How You Can Find Out What God Requires

1. The Bible is a precious gift from God. It is like a letter from a loving father to his children. It tells us the truth about God-who he is and what he stands for. It explains how to cope wtih problems and how to find true happiness. The Bible alone tells us what we must do to please God. - Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 48:17, 18.

2. The Bible was written by some 40 different men over a period of 1,600 years, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. It is made up of 66 little books. Those who wrote the Bible were inspired by God. They wrote his thoughts, not their own. So God in heaven, not any human on earth, is the Author of the Bible. - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2Peter1:20, 21.

3.God made sure that the Bible was accurately copied and preserved. More Bibles have been printed than any other book. Not everyone will be happy to see you studying the Bible, but do not let that stop you. Your eternal future depends on your getting to know God and doing his will despite any opposition. - Matthew 5:10-12; John 17:3.

What Is The Holy Spirit?

In the Bible, God's holy spirit is identified as God's power in action. Hence, an accurate translation of the Bible's Hebrew text refers to God's spirit as "God's active force." (Genesis 1:2) This concept is well supported throughout the Bible. - Micah 3:8; Luke 1:35; Acts 10:38.

Contrary to popular belief, God is not present everywhere at all times. Rather, he dwells in the spirit realm, in an "established place of dwelling," or residence. (1Kings 8:39; 2Chronicles 6:39) The Scriptures also refer to a specific place where God lives and has his "throne." (1Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3) However, from his "established place of dwelling," he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm. -Psalm 139:7.

Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God's ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: " For example, we say, 'open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.' We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun." Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is - God's powerful active force- can give you confidene that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.

What The Bible Says

An honest Bible reader cannot help but conclude that the holy spirit differs from official church descriptions of it as a person. Consider the following Bible accounts.

1. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, the Bible says that the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb leaped, "and Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit." (Luke 1:41) Is it reasonable that a person would be "filled" with another person?

2. When John the Baptizer spoke to his disciples about Jesus as the one who would succeed him, John said: " I, for my part, baptize you with water... but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit." (Matthew 3:11) John could hardly have been referring to the holy spirit as a person when he spoke of baptizing people with it.

3. While visiting a Roman army officer and his family, the apostle Peter spoke of Jesus as having been anointed by God "with holy spirit and power." (Acts 10:38) Shortly afterward, "the holy spirit fell upon" the army officer's household. The account says that many were amazed "because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations." (Acts 10:44,45) Here again, the terms used are inconsistent with the idea of the holy spirit being a person.

It is not unusual for God's Word to personify things that are not a person. These include wisdom, discernment, sin, death and undeserved kindness. (Proverbs 8:1- 9:6; Romans 5:14, 17, 21; 6:12) Jesus himself said that "wisdom is proved righteous by all its children." or its good results. (Luke 7:35) Clearly, wisdom is not a person that has literal children! Likewise, the holy spirit is not a person simply because in some instances it is personified.

Is The Holy Spirit A Person?

What is God's holy spirit? In its opening words, the Bible speaks of the holy spirit-also rendered "God's active force"-as moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) In the account of Jesus' baptism, while God is described as being "in the heavens," the holy spirit appears "descending like a dove" upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17) Additionally, Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper." - John 14:16.

These and other Bible passages have led some to conclude that the holy spirit is a person, just as God, Jesus, and the angels are individual spirit persons. In fact, for centuries some of the most influential religions of Christendom have attributed personality to the holy spirit. Despite this long-standing doctrine, many church members remin confused, and some even disagree with their religious leaders. For instance, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of those interviewed believe that God's presence or power but is not a living entity." What, though, does the Bible say?

Next time: What The Bible Says

You Can Build A Happy Marriage!

True, building a happy marriage is not easy. However, when marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, happiness and security will result. Thus, watch closely the spiritual dimension in your family; have a rock - solid commitment to marriage. And remember that according to the words of Jesus, neither the husband nor the wife receives all the credit for a happy marriage. Rather, the credit primarily goes to the originator of marriage, Jehvoah God. "What God has yoked together let no man put apart." - Matthew 19:6.

