March

We read in the Bible of righteous people who became unrighteous. King Solomon is an example. He was thoroughly instructed in God’s ways and greatly blessed by Jehovah; yet, he later turned to worshipping false gods. His sins made Jehovah furious and brought consequences that lasted for centuries. True, the Scriptures do say that Solomon “was laid to rest with his forefathers,” including such faithful men as King David. (1 Ki. 11:5-9, 43; 2 Ki. 23:13) But was the manner of his burial a guarantee that he would be resurrected? The Bible does not say. Resurrection is a gift from a loving God. He bestows it on those whom he wants to give an opportunity to serve him forever. (Job 14:13, 14; John 6:44) Will Solomon receive such a gift? Jehovah knows the answer; we do not. We do know, though, that Jehovah will do what is right. w24.05 4 ¶9

When we enter into a dedicated relationship with Jehovah, we become guests in his figurative tent. We enjoy an abundance of spiritual food and the companionship of others who have also become Jehovah’s guests. His figurative tent is not confined to a particular location. It can be found wherever his obedient worshippers happen to be. (Rev. 21:3) What about faithful ones who have died? Can we reasonably conclude that they are still guests in Jehovah’s tent? Yes! Why can we say that? Because such ones are alive in Jehovah’s memory. Jesus explained: “That the dead are raised up, even Moses made known in the account about the thornbush, when he calls Jehovah ‘the God of Abraham and God of Isaac and God of Jacob.’ He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him.”​—Luke 20:37, 38. w24.06 3 ¶6-7

Zadok went to Hebron armed and ready for battle. (1 Chron. 12:38) He was willing to follow David into battle and to defend Israel from its enemies. What Zadok possibly lacked in experience as a warrior, he made up for in courage. Where did a priest like Zadok learn to be so courageous? He was surrounded by men who were strong and courageous. No doubt he benefited from their example. For instance, David’s example of courageously “leading Israel on its campaigns” moved all of Israel to support him wholeheartedly. (1 Chron. 11:1, 2) David always relied on Jehovah for help against his enemies. (Ps. 138:3) Zadok had other inspiring examples right by his side​—men such as Jehoiada and his warrior son Benaiah as well as the 22 other tribal chiefs who rallied to David’s side.​—1 Chron. 11:22-25; 12:26-28. w24.07 3 ¶5-6

Saul of Tarsus was a vicious persecutor of Christ’s beloved followers. Most Christians likely viewed him as a lost cause, beyond any hope of repentance. Yet, the resurrected Jesus was far above such flawed human reasoning. He and his Father saw good qualities in Saul. Jesus said: “This man is a chosen vessel to me.” (Acts 9:15) Jesus even used a miracle to lead Saul to repentance. (Acts 7:58–8:3; 9:1-9, 17-20) After becoming a Christian, Saul​—later known as the apostle Paul—​often expressed his appreciation for the way he had been shown kindness and mercy. (1 Tim. 1:12-15) When Paul heard about a scandalous problem regarding immorality in the Christian congregation in Corinth, how did he handle it? He did so in a way that teaches us a great deal about Jehovah’s loving discipline and about the importance of showing mercy. w24.08 13 ¶15-16

Through the centuries, Jehovah gradually made it clearer and clearer how sinful humans could draw close to him. Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, was the first human to put faith in Jehovah after the tragedy in Eden. Because Abel loved Jehovah and sought to please Him and draw close to Him, he offered up a sacrifice. Abel was a shepherd, so he took some of his young lambs and slaughtered them, offering them up to Jehovah. How did Jehovah respond? He “looked with favor on Abel and on his offering.” (Gen. 4:4) Jehovah expressed approval of similar sacrifices offered up by people who loved him and trusted in him​—such as Noah. (Gen. 8:20, 21) By accepting such sacrifices, Jehovah showed that sinful humans could gain his favor and draw close to him. w24.08 3 ¶5-6

We may feel deeply hurt and distressed by injustice. (Eccl. 7:7) Faithful servants, such as Job and Habakkuk, felt the same way. (Job 6:2, 3; Hab. 1:1-3) While these feelings are natural, we need to be careful about how we react so that we do not do something foolish and make matters much worse. When those who act unjustly seem to go unpunished, we might question whether it is worthwhile to do what is right. Consider the psalmist who observed that the wicked seemed to prosper at the expense of the righteous. “These are the wicked, who always have it easy,” he said. (Ps. 73:12) He was also so distraught about the injustice he saw that he almost lost confidence in the benefits of serving Jehovah, saying: “When I tried to understand it, it was troubling to me.”​—Ps. 73:14, 16. w24.11 3 ¶5-7

