Examining

the Scriptures
Daily

2023
es23-E
220905
 Examining
the Scriptures
Daily
2023

Yeartext
“The very essence of your
word is truth.”
—Psalm 119:160.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Name
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.

Examining the Scriptures Daily—2023

August 2022 Printing
English (es23-E)

˘ 2022
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
Publishers
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
Wallkill, New York, U.S.A.
Made in U.S.A.
 2023

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
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9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 27 28 29 30 31
30 31

APRIL MAY JUNE

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
 OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MINISTRY
BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR 2023

January February

2 2 Kings 22-23  6 1 Chronicles 10-12 

9 2 Kings 24-25  13 1 Chronicles 13-16 
16 1 Chronicles 1-3  20 1 Chronicles 17-19 
23 1 Chronicles 4-6  27 1 Chronicles 20-22 
30 1 Chronicles 7-9 

March April

6 1 Chronicles 23-26  3 Week of Memorial

13 1 Chronicles 27-29  10 2 Chronicles 8-9 
20 2 Chronicles 1-4  17 2 Chronicles 10-12 
27 2 Chronicles 5-7  24 2 Chronicles 13-16 

May June

1 2 Chronicles 17-19  5 2 Chronicles 30-31 

8 2 Chronicles 20-21  12 2 Chronicles 32-33 
15 2 Chronicles 22-24  19 2 Chronicles 34-36 
22 2 Chronicles 25-27  26 Ezra 1-3 
29 2 Chronicles 28-29 
 July August

3 Ezra 4-6  7 Nehemiah 5-7 

10 Ezra 7-8  14 Nehemiah 8-9 
17 Ezra 9-10  21 Nehemiah 10-11 
24 Nehemiah 1-2  28 Nehemiah 12-13 
31 Nehemiah 3-4 

September October

4 Esther 1-2  2 Job 1-3 

11 Esther 3-5  9 Job 4-5 
18 Esther 6-8  16 Job 6-7 
25 Esther 9-10  23 Job 8-10 
30 Job 11-12 

November December

6 Job 13-14  4 Job 22-24 

13 Job 15-17  11 Job 25-27 
20 Job 18-19  18 Job 28-29 
27 Job 20-21  25 Job 30-31 
 How to Use This Booklet
On the following pages, you will find a scripture for each
day and comments on that text. Although the text and com-
ments may be read at any time, many find it advantageous to
consider them in the morning. Then they can reflect on such
thoughts throughout the day. Discussing the text as a family
is most beneficial. Bethel families around the world do so at
breakfast time.
The comments are taken from the Watchtower (w) issues of
April 2021 through March 2022. Figures following the date of the
Watchtower issue refer first to the page(s) in that issue and then
to the paragraph(s) where the material is found. (See illustra-
tion below.) Additional information on the subject matter can
be found in the article itself.

Sunday, January 1
Blind guides is what they are.
—Matt. 15:14.
Jesus courageously denounced
the hypocritical religious practices
of his day. . . . He made it clear that
some would appear to serve God,
but in reality they were not serving
him. He warned: “Be on the watch
for the false prophets who come to
you in sheep’s covering, but inside
they are ravenous wolves. By their
fruits you will recognize them.”
—Matt. 7:15-20. w21.05 9 ˚7-8
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 

