Sunday, August 10

A true friend shows love at all times, and is a brother who is born for times of distress.​—Prov. 17:17.

When Christians in Judea experienced a great famine, the brothers in the congregation in Antioch were “determined, each according to what he could afford, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.” (Acts 11:27-30) Although the brothers affected by the famine lived some distance away, the Christians in Antioch were determined to help them. (1 John 3:17, 18) We too can show compassion today when we learn that fellow worshippers have been affected by a disaster. We readily respond​—perhaps by asking the elders if we can assist on a project, by donating to the worldwide work, or by praying for those affected by the disaster. Our brothers and sisters may also need help to meet their basic needs. When our King, Christ Jesus, comes to execute judgment, may he find us showing compassion and invite us to “inherit the Kingdom.”​—Matt. 25:34-40. w23.07 29:9-10, 12

Monday, August 11

Let your reasonableness become known to all men.​—Phil. 4:5.

Jesus imitated Jehovah’s reasonableness. He was sent to earth to preach to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But he showed reasonableness in carrying out that assignment. On one occasion, a non-Israelite woman begged him to heal her daughter who was “cruelly demon possessed.” Jesus compassionately did as the woman asked and healed her daughter. (Matt. 15:21-28) Consider another example. Earlier in his ministry, Jesus declared: “Whoever disowns me . . . , I will also disown him.” (Matt. 10:33) But did he disown Peter, who denied him three times? No. Jesus took into account Peter’s repentance and faith. After being resurrected, Jesus appeared to Peter and very likely assured him of his forgiveness and love. (Luke 24:33, 34) Both Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are reasonable. What about us? Jehovah expects us to be reasonable. w23.07 32:6-7

Tuesday, August 12

Death will be no more.​—Rev. 21:4.

What assurances can we share with those who doubt that God’s promise of Paradise will come true? First, Jehovah himself makes the promise. The book of Revelation states: “The One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.’” He has the wisdom, the power, and the desire to make his promise come true. Second, the fulfillment of his promise is so certain that from Jehovah’s viewpoint, it has already happened. He rightly says: “These words are faithful and true. . . . They have come to pass!” Third, when Jehovah starts something, he brings it to its successful conclusion, as confirmed by the expression: “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” (Rev. 21:6) Jehovah will prove that Satan is a liar and a failure. So when someone says, “This sounds too good to be true,” read and explain Revelation 21:5, 6. Show how Jehovah has guaranteed his promise by signing it, as it were, with his own signature.​—Isa. 65:16. w23.11 46:18-19