HELP FOR THE FAMILY /PARENTING -How to Communicate With Your Teenager

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

When possible, have casual chates.  Take advantage of informal moments. For example, some parents have found that teenagers are more apt to open up while doing chores or while riding in the car, when they are side-by-side with a parent than face-to-face. - Bible principle: DEUTERONOMY 6:6, 7.

Keep it brief.  You do not have to argue every issue to the bitter end. Instead, make your point . . . and then stop.  Most of your message will be "heard" by your teenager later, when he's alone and can ponder over what you've said.  Give him a chance to do so. -Bible principle: PROVERBS 1:1-4.

Listen-and be flexible.  Listen carefuly-without interrupting-so that you can get the full scope of the problem. When replying, be reasonable. If you rigidly adhere to rules, your teen will be tempted to look for loopholes.  "This is when kids live two lives,' warns the book Stayibg Connected to the Teenager.  "The one in which they tell their parents what they want to hear and the one in which they do as they plese once they are out of their parents' sight." - Bible principle: PHILIPPIAS 4:5.

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY /PARENTING -How to Communicate With Your Teenager -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING

 

How to Communicate With Your Teenager

THE CHALLENGE

As a child, he talked to you about everything.  As a teenager, he tells you nothing.  When you try to converse, he either gives you clipped responses or ignites an argument that turns your home ground into a battleground.

 You can learn to talk to your teenager.  First, though, two factors that may contriburte to the challenge.

WHY IT HAPPENS

The quest for independence.  To become a responsible adult, your teenager must, in a figurative sense, gradually move from the passenger seat to the driver's seat and learn to navigate life's treacherous roadways.  Of course, some teenagers want more freedom than they should have; on the other hand, some parents grant them less freedom than they could.   The tug-of-war  that may result can create considerable turmoil for parents and teens.  "My parents try to micromanage every aspect of my life," complains 16-year-old Brad.  If they don't gie me more freedom by the tme I turn 18, I'm moving out!

Abstract thinkin. Young children ten to think in concrete, black-and-white terms, but many teenagers can perceive the gray areas of a matter.  This is an important aspect of abstract thinking, and it helps a young person develop a sound judgmwent.  Consider an example:  To a child the concept of fairness seems simple: 'Mom broke a cookie in two and gave half to me and half to my brother.'  In this case, fairness is reduced to a mathematical formula.  Teenagers, however, realize that the concept is not that simple. After all, fair treatment is not always equal, and equal treatment is not always fair.  Abstract thinkin allows your teenager to grapple with such complex issues.  The downside? It can also cause him to grapple with you.  

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY /PARENTING - How to Communicate With Your Teenager

From the jw.org publications

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK /Do Manners Really Matter?

 

How can I help others?

Would you like the joy that comes from helping others?  Here are just a few suggestions.

* Vacuum, do the dishes, or clean a room-without being asked

* Cook a meal

*Write a card of appreciation to your parents

*Help a sibling  with his or her schoolwork

To help those outside your family:

* Send a card to someonee who is not well

* Do yard work for an elderly neighbor

* Visit someone who is housebound

* Buy a gift for someone who is going through a difficult time

Tip: Try to come up with a few ideas of your own.  Then make it your goal to help out one person this week.  You might be surprised how good you will feel 

"When you help others, you end up happy. You feel that you really accomplished somehthing, and your see that others appreciate it.  You may have had fun doing it-although at first you didn't think you would.  What you did may not feel like a sacrifice, because in the end you gained so much." -Alana.

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING - How to Communicate With Your Teenager

From the  jw.org publications

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/ Do Manners Really Matter?

 

Young people who care

Young people who care about others are everywhere! Consider some examples. 