․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 

․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 

․․․․․․․․․

Paragraph number(s) where text

and comments are found
Page number(s) where text and
comments are found
Month of Watchtower issue
Year of Watchtower issue
 Sunday, January 1 nah tried to take revenge. Instead,
Blind guides is what they are. she poured out her heart to Jeho-
—Matt. 15:14. vah and trusted that he would make
matters right. (1 Sam. 1:2, 6, 7, 10)
Jesus courageously denounced What can we learn from Hannah’s
the hypocritical religious practices example? If someone tries to com-
of his day. For example, he exposed pete with you in some way, remem-
the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who ber that you are in control of the
were more concerned with how situation. You do not have to allow
they washed their hands than with yourself to be drawn into the com-
how they cared for their parents. petition. Instead of repaying evil for
(Matt. 15:1-11) Jesus did not al- evil, try to make peace with the per-
low the negative reaction of the re- son. (Rom. 12:17-21) Even if he does
ligious leaders to stop him from not respond, you will maintain your
speaking the truth. Jesus also ex- inner peace. w21.07 17 ˚13-14
posed false religious teachings. He
did not say that all religious beliefs Tuesday, January 3
are acceptable to God. Rather, he Keep your eyes open and guard
spoke of many who would be on the against every sort of greed.
spacious road that leads to destruc- —Luke 12:15.
tion, whereas only a few would be
on the cramped road to life. (Matt. Greed led Judas Iscariot to be-
7:13, 14) He made it clear that some come a despicable traitor. He did
would appear to serve God, but in not start out that way though. (Luke
reality they were not serving him. 6:13, 16) Judas was evidently capa-
He warned: “Be on the watch for ble and dependable, for he was in
the false prophets who come to you charge of the money box. But at
in sheep’s covering, but inside they some point, Judas began to steal,
are ravenous wolves. By their fruits despite having heard Jesus’ repeat-
you will recognize them.”—Matt. 7: ed warnings about greed. (Mark 7:
15-20. w21.05 9 ˚7-8 22, 23; Luke 11:39) Judas’ greed be-
came evident during an incident
Monday, January 2 that happened not long before Je-
sus was put to death. Jesus and
Her face was no longer
his disciples, including Mary and
downcast.—1 Sam. 1:18.
her sister, Martha, were guests of
Hannah was married to a Levite Simon the leper. During the meal,
named Elkanah, who loved her very Mary got up and poured on Jesus’
much. But Elkanah had another head perfumed oil that cost a lot of
wife, Peninnah. Elkanah loved Han- money. Judas and the other disci-
nah more than he loved Peninnah; ples got very upset. The other dis-
however, “Peninnah had children, ciples may have felt that the money
but Hannah had no children.” Be- could be better used in the ministry.
cause of this, Peninnah taunted But Judas’ motive was different. He
Hannah “relentlessly in order to up- “was a thief,” and he wanted to steal
set her.” Hannah became very up- money from the box.—John 12:2-6;
set! “She would weep and not eat.” Matt. 26:6-16; Luke 22:3-6. w21.06 18
Yet, there is no record that Han- ˚12-13
 Wednesday, January 4 Soon after Adam sinned, Jeho-
Miserable man that I am! vah progressively revealed how he
Who will rescue me? would rescue millions of Adam’s
—Rom. 7:24. offspring from the curse of sin and
death. (Gen. 3:15) Because of the
Do you sometimes feel weighed ransom, we can have a close friend-
down by many responsibilities, un- ship with Jehovah even though we
able to cope with them all? If so, are imperfect. Because of the ran-
you would understand Paul. He felt som, the works of the Devil will be
anxiety, not just for one congrega- completely broken up. (1 John 3:8)
tion but “for all the congregations.”
Because of the ransom, Jehovah’s
(2 Cor. 11:23-28) Do chronic health
original purpose for the earth will
problems often rob you of your joy?
be fulfilled. The entire planet will
Paul was afflicted by a persistent
become a paradise. w21.04 14 ˚1;
“thorn in the flesh,” which may have
been a physical ailment, and he was
19 ˚17
desperate to be rid of it. (2 Cor. 12: Friday, January 6
7-10) Are you discouraged by your
own imperfections? So was Paul at Let each one of you be
times. He called himself a “miser- baptized.—Acts 2:38.
able man” because of his relentless A large crowd made up of men
battle with his own imperfections. and women from many coun-
(Rom. 7:21-24) Despite facing vari- tries and speaking a number of lan-
ous tests and discouraging circum- guages had gathered. Something
stances, Paul kept on serving Je- remarkable happened that day. A
hovah. What gave him the strength group of ordinary Jews could speak
to do so? Although he was keenly in the visitors’ native languages! As
aware of his imperfections, he had surprising as that was, what those
unwavering faith in the ransom. Jews were saying to them and what
w21.04 22 ˚7-8 the apostle Peter said to all was
Thursday, January 5 more remarkable. It included the
message that they could be saved
The Son of man came . . . to give by exercising faith in Jesus Christ.
his life as a ransom in exchange The crowd was deeply affected by
for many.—Mark 10:45. that message. The people were so
When the perfect man Adam moved, in fact, that they asked:
sinned, he lost the opportunity “What should we do?” In reply, Pe-
for everlasting life not only for ter said: “Let each one of you be
himself but also for his future baptized.” (Acts 2:37, 38) What hap-
children. There was no excuse for pened next was exceptional. Some
what Adam did. His sin was de- 3,000 individuals got baptized on
liberate. But what about his chil- that day, becoming disciples of
dren? They had played no role in Christ. This was the beginning of
Adam’s sin. (Rom. 5:12, 14) Could the great disciple-making work that
anything be done to rescue them Jesus commanded his followers to
from the death sentence that their do. That work has extended to the
forefather so richly deserved? Yes! 21st century. w21.06 2 ˚1-2
 Saturday, January 7 raise their children in “the disci-
I planted, Apollos watered, but pline and admonition of Jehovah.”
God kept making it grow, so that (Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:5-7) In order to
neither is the one who plants any- help parents, God’s organization
thing nor is the one who wa- provides many Bible-based tools,
ters, but God who makes it grow. such as publications, videos, mu-
—1 Cor. 3:6, 7. sic, and online resources. Clearly,
both our heavenly Father and his
We may live in a territory where Son cherish our young ones. (Luke
it is difficult to start Bible studies. 18:15-17) When parents rely on Je-
People may seem to be indifferent
hovah and do their very best to care
to our message or even opposed to
for their precious children, Jeho-
it. What can help us remain positive
vah is pleased. And such parents
in such territory? Remember that
give their children the prospect of
people’s circumstances can change
becoming part of Jehovah’s family
quickly in this turbulent world, and
those who were once not interested forever! w21.08 5 ˚9
may become conscious of their spir- Monday, January 9
itual need. (Matt. 5:3) Some who al-
ways in the past refused our litera- Faith is . . . the evident demonstra-
ture later accepted a Bible study. We tion of realities that are not seen.
also know that Jehovah is the Mas- —Heb. 11:1.
ter of the harvest. (Matt. 9:38) He Some people think that having
wants us to keep planting and water- faith means believing in something
ing, but he is the One responsible without proof. But according to the
for the growth. And how encourag- Bible, that is not real faith. Notice
ing it is to be reminded that even if that faith in invisible realities, such
we are not able to conduct a Bible as Jehovah, Jesus, and the heaven-
study at present, Jehovah rewards ly Kingdom, is based on convincing
us based on our efforts, not on our evidence. (Heb. 11:3) One Witness
results! w21.07 6 ˚14 who is a biochemist put it this way:
Sunday, January 8 “Our faith is not blind faith that
ignores the facts of science.” We
Sons are an inheritance might ask, ‘If convincing evidence
from Jehovah. of a Creator exists, why do many
—Ps. 127:3. people believe that God had noth-
Jehovah has given humans the ing to do with the origin of life?’
ability to have children, as well as Some have simply never examined
the responsibility to teach them to the evidence for themselves. Rob-
love and to serve him. Although ert, who is now one of Jehovah’s
the angels are highly blessed by Je- Witnesses, says: “Since creation
hovah, they have not been grant- was never mentioned in school, I as-
ed this privilege. With that in sumed that it was not true. It was
mind, those who are raising chil- not until I was in my 20’s that I
dren should treasure their oppor- heard the logical and convincing ar-
tunity to do so. Parents have been guments from the Bible in favor of
given a trust, a sacred duty to creation.” w21.08 15 ˚4-5
 Tuesday, January 10 cause they are not prominent by
Taste and see that Jehovah this world’s standards. As Paul said,
is good.—Ps. 34:8. God chose those who are “looked
down on.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29) However,
We can learn something about Je- to Jehovah, all his faithful servants
hovah’s goodness by reading the Bi- are precious. How can we avoid be-
ble as well as by hearing others talk ing misled by the world’s thinking?
about the blessings they have re- (Matt. 11:25, 26) Do not be influ-
ceived. But we will gain a real un- enced by its view of God’s people.
derstanding of how good Jehovah Recognize that Jehovah uses only
is when we “taste” his goodness for humble people to do his will. (Ps.
ourselves. To illustrate, suppose we 138:6) And reflect on how much he
want to engage in some form of the has accomplished by using those
full-time ministry, but in order to whom the world does not consider
reach that goal, we will need to sim- to be wise or intellectual. w21.05 8
plify our life. We know Jesus’ prom- ˚1; 9 ˚5-6
ise that if we put Kingdom inter-
ests first, Jehovah will provide the Thursday, January 12
things we really need, but we per- You sent something to me
sonally have never experienced the for my need.—Phil. 4:16.
fulfillment of that promise. (Matt. 6:
33) Nevertheless, with faith in Je- The apostle Paul was grateful for
sus’ promise, we reduce our expens- the help he received. He was not too
es, cut down on our secular work, proud to accept support from his
and focus on our ministry. As we do brothers and sisters. (Phil. 2:19-22)
so, we learn through our own expe- Older ones, you can show your grat-
rience that Jehovah really does itude for the younger ones in your
care for our needs. We “taste” Je- congregation in a number of ways.
hovah’s goodness personally. w21.08 If they want to help you with trans-
26 ˚2 portation, shopping, or other physi-
cal needs, gratefully accept their
Wednesday, January 11 assistance. View such help as an ex-
pression of Jehovah’s love. You
They will not put up with the
may be surprised at the bonds of
wholesome teaching.
friendship that might develop. Al-
—2 Tim. 4:3.
ways show interest in the spiritu-
Do we see the same problem to- al growth of your young compan-
day? Yes. Many clergymen are ea- ions, and tell them how happy you
ger to accept as members of their are to see young ones reaching out
congregations individuals who are to be of greater service in the con-
prominent, wealthy, and viewed gregation. And be willing to spend
as wise by the world. Such cler- time sharing your life’s experienc-
gy do this even though the mor- es with them. When you do, you will
als and lifestyle of those new mem- “show yourselves thankful” to Je-
bers often are out of harmony with hovah for the younger ones whom
God’s standards. The same clergy- he has drawn to the congregation.
men look with disdain on Jehovah’s —Col. 3:15; John 6:44; 1 Thess. 5:18.
zealous, morally clean servants be- w21.09 11-12 ˚12-13
 Friday, January 13 vid wrote: “Jehovah is good to all,
With this compassion a daybreak and his mercy is evident in all his
will visit us from on high. works.” (Ps. 145:9) Because Jeho-
—Luke 1:78. vah loves people, he extends mercy
whenever he sees a basis for doing
Jehovah loves our brothers and so. More than anyone else, Jesus
sisters. But we may not always find knows how much Jehovah loves to
it easy to feel and express love for show mercy. This Father and Son
members of our spiritual family. Af- were together in heaven during the
ter all, we come from many differ- course of thousands of years of hu-
ent cultures and backgrounds. And man history. (Prov. 8:30, 31) On
we all make mistakes that can frus- many occasions, Jesus saw how his
trate and disappoint others. Still, Father showed mercy to sinful hu-
we can contribute to the love of mans. (Ps. 78:37-42) In his teach-
our spiritual family. How? By imi- ing, Jesus often highlighted this en-
tating our Father in showing love dearing quality of his Father. w21.10
to our brothers and sisters. (Eph. 8-9 ˚4-5
5:1, 2; 1 John 4:19) A compassion-
ate person looks for ways to pro- Sunday, January 15
vide help and comfort. By the way Father, glorify your name.
he treated people, Jesus reflected —John 12:28.
Jehovah’s concern for them. (John
5:19) When seeing a crowd on one Jehovah himself answered that
occasion, Jesus “felt pity for them, prayer with a thunderous voice
because they were skinned and from heaven, promising that he
thrown about like sheep without a would glorify his name. Through-
shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) Jesus’ com- out his ministry, Jesus glorified
passion went beyond warm feel- his Father’s name. (John 17:26) So
ings. He cured the sick and offered it is reasonable to expect that true
refreshment to those who were Christians would be proud to use
“toiling and loaded down.”—Matt. God’s name and to make it known
11:28-30; 14:14. w21.09 22 ˚10-11 to others. In the first century C.E.,
shortly after the Christian con-
Saturday, January 14 gregation was established, Jeho-
vah “turned his attention to the na-
[God ] was merciful; he would for-
tions to take out of them a people
give their error and not bring them
for his name.” (Acts 15:14) Those
to ruin.—Ps. 78:38.
first-century Christians were proud
Jehovah loves to be merciful. to use God’s name and to make it
The apostle Paul was inspired to known to others. They used the di-
write that God is “rich in mercy.” vine name prominently in their min-
In this context, Paul was referring istry and in their writings. They
to God’s mercy in offering the hope proved themselves to be a peo-
of heavenly life to his imperfect, ple for God’s name. (Acts 2:14, 21)
anointed servants. (Eph. 2:4-7) But Similarly today, Jehovah’s Witness-
Jehovah’s mercy is even more ex- es are a people for Jehovah’s name.
tensive than that. The psalmist Da- w21.10 20-21 ˚8-10
 Monday, January 16 crossed your mind, Jesus’ words,
Consider Jehovah’s acts of as recorded in today’s text, should
loyal love.—Ps. 107:43. prove to be most helpful. Jesus told
his disciples: “Do not let your hearts
God’s loyal love is enduring. This be troubled. Exercise faith.” Strong
important aspect of loyal love is faith will help us to face the future
mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. In with confidence. We can strengthen
the opening verse, we read: “Give our faith to endure future trials by
thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; considering how we deal with tests
his loyal love endures forever.” (Ps. of faith now. Then we can learn of
136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the areas where we need to strengthen
refrain “for his loyal love endures our faith. With each test we pass,
forever.” As we read the remain- our faith becomes stronger. This
ing verses of this psalm, we cannot will help us to endure future trials.
help but be impressed by the many w21.11 20 ˚1-2
ways in which Jehovah shows his
loyal love without letup. The refrain Wednesday, January 18
“for his loyal love endures forever” When I am weak, then I am
assures us that God’s love for his powerful.—2 Cor. 12:10.
people is not fickle. How heartening
The apostle Paul encouraged
it is to know that Jehovah does not
Timothy and by extension all Chris-
quickly give up on his servants! In-
tians to accomplish their ministry
stead, he attaches himself to those
fully. (2 Tim. 4:5) Yet, there are
who serve him and he sticks with
challenges. Think, for example,
them, especially in times of dis- of our brothers who live in lands
tress. Knowing that Jehovah sticks where our work is restricted or
with us gives us the joy and the even banned. Jehovah’s people
strength we need to cope with our must deal with a variety of prob-
distresses and to keep walking on lems that could dishearten them.
the path to life.—Ps. 31:7. w21.11 4 For instance, many have to work
˚9-10 long hours just to provide the ba-
Tuesday, January 17 sic necessities for their family.
They would like to do more in the
Do not let your hearts be ministry, but they have little ener-
troubled. Exercise faith. gy at the end of the week. Others
—John 14:1. are severely limited in what they
Do you sometimes feel anxious can do because of chronic illness
when you think about the events or advancing age; they may even
that lie ahead of us—the destruc- be confined to their home. Still oth-
tion of false religion, the attack of ers are constantly plagued by feel-
Gog of Magog, and the war of Ar- ings of worthlessness. Regardless
mageddon? Do you ever ask your- of our circumstances, Jehovah can
self, ‘When the time comes, will empower us to cope with person-
I be able to pass through these al challenges and still serve him to
fear-inspiring events with my integ- the extent that our circumstances
rity intact?’ If such thoughts have allow. w21.05 20 ˚1-3
 Thursday, January 19 listened to Jesus’ teachings. You
You must not . . . profane learned that Jehovah expects us to
the name of your God. reject the teachings of false religion
—Lev. 19:12. and to stop celebrating holidays
that have pagan origins or prac-
Sometimes others may pressure tices. You also learned that doing
us to get involved in activities that what Jehovah requires and break-
would interfere with our worship. ing free from practices that do not
When they do, we have an impor- meet with his approval may be chal-
tant decision to make. Consider an lenging. (Matt. 10:34-36) It may not
interesting principle found at Levit- have been easy for you to make
icus 19:19, which says in part: “You the needed adjustments. However,
must not wear a garment made you persevered because you love
with two sorts of thread mixed to- your heavenly Father. How pleased
gether.” That law helped to distin- he must be with you!—Prov. 27:11.
guish Israel from the surrounding w21.12 22 ˚3; 23 ˚5
nations. Today, we do not object to
garments of mixed materials, such Saturday, January 21
as cotton and polyester or wool and Listen, my son, and accept
rayon. But we do object to being my sayings.—Prov. 4:10.
like people whose beliefs and prac-
Moses is a good example of some-
tices conflict with Bible teachings.
one who accepted correction af-
Of course, we have natural affec-
ter he had made a serious mistake.
tion for our relatives, and we show On one occasion, he lost his tem-
love for our neighbors. Yet, when it per and did not honor Jehovah. Be-
comes to important aspects of life, cause of this, Moses lost out on the
we are willing to be separate as Je- privilege of entering the Promised
hovah’s people. That is vital if we Land. (Num. 20:1-13) When Moses
are striving to become holy.—2 Cor. expressed his disappointment over
6:14-16; 1 Pet. 4:3, 4. w21.12 5 ˚14; this decision, Jehovah told him:
6 ˚16 “Never speak to me again about this
Friday, January 20 matter.” (Deut. 3:23-27) Moses did
not become bitter. Rather, he ac-
Narrow is the gate and cramped cepted Jehovah’s decision, and Je-
the road leading off into life. hovah continued to use him to lead
—Matt. 7:14. Israel. (Deut. 4:1) Moses is a good
The road to life can be found. Je- example for us to imitate when it
sus said: “If you remain in my word, comes to accepting counsel. Moses
you are really my disciples, and you proved that he accepted Jehovah’s
will know the truth, and the truth counsel by remaining faithful even
will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32) after he lost a privilege that was
Commendably, you did not follow precious to him. We benefit when
the crowd; rather, you searched we imitate the example set by such
for the truth. You began an inten- faithful men as Moses. (Prov. 4:11-
sive study of God’s Word to learn 13) Many of our brothers and sisters
what he requires of us, and you have done just that. w22.02 11 ˚9-10
 Sunday, January 22 nicate with our heavenly Father,
Jesus gave way to tears. the more our own love for him will
—John 11:35. grow and the better equipped we
will be to teach our student to love
In the winter of 32 C.E., Jesus’ him. This was true of Jesus. He de-
good friend Lazarus got sick and scribed his Father in such warm,
died. (John 11:3, 14) The man had loving terms that his faithful follow-
two sisters, Mary and Martha, and ers could not help but love Jehovah
Jesus loved this family very much. as well. (John 17:25, 26) Third, your
When Martha heard that Jesus was faith will grow stronger. Consider
coming, she rushed out to meet what happens when you ask God
him. Imagine the surge of emotions for guidance, comfort, or support.
as she said: “Lord, if you had been Each time Jehovah answers those
here, my brother would not have prayers, your faith in him grows.
died.” (John 11:21, 32, 33) Jesus —1 John 5:15. w22.01 30 ˚15-17
was surely moved to tears on see-
ing how Mary and Martha were af- Tuesday, January 24
fected by the death of their broth- Strip off the old personality
er. If you have lost a loved one, with its practices.
Jehovah understands how you feel. —Col. 3:9.
Jesus is “the exact representation”
Jehovah urges us to get rid of
of his Father. (Heb. 1:3) When Je-
wrong thinking and bad habits be-
sus wept, he reflected his Father’s
cause he loves us very much and
emotions. (John 14:9) If you are en-
wants us to enjoy life. (Isa. 48:17, 18)
during the loss of a loved one,
He knows that those who give in to
you can be sure that Jehovah not
wrong desires hurt themselves and
only notices your grief but also
those around them. It pains him
feels deeply for you. He wants to
to see us hurt ourselves and oth-
heal your broken heart.—Ps. 34:18;
ers. Some of our friends and fami-
147:3. w22.01 15 ˚5-7
ly may at first ridicule us for trying
Monday, January 23 to make changes to our personali-
ty. (1 Pet. 4:3, 4) They may say that
Faith follows the thing heard.
we have the right to do whatever
—Rom. 10:17.
we want and that we should not al-
If you take time to talk to, lis- low others to tell us what to do. But
ten to, and think about Jehovah, those who reject Jehovah’s stan-
you will benefit greatly. First, you dards are not actually being inde-
will make better decisions. The Bi- pendent. In reality, they are allow-
ble assures us that “the one walk- ing the world dominated by Satan
ing with the wise will become wise.” to mold them. (Rom. 12:1, 2) We all
(Prov. 13:20) Second, you will be- face a choice: Either we keep our
come a better teacher. When we are old personality, which is shaped by
studying the Bible with someone, sin and Satan’s world, or we allow
one of our most important goals Jehovah to transform us into the
is to help our student draw close best person we can be at present.
to Jehovah. The more we commu- —Isa. 64:8. w22.03 3 ˚6-7
 Wednesday, January 25 hovah your God.” (Ex. 34:24) With
The word of God is alive and ex- full faith in Jehovah, those God-
erts power and is sharper than any fearing Israelites attended the year-
two-edged sword . . . and is able to ly festivals. They could thus reap
discern thoughts and intentions of rich rewards; they broadened their
understanding of God’s Law, medi-
the heart.—Heb. 4:12.
tated on his goodness, and enjoyed
We can develop the right attitude encouraging association with fellow
about our circumstances by medi- believers. We receive similar bene-
tating on God’s Word. Consider how fits when we make sacrifices to at-
the Bible benefited a grieving wid- tend Christian meetings. And think
ow. An elder suggested that she of how pleased Jehovah is when we
could learn helpful lessons from come prepared to offer brief, mean-
reading the book of Job. As she ingful comments. w22.03 22 ˚9
did, she was at first quick to criti-
cize Job for his wrong thinking. In Friday, January 27
her imagination she warned him: He is able to come to the aid of
“Job! Don’t be so negative!” But those who are being put to the
then she realized that her attitude test.—Heb. 2:18.
had been very similar to that of
Jehovah was training Jesus for
Job. This helped her to readjust her
his future role as our High Priest.
viewpoint and strengthened her to
Jesus experienced how difficult
cope with the pain of losing her
it is to obey God when under ex-
husband. Another way that Jeho-
treme test. He felt so much pres-
vah strengthens Christians is by
sure that he prayed for help “with
means of fellow worshippers. Paul
strong outcries and tears.” Certain-
wrote that he was longing to have ly, having gone through wrench-
“an interchange of encouragement”
ing emotional distress, Jesus him-
with his spiritual brothers and sis- self understands our needs and “is
ters.—Rom. 1:11, 12. w21.05 22 ˚10-11; able to come to [our] aid” when we
24 ˚12 “are being put to the test.” How
Thursday, January 26 grateful we are to Jehovah for ap-
pointing over us a merciful High
Seven days you will celebrate the Priest who can “sympathize with
festival to Jehovah your God in our weaknesses”! (Heb. 2:17; 4:14-
the place that Jehovah chooses. 16; 5:7-10) Jehovah allowed Jesus to
—Deut. 16:15. suffer so severely in order to an-
The ancient Israelites were told: swer an important question: Can
“Three times a year, all your males humans demonstrate godly devo-
should appear before Jehovah your tion even when severely tested? Sa-
God in the place that he chooses.” tan says no! He claims that humans
(Deut. 16:16) They had to leave their serve God for selfish reasons and
home and their crops unguarded. that they are not devoted to Jeho-
But Jehovah promised them: “No- vah. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4, 5) Jesus main-
body will desire your land while you tained his integrity and proved Sa-
are going up to see the face of Je- tan a liar. w21.04 16-17 ˚7-8
 Saturday, January 28 —not perfectly. If we follow his foot-
Go, therefore, and make disciples steps carefully, doing the best we
. . . , teaching them to observe all can as imperfect humans, we will be
the things I have commanded. heeding the apostle John’s words:
—Matt. 28:19, 20. “Go on walking just as that one [Je-
sus] walked.” (1 John 2:6) Following
Before getting baptized, a Bible Jesus’ footsteps will draw us closer
student must put into practice what to Jehovah. Why can we say that?
the Bible teaches. When a student Jesus set an outstanding example
applies what he learns, he becomes of how to live in a way that pleases
like the “discreet man” in Jesus’ il- God. (John 8:29) So by following Je-
lustration who dug down deep to sus’ footsteps, we will please Jeho-
build his house on solid rock. (Matt. vah. And we can be sure that our
7:24, 25; Luke 6:47, 48) Help your heavenly Father will draw close to
student to make lifestyle chang- those who try hard to be his friends.
es. (Mark 10:17-22) Jesus knew that
—Jas. 4:8. w21.04 3 ˚4-6
it would be difficult for a rich man
to sell all his belongings. (Mark 10: Monday, January 30
23) Yet, Jesus told the man to make
this big change in his lifestyle. Why? Jehovah takes pleasure in
Because Jesus felt love for him. At his people.—Ps. 149:4.
times, we may hold back from en- Jehovah notices our good qual-
couraging a student to apply what he ities; he sees our potential and
is learning because we feel that he is draws us to himself. If we remain
not ready to make a needed change. faithful to him, he will remain close
(Col. 3:9, 10) But the sooner you to us forever! (John 6:44) If we
openly discuss the issue, the soon- are convinced of Jehovah’s love
er the student can begin to change. and support, we will be impelled to
By having that discussion, you show serve him wholeheartedly in spite
that you care about him.—Ps. 141:5; of life’s challenges. On the other
Prov. 27:17. w21.06 3 ˚3, 5 hand, if we doubt that God cares
Sunday, January 29 for us, our “strength will be mea-
ger.” (Prov. 24:10) And when we be-
Christ . . . [left ] a model for you come discouraged and lose faith
to follow his steps closely. in God’s love, we will be vulner-
—1 Pet. 2:21. able to Satan’s attacks. (Eph. 6:16)
The apostle Peter is specifically Some faithful Christians in our time
commenting on the fine example Je- have been weakened spiritually by
sus set in the endurance of suffer- doubts. What should we do when
ing; however, there are many other doubts about God’s love find their
ways in which we can imitate Jesus. way into our mind? We must imme-
(1 Pet. 2:18-25) Really, Jesus’ en- diately reject them! Ask Jehovah to
tire life course—everything he said help you replace those “disquieting
and did—is an example for us to fol- thoughts” with ‘the peace of God
low. As imperfect humans, can we that will guard your heart and your
really follow Jesus’ example? Yes, mental powers.’ (Ps. 139:23; ftn.;
we can. Recall that Peter urges us Phil. 4:6, 7) And remember, you are
“to follow [Jesus’] steps closely” not alone. w21.04 20 ˚1; 21 ˚4-6
 Tuesday, January 31 also have troubled Elijah was the
God is . . . giving you both the feeling that he was the only proph-
desire and the power to act. et left serving Jehovah. (1 Ki. 19:10)
—Phil. 2:13. God quickly took note of Elijah. Je-
hovah sent an angel to reassure His
How did you become one of Je- prophet that he was not alone—that
hovah’s Witnesses? First, you heard there were still many other God-
“the good news”—maybe from fearing Israelites! (1 Ki. 19:5, 18) Je-
your parents, from a workmate sus warmly reassured his disciples
or a schoolmate, or by means of that they would gain a vast spiri-
the door-to-door preaching work. tual family. (Mark 10:29, 30) And
(Mark 13:10) Then, someone spent Jehovah, the Head of our spiritu-
a lot of time and effort conducting al family, promises that he will sup-
a Bible study with you. During that port those who want to serve him.
study, you came to love Jehovah and —Ps. 9:10. w21.06 8-9 ˚3-4
you learned that he loves you. Jeho-
vah drew you to the truth, and now, Thursday, February 2
as a disciple of Jesus Christ, you The one who is from God listens to
have the prospect of living forever. the sayings of God.—John 8:47.
(John 6:44) You are no doubt grate-
ful to Jehovah that He motivated Many are stumbled because our
someone to teach you the truth and Bible-based teachings expose false
that He accepted you as one of His religious ideas. Clergymen teach
servants. Now that we know the their flocks that God punishes the
truth, we have the privilege of help- wicked in hell. They use that false
ing others join us on the road to life. teaching to maintain control over
We may be comfortable preaching the people. As Jehovah’s servants,
from door to door, but we may find who worship a God of love, we ex-
it challenging to offer and conduct pose that false teaching. The cler-
gy also teach that the soul is immor-
Bible studies. w21.07 2 ˚1-2
tal. We expose the pagan origin of
Wednesday, February 1 that doctrine, which—if true—would
make the resurrection irrelevant.
Jehovah is near to all those
And contrary to the belief in pre-
calling on him.—Ps. 145:18.
destination that many religions em-
Jehovah is keenly interested in brace, we teach that man has free
the welfare of all his worshippers. will and can choose to serve God.
He is near to each one of us, and he How do religious leaders respond?
notices when we feel overwhelmed Often, they are furious! If we love
by discouraging feelings. (Ps. 145: the truth, we must accept the say-
18, 19) Consider how attentive Jeho- ings of God. (John 8:45, 46) Unlike
vah was to his prophet Elijah. That Satan the Devil, we stand fast in
faithful man lived during a difficult the truth. We never compromise our
time in Israel’s history. Worshippers beliefs. (John 8:44) God requires
of Jehovah were being severely per- that his people “abhor what is wick-
secuted, and Elijah was a special ed” and “cling to what is good,” just
target of powerful enemies who op- as Jesus did.—Rom. 12:9; Heb. 1:9.
posed God. (1 Ki. 19:1, 2) What may w21.05 10 ˚10-11
 Friday, February 3 994 people to dedicate themselves
Oppose the Devil, and he will to Jehovah and get baptized. These
flee from you.—Jas. 4:7. new disciples will, in turn, conduct
Bible studies and make more disci-
What if we discover that we have ples. (Luke 6:40) Without doubt, we
given in to pride or greed? We can make Jehovah happy when we
escape! The apostle Paul said that share in the disciple-making work.
those who “have been caught alive Making disciples is hard work, but
by” the Devil can still escape from with Jehovah’s help we can play a
the snare. (2 Tim. 2:26) Never for- part in teaching new ones to love
get, Jehovah is stronger than Sa- our heavenly Father. Could we set
tan. So if we accept Jehovah’s help, the goal of starting and conducting
we can escape from any snare or at least one Bible study? We may be
trap that the Devil has set. Of surprised to see what will happen if
course, rather than have to escape we use every appropriate occasion
from Satan’s snares or traps, we to ask those whom we meet to study
should avoid them altogether. We with us. w21.07 6-7 ˚14-16
can do so only with God’s help. So
beg Jehovah daily to help you rec- Sunday, February 5
ognize if those ugly qualities have Because of my delight in the house
begun to influence your thinking of my God, there is also my private
and actions. (Ps. 139:23, 24) Nev- treasure of gold and silver that I
er allow them to get a grip on you! am giving to the house of my God.
For thousands of years, Satan has —1 Chron. 29:3.
been the hunter. But soon he will
be bound and eventually destroyed. King David made substantial do-
(Rev. 20:1-3, 10) We long for that nations from his personal wealth to
day. Until then, stay alert to Satan’s support the construction of the tem-
snares. Work hard to prevent pride ple. (1 Chron. 22:11-16) When we no
or greed from dominating you. Be longer have the physical strength to
determined to “oppose the Devil, participate in theocratic construc-
and he will flee from you.” w21.06 19 tion projects, we can continue to
˚15-17 support these projects by means
of our contributions, to the extent
Saturday, February 4 that our circumstances allow. And
we can help younger ones to bene-
Beg the Master of the harvest to
fit from the experience we have ac-
send out workers into his harvest.
quired. In regard to generosity, con-
—Matt. 9:38.
sider the example set by the apostle
Jehovah rejoices when a person Paul. He invited Timothy to join him
accepts Bible truth and shares that in the missionary work, and Paul
truth with others. (Prov. 23:15, 16) shared his preaching and teach-
How great Jehovah’s joy must be ing methods with this younger man.
when he sees what is happening to- (Acts 16:1-3) Paul’s training helped
day! For example, despite a glob- Timothy to be effective in spreading
al pandemic during the 2020 ser- the good news. (1 Cor. 4:17) Timo-
vice year, 7,705,765 Bible studies thy, in turn, used Paul’s methods to
were conducted, which helped 241,- train others. w21.09 12 ˚14-15
 Monday, February 6 (Rom. 8:15-17; Rev. 14:1) Addition-
There are jealousy and ally, untold millions of other faith-
strife among you. ful ones are obediently doing God’s
—1 Cor. 3:3. will. They have the prospect of full
membership in God’s family after
What can we learn from the ex- the final test at the end of the Mil-
amples of the disciple Apollos and lennium. (Ps. 25:14; Rom. 8:20, 21)
the apostle Paul? Both men had an Even now they address Jehovah,
excellent knowledge of the Scrip- their Creator, as “Father.” (Matt.
tures. Both were prominent and in- 6:9) Resurrected ones too will be
fluential teachers. And both had given the opportunity to learn what
helped to make many disciples. But Jehovah expects of them. Those
neither man viewed the other as who respond well to his direction
a rival. (Acts 18:24) In fact, some will eventually also become mem-
time after Apollos left Corinth, Paul bers of his family. w21.08 5 ˚10-11
urged him to return there. (1 Cor.
16:12) Apollos used his gifts in a Wednesday, February 8
good way—to proclaim the good Make sure of the more
news and to strengthen his broth- important things.
ers. We can also be sure that Apol- —Phil. 1:10.
los was a humble man. For example,
there is no record that he took of- The apostle Paul had been as-
fense when Aquila and Priscilla “ex- signed a ministry, and for decades
plained the way of God more accu- he viewed that ministry as one of
rately to him.” (Acts 18:24-28) The the more important things. He
apostle Paul was aware of the good preached “publicly and from house
work done by Apollos. But Paul did to house.” (Acts 20:20) In fact, he
not feel threatened by him. Paul’s took advantage of every opportu-
humility, modesty, and reasonable- nity to preach! For example, while
ness are seen in the counsel that he waiting for his companions in Ath-
gave to the congregation in Corinth. ens, he introduced the good news
—1 Cor. 3:4-6. w21.07 18-19 ˚15-17 to a distinguished group of people,
with some positive results. (Acts
Tuesday, February 7 17:16, 17, 34) Even while in “pris-
on bonds,” Paul preached to those
Many will be made righteous.
who were around him. (Phil. 1:13, 14;
—Rom. 5:19.
Acts 28:16-24) Paul made the best
Adam and Eve deliberately dis- use of his time. He often invited
obeyed God, so they deserved to others to join him in the ministry.
be disinherited by him. But what For example, on his first mission-
of their offspring? Jehovah lovingly ary tour, he took John Mark, and
made a provision for deserving ones on his second, Timothy. (Acts 12:25;
among them to be adopted into his 16:1-4) No doubt Paul endeavored to
family. He did this by means of the teach these men how to organize a
sacrifice of his only-begotten Son. congregation, how to carry out the
(John 3:16) As a result of Jesus’ sac- shepherding work, and how to be-
rifice, 144,000 integrity-keeping hu- come effective teachers.—1 Cor. 4:
mans are adopted as God’s sons. 17. w22.03 27 ˚5-6
 Thursday, February 9 caught sight of him and was moved
[God ] is not far off from each with pity, and he ran and embraced
one of us.—Acts 17:27. him and tenderly kissed him.” The
older man did not humiliate his
Some do not believe in a Cre- son. Rather, he mercifully forgave
ator because they say that they the young man and welcomed him
believe only in what they can see. back to the family. The lost son
They make exceptions, of course, had sinned greatly, but on the ba-
for such unseen things as gravity, sis of his repentance, his father for-
which is, after all, a reality. The type gave him. The merciful father in the
of faith mentioned in the Bible in- illustration represents Jehovah. In
volves evidence for other “reali- this touching way, Jesus illustrated
ties that are not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) his Father’s willingness to forgive
It takes time and effort to study the sinners who sincerely repent.—Luke
evidence for ourselves, and many 15:17-24. w21.10 8 ˚4; 9 ˚6
people lack the motivation they
need to do the work. A person who Saturday, February 11
does not investigate the evidence God for the first time turned his at-
for himself may conclude that there tention to the nations to take out
is no God. After studying the evi- of them a people for his name.
dence, some scientists have become —Acts 15:14.
convinced that God created the uni-
verse. Originally, they simply as- Today many religious leaders
sumed that there was no Creator have done everything in their pow-
because creation had never been er to conceal the fact that God has a
taught in university. However, they personal name. They have removed
have now come to know and love Je- it from their Bible translations and,
hovah. Actually, all of us must build in some cases, have banned the use
our faith in God, no matter what our of that name in their religious ser-
educational background. w21.08 14 vices. Can anyone deny that Jeho-
˚1; 15-16 ˚6-7 vah’s Witnesses are the only ones
who give Jehovah’s name the re-
Friday, February 10 spect and honor it deserves? We
are making God’s personal name
Jehovah is good to all, and his
more widely known than any oth-
mercy is evident in all his works.
er religious group! In that regard,
—Ps. 145:9.
we are doing our very best to live
Jesus used a parable about a lost up to our name, Jehovah’s Witness-
son to paint a heartwarming pic- es. (Isa. 43:10-12) We have produced
ture of how much Jehovah loves to over 240 million copies of the New
show mercy. The son had left home World Translation of the Holy Scrip-
and “squandered his property by liv- tures, which uses Jehovah’s name in
ing a debauched life.” (Luke 15:13) places where it has been omitted by
Later, he repented of his immor- other Bible translators. And we pro-
al course, humbled himself, and re- duce Bible-based publications that
turned home. How did his father re- promote Jehovah’s name in more
spond? Jesus said: “While [the son] than 1,000 languages! w21.10 20-21
was still a long way off, his father ˚9-10
 Sunday, February 12 have lost his job. Would a modest
If one of your brothers becomes monetary gift, perhaps given anony-
poor among you . . . , do not hard- mously, help tide him over until he
en your heart or be tightfisted finds another job? We should not
toward your poor brother. wait until our brothers and sisters
—Deut. 15:7. ask for our help before we show
compassion. Like Jehovah, we can
We worship Jehovah when we take the initiative. He makes the
help fellow Christians who are in sun rise on us daily without our
need. Jehovah promised to repay even asking for it! And the warmth
Israelites who showed favor to the of the sun sustains everyone, not
poor. (Deut. 15:10) Yes, each time just those who are thankful. Would
we help a fellow worshipper who you not agree that by providing for
is in need, Jehovah views it as a our needs, Jehovah is expressing
gift to Him. (Prov. 19:17) For exam- his love for us? How we love Jeho-
ple, when Christians from Philip- vah for being so kind and generous!
pi sent a gift to the prisoner Paul, w21.09 22-23 ˚12-13
he called it “an acceptable sacrifice,
well-pleasing to God.” (Phil. 4:18) Tuesday, February 14
Look around the congregation and You, O Jehovah, are good and
ask yourself, ‘Is there someone I can ready to forgive; you abound in
help?’ Jehovah is pleased when he loyal love for all those who call on
sees us use our time, energy, skills, you.—Ps. 86:5.
and material things to help those in
need. He considers that to be part God’s loyal love moves him to be
of our worship. (Jas. 1:27) True wor- forgiving. When Jehovah observes
ship requires time and effort. But a sinner who is repentant and who
it is not burdensome. (1 John 5:3) rejects his sinful course, loyal love
Why not? Because it is done out of moves Him to be forgiving. The
love for Jehovah and our brothers psalmist David stated about Jeho-
and sisters. w22.03 24 ˚14-15 vah: “He has not dealt with us ac-
cording to our sins, nor has he re-
Monday, February 13 paid us what our errors deserve.”
(Ps. 103:8-11) David himself knew
He makes his sun rise on both
from painful experience how heavy
the wicked and the good.
the burden of a guilty conscience
—Matt. 5:45.
can be. But he also learned that Je-
Before we can show compassion- hovah is “ready to forgive.” What
ate concern for our brothers and moves Jehovah to be forgiving? The
sisters, we need to consider what answer is recorded in today’s text.
challenges they are facing. For ex- Yes, as David said in prayer, Je-
ample, a sister may have a seri- hovah forgives because he abounds
ous health problem. She never com- in loyal love for all those who call
plains about it, but she would likely on him. When we sin, it is appropri-
appreciate some practical help. ate—even healthy—to feel remorse.
Would she welcome a little assis- It can move us to repent and take
tance with preparing meals or steps to correct our mistakes. w21.11
cleaning the house? A brother may 5 ˚11-12
 Wednesday, February 15 sider modern-day experiences that
Our Father in the heavens, let prove that Jehovah provides for
your name be sanctified. those who stay busy in theocratic
—Matt. 6:9. activities. (1 Cor. 15:58) Doing so
will strengthen your confidence that
Jehovah loves his name, and he just as your heavenly Father has
wants everyone to respect it. helped others in similar circum-
(Isa. 42:8) But for some six millen- stances, he will help you. He knows
niums, his good name has been re- what you need, and he knows how
proached. (Ps. 74:10, 18, 23) This to provide it. As you experience Je-
started when the Devil (meaning hovah’s help in your life, your faith
“Slanderer”) accused God of de- will grow stronger so that you can
priving Adam and Eve of something endure greater trials in the future.
they needed. (Gen. 3:1-5) Ever since w21.11 20 ˚3; 21 ˚6
then, Jehovah has been falsely ac-
cused of depriving humans of what Friday, February 17
they truly need. Jesus was con- If anyone does commit a sin, we
cerned about the reproach that was have a helper with the Father,
being heaped on his Father’s name.
Jesus Christ.—1 John 2:1.
Jehovah has the absolute right to
rule the heavens and the earth, and The faith of many Christians has
his way of ruling is the very best. been sustained by the teaching
(Rev. 4:11) But the Devil has tried of the ransom. They have kept on
to mislead angels and humans into preaching despite opposition and
thinking that God does not have have endured all sorts of trials
that right. Soon, the issue will be right on into old age. Consider the
settled once and for all. Jehovah example of the apostle John. He
will be vindicated as he proves that loyally preached the truth about
his Kingdom alone can establish Christ and the ransom, likely for
real peace and security on earth. more than 60 years. When he was
w21.07 9 ˚5-6 in his late 90’s, he was apparently
considered to be such a threat to
Thursday, February 16
the Roman Empire that he was im-
I will exult in Jehovah; I will be prisoned on the isle of Patmos. His
joyful in the God of my salvation. crime? “Speaking about God and
—Hab. 3:18. bearing witness concerning Jesus.”
It is natural for a family head to (Rev. 1:9) What an outstanding ex-
want to provide sufficient food, ample of faith and endurance! John
clothing, and shelter for his wife expresses his deep love for Jesus
and children. Are you facing eco- and his appreciation for the ran-
nomic hardship? If so, this is a dif- som in his inspired writings. They
ficult time for you. However, as contain over 100 references either
challenging as your circumstances to the ransom or to the benefits
are, you can use this time to build that the ransom makes possible.
your faith. Prayerfully read Je- (1 John 2:2) Clearly, John deeply
sus’ words recorded at Matthew 6: appreciated the ransom. w21.04 17
25-34 and meditate on them. Con- ˚9-10
 Saturday, February 18 ful action, Jacob made peace with
You must not curse a deaf man his brother. (Gen. 33:3, 4) We learn
or put an obstacle before a a lesson from how Jacob prepared
blind man.—Lev. 19:14. to meet his brother and how he
approached Esau. Jacob humbly
Jehovah expected his people to asked Jehovah for help. Then he fol-
show consideration for those who lowed through on his prayer by tak-
had physical limitations. For ex- ing steps to make his reunion with
ample, the Israelites were not to his brother as pleasant as possi-
curse a deaf man. Such cursing in- ble. When the brothers met, Jacob
volved threatening someone or call- did not argue with Esau about who
ing down evil on him. What a ter- was right and who was wrong. Ja-
rible thing to do to a deaf man! He cob’s goal was to make peace with
could not hear what was being said his brother. Can you imitate Jacob’s
about him, so he would not be in a example?—Matt. 5:23, 24. w21.12 25
position to defend himself. Further- ˚11-12
more, in Leviticus 19:14 we learn
that God’s servants were not to “put Monday, February 20
an obstacle before a blind man.” God is greater than our hearts
One reference work comments re- and knows all things.
garding people with physical chal- —1 John 3:20.
lenges: “In the ancient Near East
[they] tended to be exploited and When you think about Jesus’ dy-
abused.” Perhaps some inconsider- ing to cover your sins, you may say,
ate person would place an obstacle ‘I do not feel worthy of that honor.’
before a blind man out of spite or Why might you feel that way? Our
out of some perverted sense of hu- imperfect heart might deceive us,
mor. How unkind! By means of this making us feel worthless or unlov-
command, Jehovah helped his peo- able. (1 John 3:19) At such times,
ple to see that they should show we need to remember that “God is
compassion to those who were dis- greater than our hearts.” Our heav-
advantaged. w21.12 8-9 ˚3-4 enly Father’s love and forgiveness
are far stronger than any negative
Sunday, February 19 feelings that may lurk in our heart.
We need to convince ourselves to
Jacob became very frightened
accept Jehovah’s view of us. To do
and anxious.—Gen. 32:7.
that, we must study his Word often,
Jacob was worried that his broth- pray to him frequently, and asso-
er might still be nursing a grudge ciate regularly with his loyal people.
against him. So he fervently prayed Why is doing those things so im-
to Jehovah about the matter. Then, portant? You will see Jehovah’s
he sent a generous gift to Esau. warm personality more clearly. You
(Gen. 32:9-15) Finally, when the es- will perceive his tender feelings
tranged brothers met face-to-face, for you. Meditating on a portion of
Jacob took the initiative to show God’s Word each day can help you
honor to Esau. He bowed to Esau think more clearly, “setting things
—not once, not twice, but seven straight” in your mind and heart.
times! With humble and respect- —2 Tim. 3:16. w21.04 23-24 ˚12-13
 Tuesday, February 21 of God are sleeping in death, Je-
To God I will cry out, hovah has not forgotten them. (Isa.
49:15) He remembers every detail
and he will hear me.
of their personality. One day, he
—Ps. 77:1.
will bring them back to life, and he
To build strong faith, more is re- will once again hear their earnest
quired than merely taking in knowl- prayers and accept their worship. If
edge. We need to meditate on what you have lost a loved one in death,
we are learning. Consider the ex- may these thoughts console and
perience of the writer of Psalm 77. comfort you. When the rebellion be-
