Gaining Peace With God Through Dedication and Baptism

“Jehovah went on to say: ‘ . . . Any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near.’”​—EZEKIEL 9:4, 6.

1, 2. (a) Why are people in general not at peace with God? (b) Why is it vital for all to gain such peace?

GAINING peace with God? But why? Few persons consider themselves in conflict with God. Is it possible, however, to be an actual enemy of God and not be aware of it? The apostle Paul explained to Christians in the first century: “We all at one time conducted ourselves in harmony with the desires of our flesh, doing the things willed by the flesh and the thoughts, and we were naturally children of wrath even as the rest.”​—Ephesians 2:3.

² Likewise today, though you may be interested in pleasing God, sin inherited from Adam affects your outlook and can cause you to pursue “the things willed by the flesh.” Even if you are a person studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses or an unbaptized youth whose parents are Witnesses, a self-centered do-as-I-please attitude may characterize much of your life and continue to alienate you from God. A person who maintains such a course is ‘storing up wrath for himself.’ (Romans 2:5; Colossians 1:21; 3:5-8) God will express his anger completely during the fast-approaching “day of wrath and of the revealing of God’s righteous judgment.” (Romans 1:28–2:6) How can you gain peace with God and survive this “day of wrath”?

The Foundation for Peace

3. How did God provide the basis for reconciliation?

³ Jehovah took the initiative to help. “He loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) Jesus’ sacrificial death propitiates, that is, appeases or satisfies Jehovah’s justice. This provides a legal basis for the forgiveness of sins and, eventually, for the complete removal of the enmity between God and man. Yes, it is possible to become “reconciled to God through the death of his Son,” as the apostle Paul wrote.​—Romans 5:8-10.

4. What relevant vision was given to Ezekiel, and why is it of importance to us?

⁴ But to benefit personally from Christ’s sacrifice, we must take certain steps. These are indicated in a dramatic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, a vision that is fulfilled during our time when God’s “day of wrath” is imminent. God’s executional forces are pictured in the vision by six armed men. Before these express God’s wrath, a seventh man, carrying a secretary’s inkhorn, is told: “‘Pass through the midst of the city, . . . and you must put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.’ And to [the six armed men] he said in my ears: ‘Pass through the city after him and strike. . . . But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near.’”​—Ezekiel 9:1-6.

5. What leads to repentance?

⁵ These protectively ‘marked’ ones were sickened because persons claiming to worship the true God had ‘filled the land with violence’ and had engaged in sexual immorality, idolatry, and all manner of other wrong conduct. (Ezekiel 8:5-18; Jeremiah 7:9) Likewise today, those who would be ‘marked’ must first learn, through a study of the Bible, to value God’s standards and become grieved at heart, yes, to ‘sigh and groan,’ over teachings and practices that dishonor him. Perhaps because of ignorance some engaged in wrongdoing or consented to such by giving their support. Yet, now they begin to view such activities as God views them​—with disgust! (Romans 1:24-32; Isaiah 2:4; Revelation 18:4; John 15:19) This increased appreciation leads to one of the first steps to gain peace with God: repentance. The apostle Peter urged: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing [rather than wrath] may come from the person of Jehovah.” (Acts 3:19) How refreshing such forgiveness is!

Getting the “Mark”

6. For what reasons were some people marked during ancient times?

⁶ To be spared from God’s wrath, those who ‘sighed and groaned’ had to be marked on their forehead. (Ezekiel 9:4) In ancient times slaves were often marked on the forehead to be clearly identified. Distinctive marks on the forehead and elsewhere might also show that a person worshiped a certain deity.a (Compare Isaiah 44:5.) So, in our day, what is the distinctive, lifesaving mark that clearly identifies its bearers as true worshipers and slaves of Jehovah?

7. What is the symbolic mark?

⁷ The symbolic mark is the evidence, as if displayed on your uncovered forehead, (1) that you are a dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ and (2) that you have put on the Christlike new personality. (Ephesians 4:20-24) Since those thus ‘marked’ must first make a dedication, we need to know what this involves. Jesus explains: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and follow me continually.”​—Mark 8:34.

