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

1. What comforting lesson did Jehovah teach Abraham?

IT WAS a conversation that Abraham never forgot. Through an angel, God told Abraham that He was going to wipe out the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. That faithful man was troubled. He asked: “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? . . . Will the Judge of all the earth not do what is right?” Jehovah patiently taught his beloved human friend a lesson that benefits and comforts us all: God will never destroy righteous people.​—Gen. 18:23-33.

2. What assures us that Jehovah’s judgments are righteous and merciful?

² How can we be sure that Jehovah’s acts of judgment are righteous and merciful? Because we know that “Jehovah sees into the heart” of people. (1 Sam. 16:7) In fact, he knows “every human heart.” (1 Ki. 8:39; 1 Chron. 28:9) That is an amazing truth. Jehovah’s judgments are infinitely beyond our understanding. Fittingly, the apostle Paul was inspired to say of Jehovah God: “How unsearchable his judgments are!”​—Rom. 11:33.

3-4. What may we wonder about at times, and what will we consider in this article? (John 5:28, 29)

³ Still, we may sometimes have questions similar to the ones that Abraham raised. We may even wonder: ‘Is there any future hope for such people as those judged in Sodom and Gomorrah? Might any of them be included in the “resurrection of . . . the unrighteous”?’​—Acts 24:15.

⁴ Let us review what we understand about the resurrection. Recently, we received a clarified understanding of the “resurrection of life” and the “resurrection of judgment.”a (Read John 5:28, 29.) This clarification has led to further adjustments, which will be discussed in this article and in the one that follows. Regarding Jehovah’s righteous judgments, we will first consider what we do not know and then what we do know.

WHAT WE DO NOT KNOW

5. What have our publications suggested in the past regarding those who perished at Sodom and Gomorrah?

⁵ In the past, our publications have considered the question of what happens to those whom Jehovah judges as unrighteous. We have said that for such individuals as those in Sodom and Gomorrah, there is no hope of a future resurrection. But further prayerful study has raised the question, Can we really say that with certainty?

6. What are some examples of Jehovah’s judgments against unrighteous people, and what do we not know?

⁶ Consider a number of related questions. Several Bible accounts describe Jehovah’s judgments against unrighteous people, such as the unknown numbers who died in the Flood or the seven nations in the Promised Land that Jehovah ordered his people to devote to destruction or the 185,000 Assyrian soldiers slain by an angel of Jehovah in a single night. (Gen. 7:23; Deut. 7:1-3; Isa. 37:36, 37) In these cases, does the Bible give us enough information to determine that Jehovah sentenced all those individuals to eternal destruction, with no hope of a resurrection? No, it does not. Why can we say that?

7. What do we not know regarding the people who were destroyed in the Flood or in the conquest of Canaan? (See picture.)

⁷ We do not know how Jehovah judged each individual; nor do we know whether those who were killed had an opportunity to learn about Jehovah and to repent. In regard to the time of the Flood, the Bible does say that Noah was “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Pet. 2:5) But it does not say that while he was building a colossal ark, he was also attempting to reach every individual on earth who would face destruction in the Deluge. Similarly, in the case of the nations of Canaan, we do not know if all those wicked people had an opportunity to learn about Jehovah and change their ways.

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8. What do we not know regarding the people of Sodom and Gomorrah?

⁸ What of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah? A righteous man named Lot lived in their midst. But do we know that Lot preached to all of them? No. They were certainly wicked, but did they all know any better? Recall that a crowd of men in that city sought to rape Lot’s guests. The Bible says that the mob ranged “from boy to old man.” (Gen. 19:4; 2 Pet. 2:7) Do we really know that the merciful God, Jehovah, condemned each one to death with no hope of a resurrection? Jehovah assured Abraham that there were not even ten righteous men in that city. (Gen. 18:32) So they were unrighteous, and Jehovah justly held them accountable for their actions. Can we say for certain, then, that none of them will rise in the “resurrection of . . . the unrighteous”? No, we cannot say for sure!

9. What do we not know regarding Solomon?

⁹ On the other hand, we also read in the Bible of righteous people who became unrighteous. King Solomon is an example. He was thoroughly instructed in God’s ways and greatly blessed by Jehovah; yet, he later turned to worshipping false gods. His sins made Jehovah furious and brought consequences that lasted for centuries. True, the Scriptures do say that Solomon “was laid to rest with his forefathers,” including such faithful men as King David. (1 Ki. 11:5-9, 43; 2 Ki. 23:13) But was the manner of his burial a guarantee that he would be resurrected? The Bible does not say. Some might reason, though, that “the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin.” (Rom. 6:7) True, but this does not mean that all who have died will be resurrected, as if a new life were a right that they have earned. Resurrection is a gift from a loving God. He bestows it on those whom he wants to give an opportunity to serve him forever. (Job 14:13, 14; John 6:44) Will Solomon receive such a gift? Jehovah knows the answer; we do not. We do know, though, that Jehovah will do what is right.

WHAT WE DO KNOW

10. How does Jehovah feel about destroying humans? (Ezekiel 33:11) (See also picture.)

¹⁰ Read Ezekiel 33:11. When it comes to the way he judges humans, Jehovah kindly reveals to us how he feels. The apostle Peter was inspired to echo what the prophet Ezekiel wrote, saying that “Jehovah . . . does not desire anyone to be destroyed.” (2 Pet. 3:9) In the light of that reassuring truth, we know that Jehovah is not quick to destroy people once and for all. He is profoundly merciful, and he shows mercy whenever possible.

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11. Who will not be resurrected, and how do we know that?

¹¹ What do we know about the people who will not be resurrected? The Bible offers only a few examples.b Jesus indicated that Judas Iscariot will not be resurrected. (Mark 14:21; see also John 17:12 and study note.) Judas knowingly and willfully worked in opposition to Jehovah God and His Son. (See Mark 3:29 and study notes.) Similarly, Jesus said that some of the religious leaders who had opposed him would die without a hope of resurrection. (Matt. 23:33; see John 19:11 and study note “the man.”) And the apostle Paul warned that unrepentant apostates would not be resurrected.​—Heb. 6:4-8; 10:29.

