Exercising Patience

“Exercise patience, therefore, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! the farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain.”—Jas. 5:7.

1. Who is the God of patience, and how does he show it?

JEHOVAH is the great God of patience. This patience is based on his great love and mercy. He has demonstrated his undeserved kindness and forbearance on many occasions. He showed it by giving warning to the people of Noah’s day who were filling the earth with violence, by putting Pharaoh on notice by means of Moses and sending a series of plagues before bringing death to the first-born of Egypt, by angelic messengers to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, by prophets to Israel, and finally by sending his own Son. The patience of Jehovah has been demonstrated many times within the short history of man. Time and again men have turned from the paths of righteousness, but Jehovah has patiently given correction and warning and thus displayed his undeserved kindness, love and mercy toward men throughout the centuries.—1 Pet. 3:20.

2. How was Jehovah’s patience illustrated by Jesus?

² Jesus well illustrated this by his account of “a man, a householder, who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and erected a tower, and let it out to cultivators for hire, and traveled abroad. When the season of the fruits came around, he dispatched his slaves to the cultivators to get his fruits. However, the cultivators took his slaves and one they beat up, another they killed, another they stoned. Again he dispatched other slaves, more than the first, but they did the same to these. Lastly he dispatched his son to them, saying: ‘They will respect my son.’ On seeing the son the cultivators said among themselves: ‘This is the heir; come let us kill him and get his inheritance!’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”—Matt. 21:33-39.

3. What did Jeremiah record regarding the patience of God toward Israel?

³ In like manner Jehovah as the owner of the vineyard has shown patience on many occasions. But, as Jeremiah said of Israel, “they did not listen, neither did they incline their ear, but they went walking in the counsels in the stubbornness of their bad heart, so that they became backward in direction and not forward, from the day that your forefathers came forth out of the land of Egypt until this day; and I kept sending to you all my servants the prophets, daily getting up early and sending them.” Still Jehovah continued to give them warning, saying: “And you must speak to them all these words, but they will not listen to you, and you must call to them, but they will not answer you. And you must say to them, ‘This is the nation whose people have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah its God, and have not taken discipline.’” Even then Jehovah showed patience by sending his Son, who was killed as he had foretold in the parable.—Jer. 7:24-28.

PATIENCE TOWARD WICKED ONES LIMITED

4. Is God’s patience unending? How do we know?

⁴ However, Jehovah’s patience does not run on forever. This Jesus showed in connection with his illustration; he asked: “When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those cultivators?” The Jews said to him: “Because they are evil, he will bring an evil destruction upon them and will let out the vineyard for hire to other cultivators, who will render him the fruits when they become due.”(Matt. 21:40, 41) Although Jehovah has shown similar forbearance to the present wicked world, his Word shows that he will shortly bring upon it the recompense that is due it for forsaking him. God did not hold back on a previous occasion from punishing even the angels that sinned in the days before the Flood, reserving them for judgment and destruction. He did not restrain himself from bringing due punishment upon the entire wicked world of Noah’s time by a global flood. And he purged the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by a consuming fire. He led the nation of Israel into captivity to Babylon and later permitted Jerusalem to be razed by the Roman soldiers as his patience reached the limit of his appointed time.

5. Does the present system merit Jehovah’s patience?

⁵ There is good reason to believe that the patience of Jehovah toward this present world is running out; for, as Paul foretold under inspiration, men have become “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, without gratitude, with no loving-kindness, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with self-esteem, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” (2 Tim. 3:2-5) Certainly Jehovah has every reason to be impatient with people like this and to take action against the present world system with its wrangling nations and divided international blocs of power and with racial and religious enmities.

6. For what reasons has Jehovah tolerated wickedness so long?

⁶ Jehovah has shown such patience that many people disbelieve in his existence. However, Jehovah has a reason for his patience, even as he told Pharaoh by his representative Moses: ‘So that all will come to recognize my supreme power and so that my name may be declared in all the earth.’ He is permitting time now for a warning to be given before the end comes to this present system, a time in which his name Jehovah may be made known, people of faith gathered out and the good news regarding his kingdom preached.—Ex. 9:16.