What Can Help You To Build A Happy Marriage?

Study God's Word along with your mate regularly, and pray to God for help and guidance in resolving problems. - Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6,7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Confine sexual interest exclusively to your mate.- Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4.

Communicate openly, honestly and lovingly about your problems and differences.- Proverbs 15:22; 20:5; 25:11.

Speak to your mate in a kind, considerate manner; avoid outbursts of anger, nagging and harsh critical remarks. - Proverbs 15:1; 20:3; 21:9; 31:26, 28; Ephesians 4:31, 32.

Humbly apply Bible counsel even if you feel taht your mate is not doing everything he or she should be doing. -Romans 14:12; 1Peter 3:1,2.

Work hard to cultivate the spiritual qualities mentioned in the Bible.- Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 3:12-14; 1Peter 3:3-6.

When Problems Arise

For a building to stand the test of time, a good maintenance program is necessary. When husband and wife regularly support each other in their goals and when they show honor and respect for each other, their marriage is kept strong. Selfishness does not take root, and anger is kept under control.

Deep unresolved anger and frustration can kill love and affection in a marriage. The apostle Paul counseled men: " You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them." (Colossians 3:19) The same principle applies to wives. When spouses strive to be considerate, kind and understanding, they contribute to their happiness and contentment. Avoiding ill-tempered and confrontational behavior helps prevent conflict when difficulties arise. "Become kind to one another," urged Paul, "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another." - Ephesians 4:32.

What if feelings of powerlessness, exasperation, or being underappreciated cause annoyance? In a calm manner, state clearly to your mate the reason for your concern. However, it may be best to let love cover over minor matters. - 1 Peter 4:8.

One husband, who has experienced serveral trials during his marriage of 35 years, says that no matter how angry you may feel toward your mate, you should "never stop talking." He wisely adds, " Don't ever stop loving."

Next time: You Can Build A Happy Marriage

Use Fireproof Materials

For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built. Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future. Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery tests of your loyalty. Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God's laws and genuine faith.

Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God. The exhortation "Let each one keep watching how he is building" can also be applied to marriage. - 1Corinthians 3:10.

Next time:When Problems Arise

Build On A Solid Foundation

Inevitably, stormlike trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage. This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse. However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love. Jesus highlighted the importance of commitment when he said: " No one should separate a couple that God has joined together." (Matthew 19:6 Contemporary English Version) The expression "no one" would include the man and his wife, who have vowed to remain faithful to each other.

Some may view commitment as burdensome, its demands and costs being too great. Today convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone.

What can sustain marital commitment? The apostle Paul wrote: "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies." (Ephesians 5:28, 29) In part, then, being " joined together" means that you feel as concerned about the welfare of your mate as you do about your own. Married people need to shift their thinking from "mine" to "ours," from "me" to "we."

Successfully weathering stormy attacks on your marriage will make you wise. Such acquired wisdom can result in happiness. "Happy is the man that has found wisdom," notes Proverbs 3:13.

Next time: Use Fireproof Materials

Follow The Blueprint Carefully

A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God's blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God's Word. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.... for setting things straight," wrote the apostle Paul. - 2Timothy 3:16.

Husbands and wives can learn a great deal about marriage by considering how Jesus dealt with his disciples. How so? In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most tribulent times. "He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailtokies of his followers. He never demanded them more than they were able to do or give. - John 16:12.

Next time: Build upon A Solid Foundation

How To Build A Happy Marriage

Our Maker, Jehovah God, instituted marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman. Says Genesis 2:18, 22-24 "Jehovah God went on to say: ' It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.' And Jehovah God proceeded to build a rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man. Then the man said: 'This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.' That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.

True, building a lasting, happy marriage is not easy, but it is certainly possible. many couples have been happily married for 50, 60 or more years. How do they do it? They work at their marriage continually and unselfishly to "gain approval" of their mate. (1 Corinthians 7:33, 34) That takes work. If you are willing to invest the time and effort, you too can build a happy marriage, one that will last a long time.