12. What do we know about Jehovah’s mercy? Give examples.

¹² However, what do we know about Jehovah’s mercy? How has he demonstrated that he “does not desire anyone to be destroyed”? Consider his mercy toward some who committed serious sins. King David got involved in a series of gross sins, including adultery and murder. Yet, David repented, so Jehovah mercifully forgave him. (2 Sam. 12:1-13) King Manasseh was profoundly wicked for much of his life. Even in that extreme case, however, Jehovah responded favorably to that man’s repentance and found a basis for extending mercy and forgiveness. (2 Chron. 33:9-16) These examples remind us that Jehovah shows mercy whenever he sees that there is a basis for doing so. He will resurrect such individuals because they realized that they had committed terrible sins and they repented.

13. (a) Why did Jehovah show mercy to the Ninevites? (b) What did Jesus later say about the Ninevites?

¹³ We also know about Jehovah’s mercy toward the Ninevites. God told Jonah: “Their wickedness has come to my attention.” But when they repented of their sins, Jehovah kindly forgave them. He was far more merciful than Jonah was. God had to remind his angry prophet that those Ninevites did “not even know right from wrong.” (Jonah 1:1, 2; 3:10; 4:9-11) Later, Jesus used that example to teach about Jehovah’s justice and mercy. Jesus said that the repentant Ninevites would “rise up in the judgment.”​—Matt. 12:41.

14. What will the “resurrection of judgment” mean for the Ninevites?

¹⁴ In what “judgment” would the Ninevites “rise up”? Jesus taught about a future “resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:29) He was referring to his Thousand Year Reign, during which both “the righteous and the unrighteous” will be resurrected. (Acts 24:15) For the unrighteous, this will be “a resurrection of judgment.” That is, Jehovah and Jesus will observe and evaluate their behavior and how they respond to divine teaching. If a resurrected Ninevite refuses to join in pure worship, his judgment will be one of condemnation. (Isa. 65:20) But for all those who choose to worship Jehovah faithfully, their judgment will be favorable. They will have the prospect of living forever!​—Dan. 12:2.

15. (a) Why should we avoid saying that none of those destroyed at Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected? (b) How may we understand the words recorded at Jude 7? (See the box “What Did Jude Mean?”)

¹⁵ When speaking of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, Jesus said that they would fare better “on Judgment Day” than would the people who rejected him and his teachings. (Matt. 10:14, 15; 11:23, 24; Luke 10:12) What did he mean? We might assume that Jesus was using hyperbole on this occasion. But that does not seem to be the case, any more than when he was speaking of the Ninevites.c Rather, it seems that Jesus meant what he said. The “Judgment Day” he referred to in both instances was surely the same. Like the Ninevites, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah did bad things. But the Ninevites had an opportunity to repent. Further, remember what Jesus said about the “resurrection of judgment.” It will include “those who practiced vile things.” (John 5:29) So it seems that there may be some hope for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is possible that at least some of those people will be resurrected, and we may have the opportunity to teach them about Jehovah and Jesus Christ.

16. What do we know regarding how Jehovah will decide whom to resurrect? (Jeremiah 17:10)

¹⁶ Read Jeremiah 17:10. That verse helps us to summarize what we do know: Jehovah has always been the one “searching the heart, examining the innermost thoughts.” When it comes to the future resurrection, he will, as always, “give to each one according to his ways.” Jehovah will be firm when necessary but merciful whenever possible. So we should not assume that a person has no hope of a resurrection unless we know that to be the case!

“THE JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH” WILL “DO WHAT IS RIGHT”

17. What does the future hold for humans who have died?

¹⁷ Ever since Adam and Eve joined Satan and rebelled against Jehovah God, billions of humans have died. The “enemy, death,” has reaped an enormous harvest! (1 Cor. 15:26) What lies ahead for all those people? A limited number, 144,000 in all, of Christ’s faithful followers will receive a resurrection to immortal life in heaven. (Rev. 14:1) A vast number of faithful men and women who loved Jehovah will be part of the “resurrection of . . . the righteous,” and they will live forever on earth if they remain righteous during Christ’s Millennial Reign and during the final test. (Dan. 12:13; Heb. 12:1) Also during the Millennium, “the unrighteous”​—including those who never served Jehovah or who even “practiced vile things”—​will be given an opportunity to change their ways and become faithful. (Luke 23:42, 43) However, some humans were so wicked, so determined to rebel against Jehovah and his purposes, that he has decided that there will be no resurrection for them at all.​—Luke 12:4, 5.

18-19. (a) Why can we be confident about Jehovah’s judgments of those who have died? (Isaiah 55:8, 9) (b) What will we consider in the next article?

¹⁸ Do we have good reason for confidence regarding all of Jehovah’s judgments, both favorable and unfavorable? Yes! As Abraham understood so well, Jehovah is the perfect, all-wise, merciful “Judge of all the earth.” He has trained his Son and delegated all judging to him. (John 5:22) Both Father and Son can read what lies in each human heart. (Matt. 9:4) In every case, they will do “what is right”!

¹⁹ Let us be determined to trust that Jehovah knows best. We recognize that we are not qualified to judge​—but he is! (Read Isaiah 55:8, 9.) So we confidently leave all the judging to him and his Son, the King who perfectly reflects his Father’s justice and mercy. (Isa. 11:3, 4) What, though, can we say about divine judgments relating to the great tribulation? What do we not know? And what do we know? Our next article will take up those questions.

1. Why can it be said that we are living in exciting times?

WE ARE living in exciting times! Each day, Bible prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes. For example, we see “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” engaged in a struggle for world dominance. (Dan. 11:40, ftn.) We see the good news of God’s Kingdom being preached on an unprecedented scale, with millions responding favorably. (Isa. 60:22; Matt. 24:14) And we are receiving an abundance of spiritual food “at the proper time.”​—Matt. 24:45-47.

