January

Few events bring more joy to a married couple than the birth of a healthy baby. Yet, even though parents love their precious newborn, they do not want him to remain an infant permanently. In fact, they would be seriously concerned if he did not grow. Similarly, Jehovah is happy when we take our first steps as followers of Jesus, but He does not want us to remain spiritual toddlers. (1 Cor. 3:1) Instead, he asks us to “become full-grown” Christians. In the Bible, the Greek word translated “full-grown” can also mean “mature,” “perfect,” and “complete.” (1 Cor. 2:6) We become full-grown, or mature, as Christians when we grow out of spiritual infancy and become spiritual men or women. Of course, even when we have reached that goal, we should never stop advancing spiritually.​—1 Tim. 4:15. w24.04 2 ¶1, 3

What role does Jehovah play in your life? You may answer, ‘Jehovah is my Father, my God, and my Friend.’ There are also other titles, or designations, that you may apply to Jehovah. However, do you also view him as your Host? King David compared Jehovah’s friendship with His loyal worshippers to the relationship between a host and his guests. He asked: “O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your holy mountain?” (Ps. 15:1) From these inspired words, we learn that we can become Jehovah’s guests​—his friends. Before creation, Jehovah was alone. But at one point, he welcomed his firstborn Son into his figurative tent. Jehovah took great pleasure in his new role as Host. The Bible reveals that Jehovah was “especially fond of” his Son. His first guest, in turn, “rejoiced before [Jehovah] all the time.”​—Prov. 8:30. w24.06 2 ¶1-3

Picture the scene. A crowd of over 340,000 men had gathered to make David king over all of Israel. For three days, the sounds of animated conversation and joyful songs of praise echoed throughout the rocky hills near Hebron. (1 Chron. 12:39) A young man named Zadok would not likely have stood out in that large crowd. However, Jehovah made sure that we would know that Zadok was there. (1 Chron. 12:22, 26-28) Zadok was a priest who worked closely with High Priest Abiathar. Zadok was also a seer who was able to discern the divine will and who was granted extraordinary insight. (2 Sam. 15:27) He was a man of courage. During these last days, Satan is intensifying his attacks on God’s people. (1 Pet. 5:8) We need to be courageous as we wait on Jehovah to put an end to Satan and his wicked system. (Ps. 31:24) In doing so, we can imitate Zadok’s courage. w24.07 2 ¶1-3

When Jehovah created the first man and woman, he wanted them to be happy. He gave them a beautiful home, the gift of marriage, and a fascinating assignment. They were to fill the earth with their descendants, making the whole planet a paradise like the garden of Eden. He gave them only one simple restriction. And he warned them that if they broke that command by deliberately rebelling against him, their sin would lead to death. We know what happened. An invisible spirit, one who had no love for God or for them, entered the picture and tempted them to commit that sin. Adam and Eve gave in to that bad influence. Failing to trust their loving Father, they sinned. As we know, Jehovah’s words proved true. From that day onward, they had to face the consequences: they began to grow old, and finally they died.​—Gen. 1:28, 29; 2:8, 9, 16-18; 3:1-6, 17-19, 24. w24.08 3 ¶3

Jehovah and his dear Son want us to be happy. Psalm 119:2 says: “Happy are those who observe his reminders, who search for him with all their heart.” Jesus gave further assurance, saying: “Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!” (Luke 11:28) As Jehovah’s worshippers, we are a happy people when we regularly read God’s Word and endeavor to apply what we learn. (Jas. 1:22-25) This is a key step in our pleasing Jehovah. (Eccl. 12:13) As we put into practice what we read in God’s inspired Word, we improve our family life and build strong friendships with fellow believers. Moreover, we avoid many of the problems that come to those who do not follow Jehovah’s ways. Indeed, we agree with King David. After mentioning in song the law, orders, and judgments of Jehovah, he concluded: “In keeping them, there is a large reward.”​—Ps. 19:7-11. w24.09 2 ¶1-3

What does Jehovah see when he looks at his servants on earth? He is aware of our joys and our sorrows. (Ps. 37:18) When he sees that we are serving him to the best of our ability despite coping with painful emotions, how pleased he is! More than that, he is eager to support and comfort us. Psalm 147:3 says that Jehovah ‘binds up the wounds’ of the brokenhearted. Jehovah is here pictured as tenderly caring for those who have been injured emotionally. What must we do to benefit from Jehovah’s care? Consider an illustration. A skilled doctor can do much to help an injured person to heal. To benefit, though, the injured person must carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. Jehovah, by means of his Word, speaks to those who are suffering emotionally and gives them loving advice. w24.10 6 ¶1-2