Next time: Follow The Blueprint Carefully

A Hidden Cause Of The Storm

The Bible tells us that Satan the Devil, the epitome of selfishness, has an unseen, increasingly pernicious influence over the world. Why is that so? Because he has been cast down from heaven to the vicinity of the earth and is very angry. Indeed, he is bent on causing as much "woe," or trouble, as possible, and the divine institution of marriage is just one object of Satan's malicious anger. - Revelation 12:9, 12.

Referring to the time after Satan's eviction, Jesus said: " Because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will cool off." (Matthew 24:12)

In a similar vein, the apostle Paul wrote: "[People] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural [or familial] affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." (2 Timothy 3:2-4) These repugnant characteristics have always existed to some extent, but they have become much more pronounced in recent times, as most people readily acknowledge.

In view of the storm battering the institution of marriage, what can we do to shield ourselves and to enjoy a truly happy and lasting marriage?

Next time; How To Build A Happy Marriage

Surging Divorce Rates

Let us look at several countries to see how the popularity of divorce has led to further erosion of marriage. In the United States, according to a recent report, "the number of divorced couples quadrupled between 1970 and 1996." Roughly, 1 in 5 adults has been lashed by the destructive winds of divorce. Who are the most vulnerable to marriage failure? Statistics show that about 60 percent of all divorces occur within the first ten years.

In other countries too, divorce rates have soared. The total number of divorces in England and Wales reached 153,490 in 2004. Australians can expect about 40 percent of their marriages to end in divorce. The republic of Korea saw an increase of 21,800 divorces in just one year - from 2002-2003 - a total of 167,100 couple divorced. Japan, where 1 in every 4 marriages ends in divorce, is now approaching Europe's divorce rate. " Once upon a time it was only the very worst marriages that would end in divorce, " Observed an expert in family studies at the Japan Red Cross University. " Now it has become a simple life style issue."

In many countries long-standing religious institutions and social traditions contributed to marriage stability. However, they can no longer stop the rising tide of social acceptance of divorce. For instance, consider the Roman Catholic Church, where marriage is regarded as something sacred. In 1983 the church relaxed its rules concerning marriage bonds and made it easier for Catholics to end a marriage. Hence, annulments have increased since then.

Obviously, the threads that bind marriage are unraveling. But not all the reasons are obvious. In fact, besides the general breakdown in society, there is another major cause of the increase in failed marriages - one that is hidden from the view of the majority of mankind.

Next time: A Hidden Cause Of The Storm

Altered Perceptions

Perceptions about the nature and purpose of marriage have also changed. You have probably observed a shift in emphasis from loyal and supportive marriage partners to spouses who primarily expect personal fulfillment- often at the expense of their mate.

The transition to this self-centered view of marriage "began in the 1960s and accelerated in the 1970s," states the Journal Of Marriage and Family. Traditional reasons for marriage - such as the desire for love, intimacy, fidelity, children and mutual fulfillment - have weakened.

Several other recent developments have accelerated the transformation of marriage in many lands. First, the traditional roles of the male breadwinner and the female homemaker have changed in many countries. With the entry of women into the paid workplace, there has been a notable rise in the number of dual-career households. Second, childbearing outside marriage is increasingly accepted, leading to more single-parent families. Third, cohabitation as replacement for marriage is growing. Fourth, same sex unions and the movement to legalize them have gained wide approval. Have these modern trends influenced your view of matrimony?

Next time: Surging Divorce Rates

Marriage Under Attack

The attacks on marriage are not new; they go back to the beginning of human history. Qualities and attitudes that developed in our first human parents have led to the marriage crisis we experience today. Adam and Eve sinned whenthey gave in to selfish cravings, and thus "sin entered into the world." (Romans 5:12) The historical record of the Bible states that soon after this, " every inclination of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only bad all the time."- Genesis 6:5.