2. Of what can we be certain, but what must we recognize?

² Jehovah continues to help us to have a clearer understanding of the major events that lie just ahead. (Prov. 4:18; Dan. 2:28) We can be certain that by the time the great tribulation starts, we will know all we need to know in order to endure faithfully and even prosper during that challenging period. However, we must recognize that there are some things that we just do not know about the near future. In this article, we will first discuss why we have reconsidered what we have said about some of those events. Then we will review some of the things that we do know about the future and the way that our heavenly Father will act.

WHAT WE DO NOT KNOW

3. What have we said regarding when Jehovah will cut off the opportunity for people to join us, and why did we reach that conclusion?

³ In the past, we said that once the great tribulation begins, no unbelievers will be able to take their stand for Jehovah and survive Armageddon. We came to that conclusion because we understood that the account of the Flood was a prophetic type. For example, we reasoned that just as Jehovah shut the door of the ark prior to the start of the Flood, he would, at the beginning of the great tribulation, “shut the door” on Satan’s system of things, thus preventing any more people from being saved.​—Matt. 24:37-39.

4. Do we now view the account about the Flood as being a prophetic type? Explain.

⁴ Should we view the account of the Flood as a prophetic type? The answer is no. Why? Because there is no direct Scriptural support for doing so.a Jesus did compare “the days of Noah” to the time of his presence, but he did not imply that the Flood was a prophetic type, with each person and each event having a corresponding antitype; nor did he say that the closing of the door of the ark had any prophetic significance. This does not mean, however, that we cannot learn from the account of Noah and the Flood.

5. (a) What action did Noah take before the Flood? (Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20) (b) With regard to the preaching work, how does our situation today compare with that of Noah’s day?

⁵ When Noah heard Jehovah’s warning message, he proved that he had faith by building the ark. (Read Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20.) Similarly, people who hear the good news about God’s Kingdom must act on what they hear. (Acts 3:17-20) Peter called Noah “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Pet. 2:5) However, as discussed in the preceding article, we do not know whether Noah led a preaching campaign to reach everyone living on earth before the Flood. Today we are involved in a global preaching work, and we endeavor to have a zealous share in it. Still, try as we might, we cannot possibly reach everyone on earth with the good news before the end comes. Why not?

6-7. Why can we conclude that we will not reach everyone on earth with the good news before the end comes? Explain.

⁶ Consider what Jesus said about the scope of our preaching work. He foretold that the good news would be preached “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” (Matt. 24:14) That prophecy is being fulfilled today as never before. The Kingdom message is published in more than 1,000 languages, and by means of the jw.org website, it is available to the majority of the world’s population.

⁷ However, Jesus also told his disciples that they would not “complete the circuit of the cities,” or preach to everyone, before he would come. (Matt. 10:23; 25:31-33) Jesus’ words will prove to be true in our day as well. Millions of people today live in areas where the preaching work is severely restricted. In addition, hundreds of babies are born every minute. We do our best to reach people from “every nation and tribe and tongue” with the good news. (Rev. 14:6) But the fact is that we will not be able to share the good news with each individual on earth before the end comes.

8. What question might we ask about Jehovah’s future judgments? (See also pictures.)

⁸ Thus, a question arises: What about those who may not have a chance to hear the good news before the great tribulation strikes? How will Jehovah and his Son, whom he has entrusted to do the judging, deal with them? (John 5:19, 22, 27; Acts 17:31) The theme text of this article states that Jehovah “does not desire anyone to be destroyed.” Instead, he wants “all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4) That said, we must acknowledge that Jehovah has not yet revealed to us what he will do in answer to this question. Of course, he is not obligated to tell us anything about what he has done or will do.

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9. What has Jehovah revealed to us in the Bible?

⁹ In his Word, Jehovah has revealed to us some of the things he will do. For example, the Bible tells us that Jehovah will bring back to life “unrighteous” people who have not had the opportunity to respond to the good news and change their ways. (Acts 24:15; Luke 23:42, 43) That raises other important questions.

10. What other questions arise?

¹⁰ Will all who die during the events of the great tribulation be destroyed forever with no hope of a resurrection? The Scriptures make it clear that outright opposers whom Jehovah and his forces will destroy at Armageddon will not be resurrected. (2 Thess. 1:6-10) But what about others, for example, who may die from natural causes, from accidents, or at the hand of other humans? (Eccl. 9:11; Zech. 14:13) Could some of these people be among the “unrighteous” who will be resurrected in the new world? We simply do not know.

WHAT WE DO KNOW

11. On what basis will people be judged at Armageddon?

¹¹ We do know several things about future events. For example, we know that at Armageddon, people will be dealt with on the basis of how they have treated Christ’s brothers. (Matt. 25:40) Those judged as sheep will have shown their support for the anointed and for Christ. We also know that some of Christ’s brothers will still be on earth after the great tribulation starts and will not be taken to heaven until shortly before the outbreak of Armageddon. As long as the brothers of Christ are still on earth, it is possible that honesthearted individuals will have the opportunity to support them and the work they are doing. (Matt. 25:31, 32; Rev. 12:17) Why are those facts significant?

12-13. How might some react after seeing the destruction of “Babylon the Great”? (See also pictures.)

¹² Even after the great tribulation starts, it is possible that some who see the destruction of “Babylon the Great” will recall that Jehovah’s Witnesses had long spoken of this event. Might some who see these events have a change of heart?​—Rev. 17:5; Ezek. 33:33.

¹³ Such an outcome would be similar to what occurred in Egypt in Moses’ day. Recall that “a vast mixed company” joined Israel in the Exodus. Some of these individuals may have started to develop faith when they saw that Moses’ warnings about the Ten Plagues came true. (Ex. 12:38) If a similar development should occur following the destruction of Babylon the Great, would we be disappointed that people were able to join us shortly before the end comes? Of course not! We want to reflect the personality of our heavenly Father, “a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth.”b​—Ex. 34:6.