7. What work will God accomplish despite the scoffers?

⁷ Even now Jehovah is proceeding with the dividing of the people, sifting aside those who, like chaff, are fit only for destruction, but preparing to preserve those who love righteousness and truth and who abide by godly principles. (Matt. 3:12) Among those facing destruction are the ones who constantly question even the existence of God. They say, If there is a God, why does he not do something about the conditions in the earth? They are like the scoffers that Peter foretold would come with ridicule, saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.” However, the end of this system will come all too soon for such scoffers. For 120 years God restrained his anger at the wickedness in the preflood days and then brought the Deluge upon that ungodly system. God’s patience toward that wicked world ran out. In the same way, Peter comments, ‘The heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for a fiery ending, being reserved to the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly ones.’—2 Pet. 3:3-7.

THE NEED OF PATIENCE

8. (a) Why can it not be said that Jehovah is slow? (b) What attitude did Noah manifest?

⁸ Men with their brief life span of approximately seventy years sometimes get impatient with the carrying out of Jehovah’s purposes. They want to see immediate action. But viewed from the timeless standpoint of the Almighty God, only a brief period of six 1,000-year days, less than a week, has elapsed from the creation of mankind. Peter explains: “However, let this one fact not be escaping your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:8, 9) Noah also understood this in the preflood days when wickedness was so rampant in the earth. He must have had all kinds of opposition from the scoffers of his day as he went about building the ark, but Noah had confidence in Jehovah. He was not one to say, ‘Well, Lord, here it is another year and nothing has happened; if you do not bring the end by A.M. 1641, I quit.’ No, but he continued patiently with faith until the Deluge came over a decade later.

9, 10. What is the wise course to follow now?

⁹ The Scripture record shows that we are now living in the time of the end of this system of things when Jehovah’s wonderful purposes will be finally carried out by means of his kingdom and paradise conditions be restored upon the earth for those having faith. As the psalmist David wrote under inspiration of God: “Do not show yourself heated up because of the evildoers. Do not be envious of those doing unrighteousness. For like grass they will speedily wither, and like green new grass they will fade away. Trust in Jehovah and do good; reside in the earth and deal with faithfulness. Also take exquisite delight in Jehovah, and he will give you the requests of your heart.”—Ps. 37:1-4.

¹⁰ In view of this, what course of action should people now living take to merit Jehovah’s favor and protection such as he showed to Noah, Lot and to Jerusalem’s survivors? (2 Pet. 2:5-9) A wise man will imitate Jehovah by demonstrating patience himself, especially putting time and effort into fathoming the riches of God’s Word, which will mean life to him. So if you are the kind of person who is inclined to be short-tempered and impatient, stop and consider the wonderful example of patience that the Almighty God has shown toward us. If you are overly quick to say and do things, then strive to cultivate the quality of patience. It is a virtue or godlike quality that a Christian needs to have, particularly in this time of the end. Just as Jehovah has shown patience with us, we can show it to others in our home life and with friends, at work or among strangers.—Matt. 18:23-35.

11. Why is patience a sign of wisdom?

¹¹ Patience is regarded by many as a sign of weakness. In this age when everyone is in a hurry people frequently become impatient with others. But God’s Word counsels us: “Better is one who is patient than one who is haughty in spirit. Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended, for the taking of offense is what rests in the bosom of the stupid ones.” A wise man will be quick to learn of Jehovah and his purposes and lead himself and his family in the way that will merit God’s favor and protection instead of being quick to take offense.—Eccl. 7:8, 9.

PATIENCE IN THE MINISTRY

12. (a) What great work needs to be done? (b) What preparation is necessary?

¹² Jehovah’s patience is not to be confused with slowness. Just as he took action to cleanse the earth in the days of Noah, so he has now purposed to bring to ruin those ruining the earth. But before the end of this system of things comes a great work has to be done. Just as Noah served as a preacher of righteousness in the days before the flood, so Jesus foretold that the good news concerning the established kingdom of Jehovah would be preached in all the inhabited earth for a warning to the people before the end of this system would come. This good news is now being brought to the attention of the people of all nations by the active united ministerial efforts of Jehovah’s witnesses. Their ministry can be likened to the work of a farmer in some ways, and the illustration helps to emphasize the great patience that is needed in the ministerial service that God has assigned to true Christians today. A man who has never farmed would not dream of going out and buying land and starting to farm it without learning something about the methods of farming and getting instructions first. In like manner a period of study, congregation instruction and training are necessary before an individual can take up the ministerial service. Jesus recognized this need for training, and he sent his disciples out by twos so that they could profit by the association and helpful suggestions of each other.

13, 14. How can the ministry be compared with the work of a farmer, and why is patience required?