He was distressed because he felt gan in Eden, Jehovah knew that con-
that he and his fellow Israelites ditions would get worse before they
had lost Jehovah’s approval. Those got better. Jehovah hates the wick-
anxious thoughts kept him up at edness, injustice, and violence in the
night. (Verses 2-8) What did he world today. w21.07 10 ˚11; 12 ˚12
do? He told Jehovah: “I will medi-
tate on all your activity and pon- Thursday, February 23
der over your dealings.” (Verse 12) We should love . . . in deed
Of course, the psalmist was well- and truth.—1 John 3:18.
aware of the things Jehovah had
When we show such love, we also
done for His people in the past, but
show appreciation for the ransom.
the anxious man wondered: “Has
Why? Because Jesus gave his life
God forgotten to show his favor,
not just for us but also for
or has his anger caused his mer-
our brothers and sisters. If he was
cy to cease?” (Verse 9) The psalm-
ready to die for them, they clearly
ist meditated on Jehovah’s activity
have great value in his eyes. (1 John
and on the fact that God had shown
3:16-18) We express our love for our
mercy and compassion in the past.
brothers and sisters by the way we
(Verse 11) The result? The psalm-
treat them. (Eph. 4:29, 31–5:2) For
ist became convinced that Jeho-
example, we help them when they
vah would not abandon His people. are sick or when they are endur-
(Verse 15) w22.01 30-31 ˚17-18
ing severe trials, including natu-
Wednesday, February 22 ral disasters. But what should we do
when a fellow believer does or says
They are all living to him. something that offends us? Are you
—Luke 20:38. inclined to hold a grudge? (Lev. 19:
How does Jehovah feel about 18) If so, follow this advice: “Contin-
faithful men and women who have ue putting up with one another and
died? He longs to see them again! forgiving one another freely even if
(Job 14:15) Can you imagine how anyone has a cause for complaint
much Jehovah misses his friend against another. Just as Jehovah
Abraham? (Jas. 2:23) Or Moses, with freely forgave you, you must also
whom he spoke “face-to-face”? (Ex. do the same.” (Col. 3:13) Every time
33:11) And how he must yearn to we forgive our brother or sister, we
hear David and the other psalmists prove to our heavenly Father that
sing their beautiful songs of praise! we truly appreciate the ransom.
(Ps. 104:33) Although these friends w21.04 18 ˚12-13
 Friday, February 24 elder who lives in Australia, says:
Use [your gift ] in ministering “After losing my wife, I needed sup-
to one another.—1 Pet. 4:10. port. Several couples made them-
selves available day and night just
We may work hard for Jehovah, to listen to me. They let me grieve,
and we may help many progress to and they were not embarrassed by
baptism. But we realize that any my tears. They also offered practi-
success we have is only because cal help, such as washing my car,
of Jehovah’s blessing. From the shopping for groceries, and cook-
examples of Apollos and the apos- ing meals when I felt unable to care
tle Paul, we learn another lesson for these tasks myself. And they
—the more prominence we have, the prayed with me often. They proved
greater our opportunity to promote to be true friends and brothers who
peace. How grateful we are when are ‘born for times of distress.’ ”
appointed men promote peace and —Prov. 17:17. w22.01 16 ˚8-9
unity by basing their counsel on
God’s Word and by focusing at- Sunday, February 26
tention, not on themselves, but on The one who listens to life-giving
our model, Christ Jesus! (1 Cor. 4: reproof is at home among the wise.
6, 7) Each one of us has some God- —Prov. 15:31.
given talent or ability. We may feel
Jehovah wants what is best for
that the part we play is small. But us. (Prov. 4:20-22) When he coun-
the small acts that promote unity
sels us by means of his Word, a
are like the small stitches that hold Bible-based publication, or a ma-
a garment together. May we work ture fellow believer, he is express-
hard to remove from ourselves any ing his love for us. (Heb. 12:9, 10)
trace of a competitive spirit. Let Focus on the content, not the de-
us be determined to do all we can livery. At times, we may feel that
to promote peace and unity in the the counsel was not given in the
congregation.—Eph. 4:3. w21.07 19 best manner. Of course, anyone giv-
˚18-19 ing counsel should try to make it
Saturday, February 25 as easy as possible to accept. (Gal.
6:1) But if we are the one being
Your brother will rise. counseled, we do well to focus on
—John 11:23. the message—even if we feel that it
You can be convinced that you could have been delivered in a bet-
will see your dead loved ones again. ter way. We might ask ourselves:
Jesus’ tears as he gave comfort to ‘Even if I do not appreciate the
his grief-stricken friends are proof manner in which the counsel was
that the resurrection is close to his given, is there some truth to what
heart! (John 11:35) You can support was said? Can I look past the im-
those who grieve. Jesus not only perfections of the messenger and
wept with Martha and Mary but also benefit from the message itself?’ It
listened and spoke reassuringly to would be wise on our part to find a
them. (John 11:25-27) We can do the way to benefit from any counsel we
same for those who grieve. Dan, an receive. w22.02 12 ˚13-14
 Monday, February 27 ing in these activities. Do we not
The reminder of Jehovah is trust- appreciate this vital contribution
worthy, making the inexperienced to the Kingdom work? Of course,
one wise.—Ps. 19:7. they also engage in the preaching
work. Some of them may even want
Jehovah knows that it will take to be pioneers. Congregation el-
time and effort for us to avoid ders can show their support for the
wrong thinking and bad habits. (Ps. construction activities by not hes-
103:13, 14) However, through his itating to appoint these hardwork-
Word, his spirit, and his organiza- ing men and women as pioneers
tion, Jehovah gives us the wisdom, when they qualify. Whether we are
strength, and support that we need skilled in construction work or not,
to change who we are. Use the Bible all of us can share in keeping the
to examine yourself closely. God’s buildings clean and in good repair.
Word acts like a mirror; it can help w22.03 22 ˚11-12
you to analyze the way that you
think, speak, and act. (Jas. 1:22- Wednesday, March 1
25) And Jehovah is always ready to To the extent that you did it to one
come to your aid. He knows best of the least of these my brothers,
how to help you; he knows what you did it to me.—Matt. 25:40.
is in your heart. (Prov. 14:10; 15:
11) So get into the habit of praying “The sheep” in the parable found
to him and studying his Word each at Matthew 25:31-36 represent righ-
day. Be convinced that Jehovah’s teous ones in the time of the end
standards are best. We can benefit who have the earthly hope—that is,
the other sheep. They loyally sup-
from everything that Jehovah asks
port the remaining ones of Christ’s
us to do. Those who live by his stan-
spirit-anointed brothers primarily
dards gain self-respect, a purpose
by helping them do the worldwide
in life, and genuine happiness.—Ps.
preaching and disciple-making
19:8-11. w22.03 4 ˚8-10
work. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Every
Tuesday, February 28 year in the weeks leading up to
the Memorial, the other sheep show
Set your hearts upon its ramparts.
their support for Christ’s brothers
Inspect its fortified towers, so that
by sharing fully in a global cam-
you may tell about it to future
paign to invite interested ones to
generations.—Ps. 48:13.
the Memorial. They also help make
We worship Jehovah as we build all the necessary arrangements so
and maintain places of worship. that the Memorial can be held in
The Bible says that the work of every congregation worldwide. The
making the tabernacle and its fur- other sheep are thrilled to sup-
nishings was “holy work.” (Ex. 36: port Christ’s brothers in such ways.
1, 4) Today, too, Jehovah views These sheep know that Jesus views
the work of constructing Kingdom what they do for his anointed broth-
Halls and other theocratic facilities ers as if they were doing it for him
as sacred service. Some brothers personally.—Matt. 25:37-40. w22.01
and sisters spend much time engag- 22 ˚11-12
 Thursday, March 2 at the end of Galatians 2:20. Paul
Whoever has seen me has seen said: “The Son of God . . . loved me
the Father also.—John 14:9. and handed himself over for me.”
Paul did not put a limit on God’s
When we imitate Jesus’ qualities love, as if to say, ‘I can see why
and ways of dealing with others—for Jehovah would love my brothers,
example, his pity for a leper, his but he could not possibly love me.’
empathy for a woman with a griev- Paul reminded the Romans: “While
ous illness, his compassion for the we were yet sinners, Christ died for
bereaved—we are imitating Jehovah us.” (Rom. 5:8) God’s love knows
as well. (Mark 1:40, 41; 5:25-34; John no boundaries! Paul was absolute-
11:33-35) The more we become like ly convinced of the power of God’s
Jehovah, the closer we draw to him. love. Paul knew how Jehovah had
Following Jesus’ footsteps helps us patiently dealt with the nation of Is-
not to be distracted by this wick- rael. w21.04 22 ˚8-10
ed world. On the final night of his
earthly life, Jesus was able to say: Saturday, March 4
“I have conquered the world.” (John For this is what the love of God
16:33) He meant that he had refused means, that we observe his com-
to allow himself to be influenced by mandments.—1 John 5:3.
the thinking, the goals, and the ac-
tions of this world. Jesus never al- When conducting a Bible study,
lowed himself to lose his focus on help your student come to love Je-
the reason he was sent to earth—to hovah. How? Look for opportuni-
vindicate Jehovah. What about us? ties to draw attention to Jehovah’s
In this world, there are many things qualities. Help your student to view
that could distract us. But if, like Je- Jehovah as a happy God who sup-
sus, we keep focused on doing Jeho- ports those who love him. (1 Tim. 1:
vah’s will, we too will “conquer” the 11; Heb. 11:6) Show the student that
world.—1 John 5:5. w21.04 3-4 ˚7-8 he will benefit by applying the infor-
mation, and explain that this is a re-
Friday, March 3 flection of Jehovah’s love for him.
(Isa. 48:17, 18) Your student will be
[Nothing] will be able to separate
more motivated to make any need-
us from God’s love.—Rom. 8:39.
ed changes as his love for Jehovah
The apostle Paul was familiar deepens. To progress to baptism, a
with Jesus’ promise that “everyone Bible student will need to make sac-
exercising faith in [Jesus] might rifices. Some students may need to
. . . have everlasting life.” (John sacrifice material things. Many may
3:16; Rom. 6:23) Paul certainly was have to leave behind friends who
among those who were exercising do not love Jehovah. Others may be
faith in the ransom. He was con- abandoned by family members who
vinced that Jehovah is ready to for- dislike Jehovah’s Witnesses. Je-
give even those who have sinned se- sus promised that those who follow
riously if they are repentant. (Ps. him will not be disappointed. They
86:5) Paul also had faith in the pow- will be richly rewarded with a lov-
er of God’s love as expressed by ing spiritual family.—Mark 10:29, 30.
Christ. Notice the reassuring words w21.06 4 ˚8-9
 Sunday, March 5 compared Jehovah to a shepherd. If
Lift up your eyes and view the 1 sheep out of 100 strays from the
fields, that they are white for flock, what will the shepherd do? He
harvesting.—John 4:35. will “leave the 99 on the mountains
and set out on a search for the one
The apostle Paul likened the work that is straying.” When the shep-
of disciple-making to cultivating a herd finds the sheep, he will not
crop, showing that we must do more scold it for straying. He will rejoice.
than plant seeds. He reminded the The point? Every sheep is important
Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos wa- to Jehovah. Jesus said: “It is not a
tered . . . You are God’s field under desirable thing to my Father who is
cultivation.” (1 Cor. 3:6-9) As work- in heaven for even one of these lit-
ers in “God’s field,” not only do we tle ones to perish.”—Matt. 18:12-14.
plant the seeds but we water them w21.06 20 ˚1-2
and regularly check the progress
of our plantings. At the same time, Tuesday, March 7
we recognize that it is God who
Draw close to God.
makes the seed grow. What a privi-
—Jas. 4:8.
lege we have both to preach and
to teach the truth to others! This When we reflect on God’s unfail-
work makes us genuinely happy. ing love for us, we deepen our own
The apostle Paul, who helped many love for Jehovah and strengthen
in Thessalonica to become disci- our bond with him. (Rom. 8:38, 39)
ples, expressed his feelings this We are moved to imitate Jesus’ ex-
way: “What is our hope or joy or ample. (1 Pet. 2:21) In the days lead-
crown of exultation before our Lord ing up to the Memorial, we focus
Jesus at his presence? Is it not in on Bible accounts about Jesus’ final
fact you? You certainly are our glo- week on earth, his death, and his
ry and joy.”—1 Thess. 2:19, 20; Acts resurrection. Then on the evening
17:1-4. w21.07 3 ˚5; 7 ˚17 of the Memorial, the discourse re-
minds us of Jesus’ love for us. (Eph.
Monday, March 6
5:2; 1 John 3:16) As we read about
Do not despise one of these Jesus’ self-sacrificing example and
little ones.—Matt. 18:10. meditate on it, we feel compelled
Jehovah has drawn each of us to to “go on walking just as that one
him. (John 6:44) Think of what that walked.” (1 John 2:6) We are even
means. As Jehovah carefully exam- more determined to remain in God’s
ined all the billions of people in this love. (Jude 20, 21) We remain in
world, he saw something precious God’s love by doing all we can to
in you—a sincere heart that could obey him, sanctify his name, and
grow to love him. (1 Chron. 28:9) bring joy to his heart. (Prov. 27:11;
Jehovah knows you, understands Matt. 6:9; 1 John 5:3) The Memorial
you, and loves you. How reassur- observance moves us to be more de-
ing that is! Jehovah cares deeply termined to live each day in a way
about you, and he also cares about that says to Jehovah, ‘I want to re-
all your Christian brothers and sis- main in your love forever!’ w22.01 23
ters. To illustrate this point, Jesus ˚17; 25 ˚18-19
 Wednesday, March 8 vah by seeing ourselves as he does.
Choose for yourselves . . . Then we will have “a sound mind,”
whom you will serve. thinking neither too much nor too
—Josh. 24:15. little of ourselves. (Rom. 12:3) Of
course, we may benefit by observ-
Jehovah has given us the gift of ing the good example of a faithful
free will. We can choose which brother or sister who has a produc-
course we will take in life. Our lov- tive ministry. (Heb. 13:7) We might
ing God rejoices when we choose then see ways in which we can be
to serve him. (Ps. 84:11; Prov. 27: more effective in our own ministry.
11) We can use our free will proper- (Phil. 3:17) But there is a difference
ly in many areas. Following the ex- between imitating someone’s good
ample of Jesus, we can choose to example and using it to assess your
put the interests of others ahead value as an individual. w21.07 20
of our own. Once when Jesus and
˚1-2
his apostles were very tired, they
traveled to a quiet place where they Friday, March 10
hoped to get some rest. However,
Lift up your eyes to heaven and
that was not to be. A crowd found
see. Who has created these
them, and they were eager to be
things?—Isa. 40:26.
taught by Jesus. But Jesus did not
become irritated. Instead, he felt You can build your faith in the
pity for the people. So, what did Je- Creator by observing animals,
sus do? “He started to teach them plants, and stars. (Ps. 19:1) The
many things.” (Mark 6:30-34) When more you study such things, the
we imitate Jesus by sacrificing our more convinced you will become
time and energy to help others, we that Jehovah is the Creator. When
bring glory to our heavenly Father. studying creation, pay careful at-
—Matt. 5:14-16. w21.08 3 ˚7-8 tention to what the facts reveal
about our Creator. (Rom. 1:20) For
Thursday, March 9
instance, you may know that our
Let each one . . . have cause for sun, in addition to providing life-
rejoicing in regard to himself giving heat, emits harmful ener-
alone, and not in comparison with gy in the form of ultraviolet rays.
the other person.—Gal. 6:4. We humans need to be protected
Jehovah loves variety. This is evi- from those rays. And we are! How?
dent in his amazing creations, in- Our earthly home has its own pro-
cluding humankind. Each of us is tective shield—a layer of ozone
unique. So Jehovah never com- gas that filters out the harmful
pares you with others. He exam- radiation. As the ultraviolet rays
ines your heart, your inner per- from the sun get more intense, the
son. (1 Sam. 16:7) He also takes amount of ozone grows. Now, do
into account your strengths, weak- you not agree that there must be
nesses, and background. And he someone behind this process and
does not ask more of you than you that he must be a loving and an in-
can give. We need to imitate Jeho- telligent Creator? w21.08 17 ˚9-10
 Saturday, March 11 ham left his home—“although not
Whoever loves God must knowing where he was going”—that
also love his brother. Jehovah blessed him. (Heb. 11:8) It
—1 John 4:21. was only after Jacob wrestled with
the angel that he received a special
After a person gets baptized, we blessing. (Gen. 32:24-30) When the
must continue to love and respect nation of Israel was about to enter
him. (1 John 4:20) What does this the Promised Land, it was only af-
involve? For one thing, we give him ter the priests stepped into the rag-
the benefit of the doubt whenever ing Jordan River that the people
possible. For example, we would not were able to cross over. (Josh. 3:
impute bad or selfish motives to 14-16) You can also benefit from the
him. Instead, we would show hon-
examples of modern-day Witness-
or for our brother, considering him
es who have relied on Jehovah and
to be superior to us. (Rom. 12:10;
reached out. w21.08 29-30 ˚12-14
Phil. 2:3) Actually, we should show
mercy and kindness to all people. Monday, March 13
If we want to be among those who
can rightly call Jehovah their Fa- Do not say, “Why were the
ther forever, we must apply God’s former days better than
Word in our lives. For instance, Je- these?”—Eccl. 7:10.
sus taught that we should show mer- You older brothers and sisters
cy and kindness to all people, even know from experience how things
our enemies. (Luke 6:32-36) We may were done in the past, but you also
find that at times this is difficult for see the need to adapt to chang-
us to do. If so, we must learn to ing circumstances. You older ones
think and act like Jesus. When we who recently got baptized also have
do our best to obey Jehovah and im- much to give. Younger ones will
itate Jesus, we show our heavenly appreciate hearing about your ex-
Father that we want to be part of his periences and the lessons you have
family forever. w21.08 6 ˚14-15 learned. If you “practice giving”
Sunday, March 12 from your storehouse of experi-
ence, Jehovah will bless you richly.
See whether I will not open to you (Luke 6:38) As you dear older ones
the floodgates of the heavens and draw closer to younger ones, you
pour out on you a blessing. will be able to support one another.
—Mal. 3:10. (Rom. 1:12) Each has something of
Learn to rely on Jehovah. He value that the other does not pos-
promises to shower us with bless- sess. Older ones have the wisdom
ings when we trust in him and give and experience that they gained
him our best. The Bible is filled with with the passing of time. Younger
examples of individuals who exert- ones have energy and strength.
ed themselves in Jehovah’s service. When young and old work together
In many instances, they had to take as friends, they bring praise to our
the first step before they received loving heavenly Father and are a
special blessings from Jehovah. blessing to all in the congregation.
For example, it was only after Abra- w21.09 8 ˚3; 13 ˚17-18
 Tuesday, March 14 end to this wicked system of things.
We preach Christ executed on the (1 John 4:19) And he has set the
date when he will undo all the mala-
stake, to the Jews a cause for
dies that plague his human creation.
stumbling.—1 Cor. 1:23.
Should not his love motivate us to
Why were many Jews disturbed endure along with him for as long as
by the way Jesus died? To them, Je- it is necessary? Jehovah set the per-
sus’ death on a stake made him ap- fect example of endurance. Jesus
pear to be a criminal and a sinner succeeded in imitating his Father’s
—not the Messiah. (Deut. 21:22, 23) endurance. As a human, Jesus en-
Those among the Jews who stum- dured hostile speech, shame, and a
bled at Jesus failed to recognize torture stake for our sake. (Heb. 12:
that he was innocent, that he was 2, 3) Jehovah’s example of endur-
falsely accused, and that he was ance undoubtedly gave Jesus the
treated unjustly. Those conducting strength to endure. It can strength-
Jesus’ trial made a mockery of jus- en us too. w21.07 12-13 ˚15-17
tice. The Jewish supreme court was
hastily convened, and the proceed- Thursday, March 16
ings were most irregular. (Luke 22: Continue being merciful, just
54; John 18:24) Rather than impar- as your Father is merciful.
tially listen to the charges and the —Luke 6:36.
evidence against Jesus, the judges
themselves sought “false testimony We daily experience our heaven-
against Jesus in order to put him ly Father’s mercy. (Ps. 103:10-14) Je-
to death.” (Matt. 26:59; Mark 14:55- sus’ followers were imperfect; yet,
he showed them mercy and forgive-
64) And after Jesus was raised from
ness. He was even willing to sacri-
the dead, those unrighteous judges
fice his life so that our sins can be
paid the Roman soldiers who were
forgiven. (1 John 2:1, 2) We strength-
guarding his tomb “a considerable
en the bond of love in our spiritu-
number of silver pieces” to spread a
al family when we are “freely forgiv-
false story to explain why the tomb
ing.” (Eph. 4:32) Of course, forgiving
was empty.—Matt. 28:11-15. w21.05 11
others can be very hard at times, so
˚12-13
we need to work at it. One sister felt
Wednesday, March 15 that the Watchtower article “Forgive
One Another Freely” helped her to
Concerning that day and hour no- do just that. She writes: “[The arti-
body knows, neither the angels of cle] explained that being willing to
the heavens nor the Son, but only forgive others does not mean that
the Father.—Matt. 24:36. you approve of their wrong behavior
Jehovah could put an end to this or minimize the damage it causes.
wicked system of things at any time. But forgiving does mean letting go
But his patience has proved to be a of resentment for such wrongs and
blessing for us! All descendants of maintaining your own peace.” When
Adam and Eve are imperfect when we freely forgive our brothers and
they come into the world. Still, Jeho- sisters, we show that we love them
vah loves them and cares for them, and that we imitate our Father, Je-
and he has promised to bring an hovah. w21.09 23-24 ˚15-16
 Friday, March 17 people enjoy. He wrote: “God is my
Those worshipping [God ] must secure refuge, the God who shows
worship with . . . truth. loyal love to me.” David also stated
—John 4:24. about Jehovah: “He is my loyal love
and my stronghold, my secure ref-
Jesus loved the truth, that is, the uge and my rescuer, my shield and
truth about God and His purpos- the One in whom I have taken shel-
es. Jesus lived in harmony with ter.” (Ps. 59:17; 144:2) Why did David
that truth, and he made that truth connect Jehovah’s loyal love with a
known to others. (John 18:37) Je- refuge and a stronghold? No mat-
sus’ true followers also deeply loved ter where we live on earth, as long
the truth. (John 4:23) In fact, the as we are his servants, Jehovah
apostle Peter referred to Christian- will provide us with all the protec-
ity as “the way of the truth.” (2 Pet. tion we need to safeguard our pre-
2:2) Because of their strong love for cious relationship with him. w21.11 6
truth, the early Christians rejected ˚14-15
religious ideas, cultural traditions,
and personal opinions that were out Sunday, March 19
of harmony with the truth. (Col. I will meditate on all your
2:8) Likewise today, true Christians activity.—Ps. 77:12.
strive to “go on walking in the truth”
by strictly basing all their beliefs When Jesus and his disciples
and their way of life on Jehovah’s were caught in a storm at sea, Je-
Word. (3 John 3, 4) God’s people sus used the event to help them see
today do not claim to have perfect areas where they needed greater
or complete knowledge of the truth. faith. (Matt. 8:23-26) As the storm
At times, they have made mistakes raged on and water swept over the
in doctrinal matters and in organi- boat, Jesus was sleeping peaceful-
zational direction. When the matter ly. When the terrified disciples woke
has come to light, they have made him and asked him to save them,
the needed corrections. w21.10 21-22 the Lord gently reproved them:
˚11-12 “Why are you so afraid, you with lit-
tle faith?” Are you facing “a great
Saturday, March 18 storm” in your life? It might in-
volve hardship because of a natural
The one trusting in Jehovah is
disaster. Or it may be a figurative
surrounded by His loyal love.
storm, such as a severe health prob-
—Ps. 32:10.
lem that has left you feeling over-
Just as the walls surrounding an whelmed and unsure of what to do.
ancient city protected its citizens, You may be anxious at times, but do
so Jehovah’s acts of loyal love sur- not let your anxiety stop you from
round us, providing spiritual pro- trusting in Jehovah. Draw close
tection from dangers that could test to him in earnest prayer. Strength-
our integrity. Further, Jehovah’s en your faith by meditating on the
loyal love moves him to draw us times in the past when Jehovah
to him. (Jer. 31:3) The psalmist Da- helped you. (Ps. 77:11) You can be
vid used another word picture to sure that he will never abandon you
describe the protection that God’s —not now, not ever. w21.11 22 ˚7, 10
 Monday, March 20 you may be [spiritually] healed.”
You must not steal. (Jas. 5:14-16) Also, it will be helpful
—Lev. 19:11. to meditate on the ransom. You may
find it painful to think about how
Someone might conclude that as God’s Son suffered so much. But
long as he was careful not to take the more you meditate on the sac-
anything that did not belong to him, rifice Jesus made, the deeper your
he would be obeying that command. love for him and for his Father will
Yet, he might be stealing in other become. Each year we deepen our
ways. For example, a merchant who gratitude for the ransom by attend-
used inaccurate scales or measure-
ing the Memorial of Jesus’ death
ments in order to deceive his cus-
and by zealously inviting others to
tomers would in a sense be stealing
join us. What a privilege Jehovah
from them. Leviticus 19:13 connects
has given us to teach others about
stealing with dishonest business
practices, saying: “You must not de-
his Son! w21.04 18-19 ˚13-16
fraud your fellow man.” So fraud- Wednesday, March 22
ulent business practices are linked
with stealing and robbery. While the He started to teach them
eighth commandment set out the many things.—Mark 6:34.
law on stealing, the details found in Think of Jesus’ reaction when a
Leviticus help us understand how multitude of people went to meet
to apply the spirit of that law. We him on a mountainside. Jesus had
can benefit from reflecting on Jeho- spent the whole night in prayer.
vah’s view of dishonesty and steal- He must have been very tired, but
ing. We might ask ourselves: ‘In the when he saw the crowds, his heart
light of Leviticus 19:11-13, is there went out to the poor and the sick
something in my life that merits at- among them. He not only healed
tention? Do I need to make adjust- them but also delivered one of the
ments in my business dealings or most motivating public discours-
work habits?’ w21.12 9-10 ˚6-8 es of all time—the Sermon on the
Tuesday, March 21 Mount. (Luke 6:12-20) Jesus was
also generous with his personal
Just as Jehovah freely forgave time. Can you imagine how Jesus
you, you must also do the same. felt when he learned that his friend
—Col. 3:13. John the Baptizer had been be-
In your private prayers, think headed? The Bible says: “At hearing
about specific mistakes you have [about the death of John], Jesus de-
made during the day and then ask parted from there by boat into an
Jehovah for forgiveness. Of course, isolated place to be alone.” (Matt.
if you have committed a serious 14:10-13) But a large crowd arrived
sin, you will also need the help of at that isolated place before he did.
the elders. They will listen to you (Mark 6:31-33) He could see that
and offer loving counsel from God’s they desperately needed spiritual
Word. They will pray with you, ask- refreshment, and he was quick to
ing Jehovah to continue applying fill that need.—Luke 9:10, 11. w22.02
the value of Jesus’ sacrifice “so that 21 ˚4, 6
 Thursday, March 23 people in general respond to the
Be peaceable with all men. Kingdom message where you live?
—Rom. 12:18. If few respond positively to your ef-
forts to teach them the truth, what
How should we proceed when we can you learn from Jesus’ tears? Je-
realize that we have offended a fel- hovah cares about people. Jesus’
low believer? We should turn to Je- tears remind us of how much Jeho-
hovah in earnest prayer. We can vah cares about people. “He does
ask him to bless our efforts to gain not desire anyone to be destroyed
our brother. We should also take but desires all to attain to repen-
time to analyze ourselves. We can tance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Today we show
ask ourselves such questions as that we love our neighbors by per-
these: ‘Am I willing to sacrifice my severing in our self-sacrificing ef-
pride, humbly apologize, and make forts to touch their heart with the
peace? How will Jehovah and Jesus good news.—Matt. 22:39. w22.01 16
feel if I take the initiative to make ˚10-12
peace with my brother or my sis-
ter?’ Our answers can motivate us Saturday, March 25
to listen to Jesus and humbly ap- I cling to you; your right hand
proach our fellow believer in order keeps fast hold on me.
to make peace. When we go to our —Ps. 63:8.
brother to settle a difference with Your faith will grow stronger as
him, we need to do so with a hum- you meditate on what Jehovah has
ble spirit. (Eph. 4:2, 3) We should already done for his people and on
approach the offended one with what he has done for you person-
the goal of removing any hurt from ally. Most important, though, your
his heart. Remember that restoring love for Jehovah will deepen. Love,
peace with your brother is more im- more than any other quality, will
portant than establishing who was motivate you to obey Jehovah, to
right and who was wrong.—1 Cor. make sacrifices in order to please
6:7. w21.12 26 ˚13-16 him, and to endure any trial. (Matt.
Friday, March 24 22:37-39; 1 Cor. 13:4, 7; 1 John 5:3)
Nothing could be more precious
He viewed the city and wept than a close, loving friendship with
over it.—Luke 19:41. Jehovah! (Ps. 63:1-7) Remember
Jesus felt pain of heart because that prayer, study, and meditation
he knew that his countrymen in gen- are acts of worship. Like Jesus,
eral had already shown that they seek out quiet settings in which
would refuse to respond favorably to spend time with Jehovah. Elimi-
to the Kingdom message. As a re- nate unnecessary distractions. Ask
sult, Jerusalem would be destroyed Jehovah to help you focus when
and any Jews who survived the de- you are engaged in spiritual activ-
struction of the city would be led ities. If you make the best use of
into captivity. (Luke 21:20-24) Sad- your time now, Jehovah will reward
ly, just as Jesus anticipated, most you with life forever in God’s new
of the people rejected him. How do world.—Mark 4:24. w22.01 31 ˚18-20
 Sunday, March 26 how she can improve her teaching
Abhor what is wicked. methods. (2) A single sister would
—Rom. 12:9. like to purchase a pair of slacks,
so she asks a mature sister for her
Our thoughts influence our ac- honest opinion about the selection.
tions. That is why Jesus taught us (3) A brother is assigned to give his
to reject thoughts that can lead us first public talk. He asks an expe-
to commit a serious sin. (Matt. 5: rienced speaker to listen carefully
21, 22, 28, 29) We want to be pleas- to his talk and offer him some con-
ing to our heavenly Father, do we structive counsel on how he can im-
not? How important it is, then, prove. Even a brother who has giv-
that we immediately reject any bad en talks for many years does well to
thoughts that come to our mind! Je- ask for such feedback from experi-
sus said: “Whatever comes out of enced speakers and then to apply
the mouth comes from the heart.” the counsel he receives.—Prov. 19:
(Matt. 15:18) Yes, our speech re- 20. w22.02 13 ˚15-17
veals a lot about who we are on
the inside. So ask yourself: ‘Do I re- Tuesday, March 28
fuse to lie, even if telling the truth I am not alone, but the Father
will cause me trouble? As a mar- who sent me is with me.
ried person, am I careful not to —John 8:16.
flirt with those of the opposite sex?
Do I avoid immoral speech like the Jehovah loves us and cares for us,
plague? Do I reply in a calm manner just as he loved Jesus and cared for
when someone upsets me?’ You will him during his challenging earthly
find it helpful to reflect on those assignment. (John 5:20) He provid-
questions. If you try your best to ed for all of Jesus’ spiritual, emo-
remove abusive, lying, and immor- tional, and physical needs. And
al speech from your conversation, Jehovah did not hold back from ex-
you will find it easier to strip off the pressing love for and approval of
old personality. w22.03 5 ˚12-14 his Son. (Matt. 3:16, 17) Because
he could always count on his loving
Monday, March 27 heavenly Father, Jesus never felt
alone. Like Jesus, all of us have ex-
Wisdom belongs to those who
perienced many expressions of Je-
seek advice.—Prov. 13:10.
hovah’s love. Just think: Jehovah
Those who ask for counsel rather drew us to him and has given us a
than wait for someone to approach loving and united spiritual family to
them will often make greater spir- make us happy and to help fill our
itual progress than those who do emotional needs. (John 6:44) Jeho-
not seek advice. So take the ini- vah also provides us with a steady
tiative by asking for counsel. When supply of upbuilding spiritual food.
might we ask for counsel from fel- And he even helps us to care for our
low believers? Consider some situ- daily material needs. (Matt. 6:31, 32)
ations. (1) A sister asks an expe- As we reflect on Jehovah’s love for
rienced publisher to join her on a us, our love for him grows. w21.09 22
study and later asks for advice on ˚8-9
 Wednesday, March 29 to perfection. How thrilling it is for
Strip off the old personality the millions of observers at the Me-
with its practices.—Col. 3:9. morial to imagine the future fulfill-
ment of Bible prophecies, such as
What was your life like before you those found at Isaiah 35:5, 6; 65:21-
began studying the Bible with Jeho- 23; and Revelation 21:3, 4. By pictur-
vah’s Witnesses? Many of us would ing themselves and their loved ones
be frightened to think about it. Our in that new world, they strengthen
outlook and personality were like- their hope for the future and their
ly shaped by the world’s standards determination never to stop serv-
of right and wrong. If so, we “had ing Jehovah.—Matt. 24:13; Gal. 6:9.
no hope and were without God in w22.01 21 ˚5-7
the world.” (Eph. 2:12) But, as you Memorial Bible reading:
studied the Bible, you discovered (Events after sunset: Nisan 9)
that you have a heavenly Father Matthew 26:6-13
who loves you very much. You real- Friday, March 31
ized that if you wanted to please Je-
The Son of man came . . . to give
hovah and become part of his fami-
his life as a ransom in exchange
ly of worshippers, you would have
for many.—Mark 10:45.
to make significant changes in your
lifestyle, outlook, and thinking. You What is the ransom? The price Je-
would have to learn to live by his sus paid to buy back what Adam
high standards. (Eph. 5:3-5) Our lost. (1 Cor. 15:22) Why do we need
Creator and heavenly Father, Jeho- the ransom? Because Jehovah’s
vah, has the right to determine how standard of justice as set out in the
members of his family should be- Law required that a life be given for
have. And he requires that before a life. (Ex. 21:23, 24) Adam lost his
we get baptized, we put forth ef- perfect human life. To satisfy God’s
fort to “strip off the old personality justice, Jesus sacrificed his perfect
with its practices.” w22.03 2 ˚1-3 human life. (Rom. 5:17) He thus be-
comes an “Eternal Father” to all
Thursday, March 30 those who exercise faith in the ran-
I have other sheep. som. (Isa. 9:6; Rom. 3:23, 24) Jesus
—John 10:16. was willing to sacrifice his life be-
cause of his great love for his heav-
The other sheep are happy to be enly Father and for us. (John 14:31;
present as observers at the Memori- 15:13) Moved by that love, he was
al and contemplate their hope. They determined to keep his integrity to
look forward to the Memorial dis- the end and to accomplish his Fa-
course, for much of it focuses on ther’s will. Jesus did so by remain-
what Christ and his 144,000 corul- ing faithful until his death. As a re-
ers will do for faithful humans dur- sult, Jehovah’s original purpose for
ing the Thousand Year Reign. Under mankind and for the earth will be
the leadership of their King Jesus fulfilled. w21.04 14 ˚2-3
Christ, those heavenly rulers will Memorial Bible reading:
help transform the earth into a par- (Daytime events: Nisan 9)
adise and lift obedient humankind Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17
 Saturday, April 1 this curse was in addition to their
God loved the world so much that condemnation as offspring of sinful
he gave his only-begotten Son. Adam. (Rom. 5:12) God’s Law stated
—John 3:16. that a man who committed a sin de-
serving of death should be execut-
Jesus showed great love by will- ed. Afterward, his dead body may
ingly giving his life for us. (John 15: be hung on a stake. (Deut. 21:22, 23;
13) We can never repay Jehovah and 27:26) So by being hung on a stake,
Jesus for the love they have shown Jesus made it possible for the very
us. But we can show our thankful- nation that rejected him to benefit
ness by how we live our life each day. from his sacrifice. w21.04 16 ˚5-6
(Col. 3:15) The anointed treasure the Memorial Bible reading:
ransom, which makes their wonder- (Daytime events: Nisan 11)
ful hope possible. (Matt. 20:28) Be- Matthew 21:33-41; 22:15-22;
cause of their faith in Christ’s sacri- 23:1-12; 24:1-3
fice, Jehovah has declared them Monday, April 3
righteous and has adopted them as
his children. (Rom. 5:1; 8:15-17, 23) I surrender my life.—John 10:17.
The other sheep too are thankful for Imagine what the last day of Jesus’
the ransom. On the basis of their earthly life was like. Roman soldiers
faith in Christ’s shed blood, they beat him mercilessly. (Matt. 26:52-
have a clean standing before God 54; John 18:3; 19:1) They use a whip
and have the hope of coming “out of that rips strips of flesh from his
the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:13-15) body. Later, they load a heavy beam
Both groups show their gratitude for on his lacerated back. Jesus begins
the ransom by being present at the to drag the stake to the place of exe-
Memorial each year. w22.01 23 ˚14-15 cution, but soon a bystander is con-
Memorial Bible reading: scripted to carry it for him. (Matt.
(Daytime events: Nisan 10)
Matthew 21:18, 19; 21:12, 13; 27:32) When Jesus arrives at the
John 12:20-50 place where he will die, his execu-
tioners nail his hands and his feet to
Sunday, April 2 the stake. The weight of Jesus’ body
Christ purchased us.—Gal. 3:13. tears at the nail wounds. His friends
grieve and his mother weeps, but
Jesus was distressed by the the Jewish rulers mock Jesus. (Luke
charge that was the basis for his ex- 23:32-38; John 19:25) One agoniz-
ecution. He was falsely accused of ing hour follows another. His heart
being a blasphemer—someone who and lungs become strained, and his
had no respect for God or for God’s breathing becomes more difficult.
name. (Matt. 26:64-66) That charge With his dying breath, he utters
tormented Jesus so much that he one last triumphant prayer. He then
hoped his Father would spare him bows his head and surrenders his
this humiliation. (Matt. 26:38, 39, life. (Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 10:
42) Jesus had to be hung on a stake 18; 19:30) It was truly a slow, painful,
to free the Jews from a special humiliating way to die! w21.04 16 ˚4
curse. (Gal. 3:10) They had agreed Memorial Bible reading:
to observe God’s Law but had fallen (Daytime events: Nisan 12)
far short of keeping it. As a result, Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Luke 22:1-6
 MEMORIAL DATE that we can obtain forgiveness of
After Sundown our sins through the shed blood of
Tuesday, April 4 Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:7) Some may
Keep doing this in remembrance find it difficult to believe that Jeho-
of me.—Luke 22:19. vah could ever forgive them. If you
feel that way at times, consider this:
Jesus spoke to his 11 faithful apos-
tles about two covenants, or agree- Shortly before he died, Jesus made
ments—the new covenant and the an expression of mercy to the con-
Kingdom covenant. (Luke 22:20, 28- demned criminal who was just be-
30) These covenants opened up the ginning to show faith. So how much
way for those apostles and a limited more would Jehovah show mercy to
number of others to become kings his faithful worshippers!—Ps. 51:1;
and priests in heaven. (Rev. 5:10; 1 John 2:1, 2. w21.04 9 ˚5-6
14:1) Only the anointed remnant, Memorial Bible reading:
(Daytime events: Nisan 14)
who are in these two covenants, may
Matthew 27:1, 2, 27-37
partake of the bread and the wine
at the Memorial. Jehovah has giv- Thursday, April 6
en them a remarkable hope—to en- Jesus said: “It has been accom-
joy immortal and incorruptible life
plished!”—John 19:30.
in heaven, to serve alongside the
glorified Jesus Christ and the rest By maintaining his integrity till
of the 144,000 and, above all, to he died, Jesus accomplished a num-
be in the very presence of Jehovah ber of things. First, he proved Satan
God! (1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 John 3:2) The a liar. Jesus showed that a perfect
anointed recognize that they must human could keep perfect integri-
remain faithful until their death. ty in spite of all that Satan could
—2 Tim. 4:7, 8. w22.01 21 ˚4-5 do. Second, Jesus gave his life as a
Memorial Bible reading: ransom. His sacrificial death made
(Daytime events: Nisan 13) it possible for imperfect humans to
Matthew 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-13
(Events after sunset: Nisan 14) have a righteous standing with God,
Matthew 26:20-56 and it gave them the prospect of
living forever. Third, Jesus upheld
Wednesday, April 5 the righteousness of Jehovah’s sov-
You will be with me in Paradise. ereignty and cleared his Father’s
—Luke 23:43. name of reproach. May we live each
Two criminals were being execut- day as if it were our last chance to
ed alongside Jesus. (Luke 23:40, 41) maintain our integrity! Then, even
One of them turned to Jesus and if we should face death, we would
said: “Remember me when you get be able to say, “Jehovah, I have
into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) done my best to keep my integrity,
Knowing that his Father is merciful, to prove Satan a liar, and to vindi-
Jesus spoke words that gave hope cate your name and your sovereign-
to this dying criminal. (Ps. 103:8; ty!” w21.04 12 ˚13-14
Heb. 1:3) Jehovah is eager to for- Memorial Bible reading:
(Daytime events: Nisan 15)
give us and to show us mercy if we Matthew 27:62-66
are truly sorry for the bad things (Events after sunset: Nisan 16)
we have done and we exercise faith Matthew 28:2-4
 Friday, April 7 29) We exercise faith in Jesus by act-
This is my Son, the beloved, whom ing on what he taught both by word
I have approved. Listen to him. and by example. If we do that, we will
—Matt. 17:5. stay on the road to everlasting life.
(Matt. 7:14) Before we can follow Je-
After being falsely accused and sus’ footsteps closely, we must come
being judged guilty of a crime he did to know him. “Coming to know”
not commit, Jesus is mocked, cruel- Jesus is an ongoing process. We
ly tortured, and then nailed to a tor- must become better and better ac-
ture stake. Nails pierce his hands quainted with him—learning about
and feet. Every breath he takes, his qualities, his thinking, and his
every word he speaks, is painful. standards. No matter how long we
But he must speak—he has impor- have been in the truth, we must keep
tant things to say. What power- working at coming to know Jehovah
ful lessons we can learn from Je- and his Son. w21.04 4 ˚9-10
sus’ final words! We are reminded
of the need to forgive others and to Sunday, April 9
trust that Jehovah will forgive us. Formerly I was a blasphemer and
We are privileged to have a wonder- a persecutor.—1 Tim. 1:13.
ful spiritual family of brothers and
sisters who are ready to help us. There must have been times when
But when we need help, we must the apostle Paul was tormented
take the initiative to ask for it. We by his past. He referred to him-
know that Jehovah will help us en- self as the “foremost” sinner, and
dure any trial that comes upon us. no wonder! (1 Tim. 1:15) Before com-
And we see the importance of living ing to a knowledge of the truth,
each day as if it were our last day to Paul relentlessly pursued Chris-
prove our integrity, confident that tians in one city after another, put-
our life is safe in Jehovah’s hands. ting some in prison and voting for
w21.04 8 ˚1; 13 ˚17 the execution of others. (Acts 26:
Memorial Bible reading: 10, 11) Can you imagine how Paul
(Daytime events: Nisan 16) would have felt on meeting a young
Matthew 28:1, 5-15 Christian whose parents had been
Saturday, April 8 executed with his approval? Paul re-
gretted his mistakes, but he knew
This means everlasting life, their he could not change the past. He ac-
coming to know you, the only true cepted that Christ had died for him,
God, and the one whom you sent, and he confidently wrote: “By God’s
Jesus Christ.—John 17:3. undeserved kindness I am what I
Following Jesus’ footsteps leads to am.” (1 Cor. 15:3, 10) What is the les-
everlasting life. When a rich young son for us? Accept that Christ died
man asked what he needed to do to for you and paved the way for you
gain everlasting life, Jesus replied: to enter into a warm, personal re-
“Come be my follower.” (Matt. 19:16- lationship with Jehovah. (Acts 3:19)
21) To some Jews who did not be- What counts with God is what we do
lieve that he was the Christ, Jesus now and in the future, not the mis-
said: “My sheep . . . follow me. I give takes we made in the past.—Isa. 1:18.
them everlasting life.” (John 10:24- w21.04 23 ˚11
 Monday, April 10 I saw how Jehovah answered my
Test the inspired statements to see teacher’s prayers, I quickly start-
whether they originate with God, ed to pray. I felt Jehovah’s help
for many false prophets have gone when I needed to have days off from
out into the world.—1 John 4:1. my new job to attend the meetings
and the convention.” Jehovah cares
Although many Jews in Jesus’ day deeply about our Bible students.
did not expect that the Messiah He appreciates how hard Christian
would need to die, notice what had teachers work to help people draw
been prophesied in the Scriptures: closer to him, and he loves them for
“He poured out his life even to death it. (Isa. 52:7) If you are not current-
and was counted among the trans- ly conducting a Bible study, you can
gressors; he carried the sin of many still help Bible students to progress
people, and he interceded for the toward baptism by accompanying
transgressors.” (Isa. 53:12) So the other publishers on their studies.
Jews had no reason to be stum-
w21.06 7 ˚17-18
bled when Jesus was executed as
a sinner. Today, we can avoid be- Wednesday, April 12
ing stumbled by learning the facts.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Je- His delight is in the law of Jeho-
sus warned his listeners that some vah, and he reads His law in an
would “lyingly say every sort of undertone day and night.—Ps. 1:2.
wicked thing against” them. (Matt. 5: We can show that we appreciate
11) The source of these lies is Satan. the privilege of having God’s Word
He influences opposers to spread by reading it regularly. We cannot
malicious slander about those who afford to leave personal study to
love the truth. (Rev. 12:9, 10) We chance, doing it when we feel that
must reject the lies told by our oppo- we have the time. By sticking to
nents. Never should we allow such a regular routine of study, we can
lies to intimidate us or to undermine keep our faith strong. Unlike “the
our faith. w21.05 11 ˚14; 12 ˚16 wise and intellectual ones” of this
Tuesday, April 11 world, we have solid faith based on
God’s Word. (Matt. 11:25, 26) As a
Have no fear; you are worth result of our study of that sacred
more than many sparrows. volume, we know why conditions on
—Matt. 10:31. earth are deteriorating and what
Help your Bible student to trust Jehovah is going to do about it. So
in Jehovah. Jesus assured his disci- let us be determined to strength-
ples that Jehovah would help them en our faith and to help as many
because He loved them. (Matt. 10: as possible to have faith in our Cre-
19, 20, 29, 30) Remind your stu- ator. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) And let us con-
dent that Jehovah will help him too. tinue to look forward to the time
You can help him to rely on Jeho- when all alive on earth will echo
vah by praying with him about his the words of Revelation 4:11: “You
goals. “My teacher often mentioned are worthy, Jehovah our God, to
my goals in his prayers,” says Fran- receive the glory . . . because you
ciszek, who lives in Poland. “When created all things.” w21.08 19 ˚18-20
 Thursday, April 13 til the time comes to put an end to
In brotherly love have tender all rebels. That will bring blessed
affection for one another. relief to his loyal ones, who along
—Rom. 12:10. with him are enduring evil in this
system of things! Satan accused
As shepherds, elders are respon- Jehovah’s upright servant Job,
sible for giving counsel when it is saying in effect that all of Jeho-
needed. They should strive to give vah’s faithful worshippers serve
counsel that is both practical and God for selfish reasons. (Job 1:8-
motivating and that will “make the 11; 2:3-5) The Devil has kept up his
heart rejoice.” (Prov. 27:9) Elders accusations to this day. (Rev. 12:
love their brothers and sisters. At 10) We can do our part to prove
times, they show that love by coun- that there is no truth to Satan’s lies
seling someone who is heading by enduring our trials and remain-
down a wrong path. (Gal. 6:1) Be- ing loyal to Jehovah out of love for
fore speaking to the person, Him. w21.07 9 ˚7-8
though, an elder might consider
some of the facets of love that the Saturday, April 15