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14-15. Does a person’s eternal future depend on when he happens to die or where he happens to live? Explain. (Psalm 33:4, 5)

¹⁴ At times, we hear someone say, “It would almost be better if my relative dies before the great tribulation begins so that there is hope for his resurrection.” There are surely kind motives behind such expressions. But a person’s eternal future does not depend on when he happens to die. Jehovah is the perfect Judge​—he renders just and righteous decisions. (Read Psalm 33:4, 5.) We can be confident that “the Judge of all the earth” will do what is right.​—Gen. 18:25.

¹⁵ It is also reasonable to conclude that a person’s eternal future does not depend on where he happens to live. It is unthinkable that Jehovah would automatically label as “goats” millions of people who live in lands where they never had an opportunity to respond to the Kingdom message. (Matt. 25:46) The righteous Judge of all the earth cares even more about these individuals than we ever could. We do not know how Jehovah will maneuver events during the great tribulation. Perhaps some of these people will have an opportunity to learn about Jehovah, put faith in him, and take their stand on Jehovah’s side when he sanctifies himself before all nations.​—Ezek. 38:16.

16. What have we come to know about Jehovah? (See also picture.)

¹⁶ Through our study of the Bible, we have come to know just how much Jehovah values human life. He gave his Son’s life so that all of us may have the prospect of living forever. (John 3:16) We have all felt Jehovah’s tender affection. (Isa. 49:15) He knows each of us by name. In fact, he knows us so well as individuals that should we die, he can re-create every unique detail and restore every memory that makes us who we are! (Matt. 10:29-31) Surely, we have good reason to be confident that our loving heavenly Father will judge each individual in a perfectly balanced, righteous, and merciful way.​—Jas. 2:13.

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17. What will we discuss in the next article?

¹⁷ These clarifications actually make our preaching work more urgent than ever. Why can we say that? And what motivates us to keep preaching the good news without letup? We will discuss the answers to these questions in detail in the next article.

1. What did we learn at the 2023 annual meeting?

AT THE 2023 annual meeting,a we received thrilling clarifications on some of our beliefs and we heard some exciting announcements about our ministry. We learned, for example, that some individuals may have an opportunity to side with Jehovah’s people even after Babylon the Great is destroyed. We also learned that as of November 2023, Kingdom publishers would no longer be asked to report all their activity in the ministry. Do such changes make our ministry less important, less urgent than before? Absolutely not!

2. Why does our ministry become more urgent with each passing day? (Mark 13:10)

² With each passing day, our ministry becomes more urgent. Why? Because time is running out. Consider what Jesus foretold about the preaching work in the last days. (Read Mark 13:10.) According to Matthew’s parallel account, Jesus said that the good news would be preached in all the inhabited earth before “the end” comes. (Matt. 24:14) That expression refers to the complete end of Satan’s wicked system of things. Jehovah has set the “day and hour” for the events that will soon unfold. (Matt. 24:36; 25:13; Acts 1:7) Each day brings us one day closer to that time. (Rom. 13:11) Meanwhile, we must keep preaching until the end comes.

3. What motivates us to preach?

³ As we reflect on our ministry, we do well to consider a soul-searching question: Why do we preach the good news? Put simply, love motivates us to preach. What we do in the preaching work reflects our love​—our love for the good news, our love for people and, above all, our love for Jehovah and his name. Let us consider these one at a time.

WE PREACH BECAUSE WE LOVE THE GOOD NEWS

4. How do we react when we receive good news?

⁴ Can you recall how you felt when you received some good news​—perhaps the birth of a new family member or even the offer of a much-needed job? No doubt you were eager to share that good news with your family and friends. Did something similar happen when you heard the best news of all​—the good news of God’s Kingdom?

5. How did you feel when you first learned the truth from God’s Word? (See also pictures.)

⁵ Think back to how you felt when you first learned the truth from God’s Word. You discovered that your heavenly Father loves you, that he wants you to be part of his family of worshippers, that he has promised to end pain and suffering, that you can hope to see your dead loved ones come back to life in a new world​—and much more. (Mark 10:29, 30; John 5:28, 29; Rom. 8:38, 39; Rev. 21:3, 4) Those truths warmed your heart. (Luke 24:32) You loved what you were learning, and you could not keep those precious truths to yourself!​—Compare Jeremiah 20:9.

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6. What do you learn from the experience of Ernest and Rose?

⁶ Consider an experience. A brother named Ernestb was about ten years old when his father died. Ernest recalls: “I wondered: ‘Has he gone to heaven? Or has he ceased to exist forever?’ I envied other children who still had a father.” Ernest would regularly go to the cemetery, kneel at his father’s grave, and pray: “Please, God, I want to know where my dad is.” About 17 years after his father died, Ernest was offered a Bible study, which he readily accepted. He was thrilled to learn that the dead are unconscious, as if in a deep sleep, and that the Bible promises a future resurrection. (Eccl. 9:5, 10; Acts 24:15) Finally, he found the answers to the questions that had troubled him for so long! Ernest was very excited about the Bible truths he was learning. His wife, Rose, joined him in the study and shared his love for the Kingdom message. In 1978 they got baptized. They eagerly shared their treasured beliefs with family, friends, and any others who would listen. As a result, Ernest and Rose have helped more than 70 individuals to progress to baptism.

7. What happens when love for Bible truth takes root in our heart? (Luke 6:45)

⁷ Clearly, when love for Bible truth takes root in our heart, we cannot keep silent. (Read Luke 6:45.) We feel like the first-century disciples of Jesus who said: “We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) We love the truth so much that we want to share it with as many as possible.

WE PREACH BECAUSE WE LOVE PEOPLE

8. What motivates us to reach others with the good news? (See the box “Love People​—Make Disciples.”) (See also picture.)

⁸ Like Jehovah and his Son, we love people. (Prov. 8:31; John 3:16) We feel deep compassion for those who are “without God” and who have “no hope.” (Eph. 2:12) They are drowning in life’s problems, and we have the life vest that they need​—the good news of God’s Kingdom. Our love and compassion for such ones motivates us to make every effort to reach them with the good news. That precious message can fill their hearts with hope, help them find the best possible life now, and give them the prospect of “the real life”​—everlasting life—​in God’s new world.​—1 Tim. 6:19.