¹³ A farmer does not go out one day and plant the seed and then come back the next week and harvest the crop. Instead, he has to build up the soil, fertilize it, plow it, harrow it, plant seed, cultivate and weed the ground and keep the birds away. Then perhaps he has trouble with a plague of bugs, so he has to spray the crop. Yet, after all that, he encounters drought, and the crop may be wiped out. Will the farmer give up and go to the city for a job or get other employment? Not if he is a real farmer. Instead, the next year he will go through the same thing again. He may plant a windbreak to hold down the dust. He may put in a deep well to get water to irrigate the land. But he does not give up. He has patience and keeps working until he finally receives the fruitage of his labors and reaps a crop, thanks to Jehovah’s blessing.

¹⁴ A real Christian who wants to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, shares the truths he has learned with others. He finds that, first of all, he must cultivate the ground. This can be done by setting a good example in the neighborhood as a Christian. People take note of one’s course of conduct and way of speech, and if it is in accord with Scriptural principles, then they will more readily listen to the message one brings. Even so, after many visits and talking to them about the Scriptures, there may not be much response. But do not get impatient. Remember, the walls of Jericho did not fall the first time around, either. Instead, the Israelites had to walk around the walls for six days and on the seventh day they walked around seven times, and finally the walls crashed down. We should not think we are going to break down the wall-like barriers of religious teachings and creedal traditions that have been built up over the centuries the first time we speak aloud the message of truth. But appreciating the importance of the message we bear, we need to be courteous and patient and show love. We are not dealing in crops like a farmer, but in lives; so there is need for even greater patience.

15, 16. (a) Why should a Christian not be easily discouraged in his service? (b) What good counsel did James give?

¹⁵ After visiting the people of good will, planting a seed of truth here and there, watering it with incidental witnessing now and then or by back-calls, when the minister finally notices a little interest being manifested, like a plant beginning to put its head above ground, then he tries to help it grow and become strong spiritually, cultivating the new interest with a Bible study. But if the plant weakens or the interest dies, will he say, ‘That is enough for me, I cannot be a teacher’? Not if he has really dedicated himself to Jehovah God and wants to serve him with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. The world is the field and the harvest is great; so there are plenty of opportunities to try again and show patience.

¹⁶ James stressed this point, saying: “Exercise patience, therefore, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! the farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You, too, exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close.” (Jas. 5:7, 8) James recognized that after the planting the early rain is necessary to germinate the seed and again the later rain is necessary to bring the planting to fruition. So it is with the ministry. The waters of truth help the appreciation of God’s Word to germinate and spring into life in the heart and mind of a person, but only continued watering and cultivating will help the individual to become like a plant of righteousness, ready to bear fruit to the praise and honor of the Creator.

17. What is outstanding about the time we live in?

¹⁷ James told the early Christians to exercise patience until the presence of the Lord. At Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked Jesus for the sign of his presence or parousía, and he gave them manifold evidence in a composite sign with at least thirty-nine distinct features. (See “Make Sure of All Things,” page 337.) Part of this sign, which has been in course of fulfillment since 1914, was that this good news of the Kingdom would be preached in all the inhabited earth for the purpose of a witness to all the nations. This has been literally fulfilled in our day as Jehovah’s witnesses, young and old, men and women, actively share in the preaching and teaching work world-wide in 179 countries and islands of the sea. The evidence of the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose can be seen in the continued expansion and growth of the New World society. In 1914, when the second presence of Christ began invisibly, there were only a few thousand publishers active in the ministry. In 1938 there were 59,000. Now there are over 916,000. Jehovah’s blessing has been on the planting and watering work, and he has given the increase.

PATIENCE WITH ACTIVITY

18. How can Christians exercise patience now?

¹⁸ Although we are no longer looking forward to the presence of the Lord since the start of the sign’s fulfillment in 1914, still we do need to exercise patience until the preaching work is thoroughly accomplished and Jehovah says it is enough at Armageddon. When James said we should exercise patience, this was not meant to be an inactive period of waiting, but instead should be an exercise of faith and hope by sharing with others the truths we have learned, at the same time having confidence in Jehovah’s Word and the early carrying out of his purposes. As the psalmist foretold, Jehovah’s people are willing in the day of his power. (Ps. 110:3) They are happy to be able to share in his service, and many families have even sold their homes and given up their secular work and moved out to new territories where their ministerial activity has been greatly appreciated by the people of good will they now serve.