apostle Paul mentioned. “Love is Remove your evil deeds from
patient and kind. . . . It bears all my sight; stop doing bad.
things, believes all things, hopes —Isa. 1:16.
all things, endures all things.”
(1 Cor. 13:4, 7) Meditating on those The apostle Paul used a powerful
word picture to teach us just how
Bible verses will help the elder
serious we must be about chang-
to examine his motives for giv-
ing our lifestyle. He wrote that
ing the counsel and to approach
we must nail our old personality
his brother with the proper atti-
“to the stake.” (Rom. 6:6) In other
tude. If the one receiving the coun-
words, we want to follow Christ’s
sel can sense that the elder cares
example. We need to kill off atti-
about him, he will be more likely
tudes and practices that Jehovah
to accept the counsel. w22.02 14 ˚3;
hates. Only if we take these steps
15 ˚5
will we gain a clean conscience and
Friday, April 14 have the prospect of enjoying ever-
lasting life. (John 17:3; 1 Pet. 3:21)
They rebelled and grieved his
Jehovah will not change his stan-
holy spirit.—Isa. 63:10.
dards to suit us. Instead, we need
Jehovah created his spirit and to change who we are and conform
human children perfect, without to his standards. (Isa. 1:17, 18; 55:9)
any flaws. But then the rebel angel- Even after you get baptized, you
ic son Satan (meaning “Resister”) will need to continue to fight flesh-
turned the perfect humans, Adam ly desires. Pray for Jehovah’s help,
and Eve, against Jehovah. Other and rely on his spirit, not on your
angels and humans joined in the re- own strength. (Gal. 5:22; Phil. 4:6)
bellion. (Jude 6) Jehovah rightly We must be determined if we are
felt betrayed. Still, he has endured, to strip off the old personality and
and he will keep on enduring un- keep it off. w22.03 6 ˚15-17
 Sunday, April 16 ship with him will become stronger.
[Jehovah] will sustain you. Share your faith in God with others.
—Ps. 55:22. But what if someone you witness
to raises a question about the exis-
Jehovah promises that he will tence of God and you are unsure of
provide us with food, clothing, and how to reply? Try to find a Scrip-
shelter if we seek his Kingdom first tural answer to the question in one
and live by his righteous standards. of our publications, and then share
(Matt. 6:33) With that in mind, we it with the individual. You can also
avoid thinking that the material ask an experienced fellow Witness
things this world offers will bring for help. Whether the unbeliever ac-
us security and lasting happiness. cepts answers from the Bible or not,
We know that the only way we can you will benefit from having done
gain real peace of mind is by doing the research. Your faith will grow
Jehovah’s will. (Phil. 4:6, 7) Even if stronger. w21.08 18 ˚14-15
we can afford to buy many things,
we must consider whether we really Tuesday, April 18
have the time or the energy to use I did not hold back from
and care for them. Might we be- telling you.—Acts 20:20.
come too attached to our posses-
We do not need to give up all com-
sions? Remember that God expects
forts in order to please Jehovah.
us to be productive members of his
(Eccl. 5:19, 20) However, if we were
family. That means we should not
to hold back from doing more in
allow ourselves to be distracted. We
God’s service just to avoid making
certainly do not want to be like the
personal sacrifices, we could make
man who turned down the oppor-
the same mistake as the man in
tunity to serve Jehovah as well as
Jesus’ illustration who created a
the potential to be adopted as one
comfortable life for himself but ig-
of his sons—all because he was at-
nored God. (Luke 12:16-21) When we
tached to a few earthly posses-
face challenges, we prayerfully do
sions!—Mark 10:17-22. w21.08 6 ˚17
our best to use our thinking abili-
Monday, April 17 ty to come up with a plan of action.
(Prov. 3:21) Jehovah blesses us in
Make a defense before many ways. We can show how much
everyone.—1 Pet. 3:15. we appreciate those blessings by
As you study the Scriptures, you doing all we can to bring him praise.
will note that a distinct personality (Heb. 13:15) That may include ex-
emerges—one that harmonizes with panding our ministry, putting us in
the qualities reflected in creation. line for additional blessings. Each
These qualities clearly belong to a day, let us look for ways to “taste
real Person and are not a product of and see that Jehovah is good.” (Ps.
someone’s imagination. (Ex. 34:6, 7; 34:8) Then we will be like Jesus,
Ps. 145:8, 9) As you come to know who said: “My food is to do the will
Jehovah better and better, your of him who sent me and to finish
faith in him will grow, your love for his work.”—John 4:34. w21.08 30-31
him will deepen, and your friend- ˚16-19
 Wednesday, April 19 vah’s house, or temple. (Ezra 3:8,
Pride is before a crash, and a 10) But before long, a sad situation
haughty spirit before stumbling. developed. They got discouraged
—Prov. 16:18. and stopped working on the project
because of opposition. (Ezra 4:4;
Satan wants us to develop an un- Hag. 1:1, 2) So in 520 B.C.E., Je-
balanced sense of pride. He knows hovah commissioned Haggai to re-
that if we allow improper pride to kindle their zeal and motivate them
dominate us, we will become like to complete the temple. (Ezra 6:14,
him and lose out on gaining ever- 15) Haggai’s message was designed
lasting life. Accordingly, the apos- to build faith in Jehovah. The ex-
tle Paul warned that a person might pression “Jehovah of armies” must
“get puffed up with pride and fall have been reassuring. Jehovah has
into the judgment passed on the a vast army of angelic warriors un-
Devil.” (1 Tim. 3:6, 7) That could der his command, so the Jews need-
happen to any one of us, whether ed to rely on him to succeed. w21.09
we are new in the truth or we have 15 ˚4-5
been serving Jehovah for many
years. Pride is a form of selfish- Friday, April 21
ness. Satan tries to get us to be By this all will know that you are
selfish, to focus more on ourselves my disciples—if you have love
than on Jehovah, especially when among yourselves.—John 13:35.
we face a challenge. For example,
Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses en-
have you been falsely accused? Or joy a loving unity on a global scale.
have you been treated unjustly? Sa- Like no other organization, our
tan would love to see you blame Je- close-knit brotherhood rises above
hovah or your brothers. And the national, racial, and social bound-
Devil wants you to think that the aries. We see evidence of genuine
only remedy is to do things your love at our meetings, assemblies,
own way rather than to follow the and conventions. That evidence
guidance Jehovah gives you in his strengthens our conviction that
Word.—Eccl. 7:16, 20. w21.06 15 ˚4-5 our form of worship is the one ap-
Thursday, April 20 proved by Jehovah. (John 13:34)
The Scriptures urge us to “have in-
“Be strong, all you people of the tense love for one another.” (1 Pet.
land,” declares Jehovah, “and 4:8) One way we show such love
work. For I am with you,” declares is by forgiving one another and
Jehovah of armies.—Hag. 2:4. putting up with one another’s im-
The prophet Haggai received an perfections. We also look for oppor-
important commission from Jeho- tunities to be generous and hospi-
vah. Haggai had likely been among table to all in the congregation,
those who in 537 B.C.E. returned even to those who may have offend-
to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. ed us. (Col. 3:12-14) Such a loving
Soon after they arrived at their bond is truly the foremost identify-
destination, those faithful worship- ing mark of true Christians. w21.10
pers laid the foundation of Jeho- 22 ˚13-14
 Saturday, April 22 attract people to the good news. At
The one who loves [his son] times, some may belittle us or even
disciplines him diligently. persecute us because we obey our
—Prov. 13:24. heavenly Father. What if we feel in-
timidated when speaking to others
Can getting disfellowshipped help about our beliefs? We can count on
an unrepentant sinner change his Jehovah and his Son to come to
course? It can. Many who have fall- our aid. Jesus reassured his disci-
en into serious sin have found that ples that they did not have to worry
the firm action the elders took gave about how to speak or what to say.
them the very jolt they needed to Why not? “What you are to speak
come to their senses, change their will be given you in that hour,” ex-
course of action, and return to Je- plained Jesus, “for the ones speak-
hovah’s warm embrace. (Heb. 12: ing are not just you, but it is the
5, 6) Consider an illustration. A spirit of your Father that speaks
shepherd notices that one of by you.”—Matt. 10:19, 20. w21.09 24
his sheep is ailing. He knows that ˚17-18
treating this particular illness re-
quires that he isolate the sick sheep Monday, April 24
from the rest of the flock. However, I will say to Jehovah: “You are
sheep are social creatures. They my refuge and my stronghold.”
long to be with the flock, and they —Ps. 91:2.
may become agitated when kept
apart. Does this mean, though, that Moses used a similar word pic-
the shepherd is being harsh or cru- ture about a refuge. (Ps. 90:1, ftn.)
el in choosing this treatment? Of Moreover, toward the end of his life,
course not. He knows that if he al- Moses called attention to a heart-
lows the sick sheep to mingle with warming detail. He wrote: “God
the rest of the flock, the illness will is a refuge from ancient times, his
spread. By isolating the sick one, he everlasting arms are beneath you.”
protects the whole flock. w21.10 10 (Deut. 33:27) What does the phrase
˚9-10 “his everlasting arms are beneath
you” tell us about Jehovah? When
Sunday, April 23 Jehovah is our Refuge, we feel se-
cure. Still, there may be days when
Let your light shine before men, so
we are down and struggle to get
that they may see your fine works
up. At such times, what will Jeho-
and give glory to your Father who
vah do for us? (Ps. 136:23) He will
is in the heavens.—Matt. 5:16.
put his arms beneath us, gently lift
It is a great privilege to belong us up, and help us to get back on
to a loving international family. We our feet. (Ps. 28:9; 94:18) Knowing
want as many as possible to join us that we can always count on God’s
in worshipping our God. With this support helps us to remember that
in mind, we should be careful nev- we are blessed in two ways. First,
er to do anything that would re- we have a secure place of refuge no
flect badly on Jehovah’s people or matter where we live. Second, our
on our heavenly Father. We try to loving heavenly Father deeply cares
conduct ourselves in a way that will for us. w21.11 6 ˚15-16
 Tuesday, April 25 you see on the Internet to make you
You have been distressed by feel that you are missing out on all
various trials.—1 Pet. 1:6. the fun. Satan wants you to think
that Jehovah’s standards are keep-
Jesus knew that injustice would ing you from enjoying life to the
challenge the faith of his disci- full. But remember this: Satan does
ples. To help them deal with it, he not want those who are traveling on
gave an illustration that is record- his road to see what awaits them at
ed in the book of Luke. Jesus told the end of the journey. (Matt. 7:13,
the story of a widow who kept cry- 14) Jehovah, on the other hand, has
ing out to an unrighteous judge for given you a clear picture of what he
justice. She was confident that her has in store for those who stay on
persistence would pay off. Even- the road to life.—Ps. 37:29; Isa. 35:
tually, the judge responded to her 5, 6; 65:21-23. w21.12 23 ˚6-7
pleas. The application? Jehovah is
not unjust. So Jesus said: “Certain- Thursday, April 27
ly, then, will not God cause jus- Forgive your brother from
tice to be done for his chosen ones your heart.—Matt. 18:35.
who cry out to him day and night?”
(Luke 18:1-8) Then Jesus added: We know that we should forgive;
“When the Son of man arrives, that is the right thing to do. But
we may still struggle to do so. The
will he really find this faith on the
apostle Peter may have felt that
earth?” When we suffer injustice,
way at times. (Matt. 18:21, 22) What
we need to prove by our patience
can help? First, meditate on how
and perseverance that we have
much Jehovah has forgiven you.
strong faith like that of the widow.
(Matt. 18:32, 33) We do not deserve
With such faith, we can be confi-
his forgiveness, but he offers it
dent that sooner or later Jehovah
freely. (Ps. 103:8-10) At the same
will act in our behalf. We also need
time, “we are also under obligation
to believe in the power of prayer.
to love one another.” So forgive-
w21.11 23 ˚12; 24 ˚14
ness is not optional. We owe it to
Wednesday, April 26 our brothers and sisters to forgive
them. (1 John 4:11) Second, medi-
How can a young man keep his
tate on what happens when we for-
path clean? By keeping on guard
give. We may help the person who
according to your word.
has wronged us, unify the con-
—Ps. 119:9.
gregation, protect our friendship
Young ones, do you sometimes with Jehovah, and remove a bur-
feel that Jehovah’s standards are den from our shoulders. (2 Cor. 2:7;
too restrictive? This is what Satan Col. 3:14) Finally, pray to the One
wants you to think. He would like who asks us to forgive. Do not allow
you to focus on what those who are Satan to disrupt the peace you en-
traveling on the spacious road are joy with your fellow worshippers.
doing, on the good time they seem (Eph. 4:26, 27) We need Jehovah’s
to be having. He may use what your help if we are to avoid falling into
peers at school are doing or what Satan’s trap. w21.06 22 ˚11; 23 ˚14
 Friday, April 28 at night—a time that was more con-
You will be king over Israel. venient for one of his listeners. The
—1 Sam. 23:17. majority of those who initially lis-
tened to Jesus did not become his
David was running for his life. disciples. But all who heard him re-
Saul, the powerful king of Isra- ceived a thorough witness. Today
el, was determined to put him to we want to give everyone the op-
death. When David needed provi- portunity to hear the good news.
sions, he stopped at the city of Nob, (Acts 10:42) To accomplish this, we
where he made a modest request may need to adjust our approach
for five loaves of bread. (1 Sam. 21: to the ministry. Rather than stick
1, 3) Later, he and his men found to a schedule that is convenient for
refuge in a cave. (1 Sam. 22:1) How us, we should be willing to adjust
did David come to be in this sit- our schedule to preach when we are
uation? Saul was insanely jealous more likely to meet people. If we do,
of David’s popularity and military we can be sure that Jehovah will be
victories. Saul also knew that his pleased. w22.01 17 ˚13-14
own disobedience had led to Jeho-
vah’s rejecting him as king of Is- Sunday, April 30
rael and that Jehovah had selected Man has dominated man
David for the throne. (1 Sam. 23: to his harm.—Eccl. 8:9.
16, 17) Still, as king of Israel, Saul
Today many find it hard to trust
had a large army and many support-
anyone in authority. They have ob-
ers, so David had to flee for his life.
served that the legal and the po-
Did Saul really think that he could
litical systems tend to favor the
fight against God’s expressed pur-
wealthy and the powerful and to
pose for David? (Isa. 55:11) The Bi-
deny justice to the poor. In addi-
ble does not say, but we can be sure
tion, the conduct of certain reli-
of one thing: Saul was putting him-
gious leaders leaves much to be
self in a dangerous position. Those
desired, which has caused some
who fight against God always lose!
people to lose confidence in God.
w22.01 2 ˚1-2
So when a person agrees to study
Saturday, April 29 the Bible with us, we face the chal-
lenge of helping him to build trust
Nicodemus . . . came to him in Jehovah and trust in His earth-
in the night.—John 3:1, 2. ly representatives. Of course, Bi-
Jesus worked hard in the minis- ble students are not the only ones
try. He showed his love for peo- who need to learn to trust in Jeho-
ple by continuing to teach them at vah and to trust in his organization.
every opportunity. (Luke 19:47, 48) Even those of us who have been in
What moved him to do so? Jesus felt the truth for many years must never
compassion for them. At times, so lose sight of the fact that Jehovah’s
many wanted to hear Jesus’ words way of doing things is always best.
that he and his disciples “were not At times, situations arise that may
able even to eat a meal.” (Mark 3: test our confidence in that regard.
20) He also made himself available w22.02 2 ˚1-2
 Monday, May 1 have been strengthened by see-
Consider closely the one ing these prophecies fulfilled in
who has endured. Jesus. Do we see the same prob-
—Heb. 12:3. lem today? Yes. In modern times,
a few well-known Witnesses have
To help us come to know his Son, left the truth, become apostate,
Jehovah lovingly included the four and then tried to turn others away.
Gospels in his Word. The Gospels They have spread negative reports,
contain a historical account of the half-truths, and outright lies about
life and ministry of Jesus. That Jehovah’s Witnesses through the
account tells us what Jesus said, news media and the Internet. But
shows us what he did, and reveals honesthearted ones are not stum-
to us how he felt. These four books bled. On the contrary, they real-
help us to “consider closely” the ex- ize that the Bible foretold that such
ample of Jesus. In effect, they con- things would happen.—Matt. 24:24;
tain the footsteps that Jesus left be-
2 Pet. 2:18-22. w21.05 11 ˚12; 12-13
hind. So by examining the Gospels,
˚18-19
we can come to know Jesus better
and better. As a result, we can fol- Wednesday, May 3
low his steps closely. To benefit fully
from the Gospels, we must do more The path of the righteous is like
than just read them. We need to take the bright morning light that grows
the time to study them carefully and brighter and brighter until full
meditate on them deeply. (Compare daylight.—Prov. 4:18.
Joshua 1:8, footnote.) Bring the The Scriptures make it clear that
Gospel accounts to life. Use your accurate knowledge increases with
imagination to see, hear, and feel time. (Col. 1:9, 10) Jehovah reveals
what was happening. Do some re- the truth gradually, and we must be
search in the study aids provided by willing to wait patiently for the light
Jehovah’s organization. w21.04 4-5 of truth to get brighter. When those
˚11-13 taking the lead realize that our un-
derstanding on a certain point of
Tuesday, May 2
truth needs to be clarified, they do
We preach Christ executed on the not hesitate to make the needed ad-
stake, to the Jews a cause for justments. While many denomina-
stumbling.—1 Cor. 1:23. tions in Christendom make changes
Centuries before Jesus came to to please their congregations or to
earth, Jehovah revealed in his Word get closer to the world, the changes
that the Messiah would be betrayed made by Jehovah’s organization are
for 30 pieces of silver. (Zech. 11:12, designed to draw us closer to God
13) The betrayer would be one of and to the pattern of worship estab-
Jesus’ close companions. (Ps. 41:9) lished by Jesus. (Jas. 4:4) The ad-
The prophet Zechariah also wrote: justments we make are driven, not
“Strike the shepherd, and let the by modern trends or popular de-
flock be scattered.” (Zech. 13:7) In- mands, but by a clearer understand-
stead of being stumbled by these ing of the Scriptures. We love the
events, honesthearted ones should truth!—1 Thess. 2:3, 4. w21.10 22 ˚12
 Thursday, May 4 pline is always best. Whatever prob-
Throw all your anxiety lem is confronting you, use it as
on him.—1 Pet. 5:7. an opportunity to build your faith.
Pour your heart out to Jehovah. Do
What can you do if you feel alone? not isolate yourself, but instead re-
Focus on how Jehovah is sustain- main close to your brothers and sis-
ing you. (Ps. 55:22) This will help ters. (Prov. 18:1) Share in activities
you to maintain a balanced view that will help you to endure, even if
of your situation. Think, too, about you have to do so with tears. (Ps.
how Jehovah is helping fellow be- 126:5, 6) Keep up with your routine
lievers who feel lonely. (1 Pet. 5:9, of meetings, field service, and Bible
10) Hiroshi, a brother who for many reading. And stay focused on the
years has been the only Witness in wonderful blessings that Jehovah
his family, says: “Knowing that we has in store for you. As you see how
are all doing our best to serve Je- Jehovah helps you, your faith in
hovah can encourage those of us him will grow ever stronger. w21.11
who are alone in the truth.” Also, 23 ˚11; 24 ˚17
maintain a good spiritual routine.
This includes openly telling Jeho- Saturday, May 6
vah how you feel. It is important Likewise, it is not a desirable thing
to read God’s Word regularly, medi- to my Father who is in heaven for
tating on specific accounts that even one of these little ones to
highlight Jehovah’s love for you. perish.—Matt. 18:14.
Some Christians memorize scrip-
In what way are Jesus’ disciples
tures that are particularly comfort-
like “little ones”? Well, whom does
ing, such as Psalm 27:10 and Isaiah
the world consider important? The
41:10. Others find that listening to
rich, the famous, and the powerful.
audio recordings of the study ma-
In contrast, Jesus’ disciples seem to
terial helps them to feel less lonely
be unimportant, insignificant “lit-
when preparing for the meetings or
tle ones.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29) But Je-
doing their Bible reading. w21.06 9-
hovah does not view them that way.
10 ˚5-8
What prompted Jesus to talk about
Friday, May 5 “these little ones”? His disciples had
asked him a question: “Who really is
You will not fear any greatest in the Kingdom of the heav-
sudden terror. ens?” (Matt. 18:1) Many Jews at that
—Prov. 3:25. time viewed position and rank as
Are you mourning the death of a very important. One scholar says:
loved one? Take time to strengthen “Men lived and died in quest of hon-
your faith in the resurrection hope or, reputation, fame, approval, and
by reading Bible accounts of those respect.” Jesus knew that his dis-
who were raised from the dead. Are ciples would have to work hard to
you grieving because a family mem- root out from their heart the spirit
ber was disfellowshipped? Study in of competition that was entrenched
order to convince yourself that in Jewish culture. w21.06 20 ˚2; 21
God’s way of administering disci- ˚6, 8; 22 ˚9
 Sunday, May 7 have faith that one day he will make
Oil and incense make the heart things right. We can tell everyone
rejoice; so does sweet friendship who will listen what a loving God
springing from sincere counsel. Jehovah is. That gives him a good
—Prov. 27:9. reply to make to the one taunting
him. (Prov. 27:11) Jehovah is a com-
The apostle Paul set a good ex- passionate God. He hates to hear
ample as an elder. For instance, us cry out because of the suffer-
when the brothers in Thessalonica ing that we are enduring—be it per-
needed counsel, Paul did not hesi- secution, illness, or our imperfec-
tate to give it. However, in his let- tions. (Ps. 22:23, 24) Jehovah feels
ters to them, Paul first took note our pain; he wants to stop it, and he
of their faithful work, their lov- will stop it.—Compare Exodus 3:7, 8;
ing labor, and their endurance. He Isaiah 63:9. w21.07 9-10 ˚9-10
also considered their circumstanc-
es, kindly acknowledging that their Tuesday, May 9
life was not easy and that they You crowned him with
were bearing up under persecu- glory and splendor.
tion. (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4) He —Ps. 8:5.
even told those brothers that they
were an example to other Chris- Soon obedient humans will en-
tians. (1 Thess. 1:8, 9) How hap- joy the greatest honor of all—the
py they must have been to receive privilege of loving and worshipping
Jehovah forever! Jesus will undo
Paul’s warm commendation! There
the conditions that resulted when
could be no doubt that Paul loved
Adam and Eve decided to leave
his brothers very much. That is
God’s family. Jehovah will resur-
why he was able to give effective
rect millions and give them the op-
counsel in both of his letters to the
portunity for everlasting life in
Thessalonians.—1 Thess. 4:1, 3-5,
perfect health on an earth trans-
11; 2 Thess. 3:11, 12. w22.02 15 ˚6
formed into a paradise. (Luke 23:
Monday, May 8 42, 43) As the earthly part of Jeho-
vah’s family of worshippers grows
He will wipe out every tear from
to perfection, each one will reflect
their eyes, and death will be
the “glory and splendor” that Da-
no more.—Rev. 21:4.
vid wrote about. If you belong to
Satan uses leaders of false reli- the “great crowd,” you have a won-
gion to say that Jehovah is cruel derful prospect. (Rev. 7:9) God
and is responsible for man’s suffer- loves you; he wants you to be a
ing. Some even say that when chil- member of his family. So do all
dren die, it was God who took them you can to please him. Live each
because he needed more angels day with God’s promises in your
in heaven. How blasphemous! We mind and heart. Appreciate your
know better. When we are strick- privilege of worshipping our dear
en with a serious illness or when heavenly Father, and cherish the
someone we love dies, we never prospect of praising him forever!
blame our God. On the contrary, we w21.08 7 ˚18-19
 Wednesday, May 10 How, then, can we avoid that trap?
We will reap if we do (2 Thess. 1:3) First, beg Jehovah
not tire out.—Gal. 6:9. for his holy spirit, and do so of-
ten. Why? Because faith is an as-
The prophet Jeremiah preached pect of the fruitage of the spirit.
for decades in the face of apathy (Gal. 5:22, 23) We cannot build and
and opposition. He became so dis- maintain faith in our Creator with-
couraged by the “insults and jeer- out the help of his holy spirit. If we
ing” of opposers that he thought keep asking Jehovah for his spir-
of giving up his assignment. (Jer. it, he will give it to us. (Luke 11:13)
20:8, 9) But Jeremiah did not give In particular, we can pray: “Give us
up! What enabled him to overcome more faith.” (Luke 17:5) Addition-
his negative thoughts and find joy ally, be consistent in your person-
in his ministry? He focused on two al study of God’s Word.—Ps. 1:2, 3.
important facts. First, God’s mes-
w21.08 18-19 ˚16-18
sage that Jeremiah took to the peo-
ple involved “a future and a hope.” Friday, May 12
(Jer. 29:11) Second, Jehovah had
Gray hair is a crown of
placed his name on Jeremiah. (Jer.
beauty.—Prov. 16:31.
15:16) We too bring a message of
hope in a bleak world, and we bear Older ones have much to offer.
Jehovah’s name as his Witnesses. Although they may not have the
When we focus our attention on strength they once had, they do
these facts, we can find joy regard- have a wealth of experience that
less of the response of the peo- they have acquired over the years.
ple. So do not get discouraged or Jehovah can continue to use them
give up if the progress of your Bi- in various ways. For example, the
ble student is taking longer than Bible tells of faithful ones who ac-
you expected. Making disciples re- tively served Jehovah into their old
quires patience.—Jas. 5:7, 8. w21.10 age. Moses, for instance, was about
27 ˚12-13 80 years old when he began serv-
ing as Jehovah’s prophet and rep-
Thursday, May 11
resentative to the nation of Isra-
Let us also throw off every el. Jehovah was still using Daniel
weight and the sin that easily as His spokesman when the proph-
entangles us.—Heb. 12:1. et was probably in his 90’s. And the
No matter how long we have been apostle John was likely also in his
serving Jehovah, we must contin- 90’s when he was inspired to write
ue to build and maintain our faith the book of Revelation. The “righ-
in him. Why? Because if we are teous and devout” man Simeon is
not careful, our faith can weak- mentioned just briefly in the Bible,
en. Remember, faith involves ev- but Jehovah knew who he was and
idence of unseen realities. What granted him the privilege of seeing
we cannot see, we may easily for- the infant Jesus and of prophesy-
get. Thus, Paul called lack of faith ing about the child and his mother.
“the sin that easily entangles us.” —Luke 2:22, 25-35. w21.09 3-4 ˚5-7
 Saturday, May 13 we must personally decide wheth-
O Jehovah, my heart is not er we will serve Jehovah. (Josh. 24:
haughty, . . . nor do I aspire 15) So, grieving parents, fight the
to things too great. tendency to think that this trage-
—Ps. 131:1. dy must be your fault! At times,
a parent abandons the truth and
Parents should be careful not to even the family. (Ps. 27:10) This can
compare one child with another or be devastating for children who had
to ask more of a child than he or looked up to the parent as a role
she can give. Unfavorable compari- model. Young ones, if one of your
sons and unreasonable demands can parents has been disfellowshipped,
exasperate a child. (Eph. 6:4) A sis- be assured that Jehovah is also
ter named Sachiko says: “My moth- keenly aware of your pain. He loves
er wanted me to get 100 percent on you and appreciates your loyalty.
my exams, which I found impossi- Remember, too, that you are not
ble. Although I left school years ago, responsible for your parent’s deci-
at times I still wonder if my best is sions. w21.09 27 ˚5-7
good enough for Jehovah.” King Da-
vid said that he did not “aspire to Monday, May 15
things too great” or to things that Those whom Jehovah loves
were beyond him. His humility and he disciplines.—Heb. 12:6.
modesty “calmed and quieted” him.
(Ps. 131:2) What can parents learn When a Christian is disfellow-
from David’s words? Parents can be shipped, we might think of him as a
humble and modest not only in what contagious sheep that might in-
they expect of themselves but also fect the flock. He is sick in a spiri-
in what they expect of their child. tual sense. (Jas. 5:14) Spiritual sick-
Parents can reassure their child by ness, like some forms of physical
acknowledging his strengths and illness, can be quite contagious. So
weaknesses when helping him to set it is necessary in some cases to iso-
appropriate goals. w21.07 21-22 ˚5-6 late a spiritually sick individual from
the congregation. This discipline
Sunday, May 14 is an expression of Jehovah’s love
Each one will carry his for faithful members of His flock,
own load.—Gal. 6:5. and it may reach the wrongdoer’s
heart and lead him to repentance.
Jehovah has given each of us While disfellowshipped, the individ-
the gift of free will. This means ual may be able to attend meetings,
that we can choose whether we where he can be fed and built up
will obey him or not. Some young spiritually. He is also free to receive
ones whose upbringing was far literature for his personal use and to
from ideal choose to serve Jehovah, watch JW Broadcasting ˙. And as the
and they make a success of their elders observe his progress, they
service. Others whose parents did may from time to time offer personal
their very best to bring them up in counsel and direction to help him re-
harmony with Scriptural principles gain his spiritual health so that he
turn their back on the truth once can be reinstated as one of Jeho-
they get older. In the final analysis, vah’s Witnesses. w21.10 10 ˚9, 11
 Tuesday, May 16 just how much he trusted in his lov-
Not everyone saying to me, “Lord, ing heavenly Father. Jehovah spoke
Lord,” will enter into the Kingdom to Jehoshaphat by means of a Le-
of the heavens.—Matt. 7:21. vite named Jahaziel, saying the
words of today’s text. With full trust
Today, we follow the pattern of in his God, Jehoshaphat did as he
worship set by the first-century was told. When he and the peo-
Christian congregation. For in- ple went out to meet the enemy, he
stance, our organizational struc- placed at the front of his troops,
ture—which includes traveling not the most skilled soldiers, but
overseers, elders, and ministeri- the unarmed singers. Jehovah did
al servants—mirrors the arrange- not let Jehoshaphat down; He de-
ment established by the apostles feated the enemy army.—2 Chron.
in the first century. (Phil. 1:1; Titus 20:18-23. w21.11 15-16 ˚6-7
1:5) Our view of sex and marriage,
our respect for the sacredness of Thursday, May 18
blood, and our desire to protect It is because of Jehovah’s loyal
the congregation from unrepen- love that we have not come to our
tant wrongdoers are all based on finish, for his mercies never end.
the pattern set in the first century. —Lam. 3:22.
(Acts 15:28, 29; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; 6:9,
10; Heb. 13:4) The Bible plainly tells When facing a trial, we can be
us that there is “one faith” that has sure that Jehovah will act in our
God’s approval. (Eph. 4:4-6) What behalf by giving us the support we
a privilege we have to be one of need to keep our integrity. (2 Cor.
Jehovah’s people and to know the 4:7-9) We can have confidence that
truth about Jehovah and his pur- Jehovah’s loyal love will indeed
poses! May we continue to hold fast rest on us because, as the psalm-
to the truth with strong conviction. ist assured us, “the eye of Jehovah
w21.10 22-23 ˚15-17 watches over those fearing him,
those waiting for his loyal love.”
Wednesday, May 17 (Ps. 33:18 -22) Before we began
serving Jehovah, we received the
Take your position, stand still, and
love that God shows to mankind in
see the salvation of Jehovah in
general. As his worshippers, how-
your behalf.—2 Chron. 20:17.
ever, we also benefit from his loyal
King Jehoshaphat was confront- love. Moved by that love, Jehovah
ed with a serious challenge. A large embraces us with his protective
army of Ammonites, Moabites, and arms. He will always keep us close
men of the mountainous region of to him and will fulfill his purpose
Seir threatened him, his family, and regarding us. He wants us to suc-
his people. (2 Chron. 20:1, 2) What ceed! (Ps. 46:1, 2, 7) Therefore, no
did Jehoshaphat do? He looked to matter what trial we may face, Je-
Jehovah for help and strength. Je- hovah will give us the strength we
hoshaphat’s humble prayer, record- need in order to keep our integrity.
ed at 2 Chronicles 20:5-12, reveals w21.11 7 ˚17-18
 Friday, May 19 strength to remain loyal to Jehovah
Continue putting up with one an- and to do His will. Jehovah heard
other and forgiving one another the anguish in his Son’s prayer and
freely.—Col. 3:13. sent an angel to strengthen him. Je-
sus was aware of the tremendous re-
Most of us know of cases in which sponsibility he bore—that of vindi-
a person has held a grudge against cating his Father’s name. Jehovah
a coworker, a schoolmate, a rela- listened to Jesus’ earnest requests.
tive, or a family member—even for Why? Because Jesus’ main concern
years! Recall that Joseph’s ten half was to stay loyal to his Father and to
brothers harbored a grudge against vindicate His name. If our main con-
him, which finally led them to com- cern is to do the same, Jehovah will
mit a hateful act. (Gen. 37:2-8, 25- answer our prayers for help.—Ps.
28) How differently Joseph acted 145:18. w22.01 18 ˚15-17
toward them! When he was in a posi-
tion of authority and could get even Sunday, May 21
with his half brothers, he showed Go, therefore, and make disciples
them mercy. Joseph did not hold a of people of all the nations, bap-
grudge. Rather, he acted in harmo- tizing them . . . , teaching them.
ny with the counsel recorded lat- —Matt. 28:19, 20.
er at Leviticus 19:18. (Gen. 50:19-21)
Joseph’s course of forgiving instead Many today are stumbled because
of nursing a grudge or taking ven- of our neutral stand with regard to
geance sets a pattern for Chris- politics. They expect us to vote in
tians who want to please God. Jesus elections. However, we realize that
urged us to forgive those who sin from Jehovah’s standpoint, if we
against us. (Matt. 6:9, 12) Likewise, choose a human leader to rule over
the apostle Paul advised fellow us, we are rejecting Him. (1 Sam.
Christians: “Do not avenge your- 8:4-7) People may also feel that we
selves, beloved.”—Rom. 12:19. w21.12 should build schools and hospitals
11 ˚13-14 as well as perform other charitable
works. They are stumbled because
Saturday, May 20 we focus our efforts on the preach-
ing work, not on solving the world’s
He satisfies the desire of those who
immediate problems. How can we
fear him; he hears their cry for
avoid being stumbled? (Matt. 7:
help, and he rescues them.
21-23) Our main focus should be
—Ps. 145:19.
on doing the work that Jesus com-
Late in the evening on Nisan 14, manded us to do. Never should we
33 C.E., Jesus went to the garden of become distracted by the political
Gethsemane. There he poured out and social issues of this world. We
his heart to Jehovah. (Luke 22:39- love people and care about their
44) It was during those difficult problems, but we know that the
hours that Jesus “offered up sup- best way to assist our neighbors is
plications . . . with strong outcries by teaching them about God’s King-
and tears.” (Heb. 5:7) What did Je- dom and by helping them to develop
sus pray for during that final night a friendship with Jehovah. w21.05 7
before his death? He prayed for ˚19-20
 Monday, May 22 done. . . . These 40 years Jehovah
In the last days critical times your God has been with you, and
hard to deal with will be you have lacked nothing.” (Deut.
here.—2 Tim. 3:1. 2:7) During those 40 years, Je-
hovah provided the Israelites with
Even though many of the rulers of manna to eat. Their clothes—the
nations today claim to serve God, very clothes with which they had
they do not want to give up their left Egypt—never wore out. (Deut. 8:
own power and authority. So just 3, 4) Jehovah will be pleased if we
as the rulers did in Jesus’ day, rul- can learn to be content—to appre-
ers today oppose Jehovah’s Anoint- ciate even the simple provisions he
ed One by attacking his loyal fol- makes available, viewing them as a
lowers. (Acts 4:25-28) How does blessing and giving thanks for them.
Jehovah respond? Psalm 2:10-12 an- w22.01 5 ˚10-11
swers: “So now, you kings, show in-
sight; accept correction, you judges Wednesday, May 24
of the earth. Serve Jehovah with Trust in Jehovah with all your
fear, and rejoice with trembling. heart, and do not rely on your
Honor the son, or God will be- own understanding.
come indignant and you will perish —Prov. 3:5.
from the way, for His anger flares
up quickly. Happy are all those tak- Husbands, you are responsible for
ing refuge in Him.” Jehovah kind- the welfare of your family, so you
ly grants these opposers a win- work hard to protect and support
dow of opportunity. They can still your family. When you face chal-
change their minds and accept Je- lenges, you may feel that you have
hovah’s Kingdom. However, time is the resources to handle the prob-
running out. (Isa. 61:2) It has never lem on your own. However, resist
the inclination to rely on your own
been more urgent for people to get
strength. Instead, pray privately for
the facts and make the right choice.
Jehovah’s help. In addition, pray fer-
w21.09 15-16 ˚8-9
vently with your wife. Seek direc-
Tuesday, May 23 tion from Jehovah by studying the
Bible and publications provided by
Having food and clothing, we
God’s organization, and apply the
will be content with these
counsel you find. Others might not
things.—1 Tim. 6:8.
agree with the Bible-based decisions
Paul is saying that we should be you make. They might say that mon-
content with whatever we have ma- ey and the things it can buy will
terially. (Phil. 4:12) Our most pre- provide the best protection for your
cious possession is our relation- family. But remember the exam-
ship with our God, not any material ple of King Jehoshaphat. (2 Chron.
thing that we own. (Hab. 3:17, 18) 20:1-30) He trusted in Jehovah and
Consider what Moses told the Israel- proved it by his actions. Jehovah
ites after they had spent 40 years in did not abandon that loyal man, and
the wilderness: “Jehovah your God he will not abandon you.—Ps. 37:28;
has blessed you in all that you have Heb. 13:5. w21.11 15 ˚6; 16 ˚8
 Thursday, May 25 rinthians: “Who makes you different
God . . . is never unjust. from another? Indeed, what do you
—Deut. 32:4. have that you did not receive? If, in
fact, you did receive it, why do you
God made us in his image, so we boast as though you did not receive
yearn to see people treated fairly. it?” (1 Cor. 4:7) We should beware
(Gen. 1:26) But because we are im- of any temptation to draw attention
perfect, we can misjudge matters, to ourselves or to think of ourselves
even when we think we have all the as superior to others. If a brother
facts. Recall, for example, how dis- gives stimulating talks or a sister is
pleased Jonah was with Jehovah’s gifted at starting Bible studies, he
decision to extend mercy to the or she should be quick to give the
people of Nineveh. (Jonah 3:10–4:1) credit to Jehovah. w21.06 22 ˚9-10
Yet, consider the results. The lives
of well over 120,000 repentant Nine- Saturday, May 27
vites were saved! In the end, it was
Sow your seed . . . and do
Jonah—not Jehovah—who needed
not let your hand rest.
to be corrected. Jehovah does not
—Eccl. 11:6.
owe humans an explanation for his
decisions. True, Jehovah did allow Many Witnesses find it increas-
his servants in the past to express ingly difficult to contact people in
their concerns about decisions he their homes. Some publishers live
had made or was about to make. in areas where there are many high-
(Gen. 18:25; Jonah 4:2, 3) And occa- security apartment buildings or gat-
sionally, he explained his decision. ed communities. There may be a se-
(Jonah 4:10, 11) Nevertheless, Jeho- curity guard who denies entry to
vah does not need our approval, ei- anyone who does not have an invi-
ther before or after he acts.—Isa. 40: tation from a specific householder.
13, 14; 55:9. w22.02 3-4 ˚5-6 Other publishers find few people at
home or have territories where few
Friday, May 26
people live. The publishers may cov-
Let the one who is the greatest er great distances just to try to con-
among you become as the youn- tact one householder—who may not
gest, and the one taking the lead even be at home! If we face these
as the one ministering. types of challenges, we must not
—Luke 22:26. give up. Try reaching people at a
We conduct ourselves as “the different time. We will contact more
youngest” when we “consider oth- people if we preach when they are
ers superior” to us. (Phil. 2:3) The likely to be at home. After all, every-
more we cultivate that attitude, the one returns home sometime! Many
less likely we are to stumble others. brothers and sisters find it practi-
All our brothers and sisters are su- cal to preach in the afternoon or in
perior to us in one way or anoth- the evening because they find more
er. It is not hard to see this when people. In addition, householders
we focus on their positive qualities. may be more relaxed and ready to
We should take to heart the counsel talk during those times. w21.05 15
that the apostle Paul gave to the Co- ˚5, 7
 Sunday, May 28 century, many were stumbled, and
It is in vain that they keep worship- they rejected Jesus. Yet, many oth-
ping me, for they teach commands ers accepted him. These included
of men as doctrines.—Mark 7:7. at least one member of the Jewish
Sanhedrin and even “a large crowd
Do we see the same problem to- of priests.” (Acts 6:7; Matt. 27:57-
day? Yes. Many become upset when 60; Mark 15:43) Likewise today, mil-
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not join lions have not been stumbled. Why
them in celebrating unscriptural not? Because they know and love
traditions, such as birthdays and the truths found in the Scriptures.
Christmas. Others become angry God’s Word says: “Abundant peace
when Jehovah’s Witnesses do not belongs to those who love your law;
join nationalistic celebrations or do nothing can make them stumble.”
not follow funeral customs that are —Ps. 119:165. w21.05 13 ˚20-21
out of harmony with God’s Word.
Those who are stumbled in this Tuesday, May 30
way may sincerely believe that they My power is being made perfect
are worshipping God acceptably. in weakness.—2 Cor. 12:9.
But they cannot please him if they
prefer the world’s traditions to the The apostle Paul realized that
clear teachings found in the Bible. everything he did in Jehovah’s ser-
(Mark 7:8, 9) How can we avoid be- vice was with God’s strength, not
ing stumbled? We need to devel- his own. By means of His holy spir-
op a strong love for Jehovah’s laws it, Jehovah gave Paul the pow-
and principles. (Ps. 119:97, 113, 163- er to accomplish his ministry fully
165) When we love Jehovah, we will —despite the persecution, impris-
reject any traditions that displease onment, and other challenges
him. We will not allow anything to he faced. Timothy, Paul’s youn-
interfere with our love for Jehovah. ger companion, also had to rely on
w21.05 6 ˚15-16 God’s power to carry out his minis-
try. Timothy accompanied Paul on
Monday, May 29
long missionary journeys. More-
Keep your senses in all things, en- over, Paul sent him on additional
dure hardship, do the work of an trips to visit and encourage congre-
evangelizer.—2 Tim. 4:5. gations. (1 Cor. 4:17) Timothy may
How can we apply the advice of have felt inadequate. Perhaps that
the apostle Paul? We need to keep is why Paul admonished him: “Nev-
our faith strong by studying regu- er let anyone look down on your
larly, by praying continually, and by youth.” (1 Tim. 4:12) Furthermore,
keeping busy in the work that Jeho- during this time, Timothy had his
vah has given us to do. (2 Tim. 4:4) own thorn in the flesh—“frequent
If we exercise faith, we will not pan- cases of sickness.” (1 Tim. 5:23) But
ic when we hear negative reports. Timothy knew that Jehovah’s pow-
(Isa. 28:16) Our love for Jehovah, erful holy spirit would give him the
his Word, and our brothers will help strength he needed to preach the
us to avoid being stumbled by those good news and serve his brothers.
who have left the truth. In the first —2 Tim. 1:7. w21.05 21 ˚6-7
 Wednesday, May 31 for food. Jesus is deeply impressed
Take good care of your sheep. by this widow. So he calls his dis-
—Prov. 27:23. ciples, draws their attention to the
widow, and says: “This poor wid-
The principle recorded at James ow put in more than all the oth-
1:19 certainly applies to those who ers.” Then he explains: “They [espe-
give counsel. James wrote: “Every- cially the rich people] all put in out
one must be quick to listen, slow to of their surplus, but she, out of her
speak, slow to anger.” An elder may want, put in everything she had, all
assume that he has all the facts, but she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43, 44)
does he really? Proverbs 18:13 re- When this faithful widow gave her
minds us: “When anyone replies to a last bit of money that day, she was
matter before he hears the facts, it putting her life in Jehovah’s caring
is foolish and humiliating.” It is hands.—Ps. 26:3. w21.04 6 ˚17-18
best to get the facts directly from
the person himself. That involves Friday, June 2
listening before speaking. The el-
Look! you have filled Jerusalem
der might ask: “What has been hap-
with your teaching.—Acts 5:28.
pening in your life?” “How can I
help?” If elders take the time to get Jesus maintained a positive at-
the facts, they are more likely to titude throughout his ministry on
help and encourage their brothers earth, and he wants his followers
and sisters. Giving effective counsel to remain positive about the min-
involves more than simply reading istry as well. (John 4:35, 36) While
a few scriptures or offering a sug- Jesus was with his disciples, they
gestion or two. Our brothers and were enthusiastic about the preach-
sisters need to sense that we care ing work. (Luke 10:1, 5-11, 17) With
for them, that we understand them, the arrest and death of Jesus, how-
and that we want to help them. ever, the disciples temporarily lost
w22.02 17 ˚14-15 their desire to preach. (John 16:
32) After his resurrection, Jesus
Thursday, June 1
urged them to focus on preaching.
A poor widow came and dropped in And after his ascension to heav-
two small coins of very little value. en, they preached with so much
—Mark 12:42. zeal that their enemies complained
Life is very difficult for the widow; as noted in today’s text. Jesus di-
she likely struggles to obtain the ba- rected the work done by those first-
sic necessities of life. Yet, she goes century Christians, and Jehovah
to one of the chests and discreetly blessed them with growth. At Pen-
puts in two small coins, which per- tecost 33 C.E., for example, about
haps hardly make a sound as they 3,000 got baptized. (Acts 2:41) And
are dropped into the chest. Jesus the number of disciples continued
knows what she deposited—two lep- to grow dramatically. (Acts 6:7)
ta coins, the smallest coins in circu- Still, Jesus foretold that the preach-
lation at the time. That is not even ing work would have even greater
enough money to buy a single spar- success in the last days.—John 14:
row, among the cheapest birds sold 12; Acts 1:8. w21.05 14 ˚1-2
 Saturday, June 3 younger than Jonathan, but that did
not prevent them from enjoying a
Happy is the one who finds
close friendship. (1 Sam. 18:1) David
no cause for stumbling in
and Jonathan helped each other to
me.—Matt. 11:6.
serve Jehovah despite serious chal-
Do you remember the moment lenges. (1 Sam. 23:16-18) “Our broth-
when you first realized that you had ers and sisters can really become
found the truth? You felt that every- our spiritual parents or siblings,”
one would want to accept the things says Irina, a sister who is currently
you had come to believe. You were the only Witness in her family. “Je-
convinced that the Bible’s message hovah can use them to fill our need.”
would give them a meaningful life Your friends want to encourage and
now and a wonderful hope for the fu- support you, yet they need you to
ture. (Ps. 119:105) So you enthusi- let them know how they can do so.
astically shared the truths you had w21.06 10-11 ˚9-11
found with all your friends and rela-
tives. But what happened? To your Monday, June 5
surprise, many rejected what you My heavenly Father will also deal
told them. None of us should be sur- with you in the same way if each of
prised when others reject the mes- you does not forgive your brother
sage we preach. In Jesus’ day, the from your heart.—Matt. 18:35.
majority rejected him, even though
he performed miracles, proving that Jesus gave an illustration about a
he had God’s backing. For example, king and his slave. The king canceled
Jesus resurrected Lazarus—a mira- a large debt that the slave could
cle that those who opposed him never repay. Later, that same slave
could not deny. Nevertheless, the was unwilling to cancel the much
Jewish leaders did not accept Jesus smaller debt of his fellow slave. In
as the Messiah. They even wanted to the end, the king threw that mer-
kill both Jesus and Lazarus!—John ciless slave into prison. The slave’s
11:47, 48, 53; 12:9-11. w21.05 2 ˚1-2 actions harmed not only him but
others too. First, he heartlessly
Sunday, June 4 harmed his fellow slave by having
him “thrown into prison until he
[Do] not [forsake] our meeting to-
could pay back what he owed.” Sec-
gether, . . . but [encourage] one
ond, he hurt other slaves who ob-
another.—Heb. 10:25.
served what he had done. When his
Strive to attend meetings regular- “fellow slaves saw what had hap-
ly. You will benefit from the encour- pened, they became greatly dis-