8, 9. (a) What does it mean to ‘disown yourself’? (b) How can what dedication requires be illustrated?

⁸ The Greek word translated “disown” means “to deny utterly” or “renounce.” Therefore, to ‘disown yourself’ means more than denying yourself a certain pleasure or indulgence now and then. Rather, it means being willing to say no to yourself when it comes to letting your life be dominated by your personal desires and ambitions. We are helped to see the scope of Jesus’ words by noting how this concept is translated into different languages: “To stop doing what one’s own heart wants” (Tzeltal, Mexico), “to not belong to oneself any longer” (K’anjobal, Guatemala), and “to turn his back on himself” (Javanese, Indonesia). Yes, this means an exclusive dedication, not just a commitment that could be made to a number of things.

⁹ A Christian named Susan, who formerly was quite independent, explains what dedication meant to her: “I was surrendering my whole self to someone else. Jehovah now determines my course, tells me what to do, and sets my priorities.” Are you willing to make the same exclusive dedication to Jehovah God? Remember, the symbolic mark identifies you as ‘belonging’ to God, as a happy slave to his Master.​—Compare Exodus 21:5, 6; Romans 14:8.

10. What matters should one consider before making a dedication?

¹⁰ “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?” asked Jesus. (Luke 14:28) So are you willing to: Attend Christian meetings regularly? (Hebrews 10:25) Maintain the high moral standard set by God for his servants? (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7) Have as full a share in the Kingdom preaching work as you can? Put God’s will first when choosing a career or setting goals in life? (Matthew 6:33; Ecclesiastes 12:1) Care for your family obligations? (Ephesians 5:22–6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8) Once you have made a personal dedication in prayer, a further step lets others know this officially.

Baptism​—For Whom?

11. What does baptism symbolize, and what is accomplished by it?

¹¹ Jesus commanded that his followers be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) They were to be totally immersed in water and raised out of it. Like a burial and a resurrection, this well pictures a person’s dying to a self-centered way of life and being made alive to do God’s will. By baptism you identify yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s worldwide congregation.b Baptism validates a solemn agreement made with God. (Compare Exodus 19:3-8.) Your life must be in harmony with his laws. (Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Baptism, which ordains you as a minister of God, reflects also a “request made to God for a good conscience” because you know that you are at peace with God.​—1 Peter 3:21.

12. When are children protected by their parent’s “mark”?

¹² Should even youths consider baptism? Well, recall that Jehovah told the six armed men in the vision: “Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women you should kill off​—to a ruination. But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near.” (Ezekiel 9:6) Of course, children too young to make a dedication would be protected by a parent’s “mark” if that parent is striving to bring the children up to love Jehovah and if they are obediently responding. (1 Corinthians 7:14) Yet, if a child is intelligent enough to make a personal decision and has reached the point where he “knows how to do what is right,” do not presume that he will continue indefinitely under the merit of his parent’s “mark.”​—James 4:17.

13. What are some considerations in determining a youth’s readiness for baptism?

¹³ Before making a dedication, a youth should have adequate knowledge to comprehend what is involved and should be seeking a personal relationship with God. He should understand and be adhering to Bible principles, knowing that he will be held accountable for any infraction thereof. He should also have sufficient experience in sharing his faith with others and know that this is a vital part of true worship; he should truly want to serve God. Naturally, he would not be expected to show the maturity of an adult, but his spiritual progress should be reasonably steady.

14. Why did one youngster consider his baptism a protection?

¹⁴ If one has ‘counted the cost,’ it places one at no disadvantage to make a dedication as a youth. With almost all new Christians, after baptism appreciation deepens. “Getting baptized as a youngster was a protection for me,” explained David. “As I got older, I noticed how some unbaptized teenagers in the congregation felt free of the authority of the elders and as a consequence veered into bad conduct. But I always remembered that I had dedicated my life to God. My life was already taken, so I could not follow such teenagers.”

15. (a) How do we know that it is possible for youths to maintain a serious view of true worship? (b) How can parents best assist?