Not much has changed since then. Among the corrosive inclinations that plague marriage is the uninhibited pusuit of selfish gratification. Marriage itself might seem an outdated institution, no longer viable in a modern world under the spell of a new morality. And the relaxing of laws that regulate the breakup of a marriage has removed most of the stigma once attached to divorce.

Impatient individuals, who seek quick results and instant gratification, give little or no thought to the consequences of divorce. Lured by seductive promises of freedom and independence, they believe that divorce will lead to happiness.

Others when faced with thornlike problems in their relationship turn to therapists and marriage counselors or to books written by such authorities. Sadly, some modern marriage "experts" have proved more adept at promoting divorce than at defending marriage. "For perhaps the first time in human history," states the book, The Case For Marriage, "marriage as an ideal is under a sustained and suprisingly successful attack. Sometimes the attack is direct and ideological, made by 'experts' who believe a lifelong vow of fidelity is unrealistic or oppressive."

Next time:Altered Perceptions

Can Marriage Withstand The Storm?

Homes that looked sturdy were swept off their foundations, their structures ripped to shreds. As monster storms hit large areas around the globe recently, the quality and durability of countless buildings were put to the ultimate test.

A storm of another nature, however, is wreaking havoc on the foundation and structure of the age-old institution of marriage. "For better or worse, marriage has been displaced from its pivotal position in personal and social life," states family historian Stephanie Coontz.

Can you see the affects of such a trend? Do you feel that marrian is losing its honored place in society? If so, why is this happening? And what hope does anyone have of securing or maintaining a happy marriage? First, though, what is putting marriage in danger?

Next time: Marriage Under Attack

Give Back To Jehovah

Because we recognize Jehovah as the Giver of every good gift, our hearts are stirred to express appreciation for the blessings we receive. How can we do that? One way is by helping others to enjoy these same blessings. (Matthew 28:19) In over 230 lands, Jehovah's Witnesses are busy to do just that. As they do so, they expend their limited personal resources - time, energy and material possessions- to assist others to "come to an accurate knowledge of truth." - Timothy 2:4.

Consider the pioneers living in Glendale, California U.S.A. Every Saturday morning, they travel about 65 miles round-trip to visit a federal detention center. Even though they can spend no more than a few hours on each visit with the prisoners, they are not discouraged. One of them says: " It is so rewarding to serve in this unque territory. We are doing it with much joy. We have so many interested ones that it is hard to keep up. Presently, we are studying with five people, and four others have requested a Bible study."

Zealous Christian ministers are happy to offer their services free of charge to perform this lifesaving work. They reflect the attitude of Jesus, who said: " You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:8) Millions around the world are engaged in similar unselfish service, and as a result, crowds of honesthearted ones are responding and are becoming disciples. In the past five years alone, nearly 1.7 million have dedicated their lives to Jehovah. Caring for the needs of this ongoing expansion requires the production of Bibles and Bible-based publications as well as the building of new Kingdom Halls and other meeting places. Where does the money to supply these needs come from? Entirely from voluntary donations.

Because of the poor economic conditions in some parts of the world, many struggle to provide the bare necessities of life for their families. According to the magazine New Scientist, one billion people spend at least 70 percent of their household income on food. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters are in that situation. Without help from fellow believers, they simply could not afford such things as Christian publications or suitable Kingdom Halls.

Of course, that does not mean that such ones are content to let others carry their load. But they need assistance. Moses, when encouraging the Israelites to make material contributions as a way of thanking Jehovah for their blessings, said: " The gift of each one's hand should be in proportion to the blessing of Jehovah your God that he has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:17) Hence, when Jesus saw a widow contribute "two small coins of very little value" in the temple, he praised her to his disciples. She did what she could. (Luke 21:2, 3) Similarly, Christians in poorer circumstances do what they can. And if there is a deficiency, it can be supplied by contributions from fellow Christians who are not so materially poor. - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.

