"The Love the Christ Has Compels Us" - LOVE FOR CHRIST MOVES US TO BE COURAGEOUS

 On the night before he died, Jesus told his disciples: "In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world." (Read John 16:32, 33.) What helped Jesus to face his enemies with courage and to remain faithful  until death?  He relied on Jehovah.  Knowing that his followers would face similar tests, Jesus asked Jehovah to watch over them.  (John 17:11) Why does this give us courage?  Because Jehovah is stronger than any of our enemies.  (1 John 4:4) Nothing escapes his notice.  We are convinced that if we rely on Jehovah, we can overcome our fears and show courage. 

Consider the example of Joseph of Arimathea.  We was well-regarded by  Jewish society.  He was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court. However, during Jesus' earthly ministry, Joseph was anything but courageous. John said that he was "a disciple of Jesus but a secret one because of his fear of the Jews." (John 10:38)  Although Joseph was interested  in the Kingdom message, he hid from others that he had faith in Jesus.  No doubt he was afraid that he would lose his prestigious position in the community.  Whatever the case, the Bible tells us that after Jesus died, Joseph finally "took courage and went in before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus." (Mark 15:42, 43) Joseph's support of Jesus was now no longer a secret!

Can you relate to Joseph's fear of man? At school or at work, do you sometimes feels embarrassed to identify yourself as one of Jehovah's Witnesses? Are you putting off because a publisher or getting baptized because you worry about others think  of you? Do not let such feelings stop you from doing what you know is right.  Pray fervently to Jehovah. Ask him to  give you the courage to do his will. As you see how Jehovah answers  your prayers, you will become stronger and more courageous.

Next time: "The Love Of Christ Compels Us"- JOY MOVES US TO SERVE JEHOVAH WITHOUT LETUP

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