¹⁵ ‘What, though, if my son or daughter gets baptized when young and then cools off?’ some parents wonder. Certainly, a youth should not get baptized just to please a parent or because some friends do. Yet Joseph, Samuel, King Josiah, and Jesus when teenagers all had a serious view of the worship of God and held to it. (Genesis 37:2; 39:1-3; 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 2:18-21; 2 Chronicles 34:3; Luke 2:42-49) In modern times, a Christian named Jean was baptized when she was only ten years old. When asked years later if she really understood the step, Jean replied: “I knew I loved Jehovah, I appreciated what Jesus did for us, and I wanted to serve Jehovah.” She has served faithfully for some 40 years since her baptism. Each youth is an individual; no one can set a standard age limit. Parents should strive to reach their child’s heart, helping him or her to develop godly devotion.c They should not only keep before their children the privilege of dedication and baptism but also fortify them to be steadfast worshipers.

Overcoming Obstacles

16. Why is more than head knowledge required?

¹⁶ While Bible knowledge is essential, the “mark” involves more than head knowledge. For instance, in the vision given to Ezekiel, likely the elders executed for offering up incense to false gods had extensive knowledge of Jehovah’s written Word. But their behavior behind closed doors showed that they were not true worshipers. (Ezekiel 8:7-12; 9:6) So, to be ‘marked’ for survival requires putting on “the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.”​—Ephesians 4:22-24.

17. (a) What obstacle holds some back from baptism? (b) How can the counsel of James 4:8 be applied?

¹⁷ A formidable obstacle is the influence of your sinful flesh. (Romans 8:7, 8) Some even hold back from baptism because of not controlling some serious fleshly weakness or because of wanting to indulge in illicit worldly pleasures. (James 4:1, 4) Such ones are missing a precious relationship. God’s Word advises: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.” (James 4:8) Decisive action is required. As an example, one man who began to study the Bible had abused alcohol and drugs for 16 years and was deathly sick because of this. With determination he overcame these bad habits. “But just as I was progressing toward dedication, a woman began begging me to have an affair with her. It was a real temptation,” he admitted. “Though the woman thought I was crazy, I told her: ‘I’m studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I cannot.’” What prompted his response? “I had seen what Jehovah did for my life by helping me to get off the alcohol. He helped me in other ways too. This kept drawing me closer to him. I could not disappoint him.” This man had grown close to God.

18. What is a key to overcoming obstacles?

¹⁸ What counts is not how much you know but how much you love what you know. Psalm 119:165 says: “Abundant peace belongs to those loving [not just knowing] your law, and for them there is no stumbling block.” The key is loving God’s law, deeply appreciating its value in your life.​—Isaiah 48:17, 18.

19, 20. (a) What obstacles must be overcome, and what assurance do we have? (b) Successfully overcoming all obstacles will result in what?

¹⁹ Of course, other obstacles or stumbling blocks may arise. “The hardest one for me,” said the brother mentioned above, “was fear of men. I had some worldly ‘friends’ that I used to drink with. It was the most difficult thing for me to tell them that I was cutting off my association because I was going to dedicate my life to God.” (Proverbs 29:25) Others have faced the scorn of family members. One newly baptized Witness, who overcame her husband’s opposition, observed: “Rather than one major hurdle, there were a lot of little hurdles I had to get over one at a time.” Faithfully overcoming each obstacle as it comes will fortify your heart. Be assured that there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome by those loving God’s law!​—Luke 16:10.

²⁰ As you prevail over each stumbling block, you will gain “abundant peace.” (Psalm 119:165) Yes, “you will walk in security on your way . . . Your sleep must be pleasurable. You will not need to be afraid of any sudden dreadful thing, nor of the storm upon the wicked ones, because it is coming. For Jehovah himself will prove to be, in effect, your confidence.”​—Proverbs 3:23-26.

[Footnotes]

Increase Your Peace Through Accurate Knowledge

“May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”​—2 PETER 1:2.

