• How Can You Become God’s Friend?
    What Can the Bible Teach Us?

    • OBEY JEHOVAH’S COMMANDMENTS

      17. Why do we obey Jehovah?

      17 When we obey Jehovah, we prove that Satan is a liar. What will help us to be obedient? The Bible says: “You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) We obey Jehovah because we love him. As our love for Jehovah grows, we will want to do everything he asks us to do. The apostle John wrote: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”​—1 John 5:3.

      18, 19. (a) What are some things that Jehovah says are wrong? (b) How do we know that Jehovah isn’t asking us to do something that we cannot do?

      18 But what are some things that Jehovah tells us are wrong? There are some examples in the box “Hate What Jehovah Hates.” At first, you might think that some of these things are not so bad. But when you read the Bible verses and carefully think about them, you will understand the wisdom of obeying Jehovah’s laws. You may also feel that you need to make some changes in your life. Even though this may be difficult at times, if you make those changes, you will have the peace and happiness that come from being a loyal friend of God. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) How do we know that it is possible to make these changes?

      19 Jehovah never asks us to do anything that we cannot do. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) As a real Friend, he knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. (Psalm 103:14) The apostle Paul encourages us: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) We can be confident that Jehovah will always give us the strength to do what is right. He will give you “the power beyond what is normal” to help you to endure difficult situations. (2 Corinthians 4:7) After experiencing Jehovah’s help during such times, Paul could say: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.”​—Philippians 4:13.