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9. What warning do we give about the future, and why? (Ezekiel 33:7, 8)

⁹ Our love for people also moves us to warn them about the approaching end of this wicked world. (Read Ezekiel 33:7, 8.) We have pity for our neighbors and our unbelieving family members. Many go about their daily lives unaware of what is coming​—a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Matt. 24:21) We want them to know what will happen during that time of judgment​—false religion will be removed and the destruction of the entire wicked system will follow at Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16; 17:16, 17; 19:11, 19, 20) We pray that as many as possible will respond to the warning and join us in pure worship now. But what about those who do not heed the warning at this time, including beloved family members?

10. Why is it urgent that we keep sounding the warning?

¹⁰ As explained in the preceding article, it may be Jehovah’s will to save people who have a change of heart when they see the destruction of Babylon the Great. If so, then it is all the more urgent that we keep sounding the warning. Consider this: What we tell them now may give them something to remember then. (Compare Ezekiel 33:33.) Perhaps they will reflect back on the warning they heard from us and be moved to join us in pure worship before it is too late. Like the jailer in Philippi who had a change of heart only after “a great earthquake occurred,” perhaps some who do not respond now will have a change of heart after the world-shaking destruction of Babylon the Great.​—Acts 16:25-34.

WE PREACH BECAUSE WE LOVE JEHOVAH AND HIS NAME

11. How do we give Jehovah glory, honor, and power? (Revelation 4:11) (See also pictures.)

¹¹ The most important reason why we preach the good news is that we love Jehovah God and his holy name. We view our ministry as a way to praise the God we love. (Read Revelation 4:11.) We wholeheartedly agree that Jehovah God is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power from his loyal worshippers. We give him glory and honor when we share with others the convincing evidence that he “created all things” and that we owe him our very existence. We give him power​—our power—​when we use our time, energy, and resources to share in the ministry as fully as our circumstances allow. (Matt. 6:33; Luke 13:24; Col. 3:23) Put simply, we love to speak about the God we love. We also feel compelled to tell others about his name and what it stands for. Why?

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12. How do we sanctify Jehovah’s name in our ministry?

¹² Our love for Jehovah moves us to sanctify his name. (Matt. 6:9) We want to have a part in clearing his name of the reproach that Satan has brought on it by his malicious lies. (Gen. 3:1-5; Job 2:4; John 8:44) In our ministry, we are eager to stand up for our God, telling the truth about him to all who will listen. We want everyone to know that his greatest quality is love, that his way of ruling is righteous and just, and that his Kingdom will soon end all suffering and bring peace and happiness to the human family. (Ps. 37:10, 11, 29; 1 John 4:8) When we defend Jehovah’s reputation in our ministry, we sanctify his name. We also have the satisfaction of knowing that we are living up to our name. How so?

13. Why are we proud to be called Jehovah’s Witnesses? (Isaiah 43:10-12)

¹³ Jehovah has called us to be his “witnesses.” (Read Isaiah 43:10-12.) Some years ago, a letter from the Governing Body stated: “The greatest honor that any of us could enjoy is that of being called one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”c Why is that so? Consider an illustration. If you needed someone to be a character witness for you in a court case, you would choose someone you know and trust, someone whose reputation would make his testimony trustworthy. By choosing us to be his Witnesses, Jehovah shows that he knows us well and that he trusts us to testify that he is the only true God. We feel so honored to be his Witnesses that we seize every opportunity to make his name known and to combat the many lies that have been told about him. By doing so, we live up to the name that we are so proud to bear, Jehovah’s Witnesses!​—Ps. 83:18; Rom. 10:13-15.

WE WILL KEEP PREACHING UNTIL THE END

14. What exciting prospects lie ahead of us?

¹⁴ What exciting prospects lie ahead of us! With Jehovah’s blessing, we hope to see many more accept the truth before the great tribulation begins. Also, we are thrilled at the possibility that even during the darkest time in human history​—the great tribulation—​we may see still more people turn away from Satan’s dying world and join us in praising Jehovah!​—Acts 13:48.

15-16. What will we keep doing, and until when?

¹⁵ Meanwhile, we have work to do. We have the privilege of sharing in a never-to-be-repeated proclamation​—the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom throughout the earth. At the same time, we must keep sounding the warning. People need to know that the end of this wicked system of things is rapidly approaching. Then when that time of judgment arrives, they will know that the message we preached came from Jehovah God.​—Ezek. 38:23.

¹⁶ What, then, are we determined to do? Motivated by love​—love for the good news, love for people and, above all, love for Jehovah God and his name—​we will keep preaching with eagerness, urgency, and zeal until Jehovah says, “It is enough!”

1-2. (a) What factors should single Christians consider before pursuing a courtship? (b) What do we mean by “courtship”? (See “Expression Explained.”)

WOULD you like to get married? While marriage is not essential for happiness, many single Christians, whether young or old, look forward to having a marriage mate. Of course, before pursuing a courtship, you should be financially, spiritually, and emotionally ready for marriage.a (1 Cor. 7:36) When that is the case, you are more likely to have a successful marriage.

² However, it is not always easy to find a suitable marriage mate. (Prov. 31:10) And even when you do find someone you would like to get to know better, it may not be easy to start a courtship.b In this article, we will discuss what can help single Christians to find a potential mate and begin a courtship. We will also learn how others in the congregation can support those who want to get married.

FINDING A SUITABLE MATE

3. What factors should a single Christian consider when looking for a marriage mate?

³ If you would like to get married, it is best to know what you are looking for in a mate before beginning a courtship.c Otherwise, you could overlook a potential mate or you could pursue a courtship with someone who is not well-suited for you. Of course, any potential mate should be a baptized Christian. (1 Cor. 7:39) But not every baptized person will be a good marriage mate for you. So you could ask yourself: ‘What are my goals in life? What qualities in a marriage mate do I view as essential? Are my expectations reasonable?’