19. What good Scriptural counsel should we follow, and why?

¹⁹ These sincere Christians realize the wisdom of the counsel given by Jesus: “No man that has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind is well fitted for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) So instead of looking back at the old-world system and the temporary advantages or promotions that it offers, they look ahead to the blessings of the new world and keep their eye on the Kingdom goal, putting forth every effort to advance the Kingdom interests by ministerial activity. They follow the counsel: “By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls [or, ‘future lives’].” (Luke 21:19) They realize that the wonderful gift of life in the new world is worth working for patiently, so they are not discouraged. They understand that even though many Bible studies may need to be conducted before one comes to appreciate the truth, this is all a part of the work, the dividing of the sheep and the goats, that Jesus foretold, and they are happy to have a share in it. They look forward to the time when this work will be done and when all who live will know Jehovah.—Jer. 31:34.

20. What is involved in obtaining Jehovah’s blessing on our preaching work?

²⁰ As long as a person keeps doing the preaching and teaching work the way Jehovah directs through his organization, it will not be in vain but will have Jehovah’s blessing. Always look to him for guidance and pray for his assistance by means of his spirit. As Paul explained the minister’s relationship to God: “What, then, is Apollos? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, even as the Lord granted each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” The scripture goes on to explain that one will reap from the ministry according to what he puts into it, saying: “But each person will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Do you value the privilege you have to be one of God’s fellow workers? If so, put forth every effort to make your ministry good in his sight. “For we are God’s fellow workers. You people are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.” (1 Cor. 3:5-9) As a part of God’s field under cultivation, are you making growth to spiritual maturity? Do not be like a sucker on a vine, always taking in nourishment, but never producing fruitage; but rather study, attend congregation meetings, and put forth real effort to be a good teacher, growing strong in the truth, prepared to produce fruit as a fellow worker of God. Then the words of Paul will apply to you: “Consequently, my beloved brothers, become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.”—1 Cor. 15:58.

21. Why should we no longer follow the lead of the old world?

²¹ There is every reason to be patient and steadfast in our ministry now that the Gentile times have passed and we are living in the time of Christ’s second presence. Instead of proceeding in a course of debauchery and loose conduct, following the lead of the nations of this old-world system, a Christian has something better to live for. (1 Pet. 4:3) He wants to work for the advancement of the Kingdom interests. He has the wonderful Kingdom hope and all of its blessings that Jehovah has promised, and he knows that God’s word never returns to him empty. (Isa. 55:11) With the tremendous increase in the New World society, let each one move ahead with it by increasing in spiritual maturity, progressing to maturity of understanding of God’s Word and sharing fully in his service.

22. What counsel did Paul give the Colossians?

²² As for those who say they will “wait and see,” manifesting lack of faith, they are of the same class as those who waited outside the ark of Noah’s day to see what would happen. They had no confidence in God’s Word or purposes, and they drowned because of it. The true faith of a Christian combines knowledge and hope. It requires patience and endurance. Writing to the Colossians, the apostle Paul stressed the need for patience in everyday life. He mentioned that he did not cease praying. He wanted to see the Colossians filled with accurate knowledge, and he knew that that would take time and effort. He encouraged them to go on bearing fruit and to increase in accurate knowledge, becoming spiritually strong and powerful, enduring fully all opposition and showing themselves long-suffering. He said that if they did these things they would be walking worthily of Jehovah, fully pleasing him by bearing fruit in every good work, and this is certainly the goal of all true Christians. (Col. 1:9-11) There is every reason for us to be thankful that Jehovah is patient in working out his purposes, for it means an opportunity for us to serve now, and a future of everlasting life in a new world of righteousness.—2 Pet. 3:15.

Patience and Endurance

1. What blessings can be enjoyed by those in the New World society?

THE real source of strength for patience and endurance is Jehovah, the God of eternity. Those who become a part of Jehovah’s Christian organization must put forth an effort to maintain their place within it. It is not an honorary position. Endurance is required until one is actually carried through into the new world of righteousness. As one looks forward to the new world he can enjoy the spiritual riches that Jehovah is showering upon his people as the light of truth becomes brighter and brighter. Additionally, he can have a share in the great ingathering work that Jesus assigned for this time. As he does this work, Jehovah’s spirit will back him up. (Zech. 4:6) The very fact that so many men, women and children are offering themselves willingly to share in this tremendous international preaching work is strong evidence of Christ’s second presence and gives reason for endurance in the ministry.