We glorify Jehovah because we deeply respect him. We have many reasons to respect him. Jehovah is almighty; he has limitless power. (Ps. 96:4-7) His profound wisdom is clearly evident in the things he has made. He is the Source of our life and the Sustainer of it. (Rev. 4:11) He is loyal. (Rev. 15:4) Everything he does succeeds, and he always keeps his promises. (Josh. 23:14) No wonder the prophet Jeremiah said regarding Jehovah: “Among all the wise ones of the nations and among all their kingdoms, there is no one at all like you”! (Jer. 10:6, 7) Certainly, we have good reasons to respect our heavenly Father. But Jehovah does more than earn our respect​—he wins our love. And, most of all, we glorify Jehovah because we dearly love him. w25.01 3 ¶5-6

God’s opposers try to put positive aspects of his organization in a negative light. For instance, we have learned from the Scriptures that Jehovah expects his worshippers to be clean physically, morally, and spiritually. He requires that any who unrepentantly pursue a course of uncleanness be removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:11, 12; 6:9, 10) We adhere to that Scriptural command. But our opposers try to use that against us by accusing us of being intolerant, judgmental, and unloving. We must recognize the source of these attacks. Satan the Devil is behind false stories. He is “the father of the lie.” (John 8:44; Gen. 3:1-5) So we should expect that Satan will use his supporters to promote false stories about Jehovah’s organization. w24.04 10-11 ¶13-14

Even after the great tribulation starts, it is possible that some who see the destruction of “Babylon the Great” will recall that Jehovah’s Witnesses had long spoken of this event. Might some who see these events have a change of heart? (Rev. 17:5) Such an outcome would be similar to what occurred in Egypt in Moses’ day. Recall that “a vast mixed company” joined Israel in the Exodus. Some of these individuals may have started to develop faith when they saw that Moses’ warnings about the Ten Plagues came true. (Ex. 12:38) If a similar development should occur following the destruction of Babylon the Great, would we be disappointed that people were able to join us shortly before the end comes? Of course not! We want to reflect the personality of our heavenly Father, “a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth.”​—Ex. 34:6. w24.05 11 ¶12-13

What could happen if we deviated from “the standard of wholesome words”? Consider an example. In the first century, a rumor was apparently circulating among some Christians that the day of Jehovah had arrived. There may have been a letter​—supposedly written by the apostle Paul—​that made such an assertion. Without taking the time to check the facts, some Christians in Thessalonica believed the rumor and were even spreading it. They would not have been fooled had they remembered the things Paul had taught them when he was still with them. (2 Thess. 2:1-5) Paul counseled his brothers not to believe everything they heard. And to help them in the future, Paul concluded his second letter to the Thessalonians with the words: “Here is my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.”​—2 Thess. 3:17. w24.07 12 ¶13-14

Hebrew Christians would have to endure tests of their faith as conditions in Judea deteriorated. Although some Hebrew Christians had faced intense persecution, many had accepted Christianity during a period of relative peace. The apostle Paul mentioned that although they had endured difficult tests of faith, they had not thus far suffered as Jesus did, that is, to the point of death. (Heb. 12:4) With the spread of Christianity, however, the Jewish opposers were becoming increasingly bitter and fanatical. Just a few years earlier, more than 40 Jews “bound themselves with a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.” (Acts 22:22; 23:12-14) Despite such a climate of religious fanaticism and hatred, those Christians would still need to meet for worship, preach the good news, and keep themselves strong in the faith. w24.09 12 ¶15

John was a beloved apostle of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 10:2) John accompanied Jesus throughout his ministry, witnessed his miracles, and stuck with him during difficult times. He watched as Jesus was executed and saw him after he was resurrected. He also witnessed the spread of Christianity in the first century from a small group of faithful ones until the good news had been “preached in all creation under heaven.” (Col. 1:23) Near the end of his long life, John was privileged to contribute to God’s inspired Word. He recorded the awe-inspiring “revelation by Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:1) John wrote the Gospel bearing his name. He also wrote three inspired letters. He addressed his third letter to a faithful Christian named Gaius, whom John viewed as a beloved spiritual child. (3 John 1) What this faithful older man wrote has encouraged all of Jesus’ followers down to our day. w24.11 12 ¶15-16