4. What requests have some included in their prayers?

⁴ No doubt, you have prayed about finding a mate if that is your desire. (Phil. 4:6) Of course, Jehovah does not promise anyone a marriage partner. But he does care about your needs and feelings, and he can help you with the process of finding a mate. So continue sharing your desires and feelings with him. (Ps. 62:8) Pray for patience and wisdom. (Jas. 1:5) John,d a single brother from the United States, explains what he includes in his prayers: “I tell Jehovah the qualities I desire in a mate. I pray for opportunities to meet a potential mate. I also ask Jehovah to help me develop qualities that will make me a good husband.” Tanya, a sister from Sri Lanka, says: “While I look for a potential mate, I ask Jehovah to help me to stay faithful, positive, and happy.” Even if you do not find a potential marriage mate right away, Jehovah promises to continue caring for your physical and emotional needs.​—Ps. 55:22.

5. What opportunities do single Christians have to meet someone who loves Jehovah? (1 Corinthians 15:58) (See also picture.)

⁵ The Bible encourages us to have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (Read 1 Corinthians 15:58.) As you keep busy in Jehovah’s service and spend time with a variety of brothers and sisters, you will not only enjoy upbuilding association but also have opportunities to meet other single ones who, like you, are focused on serving Jehovah. And as you do your best to please Jehovah, you will experience true happiness.

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6. While looking for a mate, what should single Christians remember?

⁶ A word of caution, though: Do not allow your search for a mate to consume you. (Phil. 1:10) True happiness depends, not on your marital status, but on your relationship with Jehovah. (Matt. 5:3) And while you are single, you may have more freedom to expand your ministry. (1 Cor. 7:32, 33) Make the best use of this time. Jessica, a sister from the United States who married in her late 30’s, says, “I stayed busy in the ministry, and that helped me to be content despite wanting to get married.”

TAKE TIME TO OBSERVE

7. Why is it wise to observe a potential mate for a time before expressing interest in that person? (Proverbs 13:16)

⁷ What if you think someone might make a good marriage mate? Should you immediately express interest in that person? The Bible says that a wise person acquires knowledge before acting. (Read Proverbs 13:16.) So you would be wise to observe someone discreetly for a time before expressing your interest in that person. “Feelings can develop quickly but also disappear quickly,” says Aschwin from the Netherlands. “So by giving yourself time to observe someone, you won’t initiate a courtship based on impulse.” Furthermore, as you observe the other person, you may realize that the person is not ideal for you.

8. How can a single person observe a potential mate? (See also picture.)

⁸ How could you go about discreetly observing the other person? At congregation meetings or at social gatherings, you may notice things about this person’s spirituality, personality, and conduct. Who are his friends, and what does he talk about? (Luke 6:45) Are his goals compatible with yours? You might speak to his congregation elders or other mature Christians who know him well. (Prov. 20:18) You might ask about the person’s reputation and qualities. (Ruth 2:11) As you observe this individual, be sure to avoid making him feel uncomfortable. Respect his feelings, privacy, and personal space.

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9. Before approaching a potential mate, of what should you be convinced?

⁹ How long should you observe the person before you express your interest? If you approach someone too soon, you could come across as impulsive. (Prov. 29:20) On the other hand, if you take too long, you could come across as indecisive, especially if the other person has perceived your interest. (Eccl. 11:4) Remember, before approaching someone, you do not need to be convinced that you will marry that person. But you should be convinced that you are ready for marriage and that the other person could be a suitable mate for you.

10. What should you do if you sense that someone is interested in you but the feeling is not mutual?

¹⁰ What, though, if you sense that someone is interested in you? If the feeling is not mutual, try to make that clear by your actions. It would be unkind to make the person think that there is a possibility of a relationship when that is not the case.​—1 Cor. 10:24; Eph. 4:25.

11. In lands where a courtship or a marriage is arranged by others, what factors should be kept in mind?

¹¹ In some lands, parents or other adults may be expected to choose a mate for their single relatives. In other lands, family or friends find a potential mate for a single person and then arrange for the man and the woman to meet to see whether they are compatible. If you are asked to arrange a courtship or a marriage, consider the preferences and needs of both parties. Once you identify a prospective mate, find out as much as you can about the individual’s personality, qualities and, above all, spirituality. A close relationship with Jehovah is much more important than money, education, or social status. Remember, however, that the single brother and the single sister should make the final decision about whether to get married.​—Gal. 6:5.

STARTING A COURTSHIP

12. If you are interested in pursuing a courtship with someone, how can you make it known to that individual?

¹² If you would like to begin a courtship with someone, how might you go about expressing your interest?e You could arrange to have a conversation with that person, either in a public setting or by telephone. Clearly express your intentions. (1 Cor. 14:9) If needed, give the person time to think about how to respond. (Prov. 15:28) And if the person is not interested in pursuing a relationship, respect his feelings.

13. What can you do if someone expresses a romantic interest in you? (Colossians 4:6)

¹³ What if someone expresses interest in you? It likely took courage for that person to approach you, so be kind and respectful. (Read Colossians 4:6.) If you need time to consider whether you agree to start a courtship, say so. However, try to provide a response as soon as possible. (Prov. 13:12) If you are not interested, express that fact kindly and clearly. Note how Hans, a brother from Austria, responded when a sister approached him: “I communicated my decision tactfully but clearly. I did so right away because I did not want to give her false hope. For the same reason, I was also careful about how I interacted with her afterward.” On the other hand, if you are interested in courting that person, discuss your feelings and expectations regarding courtship. Your expectations may differ from the other person’s, depending on your culture or on other factors.

HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT SINGLE CHRISTIANS?

14. How can we support single Christians with our words?

¹⁴ How can all of us support single Christians who want to get married? One way is by being careful about what we say. (Eph. 4:29) We could ask ourselves: ‘Do I tease those who want to get married? When I see a single brother and a single sister talking, do I assume that they have a romantic interest in each other?’ (1 Tim. 5:13) Additionally, we should never make single Christians feel that they are somehow incomplete because they are not married. Hans, quoted earlier, states: “Some brothers say, ‘Why don’t you get married? You’re not that young anymore.’ Such comments make single ones feel unappreciated and only increase the pressure they may feel to get married.” How much better to look for opportunities to commend single Christians!​—1 Thess. 5:11.

