraham’s death, Jehovah called him “my friend.” (Isa. 41:8) So not even death can separate Jehovah from his close friends. Abraham is alive in Jehovah’s memory. (Luke 20:37, 38) Another example is Job. Before an assembly of the angels in heaven, Jehovah spoke confidently about Job. Jehovah called him “an upright man of integrity, fearing God and shunning what is bad.” (Job 1:6-8) And how did Jehovah feel about Daniel, who served God faithfully in a pagan land for about 80 years? Three times angels assured that aged man that he was “very precious” to God. (Dan. 9:23; 10:11, 19) We can be certain that Jehovah longs for the day when he will resurrect his beloved friends who have died.​—Job 14:15.

5. What is required to enjoy close friendship with Jehovah?

⁵ How many imperfect humans today enjoy a close friendship with Jehovah? There are millions. We know this because so many men, women, and children earth wide are proving by their conduct that they want to be God’s friends. Jehovah’s “close friendship is with the upright.” (Prov. 3:32) This friendship is possible because of their faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. On that basis, Jehovah kindly allows us to dedicate ourselves to him and get baptized. When we take these important steps, we join the millions of dedicated, baptized Christians who are enjoying “close friendship” with the greatest Person in the universe!

6. How can we show our appreciation for God’s friendship?

⁶ How can we show that we treasure God’s friendship? Like Abraham and Job, who remained faithful to God for well over a hundred years, we must remain faithful​—no matter how long we have been serving Jehovah in this old system. Like Daniel, we must value our friendship with God more than life. (Dan. 6:7, 10, 16, 22) With Jehovah’s help, we can endure any trials we face and thus keep our close bond with him.​—Phil. 4:13.

THE GIFT OF PRAYER

7. (a) According to Proverbs 15:8, how does Jehovah feel about our prayers? (b) How does Jehovah answer our prayers?

⁷ Another unseen treasure is prayer. Close friends enjoy sharing thoughts and feelings with each other. Is that true of our friendship with Jehovah? Yes! Jehovah speaks to us through his Word, and in it he reveals to us his thoughts and feelings. We communicate with him in prayer, and we can share with him our deepest thoughts and innermost feelings. Jehovah finds pleasure in listening to our prayers. (Read Proverbs 15:8.) As a loving Friend, Jehovah not only listens to our prayers but also answers them. Sometimes the answer comes quickly. At other times we may have to keep praying about a matter. Still, we can be confident that the answer will come at the right time and in the best way. Of course, God’s answer may be different from what we expect. For example, rather than remove a trial, he might give us the wisdom and strength “to endure it.”​—1 Cor. 10:13.

8. How can we show our appreciation for the gift of prayer?

⁸ How can we show our appreciation for this priceless gift of prayer? One way is by heeding the divine counsel to “pray constantly.” (1 Thess. 5:17) Jehovah does not force us to pray. Instead, he respects our free will and urges us to “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) So we can show our appreciation by praying often throughout each day. Of course, we should include in our prayers expressions of thanks and praise to Jehovah.​—Ps. 145:2, 3.

9. How does one brother feel about prayer, and how do you feel about it?

⁹ The longer we serve Jehovah and experience the ways he answers our requests, the deeper our appreciation for prayer should become. Take, for example, Chris, a brother who has been in full-time service for the past 47 years. “How pleasurable it is to have a time slot early in the morning to linger in prayer to Jehovah,” he says. “What a refreshing experience it is to talk to Jehovah as the first rays of the sun cause the dewdrops to sparkle! This moves me to thank him for all his gifts, including the privilege of prayer. Then after praying at the end of the day, what a pleasure it is to go to sleep with a clean conscience.”

THE GIFT OF HOLY SPIRIT

10. Why should we treasure God’s holy spirit?

¹⁰ God’s active force is another unseen gift we should treasure. Jesus urged us to keep praying for holy spirit. (Luke 11:9, 13) By means of his spirit, Jehovah gives us power​—even “power beyond what is normal.” (2 Cor. 4:7; Acts 1:8) With the help of God’s spirit, we can endure any trial we may be facing.

11. In what way can holy spirit help us?

¹¹ Holy spirit can help us handle our assignments in God’s service. God’s spirit can enhance our talents and abilities. It enables us to carry out our Christian responsibilities. We can honestly attribute the good results of our efforts, not to ourselves, but to the help of God’s spirit.

12. According to Psalm 139:23, 24, we can pray for holy spirit to help us do what?

¹² Another way to show that we value God’s holy spirit is by praying that it will help us detect any wrong thoughts or desires in our heart. (Read Psalm 139:23, 24.) If we make such a request, Jehovah, through his spirit, can make us aware of wrong thinking or inclinations. And if we become aware of a wrong thought or desire, we should pray for God’s spirit to give us the strength to resist such a thought or desire. Thus we will show that we are determined to avoid doing anything that would cause Jehovah to stop helping us with his holy spirit.​—Eph. 4:30.