aging program, and you can also get tressed.” (Matt. 18:30, 31) Similarly,
to know your brothers and sisters. our actions affect others. If someone
Seek out friends in the congrega- wrongs us and we refuse to forgive
tion whom you can learn from, even him, what can happen? First, we hurt
those whose age or background is him by denying him our forgiveness,
different from yours. The Bible re- attention, and affection. Second, we
minds us that wisdom is “found make others in the congregation un-
among the aged.” (Job 12:12) Older comfortable when they notice that
ones can learn much from faithful we are not at peace with that per-
younger ones too. David was much son. w21.06 22 ˚11-12
 Tuesday, June 6 This is possible because “the blood
[He will ] bring to ruin those of Jesus his Son cleanses us from
ruining the earth.—Rev. 11:18. all sin.” (1 John 1:7) When you are
discouraged about some imperfec-
Satan loves to degrade humans, tion, call to mind that Jehovah is
who were created in God’s image. willing, yes, eager to forgive a re-
When God “saw that man’s wicked- pentant sinner. Note the connec-
ness was great” in Noah’s day, “Je- tion that the psalmist David made
hovah regretted that he had made between loyal love and forgiveness.
men on the earth, and he felt hurt at He wrote: “As the heavens are high-
his heart.” (Gen. 6:5, 6, ftn., 11) Have er than the earth, so great is his loy-
conditions improved since then? al love toward those who fear him.
Certainly not! How pleased the Dev- As far off as the sunrise is from the
il must be when he sees the preva- sunset, so far off from us he has put
lence of sexual immorality in all its our transgressions.”—Ps. 103:11, 12.
forms, including immoral acts be- w21.11 5-6 ˚12-13
tween people of the opposite sex
and people of the same sex! (Eph. Thursday, June 8
4:18, 19) Satan is especially happy Her children rise up and declare
when he can cause those who prac- her happy; her husband rises up
tice true worship to fall into sin. Un- and praises her.—Prov. 31:28.
der Satan’s rule, not only is man
‘dominating man to his harm’ but A Christian husband must show
he is also mismanaging the earth honor to his wife. (1 Pet. 3:7) Hon-
and the animal creation that Jeho- or involves giving special attention
vah entrusted to man’s care. (Eccl. and respect to others. For example,
8:9; Gen. 1:28) The result? Some a husband honors his wife by digni-
experts warn that human actions fying her. He does not ask more of
could push one million more spe- her than she can give. And he cer-
tainly does not compare her with
cies to extinction in the next few
other women. If he were to do so,
years. w21.07 12 ˚13-14
what effect might such a compari-
Wednesday, June 7 son have? The non-Witness husband
of a sister named Rosa often com-
[Jehovah] will forgive in a
pares her with other women. His
large way.—Isa. 55:7.
cruel words have done more than
Some servants of God have be- undermine Rosa’s self-confidence.
come overwhelmed by guilt be- She says, “I need constant reassur-
cause of past mistakes. Their self- ance that Jehovah values me.” In
condemning heart convinces them contrast, a Christian husband as-
that Jehovah could never forgive signs honor to his wife. He knows
them—no matter how repentant that his doing so affects both his
they are. If you deal with such feel- relationship with her and his rela-
ings, learning about God’s willing- tionship with Jehovah. A husband
ness to extend loyal love to his ser- who honors his wife praises her, re-
vants will help you to serve Jehovah assures her of his love, and com-
joyfully with a clean conscience. mends her. w21.07 22 ˚7-8
 Friday, June 9 (1 Tim. 3:1, 8) How pleased Jeho-
I will show a waiting vah must be to see this willing spir-
attitude.—Mic. 7:7. it among his people! (Ps. 110:3) But
are you discouraged because you
Do you feel disappointed when have not yet reached a certain spiri-
a package containing an item that tual goal? If so, share your concerns
you really need does not arrive with Jehovah. (Ps. 37:5-7) In addi-
when you are expecting it? But if tion, ask mature brothers for sug-
you learn that there are good rea- gestions on how you can improve
sons why, would you not likely be in your service to God, and then try
patient and willing to wait? An ex- your best to apply their counsel. If
ample that illustrates the need for you do, you may well receive that
patience is recorded at Proverbs 13: privilege or reach that goal. w21.08
11. It says: “Wealth quickly gained 20 ˚1; 21 ˚4
will dwindle, but the wealth of the
one who gathers it little by little will Sunday, June 11
increase.” Do you see the principle? Jehovah . . . will not
There is wisdom in doing things pa-
abandon his loyal ones.
tiently, one step at a time. Prov-
—Ps. 37:28.
erbs 4:18 tells us that “the path of
the righteous is like the bright The widowed prophetess Anna
morning light that grows brighter was 84 years old but was “never
and brighter until full daylight.” missing from the temple.” Her faith-
These words aptly apply to the way ful “meeting attendance” was richly
in which Jehovah reveals his pur- rewarded when on one occasion she
pose to his people—gradually. How- saw the infant Jesus. (Luke 2:36-
ever, the verse can also be applied 38) In modern times, many faithful
to the way in which a Christian older ones serve as excellent exam-
makes spiritual progress in his life. ples for younger ones. We will ben-
Spiritual growth cannot be rushed. efit greatly when we take the time
It takes time. w21.08 8 ˚1, 3-4 to draw them out and listen as they
tell about the joys they have expe-
Saturday, June 10
rienced in Jehovah’s organization.
Here I am! Send me! Our older brothers and sisters have
—Isa. 6:8. an important role in Jehovah’s ar-
We have a lot of work to do as rangement. They have seen how Je-
this system nears its end. (Matt. 24: hovah has in many different ways
14; Luke 10:2; 1 Pet. 5:2) We all blessed his organization and them
want to serve Jehovah as fully as personally. They have learned im-
we can. Many are expanding their portant lessons from mistakes they
ministry. Some hope to serve as pio- have made. View them as a “foun-
neers. Others hope to serve at Beth- tain of wisdom,” and draw on their
el or share in the construction of experience. (Prov. 18:4) If you take
theocratic facilities. And numerous the time to get to know them, your
brothers are reaching out to qualify faith can be strengthened. w21.09 3
as a ministerial servant or an elder. ˚4; 4 ˚7-8; 5 ˚11, 13
 Monday, June 12 such Bible characters as Abigail,
The little one will become a thou- Esther, Job, Joseph, and Jesus.
sand and the small one a mighty Their examples feed my heart and
nation.—Isa. 60:22. mind with positive thoughts that
soothe the pain.” When you expe-
As Isaiah expressed it, “the milk rience distressing feelings, do not
of nations” is being made available stop praying to Jehovah. Beg our
to Jehovah’s people. (Isa. 60:5, 16) loving God to help you view the sit-
With the various skills and abili- uation from his perspective and to
ties of the precious men and women “give you insight and instruct you in
coming into the truth, the preach- the way you should go.” (Ps. 32:6-8)
ing work is being carried out in 240 Of course, it may be very painful
countries and literature is being to tell Jehovah how you really feel.
produced in over 1,000 languages. But Jehovah fully understands your
In this time of the end, the shak- pain of heart. He urges you to pour
ing of the nations is forcing people out your heart to him.—Ex. 34:6; Ps.
to make a decision. Will they sup- 62:7. w21.09 28 ˚9-10
port God’s Kingdom, or will they
place their confidence in the gov- Wednesday, June 14
ernments of this world? This is the This is my Son, the beloved, whom
choice that all will face. Although I have approved. Listen to him.
Jehovah’s people obey the laws of —Matt. 17:5.
the government of the land in which
After the Passover of 32 C.E., the
they live, they remain completely
apostles Peter, James, and John
neutral with regard to the politics
witnessed an amazing vision. On a
of this world. (Rom. 13:1-7) They
lofty mountain, possibly a spur of
know that the Kingdom is the only
Mount Hermon, Jesus was transfig-
true solution to mankind’s prob-
ured before them. “His face shone
lems. That Kingdom is no part of
as the sun, and his outer garments
this world.—John 18:36, 37. w21.09
became brilliant as the light.” (Matt.
17-18 ˚13-14
17:1-4) The apostles heard God say:
Tuesday, June 13 “This is my Son, the beloved, whom
I have approved. Listen to him.” The
Pour out your hearts before him. three apostles proved by their life
—Ps. 62:8. course that they did listen to Je-
When someone you love leaves sus. We want to imitate their ex-
Jehovah, it is vital that you contin- ample. How grateful we are that
ue strengthening yourself and oth- Jehovah provides us with loving di-
er family members. How can you rection through the “head of the
do so? Draw strength from Jehovah congregation,” Jesus Christ! (Eph.
by maintaining a routine of read- 5:23) May we be determined to “lis-
ing God’s Word and meditating on it ten to him,” as were the apostles Pe-
as well as attending Christian meet- ter, James, and John. By doing so,
ings. Joanna, whose father and sis- we will receive many blessings now
ter left the truth, says: “I feel a calm and unending happiness in the fu-
come over me when I read about ture. w21.12 22 ˚1; 27 ˚19
 Thursday, June 15 us, but we are able to forgive him
I will discipline you to easily. But if we have a deeper
the proper degree. wound, a doctor may have to stitch
—Jer. 30:11. the wound and bind it in bandages.
If we were to keep poking or picking
A Christian in Corinth was living at the wound, we would only harm
immorally with his father’s wife. ourselves. Sadly, a person might be
The apostle Paul directed the Co- doing something similar when he is
rinthians to disfellowship him. deeply offended. He may constant-
That man’s immoral conduct was ly think about the emotional injury
affecting others in the congrega- he suffered and the hurt the other
tion, some of whom were not even person caused him. But those who
ashamed of his outrageous behav- hold a grudge hurt only themselves.
ior! (1 Cor. 5:1, 2, 13) Sometime lat- How much better it is to obey the
er, Paul learned that the sinner was counsel found in today’s text. w21.12
truly repentant! Paul told the el- 12 ˚15
ders: “Kindly forgive and comfort
him.” Note Paul’s reason: “So that Saturday, June 17
he may not be overwhelmed by ex- Why do you judge your brother?
cessive sadness.” Paul felt pity for —Rom. 14:10.
the repentant man. The apostle did
not want to see the man so over- Suppose an elder is concerned
whelmed, so crushed, by what he about a fellow believer’s choices in
did that he would give up on seeking dress or grooming. The elder could
forgiveness. (2 Cor. 2:5-8, 11) In im- ask himself, ‘Is there a Scriptur-
itation of Jehovah, the elders love al reason to say something?’ Con-
to show mercy. They show firmness scious of the need to be objec-
when necessary but mercy when tive, he might ask another elder or
possible if there is a real basis for it. mature publisher for his thoughts.
Otherwise, it is not mercy but per- Together they might review Paul’s
missiveness. w21.10 11-12 ˚12-15 counsel on dress and grooming.
(1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Paul outlined certain
Friday, June 16 broad principles, observing that a
Christian’s dress should be appro-
You must not take vengeance
priate, modest, and sensible. But
nor hold a grudge.
Paul did not make a list of dos and
—Lev. 19:18.
don’ts. He recognized that Chris-
Hurt feelings can be likened to tians have a right to express their
physical wounds. Some are mi- individual taste within Scriptur-
nor; others are serious. For exam- al limits. So the elders should con-
ple, when we open an envelope, we sider if the person’s choices reflect
might get a slight paper cut on our modesty and good sense. We do well
finger. That can really hurt, but af- to realize that two mature Chris-
ter a day or two, perhaps we do tians may make different choices,
not even recall where the cut was. both of which are acceptable. We
Similarly, some offenses are minor. should not impose our own stan-
For example, a friend may say or do dards of right and wrong on fellow
something thoughtless that hurts believers. w22.02 16 ˚9-10
 Sunday, June 18 endure any trials you may face in
Deal with one another in the future. Jesus pointed out areas
loyal love and mercy. where his disciples lacked faith, but
—Zech. 7:9. he never doubted that with Jeho-
vah’s help they would pass future
We have good reasons to show tests successfully. (John 14:1; 16:33)
loyal love to one another. What are He was confident that strong faith
some of them? Note how the follow- would allow a great crowd to sur-
ing inspired proverbs answer that vive the coming great tribulation.
question: “Do not let loyal love and (Rev. 7:9, 14) You will be among
faithfulness leave you. . . . Then them if you take advantage of every
you will find favor and good in- opportunity now to develop and
sight in the eyes of God and man.” strengthen your faith!—Heb. 10:39.
“A man of loyal love benefits him- w21.11 25 ˚18-19
self.” “Whoever pursues righteous-
ness and loyal love will find life.” Tuesday, June 20
(Prov. 3:3, 4; 11:17, ftn.; 21:21) These
The angel of Jehovah camps
proverbs mention three reasons
all around those fearing
why we should show loyal love.
Him.—Ps. 34:7.
First, showing loyal love makes us
precious in God’s eyes. Second, by We do not expect to receive mi-
showing loyal love, we benefit our- raculous protection today. But we
selves. For instance, we forge last- know that no one who puts his trust
ing friendships with others. Third, in Jehovah will suffer everlasting
pursuing loyal love leads to future harm. In the near future, our trust
blessings, including everlasting in Jehovah’s ability to protect us
life. Indeed, we have good reasons will be put to the test. When Gog
for heeding Jehovah’s reminder: of Magog, a coalition of nations, at-
“Deal with one another in loyal love tacks God’s people, our lives will
and mercy.” w21.11 8 ˚1-2 appear to be in danger. We will need
to be convinced that Jehovah can
Monday, June 19
and will deliver us. To the nations,
Give us more faith. we will seem like defenseless sheep
—Luke 17:5. with no one to protect us. (Ezek.
If your trials, past or present, 38:10-12) We will be unarmed, un-
have exposed a weakness in your trained in warfare. The nations will
faith, do not be discouraged. See see us as easy targets. They will not
this as an opportunity to strength- see what we see with our eyes of
en your faith. Pray fervently to Je- faith—a host of angels camped all
hovah, especially when facing a cri- around God’s people, ready to de-
sis. Recognize that Jehovah may fend us. How could the nations see
provide the needed help by means them? They have no spiritual vi-
of family or friends. When you al- sion. What a surprise is in store
low Jehovah to help you get through for them when the heavenly armies
your present trials, you will become come to our aid!—Rev. 19:11, 14, 15.
more confident that he will help you w22.01 6 ˚12-13
 Wednesday, June 21 right time.” (Heb. 4:15, 16) Just as
Have love for the whole Jesus accepted help from an angel
association of brothers. in the garden of Gethsemane, we
—1 Pet. 2:17. should be willing to accept the help
Jehovah provides, whether it is in
All our brothers and sisters are the form of a publication, a video, a
important to Jehovah, so they talk, or an encouraging visit from
should also be important to us. We an elder or a mature friend. (Luke
should be willing to do whatever we 22:39-44) Jehovah will give you “the
can to protect and care for them. peace of God” and strengthen you.
If we learn that we have hurt or of- When we pray, we will receive “the
fended someone, we should not sim- peace of God that surpasses all un-
ply brush it off, concluding that the
derstanding.”—Phil. 4:6, 7. w22.01
person is too sensitive and needs
18-19 ˚17-19
to get over it. Why might some be-
come offended? Perhaps because Friday, June 23
of their background, some brothers
and sisters have a very low opin- They would deliver . . . the decrees
ion of themselves. Others are new in that had been decided on by the
the truth; they have not yet learned apostles.—Acts 16:4.
how to deal with people’s imperfec- Jehovah always does what is
tions. Whatever the case, we should right. The challenge for us, how-
do what we can to make things ever, might be to trust in his human
right. Additionally, though, a per- representatives. We might wonder
son who is often offended by others whether those with a measure of
needs to recognize that this is an authority in Jehovah’s organization
undesirable personality trait that really act according to Jehovah’s
he needs to work on. He needs to do direction or their own. The plain
that for his own peace of mind and truth is that we cannot say that
for the well-being of others. w21.06 we trust in Jehovah if we do not
21 ˚7 trust in his earthly representatives
Thursday, June 22 —those whom Jehovah trusts. To-
day Jehovah leads the earthly part
Jehovah is near to all those call- of his organization by means of
ing on him, to all who call on him “the faithful and discreet slave.”
in truth.—Ps. 145:18. (Matt. 24:45) Like the first-century
Jesus sympathizes with your feel- governing body, this slave over-
ings. When we are distraught, how sees God’s people worldwide and
happy we are to be comforted by a gives direction to congregation el-
sympathetic friend, especially one ders. The elders, in turn, implement
who has faced trials similar to ours. the direction in the congregations.
Jesus is that friend. He knows what We show that we trust in Jehovah’s
it is like to feel weak and in need way of doing things by heeding the
of help. He understands our make- direction we receive from the or-
up, and he will see to it that we re- ganization and the elders. w22.02 4
ceive the support we need “at the ˚7-8
 Saturday, June 24 ple. (Matt. 22:36-39) Such a person
Let us not give up in maintains his joy even when cop-
doing what is fine. ing with trials. (Jas. 1:2-4) He is a
—Gal. 6:9. peacemaker. (Matt. 5:9) He is pa-
tient and kind when dealing with
What joy and honor we have as others. (Col. 3:13) He loves what is
Jehovah’s Witnesses! We rejoice good and does it. (Luke 6:35) He
when we can help someone who proves by his actions that he has
is “rightly disposed for everlasting strong faith in his heavenly Father.
life” to become a believer. (Acts 13: (Jas. 2:18) He remains mild when
48) We share the feelings of Jesus, provoked and exercises self-control
who “became overjoyed in the holy when tempted. (1 Cor. 9:25, 27; Titus
spirit” when his disciples returned 3:2) To put on the new personality,
from a successful preaching cam- we need to develop all the qualities
paign. (Luke 10:1, 17, 21) The apos- mentioned at Galatians 5:22, 23 and
tle Paul urged Timothy: “Pay con- in other Bible passages. w22.03 8-9
stant attention to yourself and to ˚3-4
your teaching.” Paul added: “By do-
ing this you will save both your- Monday, June 26
self and those who listen to you.” Become imitators of me.
(1 Tim. 4:16) So lives are at stake. —1 Cor. 11:1.
We pay constant attention to our-
Elders can imitate the apostle
selves because we are subjects of
Paul not only by preaching from
God’s Kingdom. We always want to
door to door but also by being ready
act in a way that brings praise to
and willing to give a witness on
Jehovah and is in harmony with the
every occasion. (Eph. 6:14, 15) Like
good news that we preach. (Phil. 1:
Paul, elders can use the time spent
27) We show that we are ‘paying at-
in the ministry to train others, in-
tention to our teaching’ by prepar-
cluding ministerial servants. (1 Pet.
ing well for the ministry and by ask-
5:1, 2) But elders should never be
ing for Jehovah’s blessing before
so busy caring for assignments that
we witness to others. w21.10 24 ˚1-2
they have no time for the preaching
Sunday, June 25 work. (Matt. 28:19, 20) To remain
balanced, they may on occasion
Clothe yourselves with need to say no to some assign-
the new personality. ments. After prayerful consider-
—Col. 3:10. ation, they may realize that they
“The new personality” is a way could not care for an assignment
of thinking and acting that reflects without neglecting the more im-
Jehovah’s personality. A person portant things, such as conducting
clothes himself with the new per- family worship, having a full share
sonality by manifesting the fruit- in the preaching work, or training
age of God’s spirit, allowing holy their children in that activity. They
spirit to influence his thoughts, can be sure that Jehovah under-
feelings, and actions. For exam- stands their desire to be balanced in
ple, he loves Jehovah and His peo- all things. w22.03 27 ˚4, 7; 28 ˚8
 Tuesday, June 27 riencing a different kind of shaking
Do not become fearful of those —one that involves all the nations.
The prophet Haggai wrote: “This is
who kill the body but cannot kill
what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Yet
the soul.—Matt. 10:28.
once more—in a little while—and I
Do you remember feeling a bit will shake the heavens and the
afraid of becoming one of Jehovah’s earth.’ ” (Hag. 2:6) The shaking that
Witnesses? Perhaps you felt that Haggai describes is not like a liter-
you would never be able to preach al earthquake, which brings only de-
publicly. Or maybe you feared that struction. Instead, it produces good
your family or friends might op- results. Jehovah himself tells us: “I
pose you. If so, you can sympa- will shake all the nations, and the
thize with your Bible student when precious things of all the nations
he feels the same. Jesus acknowl- will come in; and I will fill this house
edged that such fears are possi- with glory.” w21.09 14 ˚1-3
ble. However, he urged his follow-
ers not to let fear stop them from Thursday, June 29
serving Jehovah. (Matt. 10:16, 17, 27) You are the ones who have
Progressively train your Bible stu- stuck with me in my trials.
dent to share his faith. Jesus’ disci- —Luke 22:28.
ples may have felt nervous when he
sent them out to preach. But Jesus A solid friendship with a fellow hu-
helped them by telling them where man is based on frequent and heart-
to preach and what their message felt communication. The same is
was to be. (Matt. 10:5-7) How can true of our friendship with Jeho-
vah. When we express our feelings,
you imitate Jesus? Help your stu-
thoughts, and concerns to him in
dent to see where he can preach.
prayer, we demonstrate that we have
For example, ask him if he knows
confidence in him and that we know
someone who could benefit from
he loves us. (Ps. 94:17-19; 1 John 5:14,
learning a specific Bible truth. Then
15) Associate with loyal friends; they
help him to prepare what to say by
are a gift from Jehovah. (Jas. 1:17)
showing him a simple way to share
Our heavenly Father shows personal
that truth. w21.06 6 ˚15-16
interest in us by providing us with a
Wednesday, June 28 spiritual family of brothers and sis-
ters who show “love at all times.”
I will shake all the nations, and the (Prov. 17:17) In his letter to the Co-
precious things of all the nations lossians, the apostle Paul mentioned
will come in.—Hag. 2:7. certain Christians who had sup-
“Within minutes, the shops and ported him, referring to them as
old buildings started falling.” “There “a source of great comfort.” (Col.
was panic everywhere . . . A lot of 4:10, 11) Even Christ Jesus needed
people said it lasted for about two and appreciated the support he re-
minutes. To me, it seemed like for- ceived from his friends, both angel-
ever.” Those are the comments of ic and human. (Luke 22:43) Sharing
some who survived an earthquake our concerns with a mature friend is
that struck Nepal in 2015. We are, not a sign of weakness; it can be a
however, at this very moment expe- safeguard. w21.04 24-25 ˚14-16
 Friday, June 30 have all the facts. It is wise, then,
[Love] bears all things, believes all to trust that the elders who took
things, hopes all things, endures judicial action made every effort
all things.—1 Cor. 13:7. to follow Scriptural principles and
to judge “for Jehovah.” (2 Chron.
What should you do if a fellow be- 19:6) By supporting the elders’ deci-
liever has acted in a way that is sion to disfellowship your loved one,
very troubling to you? Make every you may actually help him to return
effort to maintain peace. Turn to Je- to Jehovah. “Severing family asso-
hovah in earnest prayer. Ask him to ciation with our adult son was ex-
bless the person who offended you tremely difficult,” admits Elizabeth.
and to help you see the good quali- “But after he returned to Jehovah,
ties in that person—the very quali- he admitted that he deserved to
ties that Jehovah loves about him. be disfellowshipped. In time, he ex-
(Luke 6:28) If you cannot overlook pressed appreciation for the les-
what your brother has done, consid- sons he learned.” w21.09 28-29 ˚11-12
er how you should approach him.
It is always best to assume that Sunday, July 2
the brother would never intention- He saw a needy widow drop in
ally hurt you. (Matt. 5:23, 24) When two small coins of very little
you speak to him, give him the ben- value.—Luke 21:2.
efit of the doubt. What if he does
not want to make peace? “Contin- Think about that widow. No doubt
ue putting up with” him. Do not she wished that she could have giv-
give up on your brother. (Col. 3:13) en more to Jehovah. Yet, she did
Most important, never hold on to re- what she could; she gave Jehovah
sentment, for that could harm your her very best. And Jesus knew that
friendship with Jehovah. Never al- her contribution was precious in
low anything to stumble you. In do- his Father’s eyes. Here, then, is
ing so, you prove that you love Je- an important lesson for us: Jeho-
hovah more than anything else.—Ps. vah is pleased when we give him our
119:165. w21.06 23 ˚15 best—our wholehearted and whole-
souled service. (Matt. 22:37; Col. 3:
Saturday, July 1 23) Jehovah is happy when he sees
us doing all we can! That principle
Afterward, [discipline] yields the
applies to the amount of time and
peaceable fruit of righteousness to
energy we can devote to our wor-
those who have been trained by it.
ship, including the ministry and the
—Heb. 12:11.
meetings. How can you apply the les-
Disfellowshipping is part of Jeho- son from the account about the wid-
vah’s arrangement. It is in the best ow? Try to think of specific individ-
interests of everyone, including the uals who may need to be reassured
wrongdoer. Any negative comments that their efforts are pleasing to Je-
about the way a disciplinary matter hovah. It may be an older sister who
was handled have likely been initiat- perhaps feels guilty or useless be-
ed by someone who did not mention cause she no longer has the health
details that would put the wrongdo- or energy to do as much as she used
er in a bad light. We simply do not to in the ministry. w21.04 6 ˚17, 19-20
 Monday, July 3 in Bethlehem, not in Nazareth. The
Happy is the man who keeps on en- prophet Isaiah foretold that Jesus’
during trial, because on becoming enemies would fail to concern them-
approved he will receive the crown selves “with the details of [the Mes-
of life.—Jas. 1:12. siah’s] generation.” (Isa. 53:8) If
those people had taken the time to
Jehovah knows the best time to examine all the facts, they would
end this wicked world. His patience have learned that Jesus was born
has allowed for the gathering of in Bethlehem and that he was a de-
a great crowd, numbering into the scendant of King David. (Luke 2:
millions, who worship and praise 4-7) So Jesus’ place of birth was in
him. All of them are glad that Je- line with the prophecy found at Mi-
hovah has endured long enough for cah 5:2. What, then, was the prob-
them to be born, to learn to love lem? People were too quick to make
him, and to dedicate themselves to a judgment. They did not have all
him. Jehovah’s decision to endure the facts. Because of this, they were
will be fully justified when he joy- stumbled. w21.05 2-3 ˚4-6
fully rewards the millions of us who
have endured to the end! Despite all Wednesday, July 5
the heartache and suffering Satan Should the righteous one . . . re-
has caused, Jehovah remains “the prove me, it would be like oil on
happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) We can my head.—Ps. 141:5.
likewise remain joyful while we pa-
tiently wait for Jehovah to sancti- The Bible provides good examples
fy his name, vindicate his sovereign- of those who were blessed because
ty, end all wickedness, and bring an they accepted counsel. Consider
end to our present problems. Let Job. Although he was God-fearing,
us be determined to endure and to he was not perfect. Under intense
take comfort in knowing that our pressure, he expressed some wrong
heavenly Father is enduring too. viewpoints. As a result, he received
w21.07 13 ˚18-19 straightforward counsel, both from
Elihu and from Jehovah. How did
Tuesday, July 4 Job react? He said: “I spoke, but
without understanding . . . I take
Can anything good come out
back what I said, and I repent in
of Nazareth?—John 1:46.
dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3-6, 12-17)
Many in the first century did not He proved his humility by accept-
put faith in Jesus. To them, he was ing the counsel that Elihu gave him,
just the son of a humble carpen- even though Elihu was much youn-
ter. And he was from Nazareth, a ger than he was. (Job 32:6, 7) Humil-
city that may have been considered ity will likewise help us apply coun-
of little importance. Even Nathan- sel, even when we feel that we do not
ael, who became a disciple of Je- deserve it or when the one giving it
sus, at first said: “Can anything is younger than we are. Who among
good come out of Nazareth?” He us does not need to make progress
may have had in mind the prophe- in cultivating the fruitage of the spir-
cy found at Micah 5:2, which fore- it and in carrying out the Christian
told that the Messiah would be born ministry? w22.02 11 ˚8; 12 ˚12
 Thursday, July 6 you view your brothers and sisters?
By this all will know that you are Jehovah notices and values every-
my disciples—if you have love thing you do to help them and care
for them. (Matt. 10:42) We love our
among yourselves.—John 13:35.
fellow worshippers. So we are “de-
All in the congregation have a re- termined not to put a stumbling
sponsibility to contribute to a loving block or an obstacle before a broth-
and peaceful environment where no er.” (Rom. 14:13) We consider our
one feels completely alone. What we brothers and sisters to be superior
do and say can really make a differ- to us, and we want to forgive them
ence! What can you do to help those from our heart. May we not allow
who are alone in the truth to feel ourselves to be stumbled by oth-
that they are part of the congrega- ers. Rather, let us choose to “pursue
tion? Take the initiative to offer your the things making for peace and the
friendship. We can start by warm- things that build one another up.”
ly welcoming new ones to the con- —Rom. 14:19. w21.06 24 ˚16-17
gregation. (Rom. 15:7) However, we
want to offer more than just a friend- Saturday, July 8
ly greeting. We want to build strong God . . . makes it grow.
friendships over time. So take a —1 Cor. 3:7.
warm and sincere interest in new
ones. While respecting their privacy, If we diligently study and apply
try to understand what they may be the counsel we receive through
going through. Some may have dif- God’s Word and his organization,
ficulty expressing their feelings, so we will gradually develop a Christ-
be careful not to pressure them to like personality. We will also grow in
talk. Rather, kindly draw them out our knowledge of God. Jesus used
with discreet questions and listen an illustration to explain how the
patiently to their answers. For exam- Kingdom message we preach is like
ple, you could ask how they came to a tiny seed that gradually devel-
know of the truth. w21.06 11 ˚13-14 ops in honesthearted ones. He said:
“The seeds sprout and grow tall
Friday, July 7 —just how, he [the sower] does not
They will listen to my voice, and know. On its own the ground bears
fruit gradually, first the stalk, then
they will become one flock, one
the head, finally the full grain in the
shepherd.—John 10:16.
head.” (Mark 4:27, 28) Jesus was ex-
We treasure the privilege of serv- plaining that just as a plant grows
ing Jehovah unitedly as “one little by little, so a person who ac-
flock” under “one shepherd”! The cepts the Kingdom message grows
book Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, spiritually little by little. For exam-
page 165, states: “Benefiting from ple, as our sincere Bible students
that unity, you have the responsi- draw closer to Jehovah, we begin
bility to help maintain it.” Thus, to see the many fine changes that
we need to “train ourselves to see they have made. (Eph. 4:22-24) But
our brothers and sisters as Jeho- we must remember that it is Jeho-
vah sees them.” To Jehovah, we are vah who makes that tiny seed grow.
all precious “little ones.” Is that how w21.08 8-9 ˚4-5
 Sunday, July 9 do not want to draw attention to
Better to enjoy what the eyes see ourselves that could result in stir-
than to wander after one’s desires. ring up envy in others. Instead, we
—Eccl. 6:9. use our abilities and knowledge to
encourage one another. (1 Pet. 4:
We can find joy if we look for it 10, 11) We can learn much about
in the right place. A person who how to treat others by consider-
enjoys “what the eyes see” appreci- ing how Jesus treated his followers.
ates what he has, such as his pres- He was the greatest man who ever
ent circumstances. In contrast, the lived. Yet, he was “mild-tempered
person who wanders after his de- and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
sires keeps wishing for something He taught by using simple language
he simply cannot have. So, what is and appealing illustrations that
the lesson for us? To find joy, we touched the hearts of lowly ones.
should focus on what we have and —Luke 10:21. w21.07 23 ˚11-12
on what we can realistically hope
to obtain. Is it really possible to Tuesday, July 11
be satisfied with what you already Ask . . . your elders, and
have? After all, as time passes, we they will inform you.
naturally seek out new challenges. —Deut. 32:7.
Yes, it really is possible. We can en-
Take the initiative to talk with old-
joy and not merely settle for what
er ones. True, their eyesight may
our “eyes see.” How can we do that?
have dimmed, their pace may have
To find out, consider Jesus’ parable
slowed, and their speech may have
of the talents, found at Matthew
softened, but they are young at
25:14-30 and focus on what it can
heart, and they have made “a good
teach us about how to find joy and
name” with Jehovah. (Eccl. 7:1) Re-
even increase our joy in the bless-
member why Jehovah treasures
ings we presently have. w21.08 21
them. Continue to show them hon-
˚5-6
or. Be like Elisha. He insisted on
Monday, July 10 staying close to Elijah on their last
day together. Three times Elisha de-
I reside in the high and holy place, clared: “I will not leave you.” (2 Ki.
but also with those crushed and 2:2, 4, 6) Show genuine interest in
lowly in spirit.—Isa. 57:15. older ones by kindly drawing them
Jehovah cares deeply for those out. (Prov. 1:5; 20:5; 1 Tim. 5:1, 2)
“crushed and lowly in spirit.” All Ask such questions as these: “When
of us, not just the elders, can help you were younger, what convinced
to encourage our dear brothers and you that you had found the truth?”
sisters. One way we can encourage “How have your experiences drawn
them is by showing a sincere inter- you closer to Jehovah?” “What have
est in them. Jehovah wants us to you found to be the secret to re-
convey to them his love for his pre- maining happy in Jehovah’s ser-
cious sheep. (Prov. 19:17) We can vice?” (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Then listen as
also help our brothers and sisters they tell their story. w21.09 5 ˚14;
by being humble and modest. We 7 ˚15
 Wednesday, July 12 ceive the mark will face difficulties
God is the one who for the sake and danger. The book of Revelation
of his good pleasure energizes you, says: “Nobody can buy or sell except
giving you both the desire and the a person having the mark.” (Rev.
power to act.—Phil. 2:13. 13:17) But God’s people know what
God will do to those who have the
When you do your best to obey the mark mentioned at Revelation 14:9,
command to preach and make dis- 10. Rather than bear that mark, they
ciples, you are demonstrating your will, in effect, write on their hand,
love for God. (1 John 5:3) Think “Belonging to Jehovah.” (Isa. 44:5)
of this: Your love for Jehovah has Now is the time to make sure that
already moved you to preach from our loyalty to Jehovah is strong. If it
house to house. Was that command is, Jehovah will gladly claim us as
easy to obey? Probably not. When his own! w21.09 18 ˚15-16
you approached your very first
door in the preaching work, were Friday, July 14
you nervous? No doubt you were! As iron sharpens iron, so one
But you knew that this is the work man sharpens his friend.
that Jesus wants you to do, and —Prov. 27:17.
you obeyed the command. And like-
ly, with time, it has become easier To accomplish our ministry, we
for you to engage in the preaching can benefit from the assistance of
work. Now what about conducting a others. The apostle Paul shared his
Bible study? Does the very thought preaching and teaching methods
make you nervous? Perhaps. How- with Timothy, and he encouraged
ever, when you ask Jehovah to help Timothy to use those methods to
you overcome your nervousness help others. (1 Cor. 4:17) Like Tim-
and muster up courage to offer a Bi- othy, we can benefit from experi-
ble study, Jehovah can help you to enced ones in our congregation.
strengthen your desire to make dis- Also, we should pray to Jehovah for
ciples. w21.07 3 ˚7 help. Look to Jehovah for guidance
every time you share in the minis-
Thursday, July 13 try. Without the help of his powerful
holy spirit, none of us would be able
These should be marked on their
to accomplish anything. (Ps. 127:1;
right hand or on their forehead.
Luke 11:13) When you ask for Jeho-
—Rev. 13:16.
vah’s help in prayer, be specific. For
Slaves in ancient times were example, ask him to direct you to
branded with a mark to show who anyone who may be rightly disposed
owned them. Similarly, all in our and ready to listen. We should also
day will be expected to have a sym- make time for personal study. God’s
bolic mark on their hand or fore- Word says: “Prove to yourselves the
head. Their thoughts and actions good and acceptable and perfect
will show that they belong to and will of God.” (Rom. 12:2) The more
support the political systems. Will convinced we are that we know the
we accept this symbolic mark and truth about God, the greater will be
give our allegiance to political gov- our conviction when we talk to oth-
ernments? Those who refuse to re- ers in the ministry. w21.05 18 ˚14-16
 Saturday, July 15 flected in the parable of the talents.
Your labor is not in vain in In that illustration, the master as-
connection with the Lord. signed each slave work “according
—1 Cor. 15:58. to his own ability.” One of the two
diligent slaves gained more than
What if in spite of your earnest the other. But the master commend-
efforts and prayers in his behalf, ed both with the same words: “Well
a Bible student fails to make prog- done, good and faithful slave!”
ress and the study needs to be dis- (Matt. 25:14-23) Jesus is kind and
continued? Or what if you have nev- loving in the way he deals with us.
er directly helped someone to the He knows that our abilities and cir-
point of baptism? Should you feel cumstances vary, and he is pleased
guilty, perhaps thinking that Jeho- when we do our best. We do well to
vah has not blessed your ministry? treat others as Jesus did. w21.07 23
Note how Jehovah measures our
˚12-14
success. Jehovah looks at our ef-
forts and endurance. In Jehovah’s Monday, July 17
eyes, our work for him is success-
I will not lift my hand
ful when we carry it out with dili-
against my lord.
gence and love, regardless of how
—1 Sam. 24:10.
others respond. Paul wrote: “God
is not unrighteous so as to forget King David was not always mer-
your work and the love you showed ciful. For example, when Nabal, a
for his name by ministering and harsh man by nature, spoke disre-
continuing to minister to the holy spectfully and refused to provide
ones.” (Heb. 6:10) Jehovah remem- David and his men with food, Da-
bers our efforts and our love, even vid was enraged and decided to
if those efforts do not lead to posi- kill the man and all the men in his
tive results. Thus, you may apply to household. Thanks to quick action
yourself what Paul said in today’s on the part of Nabal’s long-suffering
text. w21.10 25 ˚4-6 wife, Abigail, David avoided incur-
ring bloodguilt. (1 Sam. 25:9-22, 32-
Sunday, July 16
35) Note that when David gave in
All those whom the Father gives to his rage, he judged Nabal and
me will come to me, and I will nev- all his men as deserving of death.
er drive away the one who comes And later, David was ready to judge
to me.—John 6:37. the man in Nathan’s illustration as
Jesus’ kindness and love were re- worthy of death. In this second in-
flected in the way he dealt with his stance, we might wonder why a
disciples. He knew that they had normally warmhearted man would
different abilities and circumstanc- pronounce such a harsh judgment.
es. So they could not all handle Consider the context. At the time,
the same responsibilities; nor could David had a guilty conscience. A
they be equally productive in the harsh, judgmental spirit is not a
ministry. Yet, he appreciated the sign of good spiritual health. Quite
whole-souled efforts of each one. the opposite, in fact. w21.10 12 ˚17-
Jesus’ understanding attitude is re- 18; 13 ˚20
 Tuesday, July 18 commanded us to love one anoth-
You must be holy, because er. (John 13:35) Jehovah will make
I am holy.—1 Pet. 1:16. obedient ones a part of his world-
wide family of worshippers. (Ps. 15:
From the words of today’s text, 1, 2) Show love for others. Love is
we learn that we can imitate Jeho- Jehovah’s foremost quality. (1 John
vah, who is the supreme example 4:8) Jehovah showed love for us be-
of holiness. We must be holy in our fore we ever knew him. (1 John 4:9,
conduct. That may seem impossi- 10) We imitate him when we show
ble because we are imperfect. The love for others. (Eph. 5:1) One of the
apostle Peter himself made a num- best ways we can show love for peo-
ber of mistakes; yet, his example ple is by helping them learn about
shows that we can become holy. Jehovah while there is still time.
When people think of someone who (Matt. 9:36-38) In doing so, we give
is holy, many imagine a joyless per- them an opportunity to become pro-
son who wears religious garments spective members of God’s family.
and always has a pious look on his w21.08 5-6 ˚13-14
face. But that cannot be accurate.
Jehovah, who is holy, is described Thursday, July 20
as “the happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) No one has love greater
Those who worship him are called than this.—John 15:13.
“happy.” (Ps. 144:15) Jesus con-
Jesus’ deep love for Jehovah
demned those who wore distinctive
moved him to make sacrifices for
garments and practiced their righ-
his Father and for us. (John 14:31)
teousness in front of men. (Matt.
Jesus proved the depth of his love
6:1; Mark 12:38) As Christians, we
for people by the way he lived his
shape our view of holiness by what
earthly life. Each day, he was lov-
we have learned from the Bible. We
ing and compassionate, even when
are convinced that our loving God
some opposed him. A key way he
would never give us a command
showed his love for people was by
that we could not possibly obey.
teaching them about God’s King-
w21.12 2 ˚1, 3
dom. (Luke 4:43, 44) Jesus also
Wednesday, July 19 proved his self-sacrificing love for
God and for men by willingly suffer-
You must love Jehovah your ing an agonizing death at the hands
God with your whole heart. of sinners. He thus opened the way
—Mark 12:30. for all of us to gain everlasting life.
Of all the things that we have We dedicated ourselves to Jehovah
been kindly given by God, perhaps and got baptized because we love
one of the greatest gifts is the abili- our heavenly Father. So, like Jesus,
ty to worship him. We show Jeho- we should show love for Jehovah by
vah that we love him by ‘observing how we treat people. The apostle
his commandments.’ (1 John 5:3) John wrote: “The one who does not
Speaking for his Father, Jesus com- love his brother, whom he has seen,
manded us to make disciples, bap- cannot love God, whom he has not
tizing them. (Matt. 28:19) He also seen.”—1 John 4:20. w22.03 10 ˚8-9
 Friday, July 21 native,” and the Israelites were to
Keep strict watch that how you “love him” as themselves. For ex-
walk is not as unwise but as wise ample, the Israelites were to per-
persons, making the best use of mit both the foreign residents and
your time.—Eph. 5:15, 16. the poor to benefit from the glean-
ing arrangement. (Lev. 19:9, 10)
Although we enjoy spending time The principle about loving foreign-
with Jehovah, we face a challenge. ers applies to Christians today.
We lead busy lives, which can make (Luke 10:30-37) How so? There are
it difficult for us to schedule time millions of immigrants, and likely
for spiritual activities. Secular some live near you. It is important
work, family responsibilities, and for us to treat these men, women,
other necessary activities can de- and children with dignity and re-
mand so much of our time that we
spect. w21.12 12 ˚16
may feel that we are just too busy
to pray, study, or meditate. There Sunday, July 23
is another more subtle threat to
Those seeking Jehovah
our time. If we are not careful,
will lack nothing good.
we could allow activities that are
—Ps. 34:10.
not wrong in themselves to rob
us of time that we could use to The more we look to Jehovah for
draw closer to Jehovah. For exam- guidance now, the more confident
ple, consider the matter of recre- we will be in his ability to deliver
ation. We all benefit from an oc- us in the future. It takes faith and
casional change of pace. But even a willingness to rely on Jehovah to
wholesome recreation can cut into ask our employer for time off so
our time to the point that there that we can attend an assembly or a
is little time left for spiritual activ- convention or to ask for an adjust-
ities. We need to keep recreation ed work schedule so that we can
in its place.—Prov. 25:27; 1 Tim. 4:8. attend all our meetings and spend
w22.01 26 ˚2-3 more time in the ministry. Suppose
our employer refuses our request
Saturday, July 22
and we lose our job. Do we have
The foreigner who resides with you faith that Jehovah will never leave
should become to you like a native us or abandon us and that he will al-
among you; and you must love him ways supply our basic needs? (Heb.
as yourself.—Lev. 19:34. 13:5) Many who are in full-time ser-
When Jehovah commanded the vice can relate experiences that
Israelites to love their fellow man, show how Jehovah came to their
he did not mean that they should aid when they needed him most. Je-
show love only to those of the same hovah is faithful. With Jehovah on
race or nationality. They were also our side, we have no reason to fear
told to love the foreigners in their the days ahead. Our God will nev-
midst. That is the clear message er forsake us as long as we put his
found at Leviticus 19:33, 34. The interests first in our lives. w22.01 7
foreigner was to be treated “like a ˚16-17
 Monday, July 24 him understand the reason for the
You do not judge for counsel and apply it. The brother
man but for Jehovah. being counseled may need time to
—2 Chron. 19:6. think about what was said. If the el-
der is patient and kind, the one he
How might our trust in the el- is trying to help will not be distract-
ders be tested? Suppose a person ed by the way the counsel is giv-
who has been disfellowshipped is en, but he will be able to focus on
a close companion. We might wor- the message. Of course, the coun-
ry that the elders did not consider sel should always be based on God’s
all the facts, or we might wonder Word. We want our counsel not only
whether they truly judged the mat- to be effective but also to “make the
ter the way Jehovah would. What heart rejoice.”—Prov. 27:9. w22.02 18
can help us maintain the proper at- ˚17; 19 ˚19
titude toward the decision? We do
well to remember that disfellow- Wednesday, July 26
shipping is Jehovah’s arrangement
Expectation postponed
and that it benefits the congrega-
makes the heart sick.
tion and may benefit the wrong-
—Prov. 13:12.
doer. If an unrepentant wrongdo-
er were permitted to remain in the When we pray for strength to
congregation, he could be a cor- deal with a trial or a weakness, we
rupting influence. (Gal. 5:9) In addi- may feel that the relief we are seek-
tion, he may not recognize the se- ing is taking longer than we had
riousness of his sin, and he may hoped. Why does Jehovah not an-
have little incentive to adjust his swer all our prayers right away? He
thinking and actions so that he can views our sincere prayers as evi-
regain Jehovah’s favor. (Eccl. 8: dence of our faith. (Heb. 11:6) Je-
11) We can be sure that when de- hovah is also interested in seeing
ciding if a person should be dis- how determined we are to live in
fellowshipped, the elders take their harmony with our prayers and to
responsibility seriously. w22.02 5-6 do his will. (1 John 3:22) So we
˚13-14 may need to show patience and
work along with our prayers when-
Tuesday, July 25
ever we are trying to overcome
No bruised reed will he crush, a bad habit or a weakness. Jesus
and no smoldering wick will he implied that some of our prayers
extinguish.—Matt. 12:20. might not be answered immediate-
Patience and kindness are espe- ly. He urged: “Keep on asking, and
cially needed when someone initial- it will be given you; keep on seek-
ly resists Bible-based counsel. An ing, and you will find; keep on
elder must guard against the ten- knocking, and it will be opened to
dency to get irritated if his coun- you; for everyone asking receives,
sel is not immediately accepted or and everyone seeking finds, and
acted on. So in his private prayers, to everyone knocking, it will be
the elder may ask Jehovah to bless opened.”—Matt. 7:7, 8. w21.08 8 ˚1;
the one needing counsel and to help 10 ˚9-10
 Thursday, July 27 to keep pace with Jehovah’s fast-
How I do love your law! moving organization. You have sup-
I ponder over it all day ported and encouraged others as
long.—Ps. 119:97. they pursued the full-time ministry.
Jehovah God loves you very much
To build faith in your Creator, you for being loyal. He promises that
need to continue studying God’s “he will not abandon his loyal ones”!
Word. (Josh. 1:8) Pay attention to (Ps. 37:28) He gives you this as-
its prophecies and to its internal surance: “Until your hair is gray I
harmony. Doing so can reinforce will keep bearing you.” (Isa. 46:4)