2. How did Jesus and his disciples show endurance?

² Jesus originally set the lead for this great preaching activity. He did not get discouraged when the crowd jeered at him, saying: “You have a demon”; or when, after a hard teaching, many of his disciples went back to their former ways and would no longer walk with him. His disciples also had the right attitude of mind and were not dismayed. When he asked them: “You do not want to go also, do you?” Peter answered: “Master, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.” (John 7:20; 6:66-68) In like manner there is no reason for those sharing in the ministerial work that Jesus began to get discouraged when some who show interest and walk with them for a time turn aside. (Ezek. 33:32) Jesus as a perfect man could speak effectively to large crowds and teach them persuasively. He used illustrations of things they knew about: sheep and goats, farming, fishing. We can likewise draw on events of the day, doing a similar work, although usually with smaller audiences. We can visit the people in their homes, patiently calling back on them, conducting Bible studies with family groups, showing loving consideration for all. Will you follow this lead Jesus set for the field ministry, thus being a Christian, not in name only, but also in deed?

3. What invitation is being extended, and what is the response?

³ Jesus told of a man who owned a large vineyard ready for the harvest who requested his two sons to share in the work. The first son agreed to go, but did not go out; while the second refused his father, but afterward felt regret and went out. This is the time for the harvest that Jesus foretold, and Jehovah is showing patience until the ingathering work is finished. Many persons who profess to be sons of the heavenly Father are not willing to do the work that he assigns them. In fact, Jesus was speaking to the chief priests and older men of influence when he said: “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 21:28-31) Just as in Jesus’ day when sincere and humble people of all walks of life accepted the message and began to share in the ministry, so it is today. Such ones show a repentant attitude and a willingness to serve God even before the class of those who profess to be doing his work.—Matt. 23:2, 3.

PATIENT ENDURANCE PRODUCES FRUITAGE

4. How did Jesus illustrate the reaction of the people to the message?

⁴ When one has an active part in the house-to-house ministry, he finds Jesus’ illustration at Luke 8:9-15 to be true, that there are people of all kinds, just as there are many kinds of soil, some rocky, some full of thorns, some the right kind, good for planting. Jesus explained: “The seed is the word of God . . . As for that on the right soil, these are the ones that, after hearing the word with a right and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.” Patient personal help is necessary with most people. They may not understand the importance of the message, or they may have their minds filled with prejudices or misconceptions, or be sincerely convinced that the faith of their parents is the correct one. When the Witness returns to talk further about the Scriptural truths, the householder may try to evade him. Still Jesus assured us that the sheep would hear the Master’s voice. We can help to make that possible by persevering in the ministry, showing “endurance in work that is good.”—Rom. 2:7.

5. How is patience shown in producing Kingdom fruitage?

⁵ Last year 646,000 home Bible studies were conducted weekly, and from these there were 69,027 baptized throughout the world; so much effort is required to obtain fruitage. As Jesus pointed out, some of the seeds of truth planted fall by the road. Then the Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts so that they may not believe and be saved. Other seed falls on rocky ground. The Word of God is heard with joy, but the message does not take deep root because the soil is rocky; and so they believe for a season, but when the heat of opposition comes, such ones wilt and die. Other seed falls among thorns, as the people hear the message, but are too busy with the anxieties and wealth and pleasures of this life, and so the seed is choked out and never comes to maturity. It takes many studies to find the right kind of soil, with patient and practical weeding out of what is unfruitful.

6. Why should we not be discouraged when some reject the message?

⁶ A French Witness preached for seven years to his workmates without results. But finally he was able to establish Bible studies with some of them and several have made good progress in the truth. His patience was rewarded. So do not become impatient in the ministry because of not being received favorably by many persons. Not everyone listened favorably to Jesus, and many who listened with curiosity would not exercise faith in his teachings; so the same might well be expected today. If people would not listen to Jesus when he explained the truths of his heavenly Father to them, then why expect them to listen to his servants now? There is no reason to think that the world will be converted and that all will listen to the message. Still a warning is being given regarding the day of Jehovah’s vengeance so that those who wish to respond can flee from the destruction. The work of separating the sheeplike ones from those who manifest a goatlike disposition is proceeding in all parts of the world. The way the people respond to the message and treat the message-bearers is what determines their position on the right hand of favor or on the left hand of disfavor of the King, Christ Jesus. As he said: “Truly I say to you, To the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me.” So when someone brushes off the Kingdom messenger with the words, “I am too busy,” or, “I am not interested,” he is in effect telling that to Christ, for whom we serve as ambassadors.—Matt. 25:45; 2 Cor. 5:20.