13. How can we deepen our appreciation for holy spirit?

¹³ We can deepen our appreciation for holy spirit by reflecting on what that spirit has accomplished in our day. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples: “You will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) These words are being fulfilled in a wonderful way. With the backing of holy spirit, some eight and a half million worshippers of Jehovah have been gathered from every corner of the earth. Also, we enjoy a spiritual paradise because God’s spirit helps us to cultivate beautiful qualities, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control. These qualities make up “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) What a precious gift holy spirit is!

HEAVENLY SUPPORT IN OUR MINISTRY

14. What unseen support do we have when we share in the ministry?

¹⁴ We have the unseen treasure of “working together” with Jehovah and the heavenly part of his organization. (2 Cor. 6:1) We do so whenever we share in the disciple-making work. Paul said of himself and those who share in this work: “We are God’s fellow workers.” (1 Cor. 3:9) When we participate in the Christian ministry, we are also Jesus’ fellow workers. Recall that after commanding his followers to “make disciples of people of all the nations,” Jesus said: “I am with you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) And what about the angels? What a blessing it is to be directed by angels as we declare “everlasting good news . . . to those who dwell on the earth”!​—Rev. 14:6.

15. Relate a Bible example that shows the important part Jehovah plays in our ministry.

¹⁵ With such heavenly support, what is being accomplished? As we sow the Kingdom message, some seeds fall on receptive hearts and grow. (Matt. 13:18, 23) Who causes those seeds of truth to grow and become fruitful? Jesus explains that no man can become his follower unless “the Father . . . draws him.” (John 6:44) The Bible gives a specific example of this. Recall the occasion when Paul witnessed to a group of women outside the city of Philippi. Note what the Bible says about one of them, a woman named Lydia: “Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention to the things Paul was saying.” (Acts 16:13-15) Like Lydia, millions of others have been drawn by Jehovah.

16. Who should get the credit for any success we experience in the ministry?

¹⁶ Who really is responsible for any success we have in the ministry? Paul answered that question when he wrote these words about the Corinthian congregation: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow, so that neither is the one who plants anything nor is the one who waters, but God who makes it grow.” (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) Like Paul, we should always give credit to Jehovah for any success enjoyed in the ministry.

17. How can we show our appreciation for “working together” with God, Christ, and the angels?

¹⁷ How can we show our appreciation for the privilege of “working together” with God, Christ, and the angels? We can do so by zealously seeking opportunities to share the good news with others. There are numerous ways to do this, such as by witnessing “publicly and from house to house.” (Acts 20:20) Many also enjoy informal witnessing. When they meet a stranger, they greet him in a friendly manner and try to start a conversation. If the person responds favorably, they tactfully introduce the Kingdom message.

18-19. (a) How do we water seeds of truth? (b) Relate an experience that shows how Jehovah helped one Bible student.

¹⁸ As “God’s fellow workers,” we must not only plant seeds of truth but also water them. When an individual shows interest, we want to do our best to follow up on it or to arrange for someone else to contact that person with a view to starting a Bible study. As the study progresses, we rejoice when we see how Jehovah works on the heart and mind of a potential disciple.

¹⁹ Consider the example of Raphalalani, a traditional healer in South Africa. He loved what he learned from his Bible study. But he faced a big challenge when he read what God’s Word says about communicating with dead ancestors. (Deut. 18:10-12) Gradually, he allowed God to mold his thinking. And in time, he quit his practice as a witch doctor, though this meant the loss of his livelihood. Raphalalani, who is now 60 years old, says: “I am very thankful to Jehovah’s Witnesses for assisting me in so many ways, such as helping me to find employment. Most of all, I am thankful to Jehovah for helping me to clean up my life, so that now I can share in the ministry as one of his baptized Witnesses.”

20. What are you determined to do?

²⁰ In this article, we have considered four unseen treasures. The greatest one of all is the privilege of having Jehovah as our closest Friend. That enables us to benefit from the other unseen treasures​—approaching him in prayer, experiencing the help of his holy spirit, and receiving heavenly support in our ministry. May we be determined to deepen our appreciation for these unseen treasures. And may we never stop thanking Jehovah for being such a wonderful Friend.

EXPERIENCES

“I Do What I Can”

Although nearly 90 years old, Irma writes Bible-based letters that touch the heart of many who receive them.

In JW Library, go to PUBLICATIONS > ARTICLE SERIES > EXPERIENCES.

On jw.org, go to ABOUT US > EXPERIENCES > SHARING BIBLE TRUTH.

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK

How Can I Get Motivated to Exercise?

Besides improving your physical health, what other benefits are there to regular exercise?

In JW Library, go to PUBLICATIONS > ARTICLE SERIES > YOUNG PEOPLE ASK.

On jw.org, go to BIBLE TEACHINGS > TEENAGERS > YOUNG PEOPLE ASK.