your faith that a loving, wise Cre- So do not conclude that in view of
ator made us and that he inspired your advancing years, you no lon-
the Bible. (2 Tim. 3:14; 2 Pet. 1:21) ger have an important role in Je-
When studying God’s Word, note hovah’s organization. You most cer-
how helpful its counsel is. For ex- tainly do! w21.09 3 ˚4
ample, the Bible long ago warned
that the love of money is harmful Saturday, July 29
and that it produces “many pains.” Jehovah has shown mercy
(1 Tim. 6:9, 10; Prov. 28:20; Matt. to those who fear him.
6:24) How helpful, then, is the Bi- —Ps. 103:13.
ble’s warning against developing a
Jehovah shows mercy because of
love of money! Can you think of ad-
his matchless wisdom. The Bible
ditional Bible principles that have
says that “the wisdom from above”
proved to be beneficial? The more
is “full of mercy and good fruits.”
we appreciate the Bible’s counsel,
(Jas. 3:17) Like a loving parent, Je-
the more we will rely on the time-
hovah knows that his mercy ben-
less wisdom provided by our loving
efits his children. (Isa. 49:15) Di-
Creator. (Jas. 1:5) As a result, our
vine mercy gives them hope despite
life will be more enjoyable.—Isa. 48:
their imperfections. So Jehovah’s
17, 18. w21.08 17-18 ˚12-13
infinite wisdom moves him to ex-
Friday, July 28 tend mercy whenever he sees any
basis for doing so. At the same
For God is not unrighteous so as to
time, Jehovah’s mercy is perfect-
forget your work and the love you
ly balanced. Wisely, he never cross-
showed for his name.
es the line from mercy to permis-
—Heb. 6:10.
siveness. Suppose that a servant of
If you are getting well along in God deliberately sets out to follow
years, be assured that Jehovah re- a course of sin. What then? “Stop
members the work you have done keeping company with” him, Paul
in the past. You have zealously sup- wrote under inspiration. (1 Cor. 5:
ported the preaching work. You 11) Unrepentant wrongdoers are
have endured trials—even heart- disfellowshipped from the congre-
breaking ones—upheld the Bible’s gation. That action is necessary in
righteous standards, carried heavy order to protect our faithful broth-
loads of responsibility, and trained ers and sisters and to reflect Jeho-
others. You have done your best vah’s holy ways. w21.10 9-10 ˚7-8
 Sunday, July 30 ing Jehovah’s people with tender af-
God loves a cheerful giver. fection. (1 Thess. 2:7) Paul assured
—2 Cor. 9:7. fellow worshippers that he loved
them and that Jehovah loved them.
We worship Jehovah when we (2 Cor. 2:4; Eph. 2:4, 5) Paul treat-
support the Kingdom work with our ed those in the congregation as
donations. The Israelites were not friends, spending time with them.
to appear before Jehovah empty- He showed that he trusted them
handed. (Deut. 16:16) They were to by speaking openly about his own
bring a material gift according to fears and weaknesses. (2 Cor. 7:5;
their circumstances. Thus they ex- 1 Tim. 1:15) Paul, however, did not
pressed their appreciation for all focus on his own problems. Rath-
the arrangements that had been er, he wanted to help his brothers.
made to benefit them spiritually. w22.03 28 ˚9-10
How can we express our love for
Jehovah and our appreciation for Tuesday, August 1
the spiritual provisions we receive? Father, forgive them.
One way is by giving financial sup-
—Luke 23:34.
port to the local congregation and
to the worldwide work as our cir- Jesus was likely referring to the
cumstances allow. The apostle Paul Roman soldiers who drove the nails
put it this way: “If the readiness is through his hands and feet. Je-
there first, it is especially accept- sus refused to allow the injustices
able according to what a person he had suffered to make him bitter
has, not according to what a person and resentful. (1 Pet. 2:23) Like Je-
does not have.” (2 Cor. 8:4, 12) Je- sus, we need to be willing to forgive
hovah values any heartfelt donation others. (Col. 3:13) Some, including
we make, no matter how modest relatives, may oppose us because
the amount.—Mark 12:42-44. w22.03 they do not understand our beliefs
24 ˚13 and our way of life. They may lie
about us, humiliate us in front of
Monday, July 31
others, destroy our literature, or
Speak consolingly to those who are even threaten to cause us physi-
depressed, support the weak, be cal harm. Rather than harboring re-
patient toward all. sentment, we can ask Jehovah to
—1 Thess. 5:14. open the eyes of those who oppose
Elders cannot remove all the us so that they may one day see the
trials that Jehovah’s people face. truth. (Matt. 5:44, 45) At times, we
Even so, Jehovah wants elders to may find it hard to forgive, especial-
do what they can to encourage ly if we have experienced gross in-
and protect his sheep. How can justices. But if we allow bitterness
busy elders find the time to provide and resentment to take root in our
the needed assistance? Follow the heart, we hurt ourselves. (Ps. 37:8)
apostle Paul’s example. Paul looked When we decide to forgive, we are
for ways to commend his brothers choosing not to let negative experi-
and build them up. Elders do well to ences make us bitter.—Eph. 4:31, 32.
follow his loving example by treat- w21.04 8-9 ˚3-4
 Wednesday, August 2 sus. (Luke 1:1-4) The Jewish peo-
How often they . . . made ple in ancient Beroea were like Luke.
him feel hurt.—Ps. 78:40. When they first heard the good news
about Jesus, they consulted the He-
Has one of your loved ones been brew Scriptures to confirm what
disfellowshipped from the congre- they were being told. (Acts 17:11) In
gation? That can be heartbreaking! a similar way, people today need to
Think how heartbroken Jehovah examine the facts. They must com-
must have been when members of pare what they are taught by God’s
his own angelic family turned their people with what the Scriptures say.
back on him! (Jude 6) And imag- They also need to study the rec-
ine how hurt he was at seeing his ord of Jehovah’s people in modern
beloved people, the Israelites, re- times. If they do a proper “back-
bel against him time and again. (Ps. ground check,” they will not allow
78:41) Be assured that our loving prejudice or hearsay to blind them.
heavenly Father is also hurt when w21.05 3 ˚7-8
someone you love leaves him. He
understands the grief you are ex- Friday, August 4
periencing. He will compassionate-
ly provide you with the encourage- Open your hearts wide.
ment and the support you need. —2 Cor. 6:13.
When a precious son or daughter Is there someone in your congrega-
leaves Jehovah, it is common for the tion to whom you can extend hospi-
parents to wonder what more they tality? There may be times when
could have done to help their young fellow Christians would especial-
one stay in the truth. One brother ly appreciate our association. Some
said: “I blamed myself. I had night- may find it difficult to be around un-
mares about it.” A sister who faced believing relatives during holidays.
a similar situation, agonized: “What Others may find certain dates, such
did I do wrong as a mother? I felt that as the anniversary of the death of
I must have failed to inculcate the a loved one, very painful. When we
truth in my son.” w21.09 26 ˚1-2, 4 offer to spend time with brothers
Thursday, August 3 and sisters who are experiencing
such challenges, we show them that
[They] perceived that they were we “genuinely care.” (Phil. 2:20 )
uneducated and ordinary. There are many reasons why a Chris-
—Acts 4:13. tian could at times feel alone. Yet,
Some feel that God’s people can- we must never forget that Jehovah is
not teach about the Bible because fully aware of such feelings. He pro-
they have not graduated from recog- vides us with what we need, often
nized theological schools. But they by means of our fellow Christians.
need to examine the facts. That is (Matt. 12:48-50) In turn, we show Je-
what the Gospel writer Luke was de- hovah our appreciation for his loving
termined to do. He made it a point arrangement when we do our best to
to trace “all things from the start support our spiritual family. No mat-
with accuracy.” He wanted his read- ter how we may sometimes feel, we
ers to “know fully the certainty of are never alone because Jehovah is
the things” they had heard about Je- always by our side! w21.06 13 ˚18-20
 Saturday, August 5 preaching activity, telling them that
Maintain your conduct fine among his followers would give “a witness
the nations, so that when they ac- to all the nations.” (Matt. 24:14; Acts
cuse you of being wrongdoers, 1:8) In addition, he told his follow-
they may be eyewitnesses of your ers to teach potential disciples to
fine works and, as a result, glorify observe all the things he had com-
God.—1 Pet. 2:12. manded. Jesus indicated that this vi-
tal work would continue even down
Jesus remained positive and kept to our day, “until the conclusion of
preaching even though some were the system of things.” (Matt. 28:18-
indifferent to his message. Why? He 20) And in the revelation he gave
knew how much the people need- to John, Jesus clearly indicated that
ed to know the truth, and he want- all his disciples are expected to help
ed to give as many as possible an others learn about Jehovah.—Rev.
opportunity to accept the Kingdom 22:17. w21.07 2-3 ˚3-4
message. He also knew that some
who initially were indifferent would Monday, August 7
eventually respond. Consider what Let us not become egotistical,
happened in his own family. During stirring up competition with one
Jesus’ entire three-and-a-half-year
another, envying one another.
ministry, none of his brothers be-
—Gal. 5:26.
came his disciples. (John 7:5) Yet,
after his resurrection, they became In the world today, many people
Christians. (Acts 1:14) We do not are selfishly motivated by a spirit
know who will eventually accept the of competition. A businessman may
Bible truths we teach. Some peo- resort to cutthroat tactics to get
ple take longer than others to re- ahead of his competitors. An ath-
spond to our message. Even those lete in a sporting event may delib-
who choose not to listen to us see erately injure a player on the oth-
our good conduct and positive atti- er team in order to win the game. A
tude, and they may eventually begin student competing for a place at a
to “glorify God.” w21.05 18 ˚17-18 prestigious university may cheat on
the entrance exams. As Christians,
Sunday, August 6 we recognize that such conduct is
As you go, preach, saying: “The wrong; it is part of “the works of the
Kingdom of the heavens has drawn flesh.” (Gal. 5:19-21) However, could
near.”—Matt. 10:7. it be that some of Jehovah’s ser-
When Jesus was on the earth, he vants might stir up competition in
gave his followers a two-fold com- the congregation without even real-
mission. He told them to preach the izing it? That is an important ques-
good news of the Kingdom, and he tion because a spirit of competition
showed them how to go about it. can affect the unity of our brother-
(Luke 8:1) Among other things, Je- hood. We do well, then, to consid-
sus prepared his disciples for both a er the examples of faithful men and
negative and a positive response to women in Bible times who did not
the Kingdom message. (Luke 9:2-5) give in to the spirit of competition.
He also foretold the extent of their w21.07 14 ˚1-2
 Tuesday, August 8 David often relied on Jehovah, and
Happy is anyone who shows con- his God never disappointed him.
sideration to the lowly one; Jeho- When young, David faced the Philis-
vah will rescue him in the day of tine giant Goliath and told that for-
calamity.—Ps. 41:1. midable warrior: “This very day Je-
hovah will surrender you into my
Loyal love moves us to reach out hand.” (1 Sam. 17:46) Later, David
to those in distress. Kindhearted was in the service of a king, Saul,
brothers and sisters today willing- who tried a number of times to mur-
ly stick with those in the congre- der him. But “Jehovah was with” Da-
gation who are despondent or de- vid. (1 Sam. 18:12) Because David
pressed. They love their brothers had experienced Jehovah’s help in
and sisters, and they are eager to the past, David knew he could count
do whatever they can to help them. on Him during his present trials.
(Prov. 12:25, ftn.; 24:10) This is in w22.01 6 ˚14-15
line with the apostle Paul’s ad-
monition: “Speak consolingly to Thursday, August 10
those who are depressed, support All the sons of God began
the weak, be patient toward all.” shouting in applause.
(1 Thess. 5:14) Often the most effec- —Job 38:7.
tive way you can help a discouraged
brother or sister is by lending a lis- In all that he does, Jehovah pa-
tening ear and by reassuring him tiently takes whatever time is need-
or her of your love. Your kind at- ed to complete his work. He does
tention to one of Jehovah’s pre- so both for the glory of his name
cious sheep does not go unnoticed and for the benefit of others. Con-
by our God. Proverbs 19:17 states: sider, for example, the step-by-step
“The one showing favor to the lowly manner in which Jehovah prepared
is lending to Jehovah, and He will the earth for mankind. When de-
repay him for what he does.” w21.11 scribing it, the Bible speaks of his
10 ˚11-12 setting “its measurements,” sinking
“its pedestals,” and laying “its cor-
Wednesday, August 9 nerstone.” (Job 38:5, 6) He even
took the time to reflect on his work.
Taste and see that Jehovah is
(Gen. 1:10, 12) Can you imagine
good; happy is the man who
how the angels felt as they saw
takes refuge in him.
Jehovah’s creative works gradual-
—Ps. 34:8.
ly taking shape? How exciting that
What can we do now to prepare must have been for them! Why, at
for the future? We need to be con- one point, they began “shouting
tent and to find our greatest joy in in applause.” What do we learn?
our relationship with Jehovah. The Jehovah’s creative works took
better we get to know our God, the many thousands of years to ac-
more convinced we will be of his complish, but when Jehovah sur-
ability to protect us when Gog of veyed everything that he had creat-
Magog attacks. The words of today’s ed so thoughtfully, he pronounced
text explain why David knew that he it “very good.”—Gen. 1:31. w21.08 9
could count on Jehovah’s support. ˚6-7
 Friday, August 11 the earth. But for this very reason I
Well done, good and faithful have kept you in existence: to show
slave!—Matt. 25:23. you my power and to have my name
declared in all the earth.” (Ex. 9:15,
In Jesus’ parable, a man was 16) All the nations will eventually
about to go on a trip. Before leav- have to know that Jehovah is the
ing, he called his slaves and gave only true God. (Ezek. 38:23) The
each of them talents with which to shaking mentioned in today’s text
do business. Taking into consider- will mean everlasting destruction
ation their individual abilities, the for those who, like Pharaoh, refuse
man gave five talents to one slave, to acknowledge Jehovah’s right to
two to another, and one to a third rule. w21.09 18-19 ˚17-18
slave. The first two slaves cared for
these assets diligently. The third Sunday, August 13
slave, however, did nothing with Rejoice with those who rejoice;
the money he was given, and he was weep with those who weep.
dismissed from the master’s ser- —Rom. 12:15.
vice. The first and the second slave
took very seriously the responsibil- Do you feel pained at heart be-
ity they had been given and worked cause a loved one has been disfel-
lowshipped? And what if it seems
hard to serve their master. As a re-
that some in the congregation say
sult, they doubled the master’s tal-
things to you that make you feel
ents. Their diligence and skill were
worse? Realistically, not everyone
richly rewarded. Not only did their
will respond in an ideal way. (Jas.
master rejoice but he judged them
3:2) We are all imperfect, so do not
worthy of taking on even more re-
be surprised if some struggle with
sponsibility! w21.08 21 ˚7; 22 ˚9-10
what to say or even unintentional-
Saturday, August 12 ly make comments that cause you
pain. Remember the apostle Paul’s
Yet once more . . . I will shake
admonition: “Continue putting up
the heavens and the earth.
with one another and forgiving
—Hag. 2:6.
one another freely even if anyone
Jehovah has shown great pa- has a cause for complaint.” (Col.
tience during these last days. He 3:13) Continue to support faith-
does not want anyone to be de- ful family members. They need
stroyed. (2 Pet. 3:9) He has giv- your love and encouragement now
en all an opportunity to repent. more than ever. (Heb. 10:24, 25)
But his patience has limits. Those At times, family members of disfel-
who reject this opportunity will lowshipped ones have felt that they
find themselves in a situation simi- too have been excluded from asso-
lar to that of Pharaoh in Moses’ ciation with the congregation. Do
day. Jehovah said to Pharaoh: “By not let that happen! Young people
now I could have thrust my hand whose parents have left the truth
out to strike you and your people especially need commendation and
with a devastating plague, and you encouragement. w21.09 29 ˚13-14;
would have been wiped out from 30 ˚16
 Monday, August 14 we offer practical help, perhaps
A wise person listens and providing some food or doing some
takes in more instruction. thoughtful deed? Might a reinstat-
—Prov. 1:5. ed Christian need some comfort-
ing, upbuilding association? Can we
When an older one and a younger share the comforting message of
one talk with each other, both ben- the good news with others? (Job 29:
efit. (Rom. 1:12) You younger ones 12, 13; Rom. 10:14, 15; Jas. 1:27) If
will enrich your appreciation for we are alert to such needs, we will
the way Jehovah cares for his faith- see that there are opportunities all
ful servants, and the older one will around us to show mercy. When we
feel dignified. He will enjoy recount- show mercy, how we must delight
ing to you how he has received Je- our heavenly Father, the God who is
hovah’s blessings. Physical beauty “rich in mercy”! w21.10 13 ˚20-22
usually fades with age, but those
who are loyal to Jehovah become Wednesday, August 16
more beautiful to him with each Jehovah is my Shepherd.
passing year. (1 Thess. 1:2, 3) Why is I will lack nothing.
that true? Because over the years,
—Ps. 23:1.
they have allowed God’s spirit to
mold them and refine them. The In Psalm 23, David mentions
more we get to know our precious things that are truly of lasting value
older brothers and sisters, hon- —the abundant spiritual blessings
or them, and learn from them, the he enjoys by accepting Jehovah as
more we will view them as price- his Shepherd. Jehovah leads him
less treasures! The congregation “in the paths of righteousness,” and
grows stronger not only when youn- He loyally supports David in good
ger ones treasure older ones but times and in bad times. David ac-
also when older ones value younger knowledges that his life in Jeho-
ones. w21.09 7 ˚15-18 vah’s “grassy pastures” will not be
trouble free. At times, he may get
Tuesday, August 15
discouraged, as if walking “in the
Stop judging that you may not be valley of deep shadow,” and he will
judged; for with the judgment you have enemies. But with Jehovah as
are judging, you will be judged. his Shepherd, David will “fear no
—Matt. 7:1, 2. harm.” In what way did David “lack
We must keep on guard against nothing”? Spiritually speaking, he
harshness and strive to be “rich had everything he needed. His hap-
in mercy,” like our God. (Eph. 2:4) piness was not dependent on ma-
Mercy is more than just a feeling. terial things. David was satisfied
In fact, mercy has been defined as with what Jehovah provided. What
“compassion in action.” All of us, mattered most to him was the bless-
then, can look carefully at the needs ing and the protection of his God.
in our family, our congregation, and From David’s words we can see how
our community. Surely there are important it is for us to have a prop-
many opportunities to show mercy! er view of material things. w22.01
Is someone in need of comfort? Can 3-4 ˚5-7
 Thursday, August 17 standing next to her. How painful
Each person will receive his own that must have been for Ruth! Yet,
reward according to his own work. she stuck with Naomi. (Ruth 1:3-18)
—1 Cor. 3:8. Today, a sister in distress may ini-
tially speak to us in a hurtful way
Early witnesses of Jehovah faced —despite all our efforts to help her.
unresponsive listeners. For exam- But we try not to take it person-
ple, Noah was “a preacher of ally. We stick with our sister who
righteousness,” likely for decades. is in need, and we ask Jehovah to
(2 Pet. 2:5) No doubt, he hoped that help us find a way to bring her com-
others would respond favorably to fort. (Prov. 17:17) A sister in need
his preaching, but Jehovah gave no of assistance may at first refuse our
such indication. Rather, when in- help. Still, loyal love will move us to
structing Noah to build the ark, do our best to stick with her.—Gal.
God said: “You must go into the 6:2. w21.11 11 ˚17-19
ark, you, your sons, your wife, and
your sons’ wives with you.” (Gen. 6: Saturday, August 19
18) And considering the dimensions Become holy yourselves
and capacity of the ark that God in all your conduct.
told him to build, Noah may have —1 Pet. 1:15.
realized that any response to his
In the Bible, the words “holy” and
preaching would be limited. (Gen.
“holiness” basically refer to moral
6:15) As matters turned out, not one
and religious cleanness or sacred-
person from that violent world re- ness. The terms can also convey
sponded to Noah’s preaching. (Gen. the idea of being set aside to serve
7:7) Did Jehovah view Noah as a God. In other words, we will be con-
failure? Not at all! In God’s eyes, sidered holy if we are morally clean,
Noah was a successful preacher be- if we worship Jehovah acceptably,
cause he faithfully did what Jeho- and if we have a close personal
vah had asked him to do.—Gen. 6: relationship with him. The very
22. w21.10 26 ˚10-11 thought that we can have a person-
Friday, August 18 al relationship with our holy God is
enough to take our breath away, es-
I was full when I went, but Je- pecially when we consider what the
hovah made me return empty- Bible teaches us about Jehovah’s
handed.—Ruth 1:21. holiness. Jehovah is pure and clean
Imagine how Ruth must have felt in every way. We learn this from
on hearing those words from Nao- a description of him that was giv-
mi! Ruth had gone out of her way to en by seraphs—angelic creatures
help Naomi. Ruth had wept with her, who are close to his throne. Some
comforted her, and walked with her of them testified: “Holy, holy, holy
for days on end. Despite all of this, is Jehovah of armies.” (Isa. 6:3) Of
Naomi said: “Jehovah made me re- course, in order to have a close re-
turn empty-handed.” With those lationship with their holy God, the
words, Naomi did not even acknowl- angels themselves must be holy
edge the support of Ruth, who was —and they are. w21.12 3 ˚4-5
 Sunday, August 20 had the joy of serving as a mem-
Keep strict watch that how you ber of the first-century governing
walk is not as unwise but as wise body. (Acts 15:6, 13-22; Gal. 2:9) And
persons, making the best use of sometime before 62 C.E., he was in-
your time.—Eph. 5:15, 16. spired to write a letter to anoint-
ed Christians. That letter is of ben-
Young people are often con- efit to us today, whether our hope
cerned about the best way to spend is heavenly or earthly. (Jas. 1:1) Ac-
their life. On the one hand, school cording to the first-century his-
guidance counselors and unbeliev- torian Josephus, James was exe-
ing family members may urge them cuted at the order of the Jewish
to pursue higher education in prep- High Priest Ananias the Younger.
aration for a prestigious career in James remained faithful to Jehovah
the world. That path would likely until he finished his earthly course.
consume a great deal of their time. w22.01 8 ˚3; 9 ˚5
On the other hand, parents and
friends in the congregation may Tuesday, August 22
encourage young people to spend My God, my God, why have you
their life in Jehovah’s service. What forsaken me?—Matt. 27:46.
can help a young person who loves
Jehovah to make the best decision? One lesson we can learn from to-
He would benefit by reading Ephe- day’s text is that we must not ex-
sians 5:15-17 and meditating on it. pect Jehovah to shield us from chal-
After reading these verses, a young lenges that test our faith. Just as
person might ask himself: ‘What is Jesus was tested to the limit, we
“the will of Jehovah”? What deci- too must be prepared to prove faith-
sion will please him? Which path ful to death if necessary. (Matt. 16:
will result in my making the best 24, 25) However, we have the as-
use of my time?’ Remember, “the surance that God will not let us be
days are wicked,” and this system tested beyond what we can bear.
ruled by Satan will soon come to an (1 Cor. 10:13) Another lesson we
end. w22.01 27 ˚5 learn is that, like Jesus, we may suf-
fer unjustly. (1 Pet. 2:19, 20) Those
Monday, August 21 who oppose us do so, not because
we have done something wrong, but
His brothers were, in fact,
because we are no part of the world
not exercising faith in him.
and we bear witness to the truth.
—John 7:5.
(John 17:14; 1 Pet. 4:15, 16) Jesus
When did James become a loy- understood why Jehovah allowed
al follower of Jesus? After Jesus him to suffer. Unlike him, however,
was raised from the dead, “he ap- faithful worshippers under trial
peared to James, then to all the have sometimes wondered why Je-
apostles.” (1 Cor. 15:7) That meeting hovah allowed certain things to
with Jesus marked a turning point happen. (Hab. 1:3) Our merciful and
in James’ life. He was present when patient God understands that such
the apostles awaited the promised ones do not lack faith; they need the
holy spirit in an upper room in Jeru- comfort that only he can provide.
salem. (Acts 1:13, 14) Later, James —2 Cor. 1:3, 4. w21.04 11 ˚9-10
 Wednesday, August 23 we will trust him implicitly in the
May my prayer be as incense future. Imagine how we will feel
prepared before you. in God’s new world. False religion
—Ps. 141:2. will be gone, and so will the greedy
commercial system along with the
Jehovah will accept our worship political system that has oppressed
if it is in harmony with his purpose people and caused untold misery
and is being offered with love and throughout history. Poor health, old
respect. We know that Jehovah de- age, and the death of loved ones will
serves to be worshipped, and we no longer be part of our daily expe-
want our gift of worship to be of rience. Satan and the demons will
the best possible quality. One way be confined for a thousand years.
we worship Jehovah is when we The consequences of their rebel-
pray to him. The Scriptures com- lion will be gone. (Rev. 20:2, 3) How
pare our prayers to the carefully grateful we will then be that we
prepared incense that was offered trusted in Jehovah’s way of doing
at the tabernacle and later at the things! w22.02 6-7 ˚16-17
temple. That incense was pleas-
ing to God. Similarly, our heart- Friday, August 25
felt prayers are “a pleasure” to him, Happy are the peacemakers.
even if we use very simple words. —Matt. 5:9.
(Prov. 15:8; Deut. 33:10) It warms Je-
hovah’s heart to hear us express our Jesus took the initiative to make
love and gratitude to him. He wants peace and encouraged others to set-
us to share with him our concerns, tle their disputes. He taught them
our hopes, and our desires. Before that they must make peace with
approaching Jehovah in prayer, their brother if they wanted Jeho-
why not give careful thought to vah to accept their worship. (Matt.
what you are going to say? In doing 5:23, 24) And he repeatedly helped
so, you will offer the best possible the apostles to settle their dispute
“incense” to your heavenly Father. over which one among them was the
w22.03 20 ˚2; 21 ˚7 greatest. (Luke 9:46-48; 22:24-27)
To be a peacemaker, we need to do
Thursday, August 24 more than just avoid causing con-
flicts. We need to take the initiative
You who suffer tribulation will be
to make peace and to encourage our
given relief along with us at the
brothers and sisters to settle their
revelation of the Lord Jesus from
differences. (Phil. 4:2, 3; Jas. 3:17,
heaven with his powerful angels.
18) We can ask ourselves: ‘What am I
—2 Thess. 1:7.
willing to sacrifice in order to make
At Armageddon, it will not be up peace with others? When a brother
to us to decide who will receive or a sister hurts my feelings, do I
Jehovah’s mercy and who will not. hold a grudge? Do I wait for the oth-
(Matt. 25:34, 41, 46) Will we be able er person to take the initiative to
to trust in Jehovah’s judgments, or restore peace, or do I take the first
will they be a stumbling block for step, even if the other person seems
us? Clearly, we need to strengthen to have caused the problem?’ w22.03
our trust in Jehovah now so that 10 ˚10-11
 Saturday, August 26 20:8) Today many employees are
There is more happiness in giving paid once or twice a month, not
than there is in receiving. every day. However, the principle
—Acts 20:35. set out at Leviticus 19:13 is still val-
id. Some employers take advantage
Long ago, the Bible foretold that of their employees by paying them
God’s people would “offer them- an amount that is far below what is
selves willingly” in Jehovah’s ser- fair. They know that these workers
vice under the direction of his Son. may have little choice but to con-
(Ps. 110:3) That prophecy is cer- tinue working for starvation wag-
tainly being fulfilled today. Each es. In a sense, such employers are
year, Jehovah’s zealous servants ‘withholding the wages of a hired
devote hundreds of millions of worker.’ A Christian who has a busi-
hours to the preaching work. They ness would want to take this point
do so voluntarily and at their own to heart. w21.12 10 ˚9-10
expense. They also take time to
support their fellow believers phys- Monday, August 28
ically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am thirsty.
Appointed brothers spend count- —John 19:28.
less hours preparing meeting parts
and shepherding fellow believers. After all that Jesus had suffered,
What is the motivation behind all he must have been very thirsty. He
this work? It is love—love for Jeho- needed help to quench his thirst.
Jesus did not consider it to be a
vah and love for neighbor. (Matt.
sign of weakness to express how he
22:37-39) Jesus set an outstanding
felt; nor should we. For much of our
example in putting the interests of
life, we may have preferred not to
others ahead of his own. We are
tell others about our needs. But if
trying our best to follow his foot-
the time comes when we need help,
steps. (Rom. 15:1-3) Those who imi-
we should not hesitate to ask oth-
tate him will reap benefits. w22.02
ers for assistance. For example, if
20 ˚1-2
we are older or infirm, we may have
Sunday, August 27 to ask a friend to give us a ride
to a grocery store or to a doctor’s
You should not withhold the
appointment. If we are downheart-
wages of a hired worker all
ed or discouraged, we may need to
night until morning.
ask an elder or other mature Chris-
—Lev. 19:13.
tian friend to provide a listening
In the agricultural society of Isra- ear or to share “a good word” to
el, hired laborers were to be paid cheer us up. (Prov. 12:25) Let us re-
at the end of each workday. To member that our brothers and sis-
hold back the wages of such a work- ters love us, and they want to help
er would deprive him of the mon- us in “times of distress.” (Prov. 17:
ey he needed to feed his family 17) But they cannot read our minds.
that day. Jehovah explained: “He They may not know that we need
is in need and his life depends on help unless we take the initiative to
his wages.” (Deut. 24:14, 15; Matt. say something. w21.04 11-12 ˚11-12
 Tuesday, August 29 vah does not show loyal love to just
If you become discouraged anyone. He shows it to those who
in the day of distress, your are in a special relationship with
strength will be meager. him. Our God is loyal to his friends.
—Prov. 24:10. He has a wonderful purpose for
them, and he will not give up on
Change is challenging for many them. Jehovah has shown love to
of us. Some who served in a form mankind in general. Jesus told a
of special full-time service for a man named Nicodemus: “God loved
long time have received a change the world [of mankind] so much
of assignment. Others have had that he gave his only-begotten Son,
to relinquish a cherished privilege so that everyone exercising faith
because of their age. It is normal in him might not be destroyed but
to feel disappointed when such a have everlasting life.”—John 3:1, 16;
change affects us. We cope better Matt. 5:44, 45. w21.11 2 ˚3; 3 ˚6-7
with change when we look at things
from Jehovah’s perspective. He is Thursday, August 31
accomplishing great things today, By your endurance you will
and we have the unique privilege preserve your lives.
of being his fellow workers. (1 Cor. —Luke 21:19.
3:9) Jehovah’s love for us will not
Life in this system is hard, and we
change. Consequently, if a change
may be confronted with even more
in the organization affects you per-
difficult challenges in the future.
sonally, avoid getting caught up in
(Matt. 24:21) How we yearn for the
the whys and wherefores behind
day when all of that will be be-
the change. Rather than long for
hind us—long forgotten and never
“the former days,” prayerfully look
to be repeated! (Isa. 65:16, 17) Clear-
for the good in the change. (Eccl. 7: ly, we need to continue to strength-
10) Keep a positive attitude. Thus en our endurance. Why? Because
we will remain joyful and faith- Jesus said: “By your endurance you
ful even when our circumstances will preserve your lives.” (Luke 21:
change. w22.03 17 ˚11-12 19) Thinking about how others are
Wednesday, August 30 successfully enduring trials similar
to ours can strengthen our endur-
Jehovah, Jehovah, a God . . . ance. Who is the best example of en-
showing loyal love to thousands. durance? Jehovah God. Does that
—Ex. 34:6, 7. answer surprise you? It might un-
To whom does Jehovah show loy- til you think about it. This world is
al love? The Bible mentions that we under the control of the Devil, and
can love many things, such as “agri- it is riddled with problems. Jeho-
culture,” “wine and oil,” “discipline,” vah has the power to end it in an
“knowledge,” “wisdom”—to name a instant, but he is waiting for a fu-
few. (2 Chron. 26:10; Prov. 12:1; 21: ture day to do that. (Rom. 9:22) In
17; 29:3) Loyal love, however, is nev- the meantime, our God keeps on en-
er extended to things or concepts; it during until that appointed time ar-
is shown only to people. But Jeho- rives. w21.07 8 ˚2-4
 Friday, September 1 students by setting an example in
They asked him to display to showing these new ones love and
them a sign from heaven. in making them feel welcome when
—Matt. 16:1. they attend meetings. (John 13:
35) The one conducting the study
Some in Jesus’ day were not sat- may also have to spend much time
isfied with his amazing teachings. and energy helping a student over-
They wanted more. But when he re- turn “strongly entrenched” beliefs
fused to give them the sign they or practices. (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) It may
were seeking, they were stumbled. take many months to guide an indi-
(Matt. 16:4) What do the Scriptures vidual through these steps so that
say? Of the Messiah, the prophet he eventually reaches the goal of
Isaiah wrote: “He will not cry out baptism. But it is well worth the ef-
or raise his voice, and he will not fort. w21.07 3 ˚6
make his voice heard in the street.”
(Isa. 42:1, 2) Jesus went about his Sunday, September 3
ministry in a quiet and modest way. Make sure of all things;
He did not build impressive tem- hold fast to what is fine.
ples, and he did not wear distinc- —1 Thess. 5:21.
tive religious garments or demand
to be addressed by pretentious re- Are we strongly convinced in our
ligious titles. When he was on trial own mind that what we are teach-
for his life, Jesus refused to try to ing is the truth and that the pat-
impress King Herod by performing tern of worship that Jehovah’s Wit-
a sign for him. (Luke 23:8-11) Je- nesses are following today is the
sus did perform some miracles, but one that is acceptable to Jehovah?
his main focus was on preaching The apostle Paul was strongly con-
the good news. “This is why I have vinced of the truth. (1 Thess. 1:5)
come,” he told his disciples.—Mark That conviction was not based on
1:38. w21.05 4 ˚9-10 emotion. Paul was a diligent stu-
dent of God’s Word. He believed
Saturday, September 2 that “all Scripture is inspired of
God.” (2 Tim. 3:16) What did his
This means everlasting life, their
studies reveal? In the Scriptures,
coming to know you, the only true
Paul found undeniable proof that
God, and the one whom you sent,
Jesus was the promised Messi-
Jesus Christ.—John 17:3.
ah—evidence that the Jewish re-
We are looking for those who are ligious leaders chose to ignore.
“rightly disposed for everlasting Those religious hypocrites claimed
life.” (Acts 13:48) To assist those in- to represent God but denied him
dividuals in becoming disciples, we by their works. (Titus 1:16) Un-
must help them to (1) understand, like them, Paul did not pick and
(2) accept, and (3) put into practice choose which parts of God’s Word
the things they learn from the Bi- he would believe. He was ready to
ble. (Col. 2:6, 7; 1 Thess. 2:13) All teach and apply “all the counsel of
in the congregation can help Bible God.”—Acts 20:27. w21.10 18 ˚1-2
 Monday, September 4 we are interested in. Then he sets
a snare that he hopes will catch us
No man can come to me unless the
unawares. Still, the Bible assures us
Father, who sent me, draws him.
that if we are caught, we may be able
—John 6:44.
to escape. It also teaches us how to
As we plant and water, we must avoid those snares altogether. Two
recognize the role that God plays. of Satan’s most effective snares are
(1 Cor. 3:6, 7) Jehovah views all hu- pride and greed. For thousands of
man life as precious. He gives us years, Satan has successfully used
the privilege of working along with these undesirable traits. He is like a
his Son in gathering people from all birdcatcher who lures his prey into
nations before the end of this sys- a trap or who ensnares it in a net.
tem comes. (Hag. 2:7) Our preach- (Ps. 91:3) But we do not have to
ing work could be likened to a rescue be caught by Satan. Why not? Be-
mission. And we are like members cause Jehovah has revealed to us
of a rescue team sent to free peo- the tactics that Satan uses.—2 Cor.
ple trapped in a mine. Although only 2:11. w21.06 14 ˚1-2
a few miners may be found alive,
the work done by all the rescuers Wednesday, September 6
is valuable. The same is true of the Gray hair is a crown of beauty
work we do in our ministry. We do when it is found in the way of
not know how many people will yet righteousness.—Prov. 16:31.
be rescued from Satan’s system. But
Jehovah can use any one of us to Faithful older ones are precious
help them. Andreas, who lives in Bo- treasures. God’s Word likens the
livia, says, “I see each person who gray hair of such ones to a crown.
learns Bible truths and gets baptized (Prov. 20:29) These treasures,
as the result of a group effort.” May though, can easily be overlooked.
we maintain a similar positive atti- Younger ones who recognize the val-
tude toward our ministry. If we do, ue of older ones can gain something
Jehovah will bless us, and our minis- more beneficial than literal riches.
try will be a real source of joy. w21.05 Faithful older ones are precious to
19 ˚19-20 Jehovah God. He sees them for who
they really are on the inside, and
Tuesday, September 5 he knows and values their wonder-
ful qualities. He appreciates it when
Escape from the snare of
older ones pass on to younger ones
the Devil.—2 Tim. 2:26.
the wisdom they have gained dur-
A hunter has but one goal—that ing a lifetime of faithful service.
of capturing or killing his prey. (Job 12:12; Prov. 1:1-4) Jehovah also
He may use a variety of snares or treasures their endurance. (Mal. 3:
traps, even as noted by one of Job’s 16) Their lives have not been trouble
false comforters. (Job 18:8-10) How free; yet, their faith in Jehovah has
might a hunter lure an animal into never wavered. Their hope for the
his snare? He studies the animal. future is brighter than it was when
Where does it go? What is it interest- they first learned the truth. And Je-
ed in? What will catch it by surprise? hovah loves them because they con-
Satan is like that hunter. He studies tinue to declare his name “even in
us. He notices where we go and what old age.”—Ps. 92:12-15. w21.09 2 ˚2-3
 Thursday, September 7 (2 Chron. 6:29, 30) Jehovah knows
Let each one examine his own ac- our heart. He also knows our strug-
tions, and then he will have cause gles—our fight against the spirit of
for rejoicing in regard to himself the world and against our own im-
alone.—Gal. 6:4. perfections. As Jehovah sees how
hard we are fighting against such
From time to time, it is a good negative influences, his love for us
idea to examine our motives. We grows. To illustrate how he feels
might ask ourselves: ‘Do I mea- about us, Jehovah uses the bond
sure my worth by comparing my- between a mother and her baby.
self with others? Am I motivated (Isa. 49:15) How comforting it is to
by a desire to view myself as the know that Jehovah feels that type
best at whatever I do or at least to of deep love for us when he sees us
see myself as better than a particu- fighting to serve him whole-souled!
lar brother or sister? Or do I sim- w21.07 24-25 ˚17-19
ply want to give my very best to Je-
hovah?’ The Bible urges us to avoid Saturday, September 9
comparing ourselves with others. Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Why? On the one hand, if we think —Rom. 12:15.
we are doing better than our broth-
er, we may become prideful. On We can increase our joy by be-
the other hand, if we compare our- coming absorbed in whatever we
selves unfavorably with others, we are given to do in Jehovah’s ser-
will likely get discouraged. (Rom. vice. Be “intensely occupied” in the
12:3) We must remember that Je- preaching work, and be fully in-
hovah drew us to him, not because volved in congregation activities.
we are beautiful, articulate, or pop- (Acts 18:5; Heb. 10:24, 25) Go to the
ular, but because we are willing to meetings prepared to give upbuild-
love him and to listen to his Son. ing comments on the material that
—John 6:44; 1 Cor. 1:26-31. w21.07 14- is being studied. Take seriously any
15 ˚3-4 student assignments you have on
the midweek meeting. If you are
Friday, September 8 asked to help out with a certain
You should continue to be made task in the congregation, be punc-
new in your dominant mental tual and reliable. Do not treat any
attitude.—Eph. 4:23. assignment you are given as if it
To make our mind over, of course, were unworthy of your time. Strive
we need to pray, study God’s Word, to improve your skills. (Prov. 22:
and meditate. Apply yourself to 29) The more absorbed you are in
these things, and look to Jehovah your spiritual activities and assign-
for strength. His holy spirit will help ments, the quicker you will pro-
you to overcome any tendency to gress and the greater your joy will
compare yourself with others. Je- be. (Gal. 6:4) You will also find it
hovah will also help you to recog- easier to rejoice with others when
nize and quickly root out envy or they receive a privilege that you
undue pride if these undesirable would have liked to receive.—Gal. 5:
feelings spring up in your heart. 26. w21.08 22 ˚11
 Sunday, September 10 tem of things. Jesus even said that
The wisdom from above is first of we should pray for this. (Matt. 6:
all pure, then peaceable, reason- 10) But how foolish it would be if
able, ready to obey, full of mer- someone allowed his faith in God
cy and good fruits, impartial, not to weaken because the end did not
hypocritical.—Jas. 3:17. come when humans expected it!
(Hab. 2:3; Matt. 24:44) We are wise
We must avoid pride and re- to keep waiting on Jehovah and
main teachable. Just as disease praying to him in faith. The end
can harden the arteries of a liter- will come at exactly the right time,
al heart and restrict its ability to for Jehovah has already chosen the
beat, pride can harden our figura- “day and hour” for it to arrive. And
tive heart and prevent us from re- that day will prove to be the best
sponding to Jehovah’s direction. time for all.—Matt. 24:36; 2 Pet. 3:15.
The Pharisees allowed their heart w21.08 10 ˚10-11
to become so hard that they re-
fused to recognize the clear evi- Tuesday, September 12
dence being presented to them by With humility consider
God’s spirit. (John 12:37-40) That others superior to you.
was a dangerous course because —Phil. 2:3.
it affected their everlasting future.
Humble older ones recognize that
(Matt. 23:13, 33) How important it
as they age, they cannot do as much
is that we continue to allow God’s
as they once did. Consider, for ex-
Word and spirit to mold our per-
ample, our circuit overseers. When
sonality and influence our thinking
they reach 70 years of age, they are
and our decisions! Because James
invited to take up a different assign-
was humble, he allowed himself to
ment. That may be a challenge. They
be taught by Jehovah. And it was
cherished the privilege of serving
because of his humility that he be-
their brothers. But they understand
came a skillful teacher. w22.01 10 ˚7
that younger hands are needed to
Monday, September 11 care for the work. They thus show
an attitude similar to that of the Le-
Keep on asking. vites in ancient Israel who, at the
—Matt. 7:7. age of 50, were required to discon-
When we “persevere in prayer,” tinue their service at the taberna-
we can be confident that our heav- cle. The joy of those older Levites
enly Father hears us. (Col. 4:2) Al- was not tied to a particular privi-
though an answer may seem to be lege. They took full advantage of
delayed, Jehovah promises to an- the privileges that were available
swer our prayer “at the right time.” to them, doing all they could to as-
(Heb. 4:16) That is why we must nev- sist the younger ones. (Num. 8:25,
er blame Jehovah if something does 26) Today, former circuit overseers,
not happen as quickly as we think although no longer serving a num-
it should. For example, many have ber of congregations, are proving to
been praying for years to see God’s be a real blessing to their congrega-
Kingdom bring an end to this sys- tions. w21.09 8-9 ˚3-4
 Wednesday, September 13 support the way of life promoted by
Father, I have sinned against this world, leading to destruction,
heaven and against you. I am or will they work to bring their life
no longer worthy of being into harmony with God’s will, lead-
called your son. ing to everlasting life? (Heb. 12:25)
—Luke 15:21. By our preaching work, we can help
people decide what position they
Jesus told a heartwarming sto- will take on this important issue.
ry about a wayward son, recorded And may we keep in mind the words
at Luke 15:11-32. A young man re- of our Lord Jesus: “This good news
belled against his father, left home, of the Kingdom will be preached
and traveled “to a distant coun- in all the inhabited earth for a wit-
try.” There he led an immoral, de- ness to all the nations, and then the
bauched life. When hard times end will come.”—Matt. 24:14. w21.09
struck, though, he did some seri- 19 ˚18-20
ous thinking. He realized how much
better off he had been while in his Friday, September 15
father’s house. As Jesus put it, the I will never leave you, and
young man “came to his senses.” He I will never abandon you.
resolved to go back home and seek —Heb. 13:5.
his father’s forgiveness. The mo-
ment when the son realized how far Elders, you have a special respon-
he had fallen was important. He had sibility to console fellow worship-
to take action! The lost son dem- pers whose loved ones have left
onstrated sincere repentance for Jehovah. (1 Thess. 5:14) Take the
what he had done. This parable is initiative to encourage them before
not just a heartwarming story. The and after Christian meetings. Visit
principles it teaches can help con- them and pray for them. Work with
gregation elders to discern whether them in the ministry, or at times in-
a fellow believer has repented of his vite them to join you for family
serious wrongdoing. w21.10 5 ˚14-15 worship. Spiritual shepherds need
to show Jehovah’s grieving sheep
Thursday, September 14 the compassion, love, and attention
they need. (1 Thess. 2:7, 8) Jehovah
I will shake the heavens
“does not desire anyone to be de-
and the earth.—Hag. 2:6.
stroyed but desires all to attain to
What will not be shaken, or re- repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Although a
moved? The apostle Paul wrote: person may commit a serious sin,
“Seeing that we are to receive a his life is still precious to God.
Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let Think of the high price Jehovah
us continue to . . . offer God sacred has paid—the ransom sacrifice of
service with godly fear and awe.” his own beloved Son—for the lives
(Heb. 12:28) Yes, when the dust set- of sinners. Jehovah compassionate-
tles after this final great shaking, ly reaches out to help such ones re-
only God’s Kingdom will remain un- turn to him. He hopes they will
shaken. (Ps. 110:5, 6; Dan. 2:44) choose to do so, as we can see from
There is no time to waste! People Jesus’ illustration of the lost son.
must choose: Will they continue to —Luke 15:11-32. w21.09 30-31 ˚17-19
 Saturday, September 16 son views others as being superi-
You have entered into the or to him. (Phil. 2:3, 4) Older ones
benefit of their labor. who show this quality realize that
—John 4:38. in many cases there is more than
one Scriptural and effective way to
What if your share in preaching carry out an assignment. Thus, they
and teaching the good news is limit- have a realistic view of the way they
ed by your failing health? You can did things in the past. (Eccl. 7:10)
still find joy in your role in the har- While they have much valuable ex-
vest. Consider the experience of perience to share with the younger
King David when he and his men generation, they realize that “the
rescued their families and belong- scene of this world is changing” and
ings from marauding Amalekites. that it may be necessary for them to
Two hundred of the men were too adapt to new circumstances.—1 Cor.
exhausted to fight, so they stayed 7:31. w21.09 8 ˚1, 3
behind to guard the baggage. After
the battle was won, David ordered Monday, September 18
that the spoil be shared equally by
Who among the gods is like you,
all of them. (1 Sam. 30:21-25) It is
similar with our worldwide disciple-
O Jehovah? Who is like you, show-
making work. Everyone who does ing yourself mighty in holiness?
his best can share equally in the joy —Ex. 15:11.
over each new one who is helped Jehovah would never require his
to start on the road to life. Jeho- worshippers to do anything that
vah notices our diligence and good would degrade them. He is the es-
motives, and he rewards us. He also sence of holiness. This was made
teaches us how to find joy in the clear by the inscription found on a
part we play in the great harvest. gold plate on the turban of the high
(John 14:12) We can be assured of priest. Engraved on this plate was
God’s approval as long as we do not the statement: “Holiness belongs to
