Friday, August 8

The one walking in his uprightness fears Jehovah.​—Prov. 14:2.

Regarding the moral standards promoted by this world, we feel as did righteous Lot. He “was greatly distressed by the brazen conduct of the lawless people,” knowing that our heavenly Father hates bad conduct. (2 Pet. 2:7, 8) Fear of God and love for him moved Lot to reject the low moral standards of the people around him. We too are surrounded by people who have little or no respect for Jehovah’s moral standards. Despite that, we can remain morally clean if we maintain our love for God and cultivate a healthy fear of him. To that end, Jehovah provides loving encouragement and motivation by means of the book of Proverbs. All Christians, men and women, young and old, can truly benefit from considering the wise counsel found there. When we fear Jehovah, we are careful not to excuse bad behavior. w23.06 28:1-2, 5

Saturday, August 9

If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and keep following me.​—Luke 9:23.

Perhaps you have faced opposition from family members, or perhaps you have sacrificed certain material pursuits to put Kingdom interests first. (Matt. 6:33) If so, you can be certain that Jehovah has noticed your faithful works. (Heb. 6:10) Likely, you have experienced the truthfulness of Jesus’ words: “No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time​—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—​and in the coming system of things, everlasting life.” (Mark 10:29, 30) The blessings that you have received are truly greater than any sacrifices that you have made.​—Ps. 37:4. w24.03 10:5

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