In the past, our publications have considered the question of what happens to those whom Jehovah judges as unrighteous. We have said that for such individuals there is no hope of a future resurrection. Several Bible accounts describe Jehovah’s judgments against unrighteous people, such as the unknown numbers who died in the Flood or the seven nations in the Promised Land that Jehovah ordered his people to devote to destruction or the 185,000 Assyrian soldiers slain by an angel of Jehovah in a single night. (Deut. 7:1-3; Isa. 37:36, 37) In these cases, does the Bible give us enough information to determine that Jehovah sentenced all those individuals to eternal destruction, with no hope of a resurrection? No, it does not. We do not know how Jehovah judged each individual; nor do we know whether those who were killed had an opportunity to learn about Jehovah and to repent. w24.05 3 ¶5-7

Jesus told an illustration about a widow who kept asking a judge to give her justice. No doubt that story resonated with many of Jesus’ disciples because in his day the common people were often victims of injustice. (Luke 18:1-5) The story is also meaningful to us because we have all experienced injustice at one time or another. In the world today, prejudice, inequality, and oppression are common, so we are not surprised when we are treated unfairly. (Eccl. 5:8) What we might not expect, though, is to be misjudged by a brother or a sister; yet, that can happen. Of course, our brothers and sisters are not opposers of the truth. They are simply imperfect. We can learn much from how Jesus reacted to injustices from wicked opposers. If we can be patient with opposers who treat us unjustly, how much more so should we be patient with our fellow believers! w24.11 2 ¶1-2

Bread was a staple for many in Bible times. (Gen. 14:18; Luke 4:4) In fact, it was so important that the Bible sometimes uses “bread” to mean food in general. (Matt. 6:11; Acts 20:7, study note) Bread was also a central feature in two of Jesus’ well-known miracles. (Matt. 16:9, 10) We find one of those accounts in John chapter 6. After Jesus’ apostles had finished a preaching tour, Jesus took them along by boat across the Sea of Galilee so that they could rest. (Mark 6:7, 30-32; Luke 9:10) They came to an isolated spot in the area of Bethsaida. Soon, though, thousands of people arrived and crowded around. Jesus did not ignore them. He kindly took time to teach them about the Kingdom and to cure the sick. As it was getting late, the disciples wondered how all those people could get something to eat. Some of them perhaps had limited provisions, but most would need to go into the villages and buy food.​—Matt. 14:15. w24.12 2 ¶1-2

Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were perfect and lived in a beautiful paradise. (Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9) They had the prospect of enjoying a rich, endless life. But then everything changed. They lost their Paradise home as well as their prospect of everlasting life. What inheritance could they pass on to their future children? The Bible tells us: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) The inheritance Adam passed on to us is sin, resulting in death. This inherited sin is like a huge debt, one that none of us can pay off. (Ps. 49:8) Jesus likened sins to “debts.” (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) When we sin, it is as if we incur a debt to Jehovah. We have to pay the penalty for the sin. Should this debt be left unpaid, it would be canceled only when we die.​—Rom. 6:7. w25.02 2-3 ¶2-3

We count it a privilege to share the truth about God’s Kingdom with others! That privilege is not open to just anyone. For instance, when Jesus was on earth, he did not allow the wicked spirits to witness about him. (Luke 4:41) Today, before a person shares in the ministry with Jehovah’s people, he must qualify for the privilege. We show how much we appreciate the honor to preach by giving a witness wherever and whenever we can. Like Jesus, our goal is to plant and water seeds of Kingdom truth in the hearts of people. (Matt. 13:3, 23; 1 Cor. 3:6) In line with Jesus’ example, Jehovah’s organization does everything possible to help others come to know God’s name. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has played a significant role in this by restoring God’s name to its rightful place. This Bible translation is now available in whole or in part in over 270 languages. w24.04 9 ¶8-9

Some happily married brothers make it a habit to do something every day to show their wife how much they love her. (1 John 3:18) A husband may show tender affection for his wife in small ways, such as by holding her hand or giving her a warm embrace. He may send her a text message and tell her “I miss you” or ask “How is your day going?” From time to time, he may express his love for her by writing some well-chosen words on a card. When a husband does these things, he honors his wife and strengthens their marriage. A husband who honors his wife builds her up and encourages her. One way he does this is by remembering to show appreciation for all that she does to support him. (Col. 3:15) When a husband sincerely praises his wife, he warms her heart. She will feel secure, loved, and honored. w25.01 11 ¶15; 13 ¶16

