How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU BRING HONOR TO JEHOVAH? - Continue

 Read Romans 13:13. If you choose to have a wedding reception, how can you prevent it from reflecting the spirit of the world? The Greek word rendered "wild parties" referred to gatherings that included overdrinking and music that went late into the night. (See "wild parties" study note on Romans 13:13.) If you choose to serve alcoholic beverages, take precautions to ensure that no one drinks too much. If there is music, keep the volume at a level that will allow your guests to enjoy conversation. Carefully review the genre of music as well as the lyrics so that no one will be stumbled. 

Will you have short comments from other, slideshows, video, or other types of entertainment at your reception? These can often add something special to the day. However, make sure that what is presented will be upbuilding. (Philippians 4:8) Ask yourself: 'Will it show respect for others? Will it dignify the marriage arrangement?' And more important, ask yourself: 'Will it honor Jehovah?' Although some humor may be fitting, avoid anything inappropriate, such as making sexually suggestive references. (Ephesians 5:3) Ensure that family members and friends who will say a few words understand and respect your wishes. 

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - HOW CAN YOU HONOR JEHOVAH?

 The Bible does not provide a list of rules about Christian wedding ceremonies or any receptions that may follow. There is room of different circumstance, customs, and preferences. True worshippers also respect legal requirements provided by Caesar. (Matthew 22:21) Still, a wedding that is organized according to Bible principles will honor Jehovah and make him happy. So, what principes should you keep in mind? 

Comply with legal requirements. (Romans 13:1, 2) In most countries, a couple must satisfy legal requirements before getting married. The coupe should find out what there are where they live. If you have questions on how to go about doing so, feel free to ask the elders for help. 

Create the right atmosphere. (1 Corinthians 10:31, 32) Strive to have an atmosphere that reflects the fruitage of God's spirit rather than the spirit of the world. (Galatians 5:19-26) In line with the Scriptural principle of headship, the groom is responsible for making sure that the wedding is a happy and dignified event. What can help to that end? A Bible based wedding talk, delivered with love, warmth, and dignity builds appreciation for God's marital arrangement. All in attendance can benefit because the talk will help underscore the seriousness of the occasion. Accordingly, most Christian couples choose to have the ceremony at the Kingdom Hall, if possible. If you wish to use a Kingdom Hall, you should submit a written request to the body of elders well in advance. 

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - WHY HONOR JEHOVAH?

 Couples who are planning a Christian wedding should do so in harmony with principles that Jehovah has outlined in his Word. Why/ Because Jehovah is the Originator of marriage. He arranged for the very first wedding-the one that joined Adam and Eve in matrimony. (Genesis 1:28; 2:24) So God's thinking should be foremost on the minds of those who are planning a wedding. 

You have a significant reason to consider Jehovah's thinking on your wedding day: He is your heavenly Father and your best Friend. (Hebrews 12:9) You undoubtedly want that to continue to be true. You never want anything to happen on that day or any other day that would hurt your Friend. (Psalm 25:14) When you consider everything that Jehovah has done for you, would you not agree that he deserves honor at your wedding? - PSALM 116:12.

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How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah

 "Let all things take place decently and by arrangement." - 1 CORINTHIANS 14:40. 

ARE you engaged to be married? If so, congratulations! You are likely quite involved in planning your wedding. Jehovah is interested in your marriage. He wants to enjoy your wedding day and have a happy future together. - PROVERBS 5:18; SONG OF SOLOMON 3:11. 

Jehovah deserves to be shown honor at your wedding. Why can we say that? And how can you do so? Although this article is primarily addressed to couples who are preparing for their wedding, the principles discussed can help all of us to honor Jehovah if attend a wedding or we are asked for observations on the plans being made.

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH DIGNIFIES LOWLY ONES - Conclusion

How can we imitate Jehovah? We dignify people when we share the good news with all who listen, regardless of their background, skin color, or level of education. And we dignify our brothers and sisters when we consider them superior to us, regardless of any abilities or privileges we may have. (Philippians 2:3) Jehovah is pleased when we humbly "take the lead" in showing honor to one another in these and in other ways. - ROMANS 12:10; Zephaniah 3:12. 

As we strive to imitate our loving heavenly Father's humility, we will become more approachable, more reasonable, and more patient. And we will dignify others, as Jehovah does. May our efforts to draw closer to our humble God make each of us more precious in his eyes! - ISAIAH 43:4. 

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH DIGNIFIES LOWLY ONES

 Read Psalm 138:6. What an honor it is for humble ones to be acknowledged by the Sovereign of the universe! Consider just a few examples of lowly people whom Jehovah has dignified over the centuries. Some of them might not readily come to mind, but they are included in the Bible record. Jehovah inspired Moses to record the name of a nurse named Deborah, who lived during the time of the patriarchs. She served faithfully both Isaac's and Jacob's household for a total of some 125 years! Though not much is known about this loyal woman, Jehovah made sure to note in the inspired record how beloved she was. (Genesis 24:59; 35:8, ftn.) Centuries later, Jehovah raised up David, a shepherd boy, and made him king of the nation of Israel. (2 Samuel 22:1, 36) Shortly after Jesus was born, God sent angels to honor humble shepherds by letting them be the first to know that in nearby Bethlehem the future Messiah had been born. (Luke 2:8-11) And when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple, Jehovah dignified elderly Simeon and Anna pointing out his Son to them. (Luke 2:25-40. 36-38) Yes, "though Jehovah is high, he takes note of the humble"! 