1, 2. (a) Why can a peaceful relationship with God be compared to a marriage? (b) How can we strengthen our peace with God?

THE peaceful relationship established with Jehovah God at your baptism is, in some respects, like a marriage. Although the wedding day is delightful, it is only the start of a precious relationship. With effort, time, and experience, a marriage relationship will grow even dearer, becoming a haven during times of distress. So, too, by diligence and with Jehovah’s help, you can increase your peace with him.

² The apostle Peter explained how those who had “obtained a faith” could strengthen their peace with God. He wrote: “May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”​—2 Peter 1:1, 2.

“Accurate Knowledge of God”

3. Having accurate knowledge of Jehovah and Jesus means what?

³ The Greek word for “accurate knowledge” (e·piʹgno·sis) used in this context means a deeper, more intimate knowledge. The verb form can refer to knowledge gained by personal experience and is rendered “know fully” at Luke 1:4. Greek scholar Culverwel explains that to him the word implies becoming “better acquainted with a thing I knew before; a more exact viewing of an object that I saw before afar off.” Gaining such “accurate knowledge” involves getting to know Jehovah and Jesus more intimately as persons, becoming better acquainted with their qualities.

4. How can we increase our knowledge of God, and why does this improve our peace with him?

⁴ Two ways to gain this knowledge are through good personal study habits and regular attendance at meetings of God’s people. In these ways you will learn more clearly how God conducts himself and what he thinks. You will form a more distinct mental image of his personality. But knowing God intimately means to imitate and reflect this image. For instance, Jehovah described a person who reflected godlike unselfishness, and then He said: “Was not that a case of knowing me?” (Jeremiah 22:15, 16; Ephesians 5:1) Imitating God more closely increases your peace with him because you improve in putting on the new personality, “which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it.” You become more pleasing to God.​—Colossians 3:10.

5. (a) How did accurate knowledge help one Christian woman? (b) In what ways can we more closely imitate Jehovah?

⁵ One Christian woman named Lynn found it hard to be forgiving because of a misunderstanding with a fellow Christian. But Lynn’s careful personal study caused her to examine her attitude. “I recalled the type of God Jehovah is, how he does not hold a grudge,” she admitted. “I thought of all the little things we do to Jehovah every day, yet he does not keep account of them. This matter with my Christian sister was so small by comparison. So whenever I saw her, I said to myself, ‘Jehovah loves her just as he loves me.’ This helped me to get over the problem.” Do you see areas where you also need to imitate Jehovah more closely?​—Psalm 18:35; 103:8, 9; Luke 6:36; Acts 10:34, 35; 1 Peter 1:15, 16.

Accurate Knowledge of Christ

6. How did Jesus Christ show that the preaching work was of foremost importance to him?

⁶ Having accurate knowledge of Jesus requires having “the mind of Christ” and imitating him. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Jesus was an enthusiastic proclaimer of truth. (John 18:37) His intense evangelizing spirit was not shackled by community prejudices. Though other Jews hated Samaritans, he witnessed to a Samaritan woman at a well. Why, even talking at length in public with any woman may have been frowned upon!a But Jesus did not allow community feelings to stop him from giving a witness. God’s work was refreshing. He said: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” The joy of seeing the response of people, like the Samaritan woman and many of the townspeople, sustained Jesus like food.​—John 4:4-42; 8:48.

7. (a) Knowledge of Jesus should motivate us to do what? (b) Does God expect all of his servants to do the same amount of preaching? Explain.

⁷ Do you feel as did Jesus? Granted, starting up a conversation about the Bible with a stranger is hard for many and is often frowned upon by others in the community. Yet, to have the same mental attitude as Jesus had, we cannot escape this fact: We must witness. Of course, not all can do the same amount of preaching. This varies according to our abilities and circumstances. So do not feel that God is never satisfied with your sacred service. Our knowledge of Jesus, however, should spur us to do our best. Jesus commended whole-souled service.​—Matthew 13:18-23; 22:37.

The Need to Hate Wickedness

8, 9. What are some things that God hates, and how can we reflect the same hatred?