Psalm 15 ends with the promise: “Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” Here the psalmist reveals the main objective behind God’s requirements. Jehovah wants us to be happy. So he gives us direction that will bring us his blessing and protection. Jehovah’s approved guests can look forward to a bright future. The faithful anointed will have admission into the “many dwelling places” that Jesus prepared for them in heaven. (John 14:2) Those with the earthly hope look forward to what Revelation 21:3 promises. Surely, we all feel highly honored to have received Jehovah’s warm invitation to be his friends, to be everlasting guests in his tent!​—Ps. 15:1-5. w24.06 13 ¶19-20

What is glory? In the Bible, the word “glory” can refer to anything that makes someone impressive. Jehovah made an outstanding display of his glory shortly after the nation of Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt. Picture the scene: Millions of Israelites assemble at the base of Mount Sinai to meet their God. A dark cloud engulfs the mountain. Suddenly, a tremendous earthquake​—apparently coupled with volcanic activity—​shakes the ground beneath their feet while lightning, thunder, and the deafening sound of a horn fill the air. (Ex. 19:16-18; 24:17; Ps. 68:8) Imagine how impressed those Israelites were when Jehovah revealed this powerful display of his glory. Today, we give Jehovah glory by telling others about his awesome power and his heartwarming qualities and when we give him credit for things we accomplish in his strength.​—Isa. 26:12. w25.01 2 ¶2-3

At one point in the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, prominent men challenged Moses and the role that Jehovah had assigned him. They said: “The whole assembly [not just Moses] is holy, all of them, and Jehovah is in their midst.” (Num. 16:1-3) Although it was true that in God’s eyes “the whole assembly” was holy, Jehovah had chosen Moses to take the lead among His people. By criticizing Moses, the rebels were really criticizing Jehovah. They did not focus on what Jehovah wanted; they focused on what they wanted​—more power and recognition. God struck down the leaders of the rebellion as well as thousands more who sympathized with them. (Num. 16:30-35, 41, 49) Today we can be sure that Jehovah disapproves of those who disrespect his organizational arrangements. w24.07 11 ¶11

We live at a time when most people reject​—and even ridicule—​the Bible’s warning about the end of this system of things. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) Though there are many things that we do not know, we need to have strong faith that the end of this system of things will come right on time and that Jehovah will care for us. We must also strengthen our faith in the channel Jehovah is using today to guide us​—“the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) When the great tribulation begins, we may receive specific lifesaving instructions. Now is the time to strengthen our trust and confidence in the direction we receive from those taking the lead in Jehovah’s organization. We cannot expect to follow their direction confidently during the great tribulation if we struggle to follow it now. w24.09 11 ¶11-12

Christian parents recognize that faith in God is not something a child inherits. Over time a child may wrestle with such questions as: ‘How do I know that there is a God? Can I really believe what the Bible says?’ In fact, the Bible actually encourages us to use our “power of reason” and to “make sure of all things.” (Rom. 12:1; 1 Thess. 5:21) How, though, can you help your child to strengthen his faith? Encourage your child to prove the truth to himself. When your child asks questions, take the opportunity to show him how to find the answers by using research tools, such as the Watch Tower Publications Index and the Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the latter, under the subject “The Bible,” he might look up “Inspired by God” to find evidence that the Bible is not just a good book written by men. Rather, it is “the word of God.”​—1 Thess. 2:13. w24.12 14-15 ¶4-5

How can elders imitate Jesus? They must train and assist men, including those who may be relatively young, to qualify for greater responsibilities. Elders do not expect those whom they train to be perfect. They should give them loving counsel so that these young brothers can gain experience and see the need to be humble, faithful, and willing to serve others. (1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:5) Jesus gave his disciples the responsibility not only to preach but also to teach. The disciples may have felt unqualified for that assignment. However, Jesus did not doubt that they could do the work, and he told them so. Expressing complete confidence in them, Jesus said: “Just as the Father has sent me, I also am sending you.”​—John 20:21. w24.10 16 ¶15; 17 ¶17

David was a great king. He was also a musician, a poet, a warrior, and a prophet. He experienced many trials. For some years, he lived as a fugitive, fleeing from jealous King Saul. After becoming king, David again had to run for his life when his son Absalom tried to steal his throne. Despite David’s difficulties and personal failings, he proved loyal to God to the end of his life. Jehovah described him as “a man agreeable to [His] heart.” So David’s counsel is worth listening to! (1 Ki. 15:5) Consider, for example, the counsel that David gave to his son and successor, Solomon. The young man had been chosen by Jehovah to continue to promote pure worship and to build a temple to honor God. (1 Chron. 22:5) Solomon would face difficulties. What would David say to him? David told his son that if he obeyed Jehovah, he would succeed in life.​—1 Ki. 2:2, 3. w24.11 10 ¶9-11