Jesus imitates his Father. Like his Father, Jesus dignified humble people. He taught "uneducated and ordinary" people truths about the Kingdom of God. (Acts 4:13; Matthew 11:25) Jesus also healed the sick and treated them in ways that restored not only their health but also their dignity. (Luke 5:13) On the final night before his death, Jesus took on the role of a servant by washing his apostle's feet. (John 13:5) And prior to ascending to heaven, he dignified all his humble followers, present and future. by giving them the most important work any human can have-helping other to gain everlasting life. - MATTHEW 28:19, 20. 

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS PATIENT

 Jesus imitates his Father.  For thousands of years, Jesus has imitated Jehovah's patience. Jesus has watched Satan slander both Jehovah and faithful humans. (Genesis 3:4, 5; Job 1:11; Revelation 12:10) Jesus has also witnessed unspeakable suffering. Imagine how much he must long "to break up the works of the Devil"! (1 John 3:8) What helps Jesus to wait patiently for Jehovah's approval to destroy the Devil's works completely? For one thing, Jesus' humility moves him to leave the timing of mattes where they rightly belong-in Jehovah's hands. - ACTS 1:7.  

When on earth, Jesus was also patient with his apostles. For example, when the apostles argued time again over who was the greatest, Jesus did not throw up his hands in despair. Instead, he continued to be patient. (Lukw 9:46; 22:24-27) He trusted that in time they would make the needed changes. Have you repeatedly made the same mistake? If so, are you not gratefully to have such a humble and patient King ruling over  you?

How can we imitate Jehovah? When we develop "the mind of Christ," we put ourselves in the best position to think and act like Jehovah. (1 Corinthians 2:16) How can we better understand Christ's mind? Ther is no shortcut on how the accounts we read reveal Jesus' thinking on mattes. And without a doubt, we must ask Jehovah to help us reflect Jesus' humble of thinking. As we develop the mind of Christ, we will become more like God by showing greater patience both with ourselves and with our fellow believers. - MATTHEW  18:26-30, 35. 

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS PATIENT

      You have probably noted that proud people do not like to be kept waiting. Pride makes them impatient. What a contrast that is to Jehovah, who is the epitome of patience! For instance, in the days of Noah, Jehovah stated that He would wait 120 years before destroying the wicked. (Genesis 6:3) Noah had time to raise his children and build the ark with the help of his family. Later, Jehovah's angelic representative listened patiently as Abraham questioned him about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A proud person might have responded, 'How dare you question me!' But in imitation of Jehovah, that angel was patient with Abraham. - GENESIS 18:20-33. 

Jehovah is humbly showing patience in our time too. He is waiting for his set time to arrive and bring the end. Why is he patient?  "Because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." (Read 2 Peter 3:9.) Has Jehovah's patience been in vain? No! Millions of righthearted ones have drawn close to him. And we hope many millions more will yet do so. Nonetheless, Jehovah's patience has limits. Jehovah loves his people, but he is not permissive. He will not let wickedness continue forever. - HABBAKUK 2:3. 

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS REASONABLE - Conclusion

 Jehovah imitates his Father. While on earth, Jesus did not withhold good from others when it was reasonable to help them. For example, He healed people on the Sabbath despite the objections of his hardhearted opposers. (Read Mark 3:1-6.) Jesus continues to be reasonable as the head of the congregation. For instance, when someone in the congregation commits a serious sin, he is patient with him, giving him ample opportunity to correct his course. - REVELATION 2:2-5. 

How can we imitate Jehovah? We must humbly work to cultivate Jehovah's reasonable way of thinking and acting.  (James 3:17) For example, reasonable parents, while not permissive, do not expect more from their children than the young ones can give. That is well-illustrated by Jacob, as seen in the account found at Genesis 33:12-14. Humble and reasonable parents should also try to avoid unfairly comparing one child with another. Christian elders too must be reasonable. One way we can do this is by yielding to the decision of the majority on the body when doing so does not violate Bible principles. (1 Timothy 3:2, 3) And all of us can try to understand the viewpoint of others even if we see things differently. (Romans 14:1) Yes, everyone in the congregation should strive to let his "reasonableness become known to all men." - PHILIPPIANS 4:5. 

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS REASONABLE

 Many proud people are unreasonable in their dealings with others. But because Jehovah is humble, he is reasonable, or yielding-even though he is superior to everyone in every way. Consider how he dealt with Moses' sister Miriam, She, along with Aaron, murmured against Moses, who was Jehovah's representative. So Miriam was, in essence, showing disrespect for Jehovah. As a result, Jehovah was furious with Miriam and struck her with leprosy. But when Aaron pleaded in her behalf and Moses begged Jehovah to heal his sister, how God respond? God did not proudly hold to the judgment he had brought on her. Because Jehovah is humble, he yielded by healing Miriam. - NUMBERS 12:1-15. 

Jehovah also showed humility in his dealings with King Hezekiah. By means of his prophet, Jehovah informed the king that he was going to die. Hezekiah tearfully begged Jehovah to heal him. In response, Jehovah added 15 years to the king's life. (2 Kings 20:1, 5, 6) Yes, humility moves Jehovah to be compassionate and yielding. 

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