A husband who loves his wife values and cherishes her. He views her as a priceless gift from Jehovah. (Prov. 18:22; 31:10) As a result, he treats her kindly and respectfully, even during the more intimate and private aspects of marriage. He will not pressure her to engage in sexual acts that make her feel uncomfortable, that are demeaning, or that bother her conscience. He too will strive to maintain a clean conscience before Jehovah. (Acts 24:16) Husbands, you can be sure that Jehovah sees and appreciates your efforts to honor your wife in all aspects of your life. Be determined to honor her by avoiding dishonorable conduct and by being kind, respectful, and affectionate to her. In doing so, you show her that you love and value her. Honor your wife, and you will protect your most important relationship​—your friendship with Jehovah.​—Ps. 25:14. w25.01 13 ¶17-18

One thing that sets Jehovah’s servants apart from imitation Christians is their zeal for the ministry. What can help us to maintain or even increase our zeal for the preaching work? We can learn something about having zeal in our preaching work by considering Jesus’ example. During his ministry, he never let up in his zeal. In fact, as time went on, he increased his activity. Like the vinedresser who had spent three years trying to cultivate a fig tree that did not yield any fruit, Jesus spent about three years preaching to the Jews, most of whom did not respond favorably. However, just as the vinedresser refused to give up hope on the fig tree, Jesus did not give up on people or slow down in his ministry. (Luke 13:6-9) Learning from what he taught and imitating what he did will help us to remain zealous today. w25.03 14-15 ¶1-4

What if you think someone might make a good marriage mate? Should you immediately express interest in that person? The Bible says that a wise person acquires knowledge before acting. So you would be wise to observe someone discreetly for a time before expressing your interest in that person. How could you go about discreetly observing the other person? At congregation meetings or at social gatherings, you may notice things about this person’s spirituality, personality, and conduct. Who are his friends, and what does he talk about? (Luke 6:45) Are his goals compatible with yours? You might speak to his congregation elders or other mature Christians who know him well. (Prov. 20:18) You might ask about the person’s reputation and qualities. (Ruth 2:11) As you observe this individual, be sure to avoid making him feel uncomfortable. Respect his feelings, privacy, and personal space. w24.05 22 ¶7-8

The elders are not hasty to conclude that a wrongdoer will not repent. While some may repent during the committee’s first meeting with them, others may need more time. So the elders may arrange to meet with the sinner more than once. Perhaps after that first meeting, the erring Christian will begin to think seriously about what he has been told. He may approach Jehovah in humble prayer. (Ps. 38:18) Thus, at a subsequent meeting, the sinner may have a different spirit from the one he showed at the first meeting. To help lead the sinner to repentance, the elders show empathy and kindness. They hope and pray that Jehovah will bless their efforts and that the wayward Christian may come to his senses and repent.​—2 Tim. 2:25, 26. w24.08 22-23 ¶12-13

Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed! He wants sinners to be reconciled to him. (2 Cor. 5:20) That is why throughout history, Jehovah has repeatedly urged his wayward people​—as well as wayward individuals—​to repent and return to him. Congregation elders are privileged to be fellow workers with Jehovah as they strive to lead wrongdoers to repentance. (Rom. 2:4; 1 Cor. 3:9) Imagine the joy in heaven when sinners repent! Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, personally experiences that joy every time one of his lost sheep returns to the congregation. Our love for Jehovah continues to deepen as we meditate on his compassion, mercy, and undeserved kindness.​—Luke 1:78. w24.08 31 ¶16-17

If Jesus had allowed the people to make him king, he would be participating in the politics of the Jews, who were under Roman rule. Jesus decisively ‘withdrew to the mountain.’ So despite pressure from others, he would not get involved in politics. What a lesson for us! Obviously, others will not ask us to multiply bread or cure the sick miraculously; nor will they try to make us a king or a national ruler. But they may urge us to get involved in politics by voting for or by voicing support for someone they feel will improve matters. However, Jesus’ example is clear. He refused to get involved with political affairs, even saying later: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 17:14; 18:36) Christians today do well to mirror Jesus’ thinking and actions. We support, witness about, and pray for that Kingdom.​—Matt. 6:10. w24.12 4 ¶5-6