⁸ Accurate knowledge also helps us to appreciate what things are hated by Jesus and by Jehovah. (Hebrews 1:9; Isaiah 61:8) “There are six things that Jehovah does hate; yes, seven are things detestable to his soul: lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) These attitudes and forms of conduct are “detestable to his soul.” The Hebrew word here rendered “detestable” comes from a word meaning “to loathe, nauseate,” “to be averse to, as to that which is offensive to all the senses; to detest, hate with indignation.” So to be at peace with God, we must develop a similar aversion.

⁹ For instance, shun “lofty eyes” and any show of pride. After baptism some have felt that they were no longer in need of the regular assistance of those who taught them. But new Christians should humbly accept help as they become well grounded in the truth. (Galatians 6:6) Also, avoid gossiping, which can easily cause “contentions among brothers.” By spreading unkind hearsay, unjustifiable criticism, or lies, we may not be “shedding innocent blood,” but we surely can destroy another person’s good reputation. We cannot be at peace with God if we are not at peace with our brothers. (Proverbs 17:9; Matthew 5:23, 24) God also says in his Word that “he has hated a divorcing.” (Malachi 2:14, 16) If married, do you, therefore, work to keep your marriage strong? Are flirting and taking undue liberties with another’s mate disgusting to you? Do you, like Jehovah, abhor sexual immorality? (Deuteronomy 23:17, 18) Hating such practices is not easy, since these may appeal to our sinful flesh, and they are smiled upon by the world.

10. How can we cultivate a hatred for wickedness?

¹⁰ As an aid to cultivating a hatred for wickedness, avoid being entertained by movies, TV programs, or literature featuring spiritism, immorality, or violence. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Psalm 11:5) By making wrongdoing seem ‘not that bad’ or even humorous, such entertainment undercuts efforts to develop godly hatred of it. On the other hand, earnest prayer will help, for Jesus said: “Pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Regarding being faced with a strong fleshly desire, one Christian said: “I make myself pray. Sometimes I feel unworthy to approach Jehovah, but by making myself do it, by appealing to him, I get the strength I need.” You will better understand why Jehovah detests wrongdoing if you review in your mind its painful consequences.​—2 Peter 2:12, 13.

11. What things may trouble us at times?

¹¹ Despite having peace with God, you will at times be troubled by everyday pressures and temptations and even by your own weaknesses. Remember, you have made yourself a special target of Satan. He wars against those who keep God’s commandments and are Jehovah’s Witnesses! (Revelation 12:17) How, then, can your inner peace be maintained?

Coping With Peace-Disturbing Calamities

12. (a) What is the background of Psalm 34? (b) How do the Scriptures describe David’s feelings during this experience?

¹² “Many are the calamities of the righteous one,” wrote David at Psalm 34:19. According to the superscription of this psalm Ps 34:Sup, David penned it following a close encounter with death. Fleeing from King Saul, David sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. That king’s servants recognized David and, recalling his previous military exploits for Israel, complained to Achish. When David overheard the conversation, he “began to take these words to his heart, and he became very much afraid on account of Achish the king of Gath.” (1 Samuel 21:10-12) After all, this was the hometown of Goliath, and David had killed their hero​—he was even carrying the giant’s sword! Would they now use this huge sword to cut off his head? What could David do?​—1 Samuel 17:4; 21:9.

13. What did David do during this calamity, and how can we follow his example?

¹³ David supplicated God with intense cries for help. “This afflicted one called, and Jehovah himself heard. And out of all his distresses He saved him,” said David. He also said: “Out of all my frights he delivered me.” (Psalm 34:4, 6, 15, 17) Have you also learned to supplicate Jehovah, pouring out your heart during times of anxiety? (Ephesians 6:18; Psalm 62:8) Though your particular distress may not be as dramatic as David’s, still you will find that God will give you help at the right time. (Hebrews 4:16) But David did more than pray.