A husband who physically or verbally abuses his wife needs to take steps to repair his relationship with Jehovah and with his wife. First, he recognizes that he has a serious problem. Nothing is hidden from Jehovah’s sight. (Ps. 44:21; Eccl. 12:14; Heb. 4:13) Second, he stops abusing his wife and changes his behavior. (Prov. 28:13) Third, he apologizes to his wife and to Jehovah and seeks their forgiveness. (Acts 3:19) He should also beg Jehovah for both the desire to change and the help to control his thoughts, speech, and actions. (Ps. 51:10-12; 2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 2:13) Fourth, he acts in harmony with his prayers by learning to hate all forms of violence and abusive speech. (Ps. 97:10) Fifth, he seeks immediate help from loving shepherds in the congregation. (Jas. 5:14-16) Sixth, he develops a plan that will help him to avoid all such behavior in the future. w25.01 11 ¶14

Do you love Jehovah God, the one who has given you every good gift, even life itself? Do you want to show your love for him? The best way to do so is to dedicate yourself to him and then symbolize your dedication by water baptism. These steps make you part of Jehovah’s family. As a result, your Father and Friend will guide you and care for you because you will belong to him. (Ps. 73:24; Isa. 43:1, 2) Dedication and baptism also give you the prospect of enjoying endless life. (1 Pet. 3:21) Is something holding you back from getting baptized? If so, you are not alone. Millions before you have had to make changes in their conduct and in their way of thinking in order to qualify for baptism. They are now serving Jehovah with joy and zeal. w25.03 2 ¶1-2

In the Bible, sins are often likened to heavy burdens. King David described his own sins this way: “My errors loom over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear.” (Ps. 38:4) But Jehovah pardons the sins of repentant wrongdoers. (Ps. 25:18; 32:5) The Hebrew expression translated “pardon” basically means to “lift up” or “carry.” We might think of Jehovah as a strong man who figuratively lifts the burden of sin off our shoulders and carries it away. Another word picture shows just how far away Jehovah carries our sins. Psalm 103:12 tells us: “As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions.” East is the farthest point from west. The two points never meet. In other words, Jehovah takes our sins as far away from us as we can imagine. What a reassuring way to describe his forgiveness! w25.02 9 ¶5-6

After Jesus returned to heaven, the apostle Peter performed a miracle by healing a man who was lame from birth. (Acts 1:8, 9; 3:2, 6-8) Naturally, this amazing event drew a crowd of people. (Acts 3:11) Would Peter bask in the glory of the moment, given that he had come from a background where prominence and position were greatly emphasized? No, Peter humbly directed praise away from himself and gave the rightful credit to Jehovah and Jesus, saying: “Through [Jesus’] name, and by our faith in his name, this man whom you see and know has been made strong.” (Acts 3:12-16) We can follow Peter’s example in cultivating humility. We perform tasks for others because we love Jehovah and we love people, not because we love to be admired. If we happily serve Jehovah and our brothers in any way we can, regardless of whether our efforts are noticed, we give evidence of being humble.​—Matt. 6:1-4. w25.03 10-11 ¶11-12

We can increase our enthusiasm for the preaching work by focusing on our love for Jehovah and for our neighbor. (Matt. 22:37-39) Just imagine how happy Jehovah is when he sees us do the work and how happy people will be when they start studying the Bible! Think, too, about the salvation that awaits those who respond to our message. (John 6:40) Are you confined to your home for some reason? If so, focus on what you can do to show love for Jehovah and for your neighbor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuel and Dania were confined to their home. Throughout that difficult time, they regularly did telephone witnessing, wrote letters, and conducted Bible studies over Zoom. Samuel and Dania’s circumstances limited their activity, but they did what they could and found joy in doing so. w24.04 18 ¶15-16

While marriage is not essential for happiness, many single Christians, whether young or old, look forward to having a marriage mate. Of course, before pursuing a courtship, you should be financially, spiritually, and emotionally ready for marriage. (1 Cor. 7:36) It is also best to know what you are looking for in a mate before beginning a courtship. Otherwise, you could overlook a potential mate or you could pursue a courtship with someone who is not well-suited for you. Of course, any potential mate should be a baptized Christian. (1 Cor. 7:39) But not every baptized person will be a good marriage mate for you. So you could ask yourself: ‘What are my goals in life? What qualities in a marriage mate do I view as essential? Are my expectations reasonable?’ w24.05 20 ¶1; 21 ¶3