As you study, look for ways to put what you learn into practice. For example, imitate Jehovah’s justice by treating others impartially. Imitate Jesus’ love for his Father and for others by being willing to suffer for Jehovah’s name and by expending yourself in behalf of your fellow Christians. Also, imitate Jesus by witnessing to others so that they too have the opportunity to accept Jehovah’s priceless gift. The more we understand and appreciate the ransom, the more we will love Jehovah and his Son. In turn, they will respond with increased love for us. (Jas. 4:8) So let us use Jehovah’s provisions to keep learning about the ransom. w25.01 25 ¶16-17

Today’s text could be rendered: “You have removed all my sins from your sight.” This word picture shows that Jehovah takes the sins of repentant ones and throws them out of view. This statement could also be rendered: “You have made [my sins] as if they had not happened.” The Bible further emphasizes this point in another word picture, recorded at Micah 7:18, 19. There Jehovah is spoken of as throwing our sins into the depths of the sea. In ancient times, it would have been impossible for someone to retrieve an object that had been hurled into the depths of the sea. By means of these word pictures, we have learned that when Jehovah forgives us, he relieves us of the burden of our sins. Truly, as David said, “happy are those whose lawless deeds have been pardoned and whose sins have been covered.” (Rom. 4:7) That is true forgiveness! w25.02 9 ¶7-8

There is a paradise on earth today that is full of life and activity. It is teeming with millions of people who enjoy genuine peace. Those who are already in this paradise are determined never to leave it. They also want as many people as possible to join them in this unique setting. What is it? The spiritual paradise! Amazingly, Jehovah has created a serene environment in the midst of a world that Satan has turned into a hate-filled, wicked, and dangerous place. (1 John 5:19; Rev. 12:12) Our loving God sees the damaging effects of this system of things and provides the security that we need in order to flourish spiritually. His Word describes the spiritual paradise as both a safe “refuge” and a “well-watered garden.” (Isa. 4:6; 58:11) With Jehovah’s blessing, those inhabiting this paradise are able to thrive during these difficult last days.​—Isa. 54:14; 2 Tim. 3:1. w24.04 20 ¶1-2

No doubt, you have prayed about finding a mate if that is your desire. Of course, Jehovah does not promise anyone a marriage partner. But he does care about your needs and feelings, and he can help you with the process of finding a mate. So continue sharing your desires and feelings with him. (Ps. 62:8) Pray for patience and wisdom. (Jas. 1:5) Even if you do not find a potential marriage mate right away, Jehovah promises to continue caring for your physical and emotional needs. (Ps. 55:22) A word of caution, though: Do not allow your search for a mate to consume you. (Phil. 1:10) True happiness depends, not on your marital status, but on your relationship with Jehovah. (Matt. 5:3) And while you are single, you may have more freedom to expand your ministry. (1 Cor. 7:32, 33) Make the best use of this time. w24.05 21 ¶4; 22 ¶6

How long should your courtship last? Hasty decisions often bring negative consequences. (Prov. 21:5) So your courtship should be long enough for you to get well-acquainted with the other person. However, you should not prolong the courtship unnecessarily. The Bible also says: “Expectation postponed makes the heart sick.” (Prov. 13:12) What can others do while a couple is courting? We could invite them to join us for a meal, for family worship, or for recreation. (Rom. 12:13) Do they need a chaperone, help with transportation, or a place where they can talk privately? If so, could we offer to help? (Gal. 6:10) If you are asked to chaperone, why not consider it a privilege? Be careful not to leave the couple completely alone, but also discern when they need time and space to talk privately. w24.05 30 ¶13-14

The elders try to determine the circumstances that led up to a sin. For example, did the Christian slowly become weak because he neglected personal study or the ministry? Have his prayers to Jehovah become infrequent or superficial? Has he been allowing wrong desires to guide him? Has he made unwise choices in his associations or entertainment? How might such choices have affected his heart? Does he recognize how his recent decisions and actions have affected his Father, Jehovah? By asking meaningful questions without being unnecessarily intrusive, the elders kindly draw out the wrongdoer and help him to reason on his course. (Prov. 20:5) In addition, they might use illustrations to help the person to reason and to see the wrongness of his actions. Perhaps during the first meeting, the person will begin to feel real sorrow over the course he has followed. He may even repent. w24.08 22 ¶9-11