7. How can we recommend the truth to all kinds of people?

⁷ A representative of Christ wants to perform his ministry in a way that may later on open up the way for a witness. The apostle Paul gave good instruction on this, saying: “But a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be tactful toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed, as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him for the will of that one.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26) Some of those who first oppose the message strongly do so because of their sincere faith in what they have been previously taught, as was the case with Saul of Tarsus. He brought much persecution against the early Christians because of his misdirected zeal, but when he accepted the Christian way of life he bore the brunt of the opposition against Christianity. As he wrote: “In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties, by beatings, by prisons, by disorders, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times without food.”—2 Cor. 6:4-10.

8. How should our lives reflect the truth?

⁸ You may not have personally experienced such severe opposition because of your Christian course of conduct, but every dedicated Christian can recommend himself as God’s minister in the ways Paul mentioned as he continued, saying: “By purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by holy spirit, by love free from hypocrisy, by truthful speech, by God’s power; through the weapons of righteousness for offense and defense, through glory and dishonor, through bad report and good report . . . as sorrowing but ever rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.” Paul showed that he had good balance and a fine appreciation of the truth. He let nothing discourage him, but put Jehovah’s service first. He could be patient despite beatings, imprisonment and opposition because he knew his course would have Jehovah’s blessing.

PERSEVERING UNDER FAMILY OPPOSITION

9. What is the best course to follow in the face of family opposition?

⁹ Perhaps your greatest opposition is from those close to you. One who values the long-suffering and patience Jehovah has shown to mankind should certainly display the same qualities of long-suffering, kindness and patience in his dealings with others and particularly toward his own family, even though they may oppose the truth. Patience and a loving way may help the opposing ones to accept the truth in time. Getting impatient with the other person will only make the gulf wider. If members of the family persistently oppose a Christian in his worship as he attends meetings and shares in the service, it is possible to wear this opposition down, not by giving up, but by patiently putting Kingdom interests first. As Jesus said: “He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.” (Matt. 10:22, 34-39) Again we are told: “If, when you are doing good and you suffer, you endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God.” (1 Pet. 2:20) After a while the opposers, whoever they may be, will see that nothing will discourage you or overcome your patience, and they will respect you for your stand.

10, 11. (a) What counsel did Peter and Paul give on Christian conduct? (b) How may steadfastness of the Christian be rewarded?

¹⁰ It may be that the problem is so great you cannot even talk about the truth with others in your family; they refuse to listen. Even then they may be won without a word by good conduct with deep respect. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) Such a course of action is bound to make a good impression. A Christian should not retaliate in the old-world way with name-calling, contemptuous actions and lack of respect for the other’s viewpoint. Rather, as Paul said: “Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper.” (1 Tim. 6:11) When a husband says that his Christian wife cannot share in the ministry or attend meetings, the wife knows that she has a serious problem, because she has vowed in dedication to do Jehovah’s will. She does not want to oppose her husband, and yet she wants to remain true to her Creator. The scripture admonishes her: “Contend for victory in the right contest of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you declared the right confession publicly before many witnesses.” She knows her husband cannot give her life, but it may be that by continuing steadfast in the truth herself she will eventually win him over to accept God’s Word. Will she show godly devotion and endurance and make this public confession? This is what God wants. She cannot give up her faith if she wants life; so she shows her love for her husband but still carries out her dedication vow to Jehovah.—1 Tim. 6:12.

¹¹ One Witness, who first heard of the truth about twenty-eight years ago, met consistent opposition from his wife and relatives. Prayers were said for him, candles were burned. When he was imprisoned because of his ministry, they said it served him right. His wife influenced their children not to listen to the teachings of the father. Despite all this, he showed himself to be a loving parent and a steady provider as a Christian father should, and he held fast to the truth. Finally after all those years, an Awake! article on the importance of religion in family life made such a deep impression that the wife asked for a Bible study with Jehovah’s witnesses. Now she accepts the truth with her husband and is baptized, and they both rejoice to be united closer than ever by God’s Word.

12. How is Job a good example of endurance?

¹² There are many Bible examples that also show the blessing that comes with patient endurance. Job had a similar problem. He became sick and suffered the loss of his family and his property. His friends turned against him, telling him that he must have done wrong and that God was punishing him. His wife gave him foolish counsel, telling him to curse God and die. But he hung onto his faith determinedly, so that the patient endurance of Job is proverbial. At James 5:10, 11 we are told: “Brothers, take as a pattern of the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience the prophets, who spoke in the name of Jehovah. Look! we pronounce happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and compassionate.” So if you think you have problems, consider what Job went through and then exercise patience so that you may also receive a blessing for yourself and your family as he did. You may be assured that Jehovah will not allow you to be tested or tried beyond what you are able to bear, but that you will win by not giving up.—1 Cor. 10:13.