As a courting couple, how can you handle problems and disagreements that you may have from time to time? Would this indicate that your relationship is not working? Not necessarily; all couples have differences. A strong marriage is made up of two people who can work together to overcome their differences. So how you work through problems now may reveal whether your marriage will be successful. As a couple, ask yourselves: ‘Can we discuss matters calmly and respectfully? Do we readily admit our shortcomings and try to improve? Are we quick to yield, apologize, and forgive?’ (Eph. 4:31) Nevertheless, if you constantly disagree or argue during courtship, the situation will not likely improve after you get married. If you realize that the other person is not right for you, ending the courtship would be the best decision for both of you. w24.05 29 ¶12

We can be a good influence on others if we are firm for what is right and if we make decisions that are solidly based on Bible principles. As we grow in faith and accurate knowledge, we become more steadfast in the truth. We are not indecisive, unsteady, or easily swayed by false teachings and worldly thinking. (Eph. 4:14; Jas. 1:6-8) We are also able to assist those who may be facing trials. (1 Thess. 3:2, 3) Elders are to be moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, and reasonable. These men are a stabilizing influence on others by “holding firmly to the faithful word.” (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:1-3) By their example and their shepherding, elders help publishers to be regular in their meeting attendance, field service, and personal study. When brothers and sisters face unsettling events, elders can do much to keep them focused on Jehovah and his purposes. w24.06 31 ¶16-18

Throughout his ministry, Jesus taught his listeners about his Father’s forgiving nature. Consider the parable of the lost son. That young man chose to pursue a sinful way of life for some time. Yet, he “came to his senses” and returned home. How did the father respond? Jesus said that while the son “was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him . . . , and he ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him.” The son intended to ask if he could become a servant in his father’s household, but his father called him “this son of mine” and restored him to his place in the family. The father said: “He was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15:11-32) When Jesus lived in heaven before coming to earth, he had surely seen his Father show such compassion toward countless repentant sinners. What a heartwarming and reassuring picture Jesus painted of our merciful Father, Jehovah! w24.08 11 ¶11-12

A Christian who is sound in mind does his best to make good decisions that reflect Jehovah’s thinking. Such a Christian knows that nothing in life is more important than his relationship with Jehovah. He has a balanced view of himself, knowing that he does not have all the answers. And he demonstrates his reliance on God by approaching Jehovah often in humble prayer. We realize that we need to keep praying to Jehovah regardless of any natural abilities we may have. Therefore, especially when we are faced with important decisions, we pray to Jehovah for guidance, trusting that he knows what is best for us. How thankful we are that Jehovah has designed us in a way that we can reflect his qualities. (Gen. 1:26) Of course, we cannot imitate Jehovah perfectly.​—Isa. 55:9. w25.03 11 ¶13; 13 ¶17-18

Avoid questioning others’ motives. If others do not express appreciation for something we have done, we could ask ourselves: ‘Are they truly unappreciative, or did they simply forget to express appreciation?’ Perhaps there are other reasons why they did not respond as we may have hoped. Some may feel deep gratitude but have difficulty expressing it. They might be embarrassed to receive help, especially if in the past they were the ones helping others. Whatever the case, Christian love will move us to make allowances for our fellow believers and to keep finding joy in giving. (Eph. 4:2) Be patient. With regard to being generous, wise King Solomon wrote: “Cast your bread on the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” (Eccl. 11:1) As these words indicate, some may respond to our generosity long after the fact​—“after many days.” w24.09 30 ¶18-19

Sometimes an announcement is made in the congregation that a person has been reproved. In such a case, we can continue to associate with him, knowing that he repented and abandoned his wrong course. He is still a part of the congregation and needs the encouragement that comes from associating with fellow believers. (Heb. 10:24, 25) However, the situation is quite different with a person who has been removed from the congregation. We “stop keeping company” with that person, “not even eating with such a man.” (1 Cor. 5:11) Does that mean we would completely ignore him? Not necessarily. Certainly, we would not socialize with him. But Christians can use their Bible-trained conscience in deciding whether to invite a person who was removed from the congregation​—perhaps a relative or someone they were close to previously—​to attend a congregation meeting. w24.08 30 ¶13-14