When we give back to God in such ways, it is important that we have the right motive. (2 Corinthians 8:12) Paul said: " Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver ." (2 Corinthians 9:7) By giving freely from the heart, we both support the theocratic expansions that is now taking place and increase our own joy. - Acts 20:35.

Sharing in the preaching work and making voluntary contributions are two ways that we can give to Jehovah in return for the blessings he has given us. And how encouraging it is to know that Jehovah wishes to bestow his blessing upon many more sincere ones, who presently may not know him! (2 Peter 3:9) Let us, therefore, continue to use our resources in God's service so as to find honest-hearted ones and assist them to develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation. That way, we will have the joy of helping them to "taste and see that Jehovah is good." - Psalm 34:8.

Present-Day Blessings

These accounts demonstrate that the lives of those who serve God are truly meaningful. As Jehovah's people develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation of spiritual things, they are richly blessed.

How are we blessed? Well, while millions within the Christendom suffer from spiritual famine, we can be "radiant over the goodness of Jehovah." (Jeremiah 31:12) Through Jesus Christ and "the faithful and discreet slave," Jehovah has provided a bountiful supply of spiritual food that helps us to remain on "the road leading off into life." (Matthew 7:13, 14; 24:45; John 17:3) Association with our Christian brotherhood is another rich blessing. At meetings and on other occasions, being with fellow worshipers who demonstrate love and who earnestly endeavor to put on "the new personality" is a source of great happiness. (Colossians 3:8-10; Psalm 133:1) However, our greatest blessing is the precious privilege of having a personal relationship with Jehovah God and of following in the footsteps of his Son, Christ Jesus. - Romans 5:1, 8; Philippians 3:8.

Reflecting on such blessings, we realize how precious our service is to God really is. Perhaps we think of Jesus' parable of a traveling merchant who sought out fine pearls. Jesus said of this man. " Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:46) Surely that is how we feel about our relationship with God, our privilege of serving him, our Christian association, our Christian hope, and all other blessings related to our faith. There is nothing more precious in our lives.

Next time: Give Back To Jehovah

Jehovah Blesses His Servants

Noah was an outstanding servant of God. At Genesis 6:8, we read: "Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah." Why? Because Noah was obedient. The account says: " Noah walked with the true God." Noah upheld Jehovah's righteous principles and obeyed his commands. At a time when the world had sunk into violence and depravity, Noah was move "to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so." (Genesis 6:9, 22) As a result, Jehovah directed him to construct "an ark for the saving of [Noah's] household." (Hebrew 11:7) In this way, Noah and his family- and through them the human race-survived the destruction of that generation. And Noah died with the hope of being resurrected to the prospect of eternal life on a paradise earth. What rich blessings he received!

Abraham too had qualities that pleased Jehovah. Foremost among these was faith. (Hebrews 11:8-10) Abraham left a comfortable life in Ur and later in Haran because he had faith in Jehovah's promise that his seed would become many and be a blessing for all nations. (Genesis 12:2,3)Despite long years of testing, his faith was rewarded when his son Isaac was born. Through him, Abraham became the ancestor of God's chosen nation, Israel, and eventually of the Messiah. (Romans 4:19-21) Moreover, he is "the father of all those having faith," and he came to be called "Jehovah's friend," (Romans 4:11; James 2:23; Galatians 3:7, 29) What a meaningful life he lived, and how richly he was blessed!


Consider, too, the faithful man Moses. Outstanding among his qualities was his appreciation of spiritual things. Moses turned his back on all the riches of Egypt and "continued steadfast as seeing the one who is invisible." ( Hebrews 11:27) After 40 years in Midian, he returned to Egypt as an old man and stood up to the greatest power of the time, Pharaoh, to demand freedom for his brothers. (Exodus 7:1-7) He saw the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of Pharaoh's armies. Jehovah used him to give the Law to Israel and to mediate his covenant with the new nation. For 40 years, Moses led the nation of Israel in the wilderness. His life had a real purpose, and he enjoyed wonderfully rich blessings of service.