15. (a) According to the principle found at Romans 15:2, what should we consider before helping someone find a marriage mate? (See also picture.) (b) What points from the video stood out to you?

¹⁵ What if we think that a certain brother and a certain sister would make a good couple? The Bible tells us to consider the feelings of others. (Read Romans 15:2.) Many single ones do not want others to introduce them to a potential mate, and we should respect their wishes. (2 Thess. 3:11) Others may appreciate some help, but we should not intervene without being asked.f (Prov. 3:27) Some single ones prefer a less direct approach. Lydia, a single sister from Germany, says: “You could include the brother and the sister in a large group. Simply create the opportunity for the brother and the sister to meet and leave the rest up to them.”

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16. What should single Christians remember?

¹⁶ All of us​—single or married—​can live happy and satisfying lives! (Ps. 128:1) So if you want to get married but have not yet found someone, continue focusing on your service to Jehovah. A sister from Macao named Sin Yi says: “Compared with the time you could spend with your spouse in Paradise, the time being single is relatively short. Treasure that time, and make good use of it.” But what if you have found a potential mate and have begun courting? In the next article, we will discuss how you can have a successful courtship.

1-2. How do some feel about courtship?

COURTSHIP can be a joyful, exciting time. If you are currently in a courtship, no doubt you want it to go well. And for many couples, it does. Tsion,a a sister from Ethiopia, says: “One of the happiest times of my life was when my husband and I dated. We had serious discussions, and we also laughed. I was happy when I realized that I had found someone I love and who loves me.”

² However, Alessio, a brother from the Netherlands, says, “It was enjoyable to get to know my wife when we were dating, but our courtship also had challenges.” In this article, we will discuss some potential challenges and some Bible principles that can help couples to have a successful courtship. We will also consider how others in the congregation can support courting couples.

THE PURPOSE OF COURTSHIP

3. What is the purpose of courtship? (Proverbs 20:25)

³ Although courtship can be enjoyable, it is also a serious step that may lead to marriage. On their wedding day, a couple vow before Jehovah to love and respect each other for as long as they both live. Before making any vow, we should consider the matter very carefully. (Read Proverbs 20:25.) That is certainly true of the marriage vow. Courtship allows a couple to get to know each other and to make a good decision. Sometimes that decision is to get married; sometimes that decision is to end the courtship. If a couple break up, this does not mean that their courtship failed. Instead, the courtship served its purpose​—it helped them come to a good decision.

4. Why should we have the right view of courtship?

⁴ Why is it important to have the right view of courtship? When single people have the proper viewpoint, they will not date someone they have no intention of marrying. Single people, however, are not the only ones who need to have the right perspective. All of us should develop it. For example, some think that if a couple are dating, they must get married. How does this attitude affect single Christians? Melissa, a single sister in the United States, says: “There is a lot of pressure on Witnesses who are dating. As a result, some courting couples avoid ending a relationship that is not working. Other single ones avoid dating altogether. The pressure can be overwhelming.”

GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER WELL

5-6. What should a courting couple strive to learn about each other? (1 Peter 3:4)

⁵ If you are in a courtship, what will help you decide whether to get married or not? Get to know each other well. You likely learned some things about the other person before you began dating. But now you have the opportunity to get to know “the secret person of the heart.” (Read 1 Peter 3:4.) This involves learning more about your prospective mate’s spirituality, personality, and thinking. Over time, you should be able to answer such questions as: ‘Will this person be a good marriage mate for me?’ (Prov. 31:26, 27, 30; Eph. 5:33; 1 Tim. 5:8) ‘Can we fulfill each other’s emotional needs? Can we live with each other’s shortcomings?’b (Rom. 3:23) As you get to know each other, remember: Compatibility is largely determined, not by how similar you are, but by how adaptable you are to each other’s differences.

⁶ What other matters should you learn about the other person during courtship? Before you become too emotionally involved, you may want to discuss some important matters, such as the other person’s goals. But what about such personal matters as health issues, financial problems, or past trauma? Not all topics need to be discussed at the beginning of the courtship. (Compare John 16:12.) If you feel that it is too soon to answer some particularly personal questions, let the other person know. Nevertheless, in time your prospective mate will need to know this information in order to make a balanced decision. So at some point, you will have to open up.

7. How can a courting couple get to know each other? (See also the box “Long-Distance Courtships.”) (See also pictures.)

⁷ How can you get to know what the other person is like deep inside? One of the best ways is to talk openly and honestly, to ask questions and really listen. (Prov. 20:5; Jas. 1:19) To that end, you may find it helpful to engage in activities that lend themselves to conversation, such as eating together, taking walks together in public areas, and preaching together. You can also learn about each other when you spend time with friends and family. Additionally, plan activities that will show you how the other person acts in different circumstances and with different people. Note what Aschwin, from the Netherlands, tried to do. He says about his courtship with Alicia: “We looked for activities that would help us learn about each other. Often these were simple things, such as preparing a meal together or doing chores together. During such activities, we saw each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

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8. How may a courting couple benefit by studying together?

⁸ You can also get to know each other by studying spiritual topics together. If you get married, you will need to make time for family worship, so that God is an essential part of your marriage. (Eccl. 4:12) So why not schedule time to study together now, during your courtship? Of course, a courting couple are not a family yet, and the brother is not the sister’s head yet. Nevertheless, by studying together regularly, you can learn about each other’s spirituality. Max and Laysa, a couple from the United States, found another benefit. He says: “Early in our courtship, we started studying publications on the subjects of dating, marriage, and family life. Those publications opened the door to conversations on many important matters that would not have come up naturally.”

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

9. What factors should a courting couple consider when deciding whom to tell about their courtship?

⁹ Whom should you tell about your courtship? That is for you to decide as a couple. Early in the relationship, you may consider limiting the number of people you tell. (Prov. 17:27) By doing so, you may avoid unnecessary pressure and questions. However, if you do not tell anyone, you might end up isolating yourselves for fear that others will find out. This can be dangerous. So it would be wise at least to inform those who can provide good advice and practical assistance. (Prov. 15:22) For example, you could tell certain family members, mature friends, or Christian elders.

