companions, the “other sheep,” remain spiritually well fed and joyful. (Isa. 65:13-16) The “slave” class continues to be identifiable both by its activity of providing spiritual food and by the existence of a spiritually well-fed worldwide congregation. Furthermore, the “slave” is identified by reason of having the same views and attitudes as those of Jehovah’s faithful servants in pre-Christian and early Christian times.

Such views and attitudes include: Complete confidence in Jehovah and dependence on him. (Prov. 3:5-7) Full acceptance of the entire Bible as truth, as God’s inspired guide for man. (Ps. 119:160; Rom. 15:4; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21) Humbly following in the steps of Jesus Christ, even to denying self and joyfully enduring persecutions. (1 Pet. 2:21; Matt. 16:24) Awareness that God’s servants must be teachable, not independent, and that they must keep on seeking. (Ps. 25:9; Matt. 7:7) Recognition that Jehovah’s people must exert themselves vigorously in his service, preaching and making disciples. (Luke 13:24; Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.​—Matt. 6:33, 34.

These are only some of the Scriptural views identifying the one, true congregation of Jehovah’s people today. But they furnish a basis for urging all our readers to associate actively with a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. You are encouraged also to keep studying the Bible with this magazine and companion publications in hand, carefully comparing what you learn with the Holy Scriptures. (Acts 17:11) In this way, you may continue to be spiritually well fed with “food at the proper time” and may share the happiness of the “faithful and discreet slave” in rendering Jehovah acceptable sacred service.

Questions From Readers

● When an innocent mate resumes sexual relations with an adulterous mate after learning of the adultery, does such resumption of sex relations constitute evidence of forgiveness by the innocent mate?

Sexual relations outside the marriage provides the basis for divorce, if the innocent mate desires this; by the same token, if there is a resumption of sexual relations, forgiveness and a healing of the breach is to be understood. Otherwise, there is no real harmony of action with the extending of forgiveness.​—Matt. 19:9; 5:37.

When there is genuine repentance on the part of the adulterous mate, and both mates have a sincere desire to work together in solving the problems that have developed, certainly it would be most fitting for mercy to be shown and forgiveness to be extended to the erring one. Every reasonable effort should be made to preserve the marriage relationship that exists, while realizing that there likely will be some strained relations and problems to be worked out for a while. Thus matters could work out not only to the blessing of the married couple and any children still at home but also as a defeat of the great marriage-wrecker, Satan the Devil.

In some instances, it may be very difficult for the innocent mate to find a real basis for continuing the marriage. Even before the adultery came to light, there may have been very serious problems in applying Bible principles relating to headship and subjection. There may have been little communication, with love and respect for each other being at a very low ebb. Bitterness, resentment or other factors may have interfered with rendering to each other the sexual due. Is there going to be any real improvement in trying to work out these serious, deep-rooted problems if forgiveness is extended? The innocent mate may feel