PATIENTLY ENDURING TO THE FINISH

13. How can the Israelites be a warning example for us now?

¹³ When an individual accepts the truth from God’s Word and begins to associate with the New World society, he is in a position similar to that of the Israelites thousands of years ago after they left Egypt and started on their way to the Promised Land. Similarly people of good will today leave behind them the old-world system of things and its way of life and set as their goal the new world of righteousness. It is important, however, not to be discouraged and impatient because the way seems long or hard. Soon after leaving Egypt the Israelites began to complain. The whole congregation began to murmur against Moses and Aaron, saying: “You have brought us out into this wilderness to put this whole congregation to death by famine.” (Ex. 16:2, 3) They forgot that it was Jehovah who was leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It was Jehovah who would provide for them, as he showed shortly in bringing them manna and also quail to eat. Then they complained about insufficient water, but Moses rebuked them with the words: “Why do you keep putting Jehovah to the test?” Jehovah was not going to let his people die of thirst; he provided water for them at Meribah. After all this, when they sent some of their men to spy out the land they were to take, they feared the inhabitants because of the report of the spies. They complained: “Why is Jehovah bringing us to this land to fall by the sword? . . . Let us appoint a head and let us return to Egypt.” Due to this final display of their lack of faith in Jehovah and his ability to lead and protect them, they were sentenced to wander forty years in the wilderness before their children entered the Promised Land.—Ex. 17:2, 3; Num. 14:3, 4.

14. How does Christ serve as the Greater Moses?

¹⁴ Today we are following the lead of Christ Jesus, the Greater Moses. He provides us abundantly with spiritual food and the waters of truth in the midst of a parched land. He protects us from all the opposition that Satan and his hordes can bring against us. We do not want to show now the same lack of faith and appreciation that many of the Israelites showed, becoming impatient with Jehovah and his provisions or his schedule for working out his purposes. We do well instead to consider the promise at Psalm 37:7, 9: “Keep silent before Jehovah and wait longingly for him. . . . For evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth.”

15. What was the message to the congregation at Ephesus, and how does it apply at this time?

¹⁵ Counsel to continue on with full faith and zeal was also given the early Christian congregation at Ephesus: “I know your deeds, and your hard work and endurance, and that you cannot bear evil men . . . You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name’s sake and have not grown weary. Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.” This must have shocked the brothers at Ephesus. They had been working hard and showing endurance, but still they lacked the same zeal and intense love and enthusiasm they first had for the truth. Today, although you may have been active for many years in the service, you do not want to cool off from the zeal and joy that you first had, but you must work to keep this alive as the force actuating your life. (Rev. 2:2-4) Jesus foreknew that this problem would exist today, pointing out that the love of the greater number would cool off. But if we are strong in the faith, associating regularly with the congregation and active in Jehovah’s service, it will not happen to us. Instead we must continue in a balanced course of life, putting Jehovah’s interests first and keeping the Kingdom as our goal.

16. Why can opposition be expected by a Christian, but what must he do?

¹⁶ A quality closely linked to patience is endurance, taking a resolute stand for the truth, not giving way under suffering or persecution. Jesus warned that there would be much opposition to the truth, saying: “If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. Bear in mind the word I said to you, A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:19, 20) An active Christian can expect opposition to his ministry, but he must continue faithfully despite it, because endurance now will mean future life in the new world. No one can run halfway down the course to life and expect to receive the prize; he must go all the way. Paul stressed this at Hebrews 10:36, saying: “You have need of endurance, in order that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise.” “So, then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1) Never stumbling because of lack of faith, but continuing doggedly on until the finish, the Christian will be able to run this race of endurance with Jehovah’s help.