give up! w21.10 28 ˚15-17 Jehovah.” (Ex. 28:36-38) The mes-
sage on that plate would assure any-
Sunday, September 17
one seeing it that Jehovah is tru-
The glory of young men ly holy. What, though, of an Israelite
is their strength. who was not able to see the plate
—Prov. 20:29. because he could not approach the
As we grow older, we may be high priest? Would he miss this vital
afraid that we are not going to be message? No! Every Israelite heard
as useful to Jehovah as we once that message as the Law was read
were. While it may be true that before men, women, and children.
we have less energy than before, we (Deut. 31:9-12) If you had been pres-
can use the wisdom and experience ent, you would have heard these
we have acquired to help younger statements: “I am Jehovah your
ones reach their full potential and God, and you must . . . be holy, be-
take on new responsibilities. Older cause I am holy.” “You must be holy
ones must be humble if they want to me, because I, Jehovah, am holy.”
to help younger ones. A humble per- —Lev. 11:44, 45; 20:7, 26. w21.12 3 ˚6-7
 Tuesday, September 19 comforted when we draw close to
Stop being in anxious suspense. Jehovah and leave justice in his
—Luke 12:29. hands. (Ps. 7:17; 73:28) If you are en-
during an injustice or some other
Some may be anxious about their cause for hurt, remember that Je-
material needs. They may live in a hovah draws close to “the broken-
country with poor economic condi- hearted.” (Ps. 34:18) He loves you
tions. It may be difficult for them to for your patience and for throwing
earn enough money to care for their your burden on him. (Ps. 55:22) He
family. Or the breadwinner in the is the Judge of all the earth. Noth-
family may have died, leaving the ing escapes his notice. (1 Pet. 3:12)
rest of the family without financial When you are undergoing difficul-
support. We will benefit from re- ties that you cannot resolve, are
placing anxiety with confidence. Re- you willing to wait on him? w21.08 11
member that Jehovah guarantees ˚14; 12 ˚16
that he will care for our material
needs if we put spiritual things Thursday, September 21
first. (Matt. 6:32, 33) He has a per-
Keep perceiving what the will
fect record of fulfilling that prom-
ise. (Deut. 8:4, 15, 16; Ps. 37:25) If
of Jehovah is.—Eph. 5:17.
Jehovah provides for the birds and It would be wise on our part to
the flowers, surely we do not have use our life in a way that will endear
to be anxious about what we will us to Jehovah. We must set prop-
eat or wear! (Matt. 6:26-30; Phil. 4: er priorities. Sometimes, making
6, 7) Just as love impels caring par- the best use of our time involves
ents to provide materially for their choosing between two activities
children, love motivates our heav- that are not wrong in themselves.
enly Father to care for the material The well-known account about Je-
needs of his people. w21.12 17 ˚4-5; sus’ visit to the home of Mary and
18 ˚8 Martha illustrates the point. No
doubt thrilled to receive Jesus as
Wednesday, September 20
her guest, hospitable Martha set
Jehovah continued with Joseph about preparing an elaborate meal.
and kept showing loyal love to Meanwhile, her sister, Mary, took
him.—Gen. 39:21. advantage of the visit to sit close
Have you ever been severely to her Lord and listen to his teach-
wronged by someone, even by a fel- ing. While Martha was certainly
low worshipper? Note the example motivated by the best of inten-
of Joseph who suffered injustice at tions, Mary “chose the best por-
the hands of his own brothers. He tion.” (Luke 10:38-42, ftn.) In time,
remained focused on his service to Mary may have forgotten what food
Jehovah, who richly rewarded him was served on that occasion, but
for his patient endurance. Over we can be sure that she never for-
time, Joseph was able to look past got what she learned from Jesus.
the hurt he had experienced and Just as Mary cherished that limit-
see how Jehovah had blessed him. ed time with Jesus, we cherish our
(Gen. 45:5) Like Joseph, we are time with Jehovah. w22.01 27 ˚5-6
 Friday, September 22 by studying Bible prophecy togeth-
Have you seen how Ahab er and seeing how it always comes
true. (Titus 1:2) They can reflect on
has humbled himself on my
the share they can have in the ful-
account?—1 Ki. 21:29.
fillment of certain Bible prophecies.
Although Ahab humbled himself For example, they can have a part
before Jehovah, his later conduct in fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy that the
showed that he was not truly repen- good news will be preached in all
tant. He did not try to remove Baal the earth before the end comes. The
worship from his kingdom. And he more a couple are certain that Bible
did not promote the worship of Je- prophecy is coming true, the great-
hovah. After Ahab died, Jehovah er will be their determination to do
revealed how he viewed that man. as much as possible for Jehovah.
God’s prophet Jehu said he was w21.11 16 ˚9-10
“wicked.” (2 Chron. 19:1, 2) Now
consider: If Ahab’s repentance had
Sunday, September 24
been genuine, surely the prophet He said to the disciple:
would not have described him as “See! Your mother!”
a wicked man who hated Jehovah. —John 19:27.
Clearly, although Ahab had shown Jesus was concerned about his
a degree of regret, he never fully mother, who was likely a widow.
repented. What can we learn from Moved by love and concern for Mary,
Ahab’s example? When he heard Jesus entrusted her care to John,
Elijah’s message of calamity against knowing that he would care for her
his family line, Ahab initially hum- spiritual welfare. From that day on,
bled himself. That was a good start. John became like a son to Mary and
But his later actions showed that cared for her as if she were his moth-
he was not repentant at heart. Re- er. What love Jesus showed to the
pentance, then, must involve more precious woman who had tenderly
than temporarily expressing sor- cared for him at his birth and was
row. w21.10 3 ˚4-5, 7-8 standing near him at his death! What
can we learn from Jesus’ words?
Saturday, September 23 Our bond with our Christian broth-
This good news of the Kingdom ers and sisters can be stronger than
will be preached.—Matt. 24:14. our ties to immediate family mem-
bers. Our relatives may oppose us
Isaiah was a prophet, and it may or even abandon us, but as Jesus
well be that his wife had her own promised, by sticking to Jehovah
prophetic assignments, since she is and His organization, we will “get 100
called “the prophetess.” (Isa. 8:1-4) times more” than we have lost. Many
As a couple, Isaiah and his wife will become to us like a loving son,
were evidently focused on their daughter, mother, or father. (Mark
worship of Jehovah. Married cou- 10:29, 30) How do you feel about be-
ples today can also build their life ing part of a spiritual family who are
around serving Jehovah by doing all united by faith and love—love for Je-
they can in his service. They can hovah and for one another?—Col. 3:
reinforce their trust in Jehovah 14; 1 Pet. 2:17. w21.04 9-11 ˚7-8
 Monday, September 25 Doing so is good for us and could
Do not forget to do good and to save our life! (Prov. 6:23) Our day’s
share what you have with others. text encourages us to “listen to
—Heb. 13:16. the words of the wise.” No human
knows everything; there is always
Loyal love goes beyond what is ex- someone who has greater knowl-
pected. Today, as in the past, many edge or experience than we do.
of our brothers and sisters have (Prov. 12:15) So listening to coun-
chosen to show loyal love for fel- sel is a sign of humility. It indicates
low believers, even to those whom that we are aware of our limitations;
they do not know personally. For ex- we realize that we need help to
ample, when they learn that a natu- reach our goals. Wise King Solomon
ral disaster has occurred, they im- wrote: “There is accomplishment
mediately want to know how they through many advisers [or “coun-
can help. When someone in the con- selors,” ftn.].”—Prov. 15:22. w22.02 8
gregation falls on hard times, they ˚1-2
do not hesitate to reach out to that
person and help in practical ways. Wednesday, September 27
Like the first-century Macedonians, The one covering over his trans-
they do more than what is expect- gressions will not succeed, but
ed. They make personal sacrifices, whoever confesses and abandons
giving “even beyond their means” them will be shown mercy.
in order to help their less fortunate —Prov. 28:13.
brothers. (2 Cor. 8:3) Observant el-
ders today gratefully acknowledge True repentance involves more
the help that loving brothers and than saying we are sorry that we
sisters provide. Timely and warm have pursued a sinful course. It
commendation will give the broth- also involves a genuine change of
ers and sisters the strength they mind and heart. This includes aban-
need to carry on.—Isa. 32:1, 2. w21.11 doning a wrong course and turning
11 ˚14; 12 ˚21 around to walk in Jehovah’s ways
again. (Ezek. 33:14-16) A sinner’s
Tuesday, September 26 primary concern should be to re-
pair his damaged relationship with
Incline your ear and listen to the
Jehovah. What should we do if we
words of the wise.—Prov. 22:17.
learn that a close friend of ours has
All of us need counsel from time committed a serious sin? We would
to time. In some cases, we may take only harm our friend by trying to
the initiative to ask someone we re- cover up his sin. Such efforts never
spect for advice. In other cases, a succeed anyway because Jehovah
concerned brother may approach is watching. (Prov. 5:21, 22) You can
us and point out that we are about help your friend by reminding him
to take “a false step”—one that we that the elders want to help. If your
will regret. (Gal. 6:1) Finally, coun- friend refuses to confess to the el-
sel may come to us in the form of ders, you should inform the elders
correction after we have made a se- about the matter, thereby showing
rious mistake. Whatever form it that you truly want to help him.
takes, we should listen to counsel. w21.10 7 ˚19-21
 Thursday, September 28 he loved. For instance, when Peter
Look out not only for your own in- tried to discourage Jesus from do-
terests, but also for the interests ing Jehovah’s will, Jesus rebuked
of others.—Phil. 2:4. him in front of the other disciples.
(Mark 8:32, 33) He did this, not to
All of us can learn to imitate Je- humiliate Peter, but to train him
sus’ self-sacrificing spirit. The Bible and to warn the other disciples not
says that he “took a slave’s form.” to be presumptuous. No doubt Pe-
(Phil. 2:7) A valued slave, or ser- ter felt some embarrassment, but
vant, would look for opportunities he benefited from the discipline. To
to please his master. As a slave be genuinely kind to those you love,
of Jehovah and a servant to your at times you may have to speak
brothers, no doubt you desire to be- frankly to them. When you do so,
come even more useful to Jehovah imitate Jesus by basing your coun-
and to your fellow believers. Ask sel on principles found in God’s
yourself: ‘How willing am I to make Word. w22.03 11 ˚12-13
personal sacrifices to help others?
Am I quick to offer my help when Saturday, September 30
there is a need for volunteers to Let us always offer to God a sac-
clean a convention site or to main- rifice of praise, that is, the fruit of
tain the Kingdom Hall?’ Suppose our lips that make public declara-
you discern that you need to im- tion to his name.—Heb. 13:15.
prove in some aspect, but you lack
the motivation to make the neces- We worship Jehovah when we
sary changes. In that case, turn to praise him. (Ps. 34:1) We praise Je-
Jehovah in earnest prayer. Tell Je- hovah by speaking appreciatively
hovah how you feel, and ask him to of his marvelous qualities and his
give you “both the desire and the works. Praise springs from a grate-
power to act.”—Phil. 2:13. w22.02 22- ful heart. By taking the time to med-
23 ˚9-11 itate on Jehovah’s goodness—on all
the things he has done for us—we
Friday, September 29 will never run out of reasons to
praise him. The preaching work
I will refresh you.
gives us an especially fine oppor-
—Matt. 11:28.
tunity to “offer to God a sacrifice
Jesus showed kindness by be- of praise, that is, the fruit of our
ing gentle and yielding, even un- lips.” Just as we should give care-
der difficult circumstances. (Matt. ful thought to what we are going
11:29, 30) For instance, when a to say before approaching Jeho-
Phoenician woman begged him to vah in prayer, we do well to think
heal her child, he declined her re- carefully about what we will say to
quest at first, but when she showed those we come in contact with in
great faith, he kindly healed her our ministry. We want our “sacri-
child. (Matt. 15:22-28) Although fice of praise” to be our very best.
he was kind, Jesus was not overly We speak from our heart when we
sentimental. Sometimes he showed share the truth with others. w22.03
kindness by being firm with those 21 ˚8
 Sunday, October 1 ry out his ministry despite all the
Happy is the one who finds challenges he faced. Consider what
no cause for stumbling in me. Paul accomplished. For example,
—Matt. 11:6. while he was housebound—in cus-
tody in Rome—he zealously defend-
God’s Word forms the basis for ed the good news before Jewish
our teachings and beliefs. Even so, leaders and perhaps before govern-
many today are stumbled because ment officials. (Acts 28:17; Phil. 4:
they think that our way of wor- 21, 22) He also preached to many in
ship is too simple and that what
the Praetorian Guard, and he wit-
we teach does not match what they
nessed to all who visited him. (Acts
want to hear. How can we avoid be-
ing stumbled? The apostle Paul told
28:30, 31; Phil. 1:13) During that
Christians living in Rome: “Faith fol- same time, Paul wrote inspired let-
lows the thing heard. In turn, what ters that benefit true Christians to
is heard is through the word about this day. w21.05 21 ˚4-5
Christ.” (Rom. 10:17) So we build up Tuesday, October 3
our faith by studying the Scriptures,
not by participating in unscriptural “Do not go beyond the things that
religious ceremonies, no matter how are written,” so that you may not
pleasing to the eye these ceremonies be puffed up with pride.
might be. We must acquire strong —1 Cor. 4:6.
faith based on accurate knowledge Pride led King Uzziah of Judah to
because “without faith it is impossi- resist counsel and to act presump-
ble to please God well.” (Heb. 11:1, 6)
tuously. Uzziah was a very capable
Thus, we do not need to see a spec-
man. He was successful in military
tacular sign from heaven to prove
campaigns, in construction projects,
that we have found the truth. A care-
and in agricultural developments.
ful examination of the Bible’s faith-
“The true God made him prosper.”
strengthening teachings is enough
(2 Chron. 26:3-7, 10) “However, as
to convince us and to dispel any
soon as he was strong, his heart be-
doubt. w21.05 4-5 ˚11-12
came haughty to his own ruin,” the
Monday, October 2 Bible says. Jehovah had earlier com-
manded that only the priests were
My situation has actually turned
allowed to offer incense at the tem-
out for the advancement of the
ple. But King Uzziah presumptuous-
good news.—Phil. 1:12.
ly went into the temple to offer in-
The apostle Paul faced many cense. Jehovah was not pleased and
challenges. He especially need- struck that proud man with lepro-
ed strength when he was beaten, sy. (2 Chron. 26:16-21) Could pride
stoned, and imprisoned. (2 Cor. lead us into a snare like the one that
11:23-25) Paul openly admitted that caught Uzziah? Yes, it could, if we
he at times battled negative emo- think too much of ourselves. Let us
tions. (Rom. 7:18, 19, 24) He also en- remember that any talents we have
dured “a thorn in the flesh” of some and any privileges we receive in
sort, which he desperately want- the congregation are from Jehovah.
ed God to remove. (2 Cor. 12:7, 8) (1 Cor. 4:7) If we are proud, Jehovah
Jehovah empowered Paul to car- will not use us. w21.06 16 ˚7-8
 Wednesday, October 4 saw how much they were suffering
Do not rejoice because the spir- —how much they needed hope—and
its are made subject to you, but he wanted to help them. People to-
rejoice because your names have day are in the same condition. Do
been written in the heavens. not be misled by their outward ap-
—Luke 10:20. pearance. They are like sheep stray-
ing helplessly, having no shepherd
Jesus knew that his disciples to guide them. The apostle Paul
would not always have outstanding described people like this as be-
experiences in their ministry. In ing without God and having no
fact, we do not know how many of hope. (Eph. 2:12) When we consid-
those who initially listened to the er the spiritual condition of those
disciples became believers. The in our territory, love and compas-
disciples needed to find joy not just sion move us to help them. And the
through their accomplishments best way we can help is by offer-
but, more important, from know- ing to study the Bible with them.
ing that Jehovah was pleased with w21.07 5 ˚8
their diligent efforts. If we endure
in our ministry, we will gain ever- Friday, October 6
lasting life. As we wholehearted- Let us not become egotistical,
ly sow and cultivate seeds of King- . . . envying one another.
dom truth, we are also “sowing —Gal. 5:26.
with a view to the spirit” by al-
An egotistical person is proud
lowing God’s holy spirit to operate
and selfish. An envious person not
freely in our life. As long as we do
only wants what another person
not “give up” or “tire out,” Jehovah
has but also wants to deprive the
guarantees that we will reap ever-
other person of what he has. Real-
lasting life, regardless of whether
ly, envy is a form of hatred. The
we help a new disciple to dedicate
negative qualities of egotism and
himself to God.—Gal. 6:7-9. w21.10
envy could be likened to impurities
26 ˚8-9
contaminating the fuel that powers
Thursday, October 5 an aircraft. The plane may be able
to take off, but the contaminants
He was moved with pity for
can block the fuel lines, causing
them . . . And he started to
the plane to crash. Similarly, some-
teach them many things.
one may serve Jehovah for a while.
—Mark 6:34.
But if he is motivated by egotism
On one occasion, Jesus and his and envy, he will crash. (Prov. 16:
disciples were exhausted from 18) He will stop serving Jehovah
their intensive preaching activity. and will harm himself and others.
They needed a place where they We can combat egotism by keeping
could rest, but a large crowd found in mind the apostle Paul’s counsel:
them. Moved with pity, Jesus began “Do nothing out of contentiousness
teaching the people “many things.” or out of egotism, but with humili-
Jesus put himself in the place of ty consider others superior to you.”
the people in the crowd. He —Phil. 2:3. w21.07 15-16 ˚6-8
 Saturday, October 7 and gave his wholehearted support
The good news we preach did not to the project. (1 Chron. 17:4; 22:5)
come to you with speech alone but David did not feel that he was the
also with power and with holy spir- better one for the assignment be-
it and with strong conviction. cause Solomon was “young and in-
—1 Thess. 1:5. experienced.” (1 Chron. 29:1) David
knew that the success of the con-
Some feel that the true religion struction project depended on Je-
should be able to answer every hovah’s blessing, not on the age or
question, even questions that are the experience of those taking the
not specifically addressed in the Bi- lead. In imitation of David, older
ble. Is that a realistic expectation? ones today remain active even when
Consider the apostle Paul’s exam- their role changes. And they know
ple. He encouraged fellow believers that Jehovah will bless the young
to “make sure of all things,” but ones who are doing the work they
he also admitted that there were once did. w21.09 9 ˚4; 10 ˚5, 8
many things he did not understand.
(1 Thess. 5:21) “We have partial Monday, October 9
knowledge,” he wrote, adding, “we He will guide the meek in what is
see in hazy outline by means of a right, and he will teach the meek
metal mirror.” (1 Cor. 13:9, 12) Paul ones his way.—Ps. 25:9.
did not understand everything; nor
Spiritual goals give our life di-
do we. But Paul did see the general
rection and purpose. The key, how-
outline of Jehovah’s purposes. He
ever, is to set goals according to
knew enough to be convinced that
our abilities and circumstances, not
he had the truth! One way we can
those of others. We do not want
strengthen our conviction that we
to set ourselves up for disappoint-
have found the truth is by compar-
ment and discouragement. (Luke 14:
ing the pattern of worship set by Je-
28) As a servant of Jehovah, you
sus with what Jehovah’s Witnesses
are a unique and valued member of
are doing today. w21.10 18-19 ˚2-4
his diverse family. Jehovah did not
Sunday, October 8 draw you to himself because you
were better than your neighbors.
After the age of 50 years, He drew you because he looked
he will retire.—Num. 8:25. into your heart and saw a meek and
Older ones, whether you are in teachable person whom he could
full-time service or not, you can do mold. Be assured that he appre-
much to help others. How? Adapt ciates it when you do your best
to your changed circumstances, set to serve him. Your endurance and
new goals, and focus on what you your faithfulness are evidence of “a
can do rather than on what you can- fine and good heart.” (Luke 8:15)
not do. King David wanted to build a So continue to give Jehovah your
house for Jehovah. But when Jeho- best. Then you will have good rea-
vah informed him that this privilege son to rejoice “in regard to [your-
would be given to young Solomon, self] alone.”—Gal. 6:4. w21.07 24 ˚15;
David accepted Jehovah’s decision 25 ˚20
 Tuesday, October 10 whelmed by anguish that she con-
cluded that Jehovah was opposing
Whoever turns a sinner back from
her. Note how she expressed her
the error of his way will save him.
feelings about God: “The hand of Je-
—Jas. 5:20.
hovah has turned against me.” “The
We often need to be patient while Almighty has made life very bitter
waiting for justice to be done. For for me.” She also said: “It is Jehovah
instance, when the elders become who opposed me and the Almighty
aware of serious wrongdoing in who caused me calamity.” (Ruth 1:
the congregation, they prayerfully 13, 20, 21) Jehovah understands that
seek “wisdom from above” so that “oppression can drive the wise one
they can get Jehovah’s view on the into madness.” (Eccl. 7:7) He moved
situation. (Jas. 3:17) Their goal is Ruth to reach out and show loyal love
to help the one who is sinning to to Naomi. Willingly and gently, Ruth
turn “back from the error of his helped her mother-in-law to regain
way” if possible. (Jas. 5:19, 20) her emotional and spiritual balance.
They also want to do everything w21.11 9 ˚9; 10 ˚10, 13
they can to protect the congre-
Thursday, October 12
gation and to comfort those who
have been hurt. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) And Keep asking God.
when handling cases of serious —Jas. 1:5.
wrongdoing, the elders must first Does focusing on our present as-
get all the facts, which may take signments mean that we should
some time. Then they prayerfully stop looking for ways to expand our
and carefully provide counsel from service to Jehovah? By no means!
the Scriptures and apply correc- We can and should set spiritual
tion “to the proper degree.” (Jer. goals that help us to keep stretch-
30:11) The elders do not rush to ing forward in our efforts to be pro-
judgment. When matters are han- ductive in the ministry and helpful
dled properly, the congregation to our brothers and sisters. We suc-
will see the greatest good come to ceed when we wisely and modestly
all. w21.08 11 ˚12-13 focus on serving others instead of
Wednesday, October 11 ourselves. (Prov. 11:2; Acts 20:35)
What goals might you set for your-
Where you go I will go . . . Your self? Ask Jehovah to help you dis-
people will be my people, and cern what you can realistically
your God my God. hope to accomplish. (Prov. 16:3)
—Ruth 1:16. Could you pursue the goal of be-
Because of a famine in Israel, Na- coming an auxiliary or a regular
omi, her husband, and two sons pioneer, serving at Bethel, or shar-
moved to Moab. While there, Naomi’s ing in theocratic construction proj-
husband died. Her two sons got ects? Or maybe you are in a po-
married, but sadly, they too died. sition to learn a new language in
(Ruth 1:3-5) Those blows caused order to spread the good news or
Naomi to sink deeper and deeper even to preach in a foreign territo-
into despair. She became so over- ry. w21.08 23 ˚14-15
 Friday, October 13 loving family of brothers and sis-
[Jehovah’s] loyal love ters. (Mark 10:29, 30) Jehovah is
endures forever. a loving Father. Jesus wants us to
—Ps. 136:1. view Jehovah the way he does—as a
warm and loving parent who is easy
Jehovah takes delight in loyal to approach, not as a cold authority
love. (Hos. 6:6) By means of the figure. He began the model prayer
prophet Micah, our God urges us with the words: “Our Father.” Jesus
“to love loyal love.” (Mic. 6:8, ftn.) could have directed us to call Jeho-
Obviously, before we can do that, vah “the Almighty,” “the Creator,” or
we need to know what loyal love is. “the King of eternity”—all of which
What is loyal love? The expression are appropriate and Scriptural ti-
“loyal love” occurs some 230 times tles. (Gen. 49:25; Isa. 40:28; 1 Tim.
in the New World Translation of the 1:17) However, Jesus used the inti-
Holy Scriptures. What is it? Accord- mate term “Father.” w21.09 20 ˚1, 3
ing to the “Glossary of Bible Terms”
found in that translation, it refers to Sunday, October 15
“love motivated by commitment, in-
Manasseh came to know that
tegrity, loyalty, and deep attach-
ment. It is often used in connection
Jehovah is the true God.
with God’s love for humans, but it is —2 Chron. 33:13.
also love shown between humans.” King Manasseh stubbornly ig-
Jehovah is the supreme example of nored warnings that Jehovah
loyal love. No wonder King David gave him by means of His prophets.
was moved to exclaim: “O Jehovah, Finally, “Jehovah brought against
your loyal love reaches to the heav- [Judah] the army chiefs of the king
ens . . . How precious your loyal love of Assyria, and they captured Ma-
is, O God!” (Ps. 36:5, 7) Like David, nasseh with hooks and bound him
do we deeply appreciate God’s loyal with two copper fetters and took
love? w21.11 2 ˚1-2; 3 ˚4 him to Babylon.” There, imprisoned
in a foreign land, Manasseh appar-
Saturday, October 14
ently did some serious thinking. He
You must pray, then, this way: “kept humbling himself greatly be-
“Our Father in the heavens.” fore the God of his forefathers.” He
—Matt. 6:9. went even further. “He begged Je-
Jehovah’s family of worshippers hovah his God for favor.” In fact,
includes Jesus, who is “the first- Manasseh “kept praying to Him.”
born of all creation,” and a multi- (2 Chron. 33:10-12) In time, Jeho-
tude of angels. (Col. 1:15; Ps. 103:20) vah answered Manasseh’s prayers.
When Jesus was on earth, he indi- He saw the changes in that man’s
cated that faithful humans can view heart, as reflected in his prayers.
Jehovah as their Father. Speaking Jehovah was moved by Manasseh’s
to his disciples, Jesus referred to entreaty and restored him to the
Jehovah as “my Father and your throne. Manasseh took full advan-
Father.” (John 20:17) And when we tage of the opportunity to demon-
dedicate ourselves to Jehovah and strate the depth of his repentance.
get baptized, we become part of a w21.10 4 ˚10-11
 Monday, October 16 we might ask ourselves, ‘How am
Two are better than one because I doing in this regard?’ If you feel
they have a good reward for their that you should have done more
hard work.—Eccl. 4:9. in the past, you could decide now
to make improvements. You can-
Aquila and Priscilla had to leave not change the past, but you can
familiar surroundings, set up a be resolved from this point on to
new home, and establish their tent- do more with and for your par-
making business in a new loca- ents. Perhaps you could arrange
tion. In their new home in Corinth, to spend more time with them. Or
Aquila and Priscilla got involved what about offering them more sup-
with the local congregation and port materially, spiritually, or emo-
worked along with the apostle Paul tionally? Doing so is in line with
to strengthen the brothers there. what Leviticus 19:3 says. w21.12 4-5
Later, they moved to other towns ˚10-12
where there was a greater need
for preachers. (Acts 18:18-21; Rom. Wednesday, October 18
16:3-5) What a rich and reward- Stop judging.
ing life they must have enjoyed to- —Matt. 7:1.
gether! Modern-day couples can im-
itate Priscilla and Aquila by putting King David made serious mis-
Kingdom interests first. The best takes. For example, he commit-
time for a couple to talk about their ted adultery with Bath-sheba, and
he even had her husband killed.
goals in life is while they are court-
(2 Sam. 11:2-4, 14, 15, 24) As a re-
ing. When a couple make decisions
sult, David hurt not only himself
together and strive to reach com-
but also his family, including his
mon spiritual goals, they have more
other wives. (2 Sam. 12:10, 11) On
opportunities to see Jehovah’s spir-
another occasion, David failed to
it at work in their life.—Eccl. 4:12.
manifest full reliance on Jehovah
w21.11 17 ˚11-12
when he ordered an illegal regis-
Tuesday, October 17 tration of Israel’s army. What was
the outcome? Some 70,000 Israel-
Each of you should respect his
ites died from pestilence! (2 Sam.
mother and his father . . . I am
24:1-4, 10-15) Would you judge Da-
Jehovah your God.
vid to be unworthy of Jehovah’s
—Lev. 19:3.
mercy? Jehovah did not. He fo-
Clearly, we ought to take to heart cused on David’s overall record of
God’s direction to honor our faithfulness and his sincere repen-
parents. Bear in mind that the di- tance. As a result, Jehovah forgave
rection found at Leviticus 19:3—to David for these serious sins. Je-
respect one’s mother and fa- hovah knew that David loved him
ther—comes right after the state- very much and wanted to do what
ment: “You should be holy, because was right. Are you not grateful that
I, Jehovah your God, am holy.” our God looks for the good in us?
(Lev. 19:2) In harmony with Jeho- —1 Ki. 9:4; 1 Chron. 29:10, 17. w21.12
vah’s counsel to honor our parents, 19 ˚11-13
 Thursday, October 19 should be, not to impress others
Instantly he recovered his sight, with how much we know, but to im-
and he began to follow him, glori- press them with how much Jeho-
fying God.—Luke 18:43. vah knows and how much he cares
about them. (Rom. 11:33) We can
Jesus showed compassion to reach that goal by always basing
those who had physical limitations. what we say on the Scriptures. For
Recall the report he sent to John example, rather than tell our Bible
the Baptist: “The blind are now see- students what we would do in their
ing, the lame are walking, the lep- place, we should help them to rea-
ers are being cleansed, the deaf son on Bible examples and to per-
are hearing, [and] the dead are ceive Jehovah’s thinking and feel-
being raised up.” In response to ings. Then they will be motivated
Jesus’ miracles, “all the people by a desire to please Jehovah, not
gave praise to God.” (Luke 7:20- us. w22.01 11 ˚9-10
22) Christians are happy to imitate
Jesus’ compassionate attitude to- Saturday, October 21
ward those who have physical limi- You must love your fellow
tations. So we are kind, consider- man as yourself.
ate, and patient with such ones. —Lev. 19:18.
Granted, Jehovah has not given
God’s interest in how we treat
us the power to perform miracles.
people includes more than mere-
We are privileged, though, to tell
ly telling us to refrain from do-
those who are physically or spiri-
ing harm to our fellow man. Loving
tually blind the good news about a
him as much as oneself is funda-
paradise where mankind will be re-
mental for a Christian who wants
stored to full physical and spiritual
to please God. Consider how Je-
health. (Luke 4:18) This good news
sus emphasized the importance
is already leading many to give
of the command recorded at Levit-
praise to God. w21.12 9 ˚5
icus 19:18. A Pharisee once asked
Friday, October 20 Jesus: “Which is the greatest com-
mandment in the Law?” Jesus re-
You have heard of the endurance
plied that “the greatest and first
of Job and have seen the outcome
commandment” is to love Jehovah
Jehovah gave.—Jas. 5:11.
with our whole heart, our whole
James relied on the Scriptures soul, and our whole mind. Then Je-
as his authority. He used God’s sus quoted Leviticus 19:18, saying:
Word to help his audience to see “The second, like it, is this: ‘You
that Jehovah always rewards those must love your neighbor as your-
who, like Job, are loyal to Him. self.’ ” (Matt. 22:35-40) There are
James got his point across by us- countless ways to show love for
ing simple words and logic. In that neighbor. One way is by applying
way, he drew attention, not to him- the counsel found at Leviticus 19:
self, but to Jehovah. The lesson: 18. It says: “You must not take ven-
Keep your message simple, and geance nor hold a grudge.” w21.12
teach from God’s Word. Our goal 10-11 ˚11-13
 Sunday, October 22 ation and how we fit into that pur-
Looking at the windstorm, he be- pose. Can you think of a better way
came afraid. And when he started to use your time? But how can we
to sink, he cried out: “Lord, save get the most from the limited time
me!”—Matt. 14:30. at our disposal? If possible, choose
a quiet setting. Consider the exam-
Jesus stretched out his hand and ple of Jesus. Before he undertook
saved the apostle Peter. Signif- his earthly ministry, Jesus spent 40
icantly, Peter was able to walk on days in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1, 2)
turbulent waters as long as he kept In that quiet setting, Jesus could
his focus on Jesus. But when Pe- pray to Jehovah and meditate on
ter looked at the storm, he became his Father’s will for him. Doing so
overwhelmed with fear and doubt no doubt prepared Jesus for the
and began to sink. (Matt. 14:24-31) tests that would soon come his way.
We can learn from Peter’s example. w22.01 27-28 ˚7-8
When Peter stepped out of the boat
and onto the sea, he did not expect Tuesday, October 24
to get distracted and start sinking. There is accomplishment
He wanted to stay on top of the wa- through many counselors.
ters until he reached his Master. —Prov. 15:22, ftn.
But he failed to remain focused on
An elder or another qualified
that goal. Granted, we cannot walk
brother might point out something
on water, but we do face tests of
that we need to work on. If some-
faith. If we lose sight of Jehovah one loves us enough to share Bible-
and his promises, we will begin to based counsel with us, we should
sink spiritually. No matter what fig- take the counsel to heart. Real-
urative storms come up in our life, istically, we may find it especially
we must keep our mind focused on difficult to accept direct counsel.
Jehovah and his ability to help us. We might even become offended.
w21.12 17-18 ˚6-7 Why? Although we readily admit
Monday, October 23 that we are imperfect, we might
find it challenging to accept coun-
I will come into your house be- sel when someone points out a spe-
cause of your great loyal love. cific flaw in us. (Eccl. 7:9) We might
—Ps. 5:7. justify ourselves. We might ques-
Prayer, study, and meditation are tion the counselor’s motives or
part of our worship. When we pray, take offense at the way he gave the
we are communicating with our counsel. We might even find fault
heavenly Father, who loves us dear- with the counselor himself, reason-
ly. When we study the Bible, we are ing: ‘What right does he have to
taking in “the knowledge of God,” counsel me? He has his own flaws!’
who is the Source of all wisdom. Ultimately, if the counsel we re-
(Prov. 2:1-5) When we meditate, ceive does not suit us, we might
we are considering Jehovah’s ap- ignore it or look elsewhere for
pealing personality as well as his counsel that is more to our liking.
awe-inspiring purpose for all cre- w22.02 8-9 ˚2-4
 Wednesday, October 25 ment of the prophecy at Ezekiel
Your strength will be in keeping 37:15-19, 24, 25, Jehovah has brought
the anointed and the other sheep to-
calm and showing trust.
gether in an unbreakable bond of
—Isa. 30:15.
unity. The prophecy mentions two
Might life in God’s new world pre- sticks. Those with the heavenly hope
sent some challenges that could are like the stick “for Judah” (the
test our trust in Jehovah’s way of tribe from which the kings of Is-
doing things? Consider, for exam- rael were chosen), and those with
ple, what happened shortly after the earthly hope are like the stick
the Israelites were freed from slav- “of Ephraim.” Jehovah would unite
ery in Egypt. Some started com- the two groups so that they would
plaining because they missed the become “one stick.” This means
fresh food they had enjoyed there, that they serve unitedly under their
and they treated Jehovah’s pro- one King, Christ Jesus.—John 10:16.
vision of manna with contempt. w22.01 22 ˚9-10
(Num. 11:4-6; 21:5) Might we have
similar thoughts after the great Friday, October 27
tribulation comes to its end? We Take care not to practice your
do not know how much work will righteousness in front of men
be involved in removing the effects to be noticed by them.
of the destruction and in gradu- —Matt. 6:1.
ally making the earth a paradise. Jesus spoke about those who
Likely, there will be a lot of work gave alms to the poor but made sure
to do and some inconveniences at that others knew about their gifts.
first. Would we dare to complain Those seemingly good works were
about what Jehovah provides at of little value to Jehovah. (Matt. 6:
that time? One thing is certain: The 2-4) We can be genuinely good only
more we appreciate Jehovah’s pro- if we do the right thing for unself-
visions now, the more likely we will ish reasons. So you might ask your-
do so then. w22.02 7 ˚18-19 self: ‘Do I not only know what is
Thursday, October 26 the right thing to do but also follow
through and actually do it? What is
They will take firm hold of the my motive for doing good things?’
robe of a Jew, saying: “We want Jehovah is a God of action, and his
to go with you.”—Zech. 8:23. spirit is an active force. (Gen. 1:2)
In the prophecy found at Zecha- So every aspect of the fruitage of
riah 8:23, the expressions “a Jew” the spirit can and must move us
and “you people” refer to the same to action. For example, the disciple
group—the anointed remnant. (Rom. James wrote: “Faith without works
2:28, 29) The “ten men out of all the is dead.” (Jas. 2:26) The same could
languages of the nations” represent be said of all the other aspects of
the other sheep. They “take firm the fruitage of God’s spirit. Each
hold of”—loyally attach themselves time we display them, we give evi-
to—the anointed, joining them in dence that God’s spirit is active in
pure worship. Similarly, in fulfill- us. w22.03 11-12 ˚14-16
 Saturday, October 28 lippi. (Phil. 4:1-3) Euodia and Syn-
Like the Holy One who called you, tyche seemed to have allowed per-
become holy yourselves in all your sonal differences to cause a rift
conduct.—1 Pet. 1:15. between them. Paul was not harsh
or judgmental; he focused on their
While we may engage in various good qualities. They were faithful
spiritual activities and do many sisters who had built up a fine rec-
good works, the apostle Peter high- ord. Paul knew that Jehovah loved
lighted one in particular. Leading them. Paul’s positive view of these
up to his encouragement to become sisters motivated him to encour-
holy in all our conduct, Peter urges age them to resolve their differ-
us: “Brace up your minds for activ- ences. His outlook also allowed him
ity.” (1 Pet. 1:13) What would that to keep his joy and maintain strong
activity involve? Peter said that friendships with those in that con-
Christ’s anointed brothers would gregation. w22.03 30 ˚16-18
“ ‘declare abroad the excellencies’
of the One who called” them. (1 Pet. Monday, October 30
2:9) In fact, all Christians today Jehovah is close to the broken-
have the honor of doing this most hearted; he saves those who are
important work, one that does the crushed in spirit.—Ps. 34:18.
greatest amount of good. What a
The peace that Jehovah gives
special privilege we have as a holy
calms our heart and stabilizes our
people to share regularly and zeal-
thoughts. Consider how this proved
ously in the preaching and teach-
true for a sister named Luz. She
ing work! (Mark 13:10) When we dil-
says: “I struggle with feelings of
igently do this, we prove that we
loneliness. At times, those feel-
love our God and our neighbor. And
ings cause me to think that Jeho-
we show that we want to “become
vah does not love me. But when
holy” in all our conduct. w21.12
that happens, I immediately tell Je-
13 ˚18
hovah how I feel. Prayer allows me
Sunday, October 29 to gain control of my feelings.” As
her experience shows, we can find
If you forgive anyone for peace through prayer. (Phil. 4:6, 7)
anything, I do also. We know that Jehovah and Jesus
—2 Cor. 2:10. will support us when we lose a loved
The apostle Paul kept a positive one in death. We are motivated to
view of his brothers and sisters. He preach and teach with compassion
knew the difference between bad because Jehovah God and Jesus
conduct and bad people. He loved Christ show this tender quality. And
his brothers and focused on their we find comfort in knowing that Je-
good qualities. If they were strug- hovah and his dear Son sympathize
gling to do the right thing, he as- with our weaknesses and want to
sumed that their motives were good help us endure. We look forward to
and that they simply needed help. the day when Jehovah will “wipe
Consider how Paul dealt with two out every tear from [our] eyes”!
sisters in the congregation in Phi- —Rev. 21:4. w22.01 15 ˚7; 19 ˚19-20
 Tuesday, October 31 thought-out sample conversations,
Go in through the narrow gate, be- and we are encouraged to use them
cause broad is the gate and spa- in the ministry. At first, we may
cious is the road leading off into be a bit apprehensive about trying
destruction, and many are going in something new, but when we do, we
through it.—Matt. 7:13. may find that the new approach ap-
peals to those in our territory. We
Jesus mentioned two different are also encouraged at meetings
gates leading to two different roads, and conventions to engage in forms
a “spacious” road and a “cramped” of the ministry that we might nev-
road. (Matt. 7:14) There is no third er have tried before. Once again,
road. We must choose for ourselves that will mean leaving our comfort
on which road we will travel. This is zone, but when we do, we give Je-
the most important decision we will hovah something to bless. w21.08 27
ever make—our everlasting life de- ˚5-6
pends on it. The “spacious” road is
popular because it is easy to trav- Thursday, November 2
el. Sadly, many choose to remain on [Make] the best use of your time,
that road and to follow the crowd because the days are wicked.
traveling on it. They fail to recog- —Eph. 5:16.
nize that the one promoting this
road is Satan the Devil and that his In a letter to the Corinthians, the
road leads to a dead end. (1 Cor. 6: apostle Paul gave strong counsel.
9, 10; 1 John 5:19) In contrast with After writing that letter, he sent
the “spacious” road, the other road Titus to them. How happy he was
is “cramped,” and Jesus said that to find out that they had taken
few are able to find it. Why? Note the counsel well! (2 Cor. 7:6, 7) El-
that in the next verse, Jesus warns ders can follow Paul’s example by
his followers against false prophets. spending time with fellow worship-
—Matt. 7:15. w21.12 22-23 ˚3-5
pers. One way to do this is to arrive
early at congregation meetings in
Wednesday, November 1 order to have meaningful conver-
sations with others. It often takes
They will all be taught by
just a few minutes to provide some
Jehovah.—John 6:45.
loving encouragement that a broth-
Jehovah supports us in a number er or a sister needs. (Rom. 1:12)
of ways. He can help you to keep An elder who follows Paul’s exam-
calm when faced with an opposer. ple will also strengthen fellow wor-
He can also help you to recall just shippers by using God’s Word to
the right scripture to share with build them up and to assure them
an interested householder. And he of God’s love for them. He looks for
gives you the strength to continue opportunities to commend them.
when you meet with indifference in When an elder must offer counsel,
the territory. (Jer. 20:7-9) Jehovah he bases it on God’s Word. He is
has also shown us his goodness by specific but kind because he cares
training us for the ministry. At our about how his words are received.
midweek meeting, we listen to well- —Gal. 6:1. w22.03 28-29 ˚11-12
 Friday, November 3 able to start and conduct a study
We have this treasure in earthen from the comfort of your own home.
vessels, so that the power beyond And there is another advantage.
what is normal may be God’s and Some would enjoy studying the Bi-
not from us.—2 Cor. 4:7. ble, but they are not available dur-
ing the times our brothers usual-
Today, Jehovah gives his people ly set aside for preaching. However,
“power beyond what is normal” so they may be available early in the
that they can continue to serve him morning or late at night. Might you
faithfully. One way we are strength- be able to make yourself available to
ened is by means of prayer. As re- fill that need? Jesus taught Nicode-
corded at Ephesians 6:18, the apos- mus at night, which was a time that
tle Paul encourages us to pray to Nicodemus preferred.—John 3:1, 2.
God “on every occasion.” In re- w21.07 5 ˚10-11
sponse, God will strengthen us.
At times, we may feel overwhelmed Sunday, November 5
or unsure about what we should
This people approach me with
pray for. But Jehovah invites us
their mouth and they honor me
to pray to him even if we find it
hard to put our thoughts and feel-
with their lips, but their heart is
ings into words. (Rom. 8:26, 27) He far removed from me.—Isa. 29:13.
also strengthens us by means of the The disciples of John the Baptist
Bible. Just as Paul relied on the were puzzled because Jesus’ disci-
Scriptures for strength and com- ples did not fast. Jesus explained
fort, we too can rely on them. (Rom. that they had no reason to fast
15:4) As we read God’s Word and while he was still alive. (Matt. 9:14-
meditate on it, Jehovah can use his 17) Even so, the Pharisees and other
spirit to help us understand better opposers of Jesus condemned him
how the Scriptures apply to our sit- because he did not follow their cus-
uation.—Heb. 4:12. w21.05 22 ˚8-10 toms and traditions. They got an-
gry when he chose to heal sick ones
Saturday, November 4
on the Sabbath. (Mark 3:1-6; John
God . . . energizes you, giving you 9:16) On the one hand, they pious-
both the desire and the power to ly claimed to honor the Sabbath;
act.—Phil. 2:13. but on the other hand, they had no
We take seriously our commission problem doing business in the tem-
to teach even though we face chal- ple. They were furious when Jesus
lenges that may keep us from doing condemned them for it. (Matt. 21:
as much as we would like to do in 12, 13, 15) And those to whom Je-
making disciples. We may feel lim- sus preached in the synagogue in
ited by our circumstances. For ex- Nazareth were incensed when Jesus
ample, some publishers are older made unfavorable historical com-
or have poor health. Does that de- parisons that exposed their self-
scribe your situation? If it does, re- ishness and lack of faith. (Luke 4:
member we have discovered that 16, 25-30) Jesus’ unexpected behav-
we can conduct effective Bible stud- ior caused many to stumble.—Matt.
ies electronically! So you may be 11:16-19. w21.05 5-6 ˚13-14
 Monday, November 6 man: “You made him a little low-
We are not ignorant of his er than angels, and you crowned
him with glory and splendor.” True,
designs.—2 Cor. 2:11.
humans were not given the same
One of the ways in which Je- power, intelligence, and abilities as
hovah warns us about pride and the angels. (Ps. 103:20) Yet, man-
greed is by encouraging us to learn kind is only “a little lower” than
from real-life experiences. When we those mighty spirit creatures. Sad-
think of greed, Satan the Devil like- ly, Adam and Eve lost their place in
ly comes to mind. As one of Jeho- Jehovah’s family. This has had di-
vah’s angels, Satan must have had sastrous consequences for their de-
many fine privileges. But he wanted scendants. But Jehovah’s purpose
more. He wanted the worship that has not changed. He wants obedient
only Jehovah rightly deserves. Sa- humans to be his children forever.
tan wants us to become like him, so w21.08 2-3 ˚2-4
he tries to make us feel discontent-
ed with what we have. That sort of Wednesday, November 8
effort started when he approached “Not by a military force, nor by
Eve. Jehovah had lovingly provid- power, but by my spirit,” says
ed Eve and her husband with an Jehovah.—Zech. 4:6.
abundance of satisfying food to eat Today, many of Jehovah’s wor-
—“from every tree of the garden” shippers face opposition. For exam-
except one. (Gen. 2:16) Still, Satan ple, some live in lands where our
deceived Eve into thinking that she work is restricted and they may be
needed to eat from the one tree that arrested and “brought before gov-
was forbidden. Eve failed to ap- ernors and kings” for a witness to
preciate what she had; she wanted them. (Matt. 10:17, 18) Other Wit-
more. We know what that led to. Eve nesses face opposition of a dif-
gave in to sin and eventually died. ferent sort. They live in a country
—Gen. 3:6, 19. w21.06 14 ˚2-3; 17 ˚9 where there is considerable free-
Tuesday, November 7 dom to worship Jehovah, but they
still face opposition from family
Be fruitful and become many, members who are determined to
fill the earth and subdue it. stop them from serving their
—Gen. 1:28. God. (Matt. 10:32-36) In many cas-
Adam and Eve were to have chil- es, when opposers realize that their
dren and take good care of their efforts to discourage their Witness
earthly home. If they had obediently relatives are in vain, they stop op-
cooperated with Jehovah’s purpose posing them. And in some cases,
for them, Adam and Eve and their those who were once violently op-
offspring would have remained mem- posed have later become zealous
bers of God’s family forever. Adam Witnesses. When you face opposi-
and Eve had an honorable place in tion, do not give up! Be courageous.
Jehovah’s family. As recorded at You have Jehovah and his powerful
Psalm 8:5 and footnote, David said holy spirit on your side, so you have
this about Jehovah’s creation of nothing to fear! w22.03 16 ˚8
 Thursday, November 9 be gone, and pain will be no more.
O you who love Jehovah, (Rev. 21:4) We will not have to wait
hate what is bad. anxiously for what we need be-
—Ps. 97:10. cause there will be an abundance.
(Ps. 72:16; Isa. 54:13) What a bless-
The Bible reveals that Jehovah ing that will be! In the meantime,
hates “haughty eyes, a lying tongue, with every bad habit we conquer
and hands that shed innocent and every godly quality we develop,
blood.” (Prov. 6:16, 17) He also “de- Jehovah is preparing us for life un-
tests violent and deceptive people.” der his rulership. Do not lose heart,