10. What can a couple do to keep their courtship honorable? (Proverbs 22:3)

¹⁰ How can you keep your courtship honorable? As your feelings grow, you will naturally feel more attracted to each other. What can help you to keep yourselves morally clean? (1 Cor. 6:18) Avoid immoral conversations, being alone together, and heavy drinking. (Eph. 5:3) These things can arouse passion and weaken your resolve to do what is right. Why not regularly discuss together what measures you can take to keep your courtship honorable? (Read Proverbs 22:3.) Note what helped Dawit and Almaz from Ethiopia. They say: “We would spend time together in places where there were plenty of people or in the company of other friends. We were never alone in a car or a house. Thus, we avoided situations that could be tempting.”

11. What factors should a courting couple consider when deciding on displays of affection?

¹¹ What about displays of affection? Some may be appropriate as your relationship progresses. However, if your passions are aroused, you will likely find it hard to think objectively about the other person. (Song of Sol. 1:2; 2:6) Displays of affection can also easily escalate and lead to misconduct. (Prov. 6:27) Therefore, early in your relationship, discuss what limits you will set, in harmony with Bible principles.c (1 Thess. 4:3-7) As a couple, ask yourselves: ‘How would people where we live view displays of affection between us? Could these actions arouse passion in either of us?’

12. What should a courting couple be aware of regarding problems and disagreements during a courtship?

¹² How can you handle problems and disagreements? What if you have disagreements from time to time? Would this indicate that your relationship is not working? Not necessarily; all couples have differences. A strong marriage is made up of two people who can work together to overcome their differences. So how you work through problems now may reveal whether your marriage will be successful. As a couple, ask yourselves: ‘Can we discuss matters calmly and respectfully? Do we readily admit our shortcomings and try to improve? Are we quick to yield, apologize, and forgive?’ (Eph. 4:31, 32) Nevertheless, if you constantly disagree or argue during courtship, the situation will not likely improve after you get married. If you realize that the other person is not right for you, ending the courtship would be the best decision for both of you.d

13. What factors can help a courting couple determine how long their courtship should last?

¹³ How long should your courtship last? Hasty decisions often bring negative consequences. (Prov. 21:5) So your courtship should be long enough for you to get well-acquainted with the other person. However, you should not prolong the courtship unnecessarily. The Bible also says: “Expectation postponed makes the heart sick.” (Prov. 13:12) Additionally, as the courtship progresses, it may get more difficult to resist sexual temptation. (1 Cor. 7:9) Instead of focusing on how long you have been dating, you could ask yourself, ‘What do I still need to learn about the other person in order to make a decision?’

HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT COURTING COUPLES?

14. In what practical ways can others support a courting couple? (See also picture.)

¹⁴ If we know a courting couple, how can we help them? We could invite them to join us for a meal, for family worship, or for recreation. (Rom. 12:13) Under those circumstances, they may get to know each other even more. Do they need a chaperone, help with transportation, or a place where they can talk privately? If so, could we offer to help? (Gal. 6:10) Alicia, mentioned earlier, recalls what she and Aschwin appreciated. She says, “We found it heartwarming that some brothers said that we could visit them if we needed a place to be together but not secluded.” If you are asked to chaperone, why not consider it a privilege? Be careful not to leave the couple completely alone, but also discern when they need time and space to talk privately.​—Phil. 2:4.

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15. What else can friends do to help a courting couple? (Proverbs 12:18)

¹⁵ We can also support courting couples by what we say or do not say. At times, we may need to control ourselves. (Read Proverbs 12:18.) For instance, we may be eager to tell others that a couple have begun dating, but the couple may want to share the news themselves. We should not gossip about a courting couple or criticize them about personal matters. (Prov. 20:19; Rom. 14:10; 1 Thess. 4:11) Furthermore, the couple may not appreciate comments or questions implying that they should or will get married. A sister named Elise and her husband recall, “We found it awkward when others asked us about our wedding plans when we hadn’t discussed them yet.”

16. How should we react if a couple end their courtship?

¹⁶ What if a couple decide to end the courtship? We should avoid prying into the matter or taking sides. (1 Pet. 4:15) A sister named Lea says: “I heard that others had been speculating about why a brother and I broke up. I was really hurt.” As mentioned earlier, a breakup does not necessarily mean that the couple failed. Usually, it simply means that the courtship achieved its purpose​—it helped the couple come to a good decision. However, that decision may still have caused them emotional pain and may have left them feeling alone. So we can look for ways to support them.​—Prov. 17:17.

17. What should courting couples continue to do?

¹⁷ As we have seen, courtship can have its challenges, but it can also be enjoyable. Jessica recalls: “Quite honestly, courtship was a lot of work. But it was 100 percent worth the time and energy.” If you are a courting couple, continue working on getting to know each other well. If you do, you will have a successful courtship​—one that will help you both to make a wise decision.

Read Genesis 37:23-28; 39:17-23 to learn from Joseph’s experience about enduring injustice.

Analyze the context. What led up to Joseph’s unfair treatment? (Gen. 37:3-11; 39:1, 6-10) How long did Joseph have to endure injustice? (Gen. 37:2; 41:46) During that time, what did Jehovah do for Joseph, but what did He not do?​—Gen. 39:2, 21; w23.01 17 ¶13.

Dig deeper. The Bible does not say that Joseph defended himself against the false accusation of Potiphar’s wife. How might the following scriptures help us to reason on why Joseph might have chosen to remain silent or on why we need not expect all details to be revealed? (Prov. 20:2; John 21:25; Acts 21:37) What qualities may have helped Joseph endure injustice?​—Mic. 7:7; Luke 14:11; Jas. 1:2, 3.

Identify the lessons. Ask yourself:

• ‘What unjust treatment can I expect to face as a disciple of Jesus?’ (Luke 21:12, 16, 17; Heb. 10:33, 34)

• ‘How can I prepare to deal with injustice successfully?’ (Ps. 62:7, 8; 105:17-19; w19.07 2-7)