Jesus zealously preached “the good news of the Kingdom” because he knew it was the work God wanted him to do. Jesus made the ministry his primary focus in life. Even late into his ministry, he traveled “from city to city and from village to village,” teaching others. (Luke 13:22) He also trained additional disciples to work with him as preachers. (Luke 10:1) Today, too, preaching the good news is the primary work that Jehovah and Jesus want us to do. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) We can strengthen our zeal for the ministry by viewing people as Jehovah does. He wants as many as possible to hear the good news and to respond to it. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) To that end, he trains us to be more effective in sharing this lifesaving message. Even if people do not respond now, they may have an opportunity to do so before the end of the great tribulation. w25.03 15-16 ¶5-7

Each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience when dealing with someone who has been removed from the congregation. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person if he attends a meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual. Some may wonder, ‘Doesn’t the Bible say that a Christian who says a greeting to such a person becomes a sharer in his wicked works?’ (2 John 9-11) The context of this scripture shows that this direction refers to apostates and others who actively promote wrong conduct. (Rev. 2:20) Therefore, if a person is actively promoting apostate teachings or other wrongdoing, the elders would not arrange to visit him. Of course, there is hope that he will come to his senses. Until that happens, though, we would neither greet such a person nor invite him to attend a congregation meeting. w24.08 30-31 ¶14-15

After Jesus fed a crowd, he had his apostles leave the area to return to Capernaum by boat and he withdrew to the mountain, thus avoiding the crowd’s effort to make him king. (John 6:16-20) While the apostles were sailing, a storm arose, bringing violent wind and waves. Then Jesus came to them, walking on the water. And he invited the apostle Peter to walk on the water too. (Matt. 14:22-31) Once Jesus was in the boat, the wind abated. The disciples were moved to say: “You really are God’s Son.” (Matt. 14:33) Still, they did not see the connection between this miracle and what happened earlier with the crowd. Mark adds this detail: “[The apostles] were utterly amazed, for they had not grasped the meaning of the loaves.” (Mark 6:50-52) Yes, they failed to grasp the extent of the power that Jehovah had given Jesus to perform miracles. w24.12 5 ¶7

We can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love by using this Memorial season to show Jehovah how grateful we are for the ransom. In addition to planning to be present for the Memorial, we can invite others to attend. Explain to those whom you invite what will take place at the Memorial. You will find it helpful to show them on jw.org the videos Why Did Jesus Die? and Remember Jesus’ Death. Elders should be sure to invite inactive ones. Imagine the joy both in heaven and on earth if some of Jehovah’s lost sheep are moved to return to his flock! (Luke 15:4-7) At the Memorial, let us make it a point to greet not only one another but especially those who are new or who have not attended in a long time. We want to make them feel welcome!​—Rom. 12:13. w25.01 29 ¶15

While the ransom helps us to understand that Jehovah is just, it especially helps us to grasp the depth of his love. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10) The teaching of the ransom reveals that Jehovah wants us not only to have endless life but also to be part of his family. Consider: When Adam sinned, Jehovah expelled him from His family of worshippers. As a result, all of us have been born outside of God’s family. But on the basis of the ransom, Jehovah forgives our sins and will eventually bring into his family all mankind who exercise faith and who are obedient. Even now we can have a warm relationship with Jehovah and with our fellow worshippers. Truly, we are recipients of Jehovah’s tender love!​—Rom. 5:10, 11. w25.01 21 ¶6

Surely you agree that the ransom is a priceless gift! (2 Cor. 9:15) Because Jesus sacrificed his human life, you can have a close friendship with Jehovah God. You can also have the prospect of everlasting life. How fitting it is that we show gratitude for the ransom and for Jehovah, who was moved by love to provide it! (Rom. 5:8) To help us remain grateful and never take the ransom for granted, Jesus instituted the annual Memorial of his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) This year, the Memorial will be observed on Thursday, April 2, 2026. No doubt all of us are planning to attend. We will benefit greatly if we take time during the Memorial season to meditate on what Jehovah and his Son have done for us. w25.01 20 ¶1-2

You can keep learning about the love that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus have for us if you continue to meditate on it. Perhaps during this year’s Memorial season, you can carefully read one or more of the Gospels. Do not try to cover too much material at one time. Instead, slow down and look for additional reasons why we should love Jehovah and Jesus. If you have been in the truth for many years, you might wonder if it is possible to discover new insights on such familiar subjects as God’s justice, his love, and the ransom. The truth is that there is no end to what we can learn about these and other topics. So take full advantage of the wealth of information that can be found in our publications. w25.01 24-25 ¶13-15