[Box/Picture on page 21]

HOW TO “BEAR FRUIT WITH ENDURANCE”

WHAT helps you to continue faithfully preaching the Kingdom message in less responsive territories? Here are some helpful answers to this question.

“Knowing that we have Jesus’ full support inspires optimism and perseverance, whatever the reaction in the territory.”​—Harry, age 72; baptized 1946.

“The scripture 2 Corinthians 2:17 always encourages me. It says that we share in the ministry ‘under God’s view, in company with Christ.’ When I’m in the ministry, I enjoy the company of my best friends.”​—Claudio, age 43; baptized 1974.

“Frankly, the preaching work is a personal struggle for me. Yet, I experience the truth of the words found at Psalm 18:29: ‘By my God I can climb a wall.’”​—Gerard, age 79; baptized 1955.

“If I can read just one scripture in the ministry, it satisfies me that someone had his heart examined by the Bible.”​—Eleanor, age 26; baptized 1989.

“I keep trying different approaches. There are so many that I will not be able to use them all in the remaining years of my life.”​—Paul, age 79; baptized 1940.

“I do not take negative responses personally. I try to have a relaxed approach, conversing with people and listening to their viewpoint.”​—Daniel, age 75; baptized 1946.

“I have met newly baptized ones who told me that my preaching work played a part in their becoming Witnesses. Unknown to me, someone else later studied the Bible with them and helped them to progress. It gives me joy to know that our ministry is a team effort.”​—Joan, age 66; baptized 1954.

What helps you to “bear fruit with endurance”?​—Luke 8:15.

Fruitful by Spreading Kingdom Seed

10. How does Jesus’ illustration of the sower and the different types of soil show what Kingdom fruitage is and what it is not?

¹⁰ Jesus’ illustration of the sower and the different types of soil points to the answer​—a heartening answer for those who witness in less productive territories. Jesus said that the seed is the Kingdom message found in God’s Word and that the soil represents man’s figurative heart. Some seed “fell upon the good soil, and, after sprouting, it produced fruit.” (Luke 8:8) What fruit? Well, after a wheat stalk sprouts and matures, it produces as fruit, not little wheat stalks, but new seed. Likewise, a Christian produces as fruit, not necessarily new disciples, but new Kingdom seed.

11. How may Kingdom fruitage be defined?

¹¹ Therefore, the fruitage in this case is neither new disciples nor fine Christian qualities. Since the seed that is sown is the word of the Kingdom, the fruitage must be a manyfold duplication of that seed. The bearing of fruitage in this case refers to making expressions about the Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) Is bearing such Kingdom fruitage​—proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom—​within reach, no matter what our circumstances may be? Yes, it is! In the same illustration, Jesus explains why.

Giving Our Best for God’s Glory

12. Is bearing Kingdom fruitage within reach of all Christians? Explain.

¹² “The one sown upon the fine soil,” said Jesus, “produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matthew 13:23) Grain sown in a field may vary in production according to circumstances. Similarly, what we can do in proclaiming the good news may vary according to our circumstances, and Jesus showed that he recognized this. Some may have more opportunities; others may have better health and more vigor. Thus, what we are able to do may be more or may be less than what others do, but as long as it represents our best, Jehovah is pleased. (Galatians 6:4) Even if advanced age or enfeebling illness limits our share in the preaching work, our compassionate Father, Jehovah, no doubt views us as one of those who “keep bearing much fruit.” Why? Because we give him ‘all of what we have’​—our whole-souled service.b​—Mark 12:43, 44; Luke 10:27.

13. (a) What is the foremost reason for us to “go on” bearing Kingdom fruitage? (b) What will help us to keep bearing fruit in less responsive territories? (See box on page 21.)

¹³ To whatever extent we are able to produce Kingdom fruitage, we will be moved to “go on and keep bearing fruit” when we keep in mind why we are doing so. (John 15:16) Jesus mentioned the foremost reason: “My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit.” (John 15:8) Yes, our preaching activity sanctifies Jehovah’s name before all mankind. (Psalm 109:30) Honor, a faithful Witness in her mid-70’s, notes: “Even in less responsive territories, it is a privilege to represent the Most High.” When Claudio, who has been a zealous Witness since 1974, was asked why he continues to preach even though few in his territory respond, he quoted John 4:34, where we read Jesus’ words: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” Claudio added: “Like Jesus, I want not only to begin but also to finish my work as a Kingdom proclaimer.” (John 17:4) Witnesses of Jehovah worldwide agree.​—See the box “How to ‘Bear Fruit With Endurance,’” on page 21.