(Ps. 5:6) Jehovah hates these atti- and do not give up. The best is yet
tudes and actions so much that he to come! With a bright future ahead
wiped out all the wicked in Noah’s of us, may we continue to wait will-
day because they had filled the ingly and patiently on Jehovah as
earth with violence. (Gen. 6:13) he completes his work! w21.08 13
Also, through the prophet Malachi, ˚17-19
Jehovah said that He hates those
who treacherously scheme to di- Saturday, November 11
vorce their innocent marriage part- Do not forget to do good and to
ner. God rejects their worship and share what you have with others,
will call them to account for their for God is well-pleased with such
conduct. (Mal. 2:13-16; Heb. 13:4) Je- sacrifices.—Heb. 13:16.
hovah wants us to “abhor what is
wicked.” (Rom. 12:9) The word “ab- Not long after receiving the apos-
hor” describes a strong emotion- tle Paul’s letter, Christians in Judea
al response; it means to hate some- had to leave their homes, their busi-
thing intensely, to be disgusted by nesses, and their unbelieving rel-
it. Therefore, even the thought of atives and had to “begin fleeing
doing something that Jehovah says to the mountains.” (Matt. 24:16) At
is bad should be repulsive to us. that time, there was no doubt an ur-
w22.03 4-5 ˚11-12 gent need for them to help one an-
other. If prior to this they had been
Friday, November 10 applying Paul’s advice to share
what they had with one another,
Happy are all those keeping
they would have found it easier to
in expectation of him.
adapt to their new way of life. Our
—Isa. 30:18.
brothers and sisters may not al-
Soon our heavenly Father will ways let us know about their needs.
bless us richly by means of his So be approachable. No doubt you
Kingdom. Those who keep in expec- know brothers and sisters in your
tation of Jehovah will receive many congregation who are always ready
blessings both now and in the new to help others. They never make us
world to come. When God’s peo- feel that we are imposing on them.
ple enter into the new world, they We know that we can count on them
will never again have to endure the when a need arises, and we would
anxieties and the challenges that love to be just like them! w22.02 23-
they must face today. Injustice will 24 ˚13-15
 Sunday, November 12 and Teaching. Study one quality at
Maintain the oneness of the spirit a time, practice diligently at home,
in the uniting bond of peace. and endeavor to manifest that qual-
—Eph. 4:3. ity in your talk assignments. Seek
out suggestions from the auxilia-
In recent years many congrega- ry counselor or other elders “who
tions and circuits have been re- work hard in speaking and teach-
organized. If we are asked to join ing.” (1 Tim. 5:17) Focus not only
a new congregation, we may find it on understanding the technique
difficult to leave friends and family. but also on helping your listen-
Do the elders receive divine direc- ers to strengthen their faith or on
tion that tells them where to assign motivating them to take a certain
each publisher? No. And that fact course of action. By doing so, you
might make it challenging for us to
will enhance your joy and theirs.
follow the direction we receive. But
w21.08 24 ˚17
Jehovah trusts the elders to make
such decisions, and we too need Tuesday, November 14
to trust them. Why should we co-
With humility consider others
operate with the elders and support
superior to you.—Phil. 2:3.
their decisions even when the deci-
sions are not what we would have If we consider others superior to
preferred? Because in doing so, us, we will not compete with those
we help preserve the unity among who may have greater talents and
God’s people. Congregations thrive abilities than we possess. On the
when all humbly submit to the deci- contrary, we will be happy for them.
sions reached by the body of elders. That is especially true if they are
(Heb. 13:17) More important, we using their abilities in Jehovah’s
show Jehovah that we trust in him service to his praise. As a result,
by cooperating with those whom he we will all promote peace and uni-
trusts to care for us.—Acts 20:28. ty in the congregation. We can con-
w22.02 4-5 ˚9-10 trol our tendency toward envy by
cultivating modesty, that is, by be-
Monday, November 13
ing aware of our own limitations.
Continue applying yourself to If we are modest, we will not try
public reading, to exhortation, to prove that we are more talent-
to teaching.—1 Tim. 4:13. ed or more capable than everyone
If you are a baptized brother, else. Instead, we will look at how we
you might work on improving your can learn from those who are more
speaking and teaching ability. Why? capable than we are. For example,
Because your getting “absorbed in” suppose a brother in the congrega-
reading, speaking, and teaching tion gives excellent public talks. We
will be a blessing to your listen- might ask him how he goes about
ers. (1 Tim. 4:15) Try setting the preparing his talks. If a sister is
goal of studying and applying each a fine cook, we might ask her for
speech quality discussed in the suggestions that will help us to im-
brochure Apply Yourself to Reading prove in that area. w21.07 16 ˚8-9
 Wednesday, November 15 est person knows when it is time to
[Jehovah] is never unjust. “change to a lower gear” so that he
—Deut. 32:4. can continue to be active and pro-
ductive in Jehovah’s service. (Phil.
In the book of Numbers, we read 4:5) Note the example of Barzillai,
that Jehovah sentenced an Israel- who was 80 years old when King Da-
ite to death for collecting wood on vid invited him to become part of
the Sabbath. In the second book of the royal court. Modest Barzillai de-
Samuel, we learn that centuries lat- clined the king’s offer. Recognizing
er, Jehovah pardoned King David his personal limitations, Barzillai
for committing adultery and mur- recommended that a younger man,
der. (Num. 15:32, 35; 2 Sam. 12:9, 13) Chimham, go in his place. (2 Sam.
We might wonder, ‘Why did Jehovah 19:35-37) Like Barzillai, older men
forgive David for murder and adul- are happy to give younger men the
tery but sentence the other man opportunity to serve. w21.09 10 ˚6-7
to death for a seemingly less seri-
ous transgression?’ The Bible does Friday, November 17
not always provide all the details of No one knows who the Son is ex-
an account. For example, we know cept the Father, and no one knows
that David was sincerely repentant who the Father is except the Son
of his actions. (Ps. 51:2-4) But what and anyone to whom the Son is
kind of person was the man who willing to reveal him.—Luke 10:22.
broke the Sabbath law? Was he sor-
ry for what he had done? Had he Do you find it difficult to view Je-
disobeyed Jehovah’s laws in the hovah as a loving Father? Some of
past? Had he ignored or even re- us do. We may find the idea of a
jected previous warnings? The Bi- loving parent hard to grasp because
ble does not say. However, we know our upbringing was painful. How
more than enough about our God to comforting it is to know that Je-
be certain that he “is righteous in hovah completely understands our
all his ways.”—Ps. 145:17. w22.02 2-3 feelings! He wants to be close to us.
˚3-4 That is why his Word urges us: “Draw
close to God, and he will draw close
Thursday, November 16 to you.” (Jas. 4:8) Jehovah loves us,
and he offers to be the best Father
Wisdom is with the modest ones.
we could ever have. Jesus can help
—Prov. 11:2.
us to draw closer to Jehovah. Je-
A modest person will adjust his sus knows Jehovah so well and re-
expectations of how much he can flects His qualities so perfectly that
do. As a result, he will remain hap- he said: “Whoever has seen me has
py and productive. We could com- seen the Father also.” (John 14:9)
pare a modest person with someone Like an older brother, Jesus teaches
driving a vehicle uphill. The driv- us how to respect and obey our Fa-
er needs to change to a lower gear ther, how to avoid displeasing Him,
in order to continue driving up the and how to gain His approval. But
slope. True, he will probably trav- Jesus’ life course on earth especial-
el more slowly, but he will keep ly reveals how kind and loving Jeho-
moving forward. Similarly, a mod- vah is. w21.09 21 ˚4-5
 Saturday, November 18 other hand, if we fill our mind with
Shepherd the flock of God good thoughts, we will more likely
under your care. speak and act in a way that pleas-
—1 Pet. 5:2. es our Father, Jehovah. (Gal. 5:16)
However, we cannot stop all bad
Jehovah’s people are united in thoughts from entering our mind.
worship of the one true God. Jeho- But we can choose not to act on
vah has entrusted the elders with such thoughts. Before we get bap-
the weighty responsibility of keep- tized, we need to stop speaking and
ing the congregation clean. If a acting in a way that Jehovah hates.
Christian commits a serious sin, Je- That is the first and most important
hovah expects the elders to deter- step in stripping off the old person-
mine whether that individual can ality. To please Jehovah fully, how-
remain in the congregation. Among ever, we must also put on the new
other things, they need to find out personality. w22.03 8 ˚1-2
whether the person is truly sorry
for what he did. He may claim to Monday, November 20
be repentant, but does he truly hate
In every respect you demonstrated
what he did? Is he determined not
to repeat the sin? If bad associa-
yourselves to be pure in this
tions led up to the wrongdoing, is matter.—2 Cor. 7:11.
he willing to cut off those associa- It is no easy task for the elders
tions? The elders prayerfully con- to determine whether someone who
sider the facts in the light of the has committed a serious sin is now
Scriptures, taking into account the truly repentant. Why not? The el-
wrongdoer’s attitude toward what ders cannot read hearts, so they
happened. Then they decide wheth- must rely on outward evidence that
er the wrongdoer may remain in their brother has had a complete
the congregation. In some cases, he change of viewpoint toward his sin.
must be disfellowshipped.—1 Cor. 5: They need to see evidence of genu-
11-13. w22.02 5 ˚11-12 ine changes in the sinner’s thinking,
feelings, and conduct. It might take
Sunday, November 19
the man considerable time to make
Clothe yourselves with the needed changes. To show that
the new personality. he is genuinely repentant, a disfel-
—Col. 3:10. lowshipped person would come to
Whether we have been baptized the meetings regularly and follow
for just a few days or for many de- the elders’ counsel to have a good
cades, all of us want to have the routine of prayer and study. He
kind of personality that Jehovah would also diligently avoid the cir-
loves. To be that type of person, we cumstances that led to his wrong-
need to control our thinking. Why? doing. If he works hard to repair his
Because our personality is largely relationship with Jehovah, he can
shaped by our thoughts. If we reg- be assured that Jehovah will for-
ularly think about what appeals to give him fully and that the elders
our fleshly desires, we will say and will restore him to the congrega-
do bad things. (Eph. 4:17-19) On the tion. w21.10 6 ˚16-18
 Tuesday, November 21 at a high cost. Some years ago, The
You must not make for yourself a Watchtower put it this way: “They
carved image or a form like any- left fields and homes, not even gath-
thing that is in the heavens above ering their possessions from their
or on the earth below . . . You must houses. Confident of the protec-
not bow down to them. tion and support of Jehovah, they
—Ex. 20:4, 5. put his worship ahead of everything
else that might seem important.” It
Moved by his deep love for God, added: “There may be tests ahead
Jesus worshipped Jehovah exclu- as to how we view material things;
sively, both when he was in heaven are they the most important thing,
and when he was on earth. (Luke or is the salvation that will come for
4:8) He taught his disciples to all on God’s side more important?
do likewise. Neither Jesus nor his Yes, our fleeing may involve some
faithful disciples ever used images hardships and deprivations. We will
in worship. Since God is a Spir- have to be ready to do whatever it
it, nothing that man could possibly takes.” w22.01 4 ˚7-8
conceive could even come close to
representing Jehovah’s glory! (Isa. Thursday, November 23
46:5) But what about making im- How precious your loyal love is,
ages of so-called saints and pray- O God!—Ps. 36:7.
ing to them? In the second of the
Not long after Israel’s Exodus
Ten Commandments, Jehovah said
from Egypt, Jehovah revealed him-
the words of today’s text. Those
self to Moses by declaring His name
words are clear to those who de-
and qualities. He said: “Jehovah, Je-
sire to please God. Secular histori-
hovah, a God merciful and compas-
ans have acknowledged that the
sionate, slow to anger and abundant
early Christians gave exclusive de-
in loyal love and truth, showing
votion to God. Today, Jehovah’s
loyal love to thousands, pardon-
Witnesses follow the pattern set by
ing error and transgression and
the first-century Christians. w21.10
sin.” (Ex. 34:6, 7) With this heart-
19-20 ˚5-6
warming statement about His quali-
Wednesday, November 22 ties, Jehovah revealed to Moses a
unique characteristic of His loyal
Let the man on the housetop not love. What is it? Jehovah described
come down to take the goods out himself not merely as having loyal
of his house.—Matt. 24:17. love but as being “abundant in loy-
Jesus warned the first-century al love.” That description is men-
Christians living in Judea that the tioned six more times in the Bi-
time would come when the city of ble. (Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:15;
Jerusalem would be “surrounded 103:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2) In all
by encamped armies.” (Luke 21:20- instances, that description refers
24) When that occurred, they need- only to Jehovah, never to humans.
ed to “begin fleeing to the moun- Is it not remarkable that Jehovah
tains.” Their flight would lead to himself so strongly emphasized his
their salvation, but it would come quality of loyal love? w21.11 2-3 ˚3-4
 Friday, November 24 (Phil. 2:16, 17) Sometimes, however,
Stop being anxious about elders experience challenges. What
your lives.—Matt. 6:25. can help them to overcome these?
Our hardworking elders can con-
Married couples can learn from sider the example of Paul. He was
the example set by the apostle Pe- not superhuman. Paul was an im-
ter and his wife. About six months perfect man who at times strug-
to a year after his first encounter gled to do what was right. (Rom. 7:
with Jesus, the apostle Peter had to 18-20) And he had to contend with
make an important decision. Peter various hardships. But Paul did not
made his living in the fishing busi- give up or lose his joy. By imitating
ness. So when Jesus invited Peter Paul, elders can overcome the chal-
to follow him full-time, Peter had lenges they face and maintain their
to take into account his family situ- joy while serving Jehovah. w22.03
ation. (Luke 5:1-11) Peter chose to 26 ˚1-2
accompany Jesus in his preaching
activity. And evidently, his wife sup- Sunday, November 26
ported his decision. The Bible indi-
You should keep my sabbaths.
cates that after Jesus’ resurrection,
she traveled with Peter for at least
I am Jehovah your God.
some of the time. (1 Cor. 9:5) Un- —Lev. 19:3.
doubtedly, her example as a Chris- Leviticus 19:3 mentions keeping
tian wife gave Peter freeness of the Sabbath. Christians are not un-
speech to record inspired counsel der the Law, so we need not ob-
for Christian husbands and wives. serve a weekly Sabbath. Still, we
(1 Pet. 3:1-7) Obviously, both Pe- can learn much from how the Israel-
ter and his wife trusted Jehovah’s ites kept the Sabbath and how they
promise that He would provide for benefited from doing so. The Sab-
them if they put the Kingdom first bath was a time to rest from normal
in their life.—Matt. 6:31-34. w21.11 labors and give attention to spiritu-
18 ˚14 al matters. Fittingly, on that day Je-
sus would go to the synagogue in
Saturday, November 25
his hometown and read from God’s
Become imitators of me. Word. (Ex. 31:12-15; Luke 4:16-18)
—1 Cor. 11:1. God’s exhortation recorded at Le-
The apostle Paul loved his broth- viticus 19:3 to “keep [his] sabbaths”
ers. He worked tirelessly in their should move us to buy out some
behalf. (Acts 20:31) In turn, his fel- time from our day-to-day activities
low believers had deep affection for so that we can give more attention
Paul. On one occasion, “quite a bit to spiritual matters. Do you feel that
of weeping broke out” when the el- you should make some adjustments
ders from Ephesus learned that in that respect? If you regularly
they would never see him again. set aside time to focus on spiritu-
(Acts 20:37) Our devoted elders al matters, you will develop a warm,
likewise love their brothers and sis- personal relationship with Jehovah,
ters very much and spare no ef- which is essential to become holy.
fort when it comes to helping them. w21.12 5 ˚13
 Monday, November 27 who were struggling spiritually to
I have come to call, not righteous seek additional help from the el-
people, but sinners to repentance. ders. (Jas. 5:13, 14) The lesson: Be
realistic, but keep a positive view of
—Luke 5:32.
others. Many with whom we study
While on earth, Jesus chose to the Bible may struggle to apply its
associate with all types of peo- counsel. (Jas. 4:1-4) It may take
ple. He dined with the rich and them some time to root out bad
the powerful, but he also spent traits and replace them with Christ-
much of his time with the poor like qualities. We must have the
and the downtrodden. In addition, courage to tell our students where
he was compassionate toward those they need to improve. We also need
who were generally regarded as to remain positive, trusting that Je-
“sinners.” Some self-righteous indi- hovah will draw humble people to
viduals stumbled at what Jesus him and will give them the strength
did. They asked his disciples: “Why to make changes in their life.—Jas.
do you eat and drink with tax col- 4:10. w22.01 11 ˚11-12
lectors and sinners?” To this, Je-
sus replied with the words of to- Wednesday, November 29
day’s text. (Luke 5:29-31) Long Whoever stops up his ear to the cry
before the Messiah came, the proph- of the lowly one will himself call
et Isaiah described him as one who and not be answered.—Prov. 21:13.
would not be accepted by the world.
All Christians seek to imitate Je-
The prophecy foretold: “He was de-
hovah’s mercy. Why? One reason
spised and was avoided by men . . .
is that Jehovah will not listen to
It was as if his face were hidden
those who fail to show mercy to
from us. He was despised, and we
others. None of us would want Je-
held him as of no account.” (Isa.
hovah to refuse to listen to our
53:3) The Messiah was to be avoid-
prayers, so we carefully avoid de-
ed “by men,” so those first-century
veloping a hard-hearted spirit.
Jews should have expected that Je-
Rather than turn a deaf ear to a fel-
sus would be rejected. w21.05 8-9
low Christian in pain, we must al-
˚3-4
ways be ready to listen to “the cry
Tuesday, November 28 of the lowly one.” Similarly, we take
to heart this inspired counsel: “The
Jehovah will raise him up. one who does not practice mer-
—Jas. 5:15. cy will have his judgment without
Some early Christians were slow mercy.” (Jas. 2:13) If we humbly re-
to apply counsel. (Jas. 1:22) Others member how much we need mercy,
showed partiality toward the rich. we are more likely to show mercy.
(Jas. 2:1-3) Still others had a hard We especially want to show mer-
time controlling their tongue. (Jas. cy when a repentant wrongdoer re-
3:8-10) Those Christians had seri- turns to the congregation. Bible
ous problems, but James did not examples of those who were kind
give up on them. He presented his and merciful can help us to em-
counsel in a kind but straightfor- brace mercy and to avoid harsh-
ward way and encouraged those ness. w21.10 12 ˚16-17
 Thursday, November 30 not follow us because they did not
Sit down here while I go know our voices. Then a small shep-
over there and pray. herd boy came along; hardly had
—Matt. 26:36. he called them when they followed
along.” The experience of that trav-
On the final night of his life on eler reminds us of Jesus’ words re-
earth, as his ministry came to an garding his sheep—his disciples. He
end, Jesus sought out a quiet set- said: “They will listen to my voice.”
ting where he could meditate and But Jesus is in heaven. How can we
pray. He found that setting in the say that we are listening to him? A
garden of Gethsemane. On that oc- key way we show that we are listen-
casion, Jesus gave his disciples ing to our Master’s voice is by ap-
some timely counsel about prayer. plying his teachings in our life.
When they arrived at the garden of —Matt. 7:24, 25. w21.12 16 ˚1-2
Gethsemane, it was very late, per-
haps past midnight. Jesus asked Saturday, December 2
the apostles to “keep on the watch,” All have sinned and fall
and he went off to pray. (Matt. 26:37- short of the glory of God.
39) But while he was praying, they —Rom. 3:23.
fell asleep. When he found them
The apostle Paul had been a
sleeping, Jesus again urged them to
headstrong, harsh persecutor of
“keep on the watch and pray con-
Christians. But later, he acknowl-
tinually.” (Matt. 26:40, 41) He real-
edged his shortcomings and was
ized that they had been under much
willing to change his attitude and
stress and that they were tired. Je-
personality. (1 Tim. 1:12-16) With
sus compassionately acknowledged
Jehovah’s help, Paul became a lov-
that “the flesh is weak.” Still, two
ing, compassionate, humble shep-
more times Jesus went off to pray, herd. He chose to trust in Jeho-
and when he returned he found vah’s forgiveness rather than dwell
his disciples sleeping rather than on his failings. (Rom. 7:21-25) He
praying.—Matt. 26:42-45. w22.01 28 did not expect to be perfect. In-
˚10-11 stead, he worked hard to improve
Friday, December 1 his Christian personality and hum-
bly relied on Jehovah’s help to ac-
They will listen to my voice. complish his work. (1 Cor. 9:27;
—John 10:16. Phil. 4:13) Elders are not appoint-
Jesus compared his relationship ed because they are perfect. Je-
with his followers to the close bond hovah, though, does expect them to
between a shepherd and his sheep. admit their mistakes and to culti-
(John 10:14) That comparison is ap- vate a Christian personality. (Eph.
propriate. The sheep know their 4:23, 24) An elder should examine
shepherd and respond to his voice. himself in the light of God’s Word
A traveler experienced this first- and make any needed adjustments.
hand. He reported: “We wanted Then Jehovah will help him to be
to film some sheep and tried to happy and successful.—Jas. 1:25.
make them come near. But they did w22.03 29-30 ˚13-15
 Sunday, December 3 ly, Rehoboam was not satisfied with
Stop judging. that advice, so he consulted the
—Matt. 7:1. men who had grown up with him.
They counseled him to add to the
What should we do if we detect burdens of the people. (1 Ki. 12:9-11)
that we have judged a fellow believ- Rehoboam could have asked Jeho-
er? We must remember that we are vah which advice he should follow.
to love our brothers. (Jas. 2:8) We Instead, he listened to the younger
should also earnestly pray to Jeho- men. The consequences were disas-
vah, begging him to help us to stop trous for Rehoboam and for the
judging. We can work in harmony people of Israel. In our case, the ad-
with our prayers by taking the ini- vice we receive may not always be
tiative to speak with the person we what we want to hear. Still, if it is
have been critical of. We might ask based on God’s Word, we should ac-
him to work with us in the field min- cept it. w22.02 9 ˚6
istry or to join us for a meal. As
we get to know our brother bet- Tuesday, December 5
ter, we can try to follow the exam-
The glory of young men
ple of Jehovah and Jesus by look-
ing for the good in him. In this way,
is their strength.
we show that we are listening to the —Prov. 20:29.
fine shepherd’s command to stop A person who is humble and mod-
judging. Just as literal sheep lis- est will focus, not on the inexpe-
ten to the voice of their shepherd, rience of young ones, but on their
Jesus’ followers listen to his voice. strengths. He will view them, not
Whether we are part of the “little as competitors, but as fellow work-
flock” or the “other sheep,” may we ers. Older ones view younger ones
continue to listen to and obey the as gifts from Jehovah for which
voice of the fine shepherd.—Luke 12: they are grateful. As their energy
32; John 10:11, 14, 16. w21.12 19 ˚11; 21 decreases, older ones are thankful
˚17-18 that those who have the strength
of youth are willing and able to fill
Monday, December 4
the need and serve the congrega-
He rejected the advice that tion. The Bible character Naomi is
the older men gave him. an excellent example of an older one
—1 Ki. 12:8. who gratefully accepted help from a
When Rehoboam became king of younger one. At first, Naomi urged
Israel, his subjects came to him with her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth
a request. They asked him to light- to return to her own people. How-
en the load that his father, Solomon, ever, when Ruth insisted on accom-
had laid upon them. Commendably, panying Naomi back to Bethlehem,
Rehoboam consulted with the older she accepted Ruth’s loyal support.
men of Israel to see how he should (Ruth 1:7, 8, 18) And what a blessing
reply to the people. The older men that was for both women! (Ruth 4:
advised the king that if he did what 13-16) Humility will move older ones
the people asked, they would always to follow Naomi’s example. w21.09
support him. (1 Ki. 12:3-7) Apparent- 10-11 ˚9-11
 Wednesday, December 6 personal Bible study, doing our best
God is not unrighteous so as to to correct any flaws we may have,
forget your work and the love we can successfully follow the mod-
you showed.—Heb. 6:10. el that Jesus left for us. (Ps. 119:59)
We live in a world that is dominated
Our heavenly Father understands by selfishness. But Jehovah’s peo-
our individual circumstances. May- ple stand out as different. We have
be you can do more than many been touched by the self-sacrificing
whom you know and love. Or you spirit of Jesus, and we are deter-
may not be able to do as much as mined to follow his example. (1 Pet.
others do, perhaps because of your 2:21) As we do our best to imitate
age, health, or family responsibili- Jesus’ self-sacrificing attitude, we
ties. Do not be discouraged. (Gal. too will experience the joy of gain-
6:4) Jehovah will not forget your ing Jehovah’s approval. w22.02 24
work. As long as you are giving your ˚16; 25 ˚18
best and with the right motive, he
will be pleased. Jehovah sees even Friday, December 8
the intentions of your heart. He Some things in them are
wants you to be happy and satis- hard to understand.
fied with the worship you are able —2 Pet. 3:16.
to give him. We already have peace
of mind because we know that Je- One way that Jehovah provides
hovah helps his worshippers when direction to his people today is
they experience problems. (Isa. 41: by means of his Word, the Bible.
9, 10) We certainly have good rea- If we take the time to ponder over
sons to be happy as we worship our what Jehovah is teaching us, we
loving Father, who is worthy “to re- will be able to follow his direc-
ceive the glory and the honor” from tion and accomplish our preaching
all his creation!—Rev. 4:11. w22.03 24 work. (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) Another way
˚16; 25 ˚18 that Jehovah provides direction is
by means of “the faithful and dis-
Thursday, December 7 creet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) At times,
this slave may give direction that we
I hurry and do not delay to
do not fully understand. For exam-
keep your commandments.
ple, we may receive specific instruc-
—Ps. 119:60.
tions designed to prepare us to sur-
We want to imitate Jesus, but we vive a natural disaster that we think
should not be discouraged if we is unlikely to occur in our area.
fail to imitate Jesus perfectly. (Jas. What should we do if we feel that
3:2) A student artist cannot per- the instructions given are not prac-
fectly imitate the work of a mas- tical? Think about Bible accounts
ter artist. But as the student learns that we have read. Sometimes God’s
from his mistakes and strives to fol- people received direction that did
low the example of the master art- not appear to be practical from a
ist as closely as possible, he will human standpoint but turned out
keep improving. Similarly, if we act to be lifesaving.—Judg. 7:7; 8:10.
on what we have learned through w22.03 18-19 ˚15-16
 Saturday, December 9 the ministry even if we are house-
Father, into your hands I entrust bound. He can open opportunities
my spirit.—Luke 23:46. for us to give a witness to caregiv-
ers or medical personnel. If we com-
With complete confidence, Jesus pare our present activity with what
said the words of today’s text. Je- we were able to do in the past, we
sus knew that his future depend- may become discouraged. But if we
ed on Jehovah, and he was certain recognize how Jehovah is helping
that his Father would remember us now, we will have the strength
him. What can we learn from Jesus’ we need to endure any trial with joy.
words? Be willing to put your life We do not know which of the seeds
in Jehovah’s hands. To do that, you of truth that we plant may take root
must “trust in Jehovah with all your and start to grow.—Eccl. 11:6. w21.05
heart.” (Prov. 3:5) Consider the ex- 24-25 ˚14-17
ample of Joshua, a 15-year-old Wit-
ness with a terminal illness. He re- Monday, December 11
fused to accept medical procedures Why did you despise the word of
that violate God’s law. Shortly be- Jehovah by doing what is bad in
fore he died, he told his mother: his eyes?—2 Sam. 12:9.
“Mom, I’m in Jehovah’s hands. . . . I
can tell you this, Mom, with all cer- Greed led King David to forget
tainty: I know Jehovah is definitely what Jehovah had given him, in-
going to bring me back in the resur- cluding wealth, prominence, and
rection. He has read my heart, and victory over many of his ene-
I truly love him.” Each of us would mies. David gratefully acknowl-
do well to ask, ‘If I were to face a edged that God’s gifts were “too nu-
life-threatening situation that tests merous to recount!” (Ps. 40:5) But
my faith, would I put my life in Jeho- at one point, David forgot what Je-
vah’s hands and trust in him to re- hovah had given him. Although Da-
member me?’ w21.04 12-13 ˚15-16 vid had several wives, he let an
improper desire for another man’s
Sunday, December 10 wife develop in his heart. The wom-
an was Bath-sheba, and her hus-
Whoever refreshes others will
band was Uriah the Hittite. David
himself be refreshed.
selfishly had sexual relations with
—Prov. 11:25.
Bath-sheba, and she became preg-
Jehovah’s people are strength- nant. As if the adultery were not
ened by means of the ministry. bad enough, David arranged for
When we share Bible truths with Uriah to be killed! (2 Sam. 11:2-
others, we feel refreshed and invig- 15) What was David thinking? Did
orated, whether they respond posi- he imagine that Jehovah could not
tively or not. Because of their cir- see? That once faithful servant of
cumstances, some may feel that Jehovah gave in to selfish greed and
they are not able to do much in the paid dearly for it. Happily, though,
ministry. If that is how you feel, re- in time David admitted his error and
member that Jehovah is pleased if repented. How thankful he was to
you do your best. Jehovah sees and have Jehovah’s favor again!—2 Sam.
appreciates our desire to share in 12:7-13. w21.06 17 ˚10
 Tuesday, December 12 his appointed representatives. That
Not that we of ourselves are ade- will hardly be the time to second-
guess the direction or to view it
quately qualified . . . , but our
with skepticism, wondering, ‘Is this
being adequately qualified comes
really coming from Jehovah, or are
from God.—2 Cor. 3:5.
the responsible brothers acting on
We may lack confidence in our their own?’ How will you fare during
ability to conduct a Bible study. Per- that crucial time in human histo-
haps we feel that we should have ry? The answer might be indicated
more knowledge or skill as a teach- by how you view theocratic direc-
er before we can study with some- tion now. If you trust the direction
one. If this is how you feel, consider we receive today and readily obey,
three factors that can bolster your you will likely do the same during
confidence. First, Jehovah consid- the great tribulation. w22.02 6 ˚15
ers you qualified to teach others.
Second, Jesus, who has ‘all authori- Thursday, December 14
ty in heaven and on the earth,’ has What have I done compared
authorized you to teach. (Matt. 28: with you?—Judg. 8:2.
18) And third, you can rely on others
With Jehovah’s backing, Gideon
to help you. Jesus relied on what his
and his 300 men had a remark-
Father taught him to say and speak,
able victory for which they could
and so can you. (John 8:28; 12:49)
have taken great pride. The men of
In addition, you can ask your field
Ephraim met Gideon, not to com-
service group overseer, a qualified
mend him, but to quarrel with him
pioneer, or an experienced publish-
because they had not been asked
er to help you to start and conduct a
to join the fight. (Judg. 8:1) Gide-
Bible study. One way you could gain
on gave them a specific example of
confidence is by sitting in on a Bi-
how Jehovah had blessed them. As
ble study conducted by one of these
a result, the men “calmed down.”
publishers. w21.07 6 ˚12
(Judg. 8:3) Gideon willingly set
Wednesday, December 13 pride aside in order to maintain
peace among God’s people. From
The person faithful in what is least
the example of the Ephraimites, we
is faithful also in much, and
learn that we should not become
the person unrighteous in what is
more focused on protecting our
least is unrighteous also in much.
own honor than on honoring Jeho-
—Luke 16:10.
vah. As family heads and elders,
As the end of this system of things we can learn a lesson from Gideon.
draws near, we need to trust in Je- If someone is upset by something
hovah’s way of doing things as nev- we did, we should try to see things
er before. Why? During the great from his perspective. We can also
tribulation, we may receive instruc- commend the person for what he
tions that seem strange, impracti- has done well. That will require hu-
cal, or illogical. Of course, Jehovah mility on our part. But peace is
will not speak to us personally. He worth much more than our person-
will likely provide direction through al pride. w21.07 16-17 ˚10-12
 Friday, December 15 important—cultivating Christian
Let us make man in our image. qualities. (Col. 3:12; 2 Pet. 1:5-8) No
—Gen. 1:26. doubt all of us wish we could do
more for Jehovah than we can do
Jehovah honored us by making at present. In God’s new world, we
us in his image. Because we are will be able to serve him to the full.
made in God’s image, we can devel- Meanwhile, by taking advantage of
op and manifest many of his won- whatever opportunities are avail-
derful qualities, such as love, com- able to us, we can add to our joy and
passion, loyalty, and righteousness. reduce any feelings of disappoint-
(Ps. 86:15; 145:17) As we cultivate ment. Even more important, we will
such qualities, we honor Jehovah bring honor and praise to Jehovah,
and prove that we are grateful to our “happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) So let
him. (1 Pet. 1:14-16) When we be- us find joy in the privileges we have!
have in a way that pleases our heav-
w21.08 25 ˚18-20
enly Father, we are happy and satis-
fied. And by making us in his image, Sunday, December 17
Jehovah gave us the ability to be-
Whoever approaches God
come the kind of people he wants
must believe that he is.
in his family. Jehovah prepared a
—Heb. 11:6.
special home for us. Long before he
created the first man, Jehovah pre- If you were raised as one of Jeho-
pared the earth for humans. (Job vah’s Witnesses, you likely learned
38:4-6; Jer. 10:12) Because he is about Jehovah from an early age.
thoughtful and generous, Jehovah You were taught that he is the Cre-
provided an abundance of good ator, that he has an appealing per-
things for us to enjoy. (Ps. 104:14, sonality, and that he has a loving
15, 24) At times, he reflected on his purpose for mankind. (Gen. 1:1;
creative work, and he “saw that it Acts 17:24-27) Many people, how-
was good.”—Gen. 1:10, 12, 31. w21.08 ever, do not believe that God exists,
3 ˚5-6 let alone that he is the Creator. In-
stead, they believe that life started
Saturday, December 16
by chance and then slowly evolved
The fruitage of the spirit is love, to complex forms of life. Some of
joy, peace, patience, kindness, these individuals are highly edu-
goodness, faith, mildness, self- cated. They may claim that science
control.—Gal. 5:22, 23. has proved the Bible wrong and
All of us have the assignment to that faith in a Creator is for people
preach and make disciples. (Matt. who are ignorant, weak, or naive.
28:19, 20; Rom. 10:14) Would you like No matter how long we have been
to sharpen your skills in this all- one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, we all
important work? Set specific goals need to keep building our faith. In
as you study and apply what you doing so, we will not be misled by
learn in the Teaching brochure. “the philosophy and empty decep-
When considering goals for your- tion” taught by men who contradict
self, do not neglect one of the most God’s Word.—Col. 2:8. w21.08 14 ˚1-3
 Monday, December 18 also sent an angel to strengthen His
You are worthy, Jehovah our God, dear Son. (Luke 22:41-44) Today,
to receive the glory and the honor Jehovah continues to listen to the
and the power.—Rev. 4:11. prayers of his servants, and he an-
swers them at the right time and in
Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Job the best possible way. (Ps. 116:1, 2)
demonstrated their respect and Consider how a sister in India per-
love for Jehovah by means of their sonally experienced this. She had
obedience, faith, and sacrifices. been dealing with severe emotional
They clearly did their best to honor problems, and she earnestly prayed
Jehovah, and their worship was ac- to Jehovah about the matter. She
ceptable to him. Jehovah then gave writes: “The May 2019 JW Broad-
the Mosaic Law to Abraham’s de- casting ˙ program about how to deal
scendants. This series of laws in- with worry and anxiety was just the
cluded instructions about how to right thing for me. It was an answer
worship Jehovah in a way that he to my prayers.” w21.09 21-22 ˚6-7
approved. After Jesus’ death and
resurrection, Jehovah no longer re- Wednesday, December 20
quired obedience to the Mosaic [Flee] to the mountains.
Law. (Rom. 10:4) Christians were to —Luke 21:21.
follow a new law, “the law of the
Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) They could obey Can you imagine how difficult it
this “law,” not by adhering to a long was for those first-century Chris-
list of dos and don’ts, but by imitat- tians to leave almost everything
ing Jesus’ example and following his they had and start over? It took
teachings. Today, too, Christians do faith on their part to rely on Jeho-
their best to follow the Christ in or- vah for their basic needs. But they
der to please Jehovah and “find re- were not without help. Five years
freshment” for themselves.—Matt. before the Romans surrounded Je-
rusalem, the apostle Paul gave the
11:29. w22.03 20-21 ˚4-5
Hebrews some valuable advice: “Let
Tuesday, December 19 your way of life be free of the love
of money, while you are content
He often went into the desolate
with the present things. For he has
areas to pray.—Luke 5:16.
said: ‘I will never leave you, and I
Jehovah listens to his children. will never abandon you.’ So that we
He heard many prayers offered by may be of good courage and say:
his Son when he was on earth. He ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be
heard Jesus pray about weighty de- afraid. What can man do to me?’ ”
cisions, such as when he selected (Heb. 13:5, 6) No doubt those who
his 12 apostles. (Luke 6:12, 13) Je- took to heart Paul’s advice before
hovah also heard Jesus pray when the Roman invasion found it easier
he was in distress. Just before his to adapt to what might have been a
betrayal, Jesus fervently prayed to modest lifestyle in their new home.
his Father concerning the difficult They were certain that Jehovah
test he was about to face. Jehovah would care for their basic needs.
not only heard Jesus’ prayer but w22.01 4 ˚7, 9
 Thursday, December 21 to those who love him and keep
[Jehovah’s] mercy is evident his commandments.” (Ps. 36:10; 103:
in all his works.—Ps. 145:9. 17; Dan. 9:4) According to these in-
spired expressions, Jehovah shows
When we think of a merciful per- loyal love to his servants because
son, we may picture someone who they know him, fear him, love him,
is kind, warmhearted, compassion- and keep his commandments. Jeho-
ate, and generous. The story Jesus vah reserves his loyal love for his
told about the neighborly Samari- people, his true worshippers. Be-
tan may come to mind. That man fore we began serving Jehovah, we
of another nation “acted merciful- received the love that God shows
ly toward” a Jew who had fallen to mankind in general. (Ps. 104:
among thieves. The Samaritan “was 14) However, as his worshippers,
moved with pity” for the injured we also benefit from his loyal love.
Jew and lovingly arranged for his w21.11 4 ˚8-9
care. (Luke 10:29-37) This illustra-
tion highlights a beautiful quality Saturday, December 23
of our God—mercy. That quality is It is Jehovah your God you
a facet of God’s love, and he dis-
must worship.—Matt. 4:10.
plays it each day in the way that
he deals with us. There is another Come what may, we are deter-
aspect of mercy that may come to mined to obey Jesus’ words above.
mind. It involves holding back pun- Today many follow charismatic
ishment when there is a basis for do- church leaders. Enthusiasm for
ing so. In that sense, Jehovah has such men sometimes borders on
certainly been merciful toward us. idolatry. People pack their church-
“He has not dealt with us according es, buy their books, and donate
to our sins,” the psalmist said. (Ps. heavily to the causes these leaders
103:10) At other times, though, Je- promote. Some individuals hang
hovah may provide firm discipline on to their every word. It is hard
to an erring one. w21.10 8 ˚1-2 to imagine that these churchgoers
could be more excited if Jesus
Friday, December 22
himself were to appear to them!
My loyal love will not be removed In contrast, true worshippers of
from you.—Isa. 54:10. Jehovah have no clergy. Although
Jehovah shows his loyal love only we respect those who are taking
to those who have an approved re- the lead, we accept Jesus’ clear
lationship with him—his servants. teaching: “All of you are broth-
This is evident from statements ers.” (Matt. 23:8-10) We do not idol-
made by King David and by the ize men, whether they are religious
prophet Daniel. For example, David leaders or political rulers. And we
said: “Continue showing your loyal do not support their causes. Rath-
love to those who know you.” “The er, we remain neutral and sepa-
loyal love of Jehovah is for all eter- rate from the world. In these areas,
nity toward those who fear him.” we stand out as different from the
And Daniel declared: “O Jehovah many groups of professed Chris-
the true God, [who] shows loyal love tians.—John 18:36. w21.10 20 ˚6-7
 Sunday, December 24 17, 19) Remember, marriage is a gift
I am Jehovah your God . . . You from Jehovah. (Matt. 19:5, 6) He
must not have any other gods be- wants married couples to enjoy that
sides me.—Ex. 20:2, 3. gift. Young couples, why not exam-
ine how you are spending your life?
Every Christian who wants to be- Are you doing all you can to show
come holy must ensure that noth- Jehovah how much you appreciate
ing or no one comes between him the gifts he has given you? Talk to
and his relationship with his God. Jehovah in prayer. Search his Word
And because we bear the name Je- for principles that apply to your sit-
hovah’s Witnesses, we are deter- uation. Then heed the advice that
mined to avoid any actions that Jehovah gives you. You can be cer-
would disgrace or profane his holy tain that you will have a happy and
name. (Lev. 19:12; Isa. 57:15) For rewarding life if you build your
the Israelites, recognizing Jeho- marriage around serving Jehovah!
vah as their God involved keep- w21.11 19 ˚16, 18
ing many laws. Leviticus 18:4 says:
“You should carry out my judicial Tuesday, December 26
decisions, and you should keep my
We all make mistakes many
statutes and walk in them. I am
times.—Jas. 3:2, ftn.
Jehovah your God.” Chapter 19 in-
cludes some of those “statutes” James kept the right view of him-
for Israel. For example, verses 5-8, self. James did not feel that his
21, 22 deal with animal sacrifices. family background or his privileged
Those were to be made in a way assignments made him special or
that would not ‘profane a holy placed him above his brothers and
thing of Jehovah.’ Reading those sisters. He referred to his fellow
verses should move us to want to worshippers as “my beloved broth-
please Jehovah and to offer him ers.” (Jas. 1:16, 19; 2:5) He did not
acceptable sacrifices of praise, as give the impression that he was per-
Hebrews 13:15 urges us to do. w21.12 fect. The lesson: Remember that
5-6 ˚14-15 we are all sinners. We must not
think that we are somehow supe-
Monday, December 25
rior to those whom we teach. Why
May you rejoice with the not? If we give our student the im-
wife of your youth. pression that we are flawless, he
—Prov. 5:18. may conclude that he could never
Young couples today can benefit measure up to God’s requirements.
from the experience of others who But when we honestly admit that
have learned to rely on Jehovah. it has not always been easy for us
Some couples may have spent de- to follow Scriptural principles and
cades serving in the full-time minis- we explain how Jehovah has helped
try. Why not seek their advice if you us to overcome our challenges, we
feel the need to assess your goals? will help our student to see that he
This is a way to show that you too can serve Jehovah. w22.01 11-12
are trusting in Jehovah. (Prov. 22: ˚13-14
 Wednesday, December 27 trying to study?’ Could it be receiv-
Keep this mental attitude in you ing calls, emails, or text messages
that was also in Christ Jesus. on your smartphone or on some
—Phil. 2:5. other electronic device? When you
notice that your mind is wander-
The more we think like Jesus, the ing during a study period or a con-
more we will act like him and the gregation meeting, ask Jehovah to
more successful we will be in re- help you focus. It may not be easy
flecting his personality. (Heb. 1:3) to set your concerns aside and fo-
We may think: ‘Jesus is perfect. I cus on spiritual things, but it is
will never be completely like him!’ If essential that you do so. Pray for
you feel that way, remember these the peace that will guard not only
facts. First, you were designed to be your heart but also your “mental
like Jehovah and Jesus. So you can powers.”—Phil. 4:6, 7. w22.01 29-30
choose to imitate them, and you can ˚12-14
succeed at least to some degree.
(Gen. 1:26) Second, God’s holy spir- Friday, December 29
it is the most powerful force in the Incline your ear and listen
universe. With its help, you can ac- to the words of the wise.
complish things that you could nev- —Prov. 22:17.
er do on your own. Third, Jeho-
vah does not expect you to display King Uzziah rejected counsel. He
the fruitage of the spirit perfectly entered a section of Jehovah’s tem-
now. In fact, our loving Father has ple where only the priests were al-
set aside 1,000 years for those with lowed to be, and he attempted to
an earthly hope to become perfect. offer incense. The priests of Jeho-
(Rev. 20:1-3) What Jehovah requires vah said to him: “It is not proper
of us now is to try our best and to for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to
rely on him for help. w22.03 9 ˚5-6 Jehovah! It is only the priests who
should burn incense.” How did Uzzi-
Thursday, December 28 ah react? If he had humbly accept-
There is not a word on my tongue, ed the counsel and left the temple
but look! O Jehovah, you already immediately, Jehovah might have
know it well.—Ps. 139:4. forgiven him. Instead, “Uzziah . . .
became enraged.” Why did he re-
Prayer is not the only avenue we ject the counsel? He evidently felt
can use to strengthen our bond that as king, he had the right to do
with Jehovah. A study of God’s whatever he wanted. But Jehovah
Word and attendance at congrega- did not see it that way. As a result
tion meetings can also help us to of his presumptuous act, Uzziah
draw closer to God. Is there any- was struck with leprosy and “re-
thing you can do to make the best mained a leper until the day of his
use of study periods and the time death.” (2 Chron. 26:16-21) Uzziah’s
you spend at congregation meet- example teaches us that, no matter
ings? Ask yourself, ‘What tends to who we are, if we reject Bible-based
interfere with my concentration counsel, we will lose Jehovah’s ap-
during the meetings or when I am proval. w22.02 9 ˚7
 Saturday, December 30 Sunday, December 31
Repent, therefore, and turn With humility consider others
around so as to get your sins superior to you.—Phil. 2:3.
blotted out, so that seasons of
Elders, look for the good quali-
refreshing may come from
ties that your brothers and sisters
Jehovah himself.—Acts 3:19.
possess. Each one is imperfect; yet,
A person who is controlled by each one has qualities we can ad-
“the old personality” generally mire. True, elders may from time
thinks and acts in a fleshly way. to time need to adjust the thinking
(Col. 3:9) He may be selfish, prone of a brother or a sister. But like the
to anger, unthankful, and proud. apostle Paul, elders should strive
He may enjoy viewing pornograph- to look beyond a person’s irritat-
ic material and watching immoral ing words and actions. Instead, they
or violent movies. No doubt he has do well to focus on that individual’s
some good qualities, and he may love for Jehovah, his endurance in
feel guilty about the bad things he serving God, and his potential for
says or does. But he lacks the mo- doing good. Elders who have a posi-
tivation to change his thinking and tive view create a warm and nur-
conduct. (Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:2-5) turing environment in the congre-
We are imperfect, so none of us can gation. Remember that Jehovah is
completely remove all bad thoughts not asking you to be perfect; he is
and desires from our heart and asking you to be faithful. (1 Cor. 4:2)
mind. At times, we will do or say You can be sure that God also val-
something that we will regret. (Jer. ues what you do in his service. Je-
17:9; Jas. 3:2) But when we strip off hovah will never “forget your work
the old personality, fleshly attitudes and the love you showed for his
and practices no longer control us. name by ministering and continuing
They no longer identify who we are to minister to the holy ones.”—Heb.
as a person.—Isa. 55:7. w22.03 3 ˚4-5 6:10. w22.03 31 ˚19, 21