17. What persecution for the truth have some encountered, but what does it produce?

¹⁷ In years past and until now many brothers have continued faithfully under severe persecution. Two brothers are even now in prison for alleged “counter-revolutionary activities” in one country simply because they continued in their ministerial activity, bringing the Kingdom hope to the attention of the people of good will. In another country a brother who has taken the lead in the Christian activity of Jehovah’s witnesses for many years has suffered much for the truth. He was imprisoned under one regime and then enjoyed a period of freedom during which time he pushed ahead with the ministry. He has been betrayed now by one in whom he trusted and again has been imprisoned. However, for such faithful Christians, even the threat of death does not turn them away from their worship of Jehovah. The words of Paul give powerful encouragement: “But let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit which was given us.” (Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 1:2, 3) Around the world the brothers have endured much, whether in plenty or in shortage, in persecution or in peace. But whether in good times or hard times, they know that their joy and happiness come from zealous activity in Kingdom service.—Phil. 4:11-13.

18. How should we act on the knowledge of the truth we have?

¹⁸ They do not want to bury their Kingdom talents by refusing to act on the knowledge of truth they have been given, but instead they use them constantly, planting, watering and cultivating in the hearts of others the same hope they enjoy. The servants in Jesus’ illustration knew that the master wanted them to use the talents, to show an increase, not to bury what had been entrusted to them by disuse. So today, we want to continue actively in the harvest, not being caught unprepared like the false shepherds who turn to farming at the last minute to escape the blame that comes upon them as a result of their many years of preaching falsehoods for hire. (Matt. 25:14-30; Zech. 13:4-6; Mic. 3:11) Jehovah’s servants want to be able to show that they have been active in the vineyard, laboring in the field at Jehovah’s direction, sharing in the great ingathering work. They do not want to give up now while the harvest is in full swing, but rather continue patiently until Jehovah says it is enough.—Isa. 6:11; 2 Thess. 1:4, 5; 2 Pet. 1:6.

19. What will keep us from being inactive or unfruitful, and why should we be patient and endure?

¹⁹ You, too, can share in this ingathering work. If you add to your faith virtue, knowledge and endurance, then nothing can prevent you from being active and fruitful as you use the accurate knowledge you have received. If you have continued patiently for many years in advancing the New World interests, then keep holding fast the privileges of service you have, so that no one may take from you the crown of life. (2 Pet. 1:5-8; Rev. 3:10, 11) We can afford to be patient, because we have time on our side. But time is running out for the old-world system. Satan knows he has but a short period of time. Part of this generation is all that is left; so endure patiently to the finish for salvation. Continue preaching until Jehovah says the harvest is complete and brings an end to the old world in the destruction of Armageddon. Remember that ‘he that endures to the end is the one who shall be saved.’—Matt. 24:13; 2 Thess. 3:5.

Do You Know a Hundred Bible Texts?

■ A vocabulary of one hundred Bible texts would be a great asset to any Christian minister of the good news. But for some, such as the natives of New Guinea, it is almost imperative that they have such a vocabulary. How do they acquire such a scripture vocabulary? Well, attached to one of the homes for pioneer ministers in that land there is a fine Kingdom Hall that provides excellent facilities for teaching the 100 to 120 natives that nightly leave their noisy compounds for Bible instruction.

■ Classes are organized with ten to twelve in each and a mature Witness takes the oversight. Teaching starts off with the use of simple illustrated sermons, which are neatly drawn on the blackboards; the drawings helping greatly to convey the thought to the mind, whereas the spoken word often is misunderstood. Scriptures are repeated over and over again, and it is astonishing to note how many of these simple folk know up to a hundred Bible texts. A few hours each night of such concentrated study has brought remarkable maturity to a number of natives. Seven were recently baptized and many more are considering taking this step. Four have taken up the vacation pioneer ministry.—1961 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Communists Fail to Convert Witnesses

◆ “The full weight of Communist opposition fell on Jehovah’s Witnesses, a sect which has long had a following in Eastern Europe and so was well known in some sections of the expellee population. The Witnesses had also been a target for Nazi hostility, and many hundreds of them perished in Dachau and other concentration camps. During 1950, the Communists banned the sect in eastern Germany, on the ground that it was a branch of the American ‘espionage system,’ even though specially favorable treatment had been accorded it in Poland. It is believed that by the close of the year nearly eight hundred Witnesses were serving terms in prisons and in labor camps, and that life sentences had been imposed on thirteen of its principal advocates. . . .

◆ “Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the end of the world is rapidly approaching, on the basis of their deductions from Holy Writ, and therefore indulge in prophecies concerning the impending demise of our world, due to sin and frailty. Communism believes in prophecy, too, . . . But Jehovah’s Witnesses, confident that the Word of God had been vouchsafed for them, are incorrigible. No ‘patriots’ or ‘democrats’ have ever been reported from their ranks.”—Religion Behind the Iron Curtain, Shuster.