Next time: Present -Day Blessings

"The Blessings Of Jehovah - That Is What Makes Rich"

All of us want to be blessed. The American Heritage College Dictionary says that blessings promote "happiness, well-being, or prosperity." Since Jehovah is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present," every real, lasting blessing originates with our Loving Creator. (James 1:17) He showers blessings upon all mankind, even upon those who do not know him. Jesus said of his Father: " He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) However, Jehovah shows special concern for those who love him.-Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Job 1:1; 42:12.

The psalmist wrote: " Jehovah himself will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness." (Psalm 84:11) Yes, those who serve Jehovah have rich, meaningful lives. They know that "the blessing of Jehovah-that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it." The Bible also says: " Those being blessed by [Jehovah] will themselves possess the earth." (Proverbs 10:22; Psalm 37:22, 29) What a blessing that will be!

How can we receive Jehovah's blessing? For one thing, we need to cultivate qualities that are pleasing to him. (Deuteronomy 30:16, 19, 20; Micah 6:8) We see this in the example of three of Jehovah's servants in ancient times.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses His Servants

"Long-Suffering Toward All"

Jehovah's long-suffering toward mankin places us under a moral obligation to "be long-suffering toward all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) This means being patient with non-witness family members, neighbors,colleagues at work and classmates. Many prejudices have been overcome by Witnesses who, sometimes for many years, put up with sarcastic remarks or outright opposition from people with whom they associated at work or at school. (Colossians 4:5, 6) The apostle Peter wrote: " Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection." - 1Peter 2:12.

Jehovah's long-suffering will mean salvation for millions. (2 Peter3:9, 15) IF we imitate Jehovah's love and long-suffering, we will patiently continue preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and teaching others to submit to Christ's Kingdom rule. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 13:10)

If we were to stop preaching, it would be as if we wanted to limit Jehovah's long-suffering and failed to recognize its purpose, which is to bring people to repentance.- Romans 2:4.

In his letter to Christians in Colossae, Asia Minor, Paul wrote: " That is also why from the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God, being made powerful with all power to the extent of his glorious might so as to endure fully and be long-suffering with joy." - Colossians 1:9-11.

Jehovah's continued long-suffering, or patience, will not be a test to us if we are "filled with the accurate knowledge of his will," which is that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1Timothy 2:4) We will "go on bearing fruit in every good work," particularly that of preaching "this good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14)

If we faithfully continue to do this, Jehovah will make us "powerful with all power," enabling us "to fully endure and be long-suffering with joy." So doing, we will "walk worthily of Jehovah," and we will have the peace that comes from knowing that we are "fully pleasing him."

May we be thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of Jehovah's long-suffering. It works for our salvation and for the salvation of those who listen to our preaching and teaching. (1Timothy 4:16) Cultivating the fruitage of the spirit-love, kindness, goodness, mildness and self-control-will enable us to be joyfully long-suffering. We will be better able to live at peace with members of our family as well as with our brothers and sisters, within the congregation. Long-suffering will also help us to be patient with our workmates or schoolmates. And our long-suffering will have a purpose, that of saving wrongdoers and of glorifying the God of long-suffering , Jehovah.

Clothed With Long-Suffering

The apostle Paul likened long-suffering and other Godly qualities to garments that the Christian should put on after stripping off practices characteristic of "the old personality." (Colossians 3:5-10) He wrote: " As God's chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowlines of mind, mildness, and long-suffering. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union."- Colossians 3:12-14.

When members of a congregation 'clothe themselves' with compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, long-suffering and love, they are able to resolve problems and go forward unitedly in Jehovah's service. Christian overseers in particular need to be long-suffering. There may be times when they need to reprove another Christian, but there are different ways of doing this. Paul described the best attitude when he wrote to Timothy: "Reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all long-suffering and art of teaching." (2Timothy 4:2) Yes, Jehovah's sheep should always be treated with long-suffering, dignity and tenderness. - Matthew 7:12; 11:28; Acts 20:28, 29; Romans 12:10.