14. How did David use “thinking ability,” and what has God provided to help us do the same?

¹⁴ “He [David] disguised his sanity under their eyes and began acting insane. . . . Finally Achish said to his servants: ‘Here you see a man behaving crazy. Why should you bring him to me?’” (1 Samuel 21:13-15) David thought out a strategy by which he escaped. Jehovah blessed his efforts. Likewise, when we are confronted with knotty problems, Jehovah expects us to use our mental faculties and not simply to expect him to work them out for us. He has given us his inspired Word, which will “give to the inexperienced ones shrewdness, . . . knowledge and thinking ability.” (Proverbs 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) God has also provided congregation elders, who can help us to know how to maintain God’s standards. (1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2) Oftentimes, these men can assist you in researching the publications of the Watch Tower Society for help in making a right decision or coping with a problem.

15. Why is Psalm 34:18 comforting?

¹⁵ Even when our heart pains us because of our own weaknesses or failures, if we have the right attitude, we can maintain our peace with God. David wrote at Psalm 34:18: “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” If we ask for forgiveness and take any necessary steps to correct matters (especially in cases of serious transgression), Jehovah will stay close to us, supporting us emotionally.​—Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

Personal Knowledge Gives Peace

16. (a) What is another way in which we gain accurate knowledge of God? (b) Explain David’s statement: “Taste and see that Jehovah is good.”

¹⁶ Another way in which we gain accurate knowledge of God, besides taking in spiritual information, is through our personally experiencing his loving help. (Psalm 41:10, 11) Being delivered out of distress does not always mean the immediate or complete end of a problem; you may have to continue to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Though David’s life was spared at Gath, he remained a fugitive for several years, facing one danger after another. Through it all, David sensed Jehovah’s care and support. He had pursued and found peace with God, and he learned that those who do so “will not lack anything good.” Realizing by personal experience how Jehovah supported him during calamity, David could say: “Taste and see that Jehovah is good, O you people; happy is the able-bodied man that takes refuge in him.”​—Psalm 34:8-10, 14, 15.

17. During a calamity, what effect did taking refuge in Jehovah have on one family?

¹⁷ Taking refuge in Jehovah during difficulties will also enable you to “taste and see that Jehovah is good.” Because of an accident, a Christian in the midwestern United States lost the well-paying job that he had had for 14 years. Since they had no income, he and his family supplicated God. At the same time, though, they cut down on expenses, gleaned in nearby fields, and fished for food. With help from some in the congregation and by taking part-time work when available, this family of four managed. A year after the accident, the mother reflected: “We can fool ourselves into thinking that we are relying upon Jehovah, when we are really relying upon our own abilities, our mate, or our job. We, though, really learned to trust just Him. These other things can be taken away, but Jehovah never left us​—not for one moment. Though we have just the bare necessities, our relationship with Jehovah as a family is much closer.”

18. What will enable you to endure even persistent problems?

¹⁸ Yes, a financial hardship may persist. Or one may be plagued with a chronic physical illness; a personality conflict with another; an emotional disorder, such as depression; or one of a host of other problems. Yet, by truly knowing God, you will have faith in his support. (Isaiah 43:10) This unbreakable trust will help you to endure and to have “the peace of God that excels all thought.”​—Philippians 4:7.

19. How do we know that Jehovah does not take our sufferings lightly?

¹⁹ When going through a troubling experience, never forget that Jehovah knows what you are suffering. In a psalm that was also composed when he reflected on his experience at Gath, David entreated Jehovah: “Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8) Certainly, God listened to David’s request. How consoling to know that God would gather up such tears caused by affliction and anxiety and put these, as it were, in his skin bottle, just as one would pour into such a container precious wine or drinking water! Such tears would always be remembered, yes, written down in God’s book. How tender is Jehovah’s regard!

20. How can we increase our peace with God?

²⁰ So your baptism is just the beginning of a peaceful relationship with God. By becoming better acquainted with the personal qualities of God and Jesus, and personally experiencing Jehovah’s support during trials, you will increase your peace with God. Not only will you have a relationship with Jehovah that becomes a haven of security now but you will also have the precious hope of living forever in Paradise, where you will find “exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”​—Psalm 37:11, 29.