Imitate Jesus' Courage and Discernment

IMITATE JESUS' COURAGE

How can we imitate Jesus in showing courage? At  school. Young ones, you prove yourselves courageous when you readily identify yourselves as Witnesses of Jehovah, even if doing so means being teased by classmates or others. You thereby show that you are proud  to bear Jehovah's name.  (Read Psalm 86:12) You may face pressure to accept evolution as a fact.  But you have sound reasons to be confident of your Bible-based belief in creation. You can use the brochure The Origin of Life-Five Questions Worth Asking to give a convincing  answer to those who want to know "a reason for the hope you have." (1 Peter 3:15) Then you will find satisfaction in knowing that you have upheld the truth of God's Word. 

In our ministry. As true Christians, we need to keep "speaking with boldness by the authority of Jehovah." (Acts 14:3) What reasons do we have to preach with boldness, or courage?  We know that what we preach is the truth because it is based on the Bible.  (John 17:17) We recognize that "we are God's fellow workers" and that we have backing of holy spirit.  (1 Corinthians 3:9; Acts 4:21)  We understand that by witnessing zealously, we demonstrate our devotion to Jehovah and our love for our neighbor.  (Matthew 22:37-39) Imbued with courage, we will not be silenced. On the contrary, we are determined to expose the religious lies that bind people to the truth.  (2 Corinthians 4:4) And we will persevere in preaching the good news despite apathy, ridicule, or opposition. -1 Thessalonians  2:1, 2. 

In the face of suffering. Trusting in God gives us the faith and courage to face adversities. If a loved one dies, we grieve, but we do not lose hope. We confidently look to "the God of all comfort"  for strength.  (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13)  If we face serious illness or injury, we may suffer pain, but we do not compromise. We refuse any treatment that conflicts with Bible principles.  (Acts 15:28, 29) If we become depressed, "our hearts may condemn us, "but because we trust in the God who "is close to the brokenhearted," we do not give up." -1 John 3:19, 20; Psalm 34:18. 

Next time Imitate Jesus' Courage and Discernment -JESUS IS DISCERNING

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015