"Sometimes when I just want to sit on the couch and watch TV, I think about my mom and dad, wo are working, and how tired they are going to be when they come home.  So I get up and wash the dishes, vacuum and dust. I'll also make a pot of coffee because my parents love coffee. When my mom gets  home, she says, 'Oh, it looks nice in here! And it smell good too.  Thank you so much Sweetie!  It always makes me feel good to do something nice like that for my mom and dad." - Casey.

"My parents have always supported me, providing me with everything I need.  So when they had a major problem with the car last year, I wrote a check to have it repaired, even though it was a large part of my savings . If course, they tried to refuse my offer, but I wouldn't take no for an answer.  My parents deserved so much more than even that.  And it felt great to be generous and give them something." -Holly

Did you know? Many young people among Jehovah's Witnesses have experience the joy of helping others through their Bible education work.  Some have even moved to a foreign land where there is need for Bible teachers.

"I moved from the United States to Mexico to help teach the Bible. Sometimes it is difficult to be generous with money or things because I don't really have much to give.  But I've found that when I give of my time and energy in the ministry, that's more appreciated than just giving materially." - Evan. 

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK / Do Manners Really Matter? - How can I help others

From the jw.org publications

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK / Why Should I Help Others

 

Two secrets that many people don't know

Secret #1:  When you give, you are likely to get back! 

Note: But you should give in order to get something back, that is as bad as not helping at all.  You should give because you want to, not because you might get somthing back.  That is about as self-centered as you can get. They should have mentioned that here.  But they didn't, so I will. That is how I was brought up to do it out of kindness without expecting anything in return.

People will notice that you are generous.  As a result, they'll probably be generous to you.  The Bible puts it this way: 

"Practice giving, and people give to you. . . .With the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return."  -LUKE 6:38. 

"They way you treat others is the way you will be treated." - LUKE 6:38, Contemporary English Version.

Secret #2:   When you help others, you help yourself!

Doing good things for others boosts your self-respect and makes you feel the satisfaction that comes from giving.  The Bible puts it this way:

"There is more happiness than there is in receiving." - ACTS 20:35.

"When you spread a feast, invite poor people, crippled, lame, blind, and you will always be happy because they have nothing in which to repay  you." - LUKE 4:13, 14.

Next time:YOUN G PEOPLE ASK / Why Should I Help Others - Young People Who Care

From the jw.org publications

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/ Do Manners Really Matter?

 

How to improve.

1. Take 'a manners inventory.'  Ask yourself such questions as:  Do I address adults respectfully?  How often do I say "please."  "thank you," or "excuse me"?  Am I distracted when talking with others -perhaps even reading and reponding to text messages?  Do I treat my  parents and siblings with respect, or do I take liberties just because "they're family"? 

The Bible says: "In showing honor to one another, take the lead." -ROMANS 12:10.

2. Set goals.  Write down three areas in which you could improve.  For example, 15-year-old Allison says that she needs "to be a good listener rather than a good talker."  David , 19, says he needs to work on not texting while with family or friends."  "Its disresctful," he says.  "I'm basically tell ing them that I would rather talk to someone else than talk to them."  Edward, 17, says  that he needs to stop interrupting others, as they speak. And Jennifer, quoted earlier, had resolved to work on her manners with elderly ones.  "I uses to say a quick "hello"  and then find a reason to move on to my young friends," she says.  But now I've made an effort to get to know them. It has helped me to improve my manners a lot!" 

The Bible says: "Look out no only for your own interests, but also for the interest of others. - PHILIPPIANS 2:4.

3. Monitor your progress.  For a month, track your speech or conduct in the areas in which you want improvement.  At the end of the month ask yourself: "How has my being mannerly made me a better person?  In what areas do I still need to improve?  Set new goals accordingly.  

The Bibld says: "Do unto others as you would themt to do unto you." - LUKE 6:31.

DId you know?  What is considered mannerly in one land could be considered rude in another.  For example, in Japan it is customary for people to remove their shoes before entering a home.  In other lands, theat gesture might be considered impolite. What manners are expected where you live?

WHAT YOUR PEERS SAY

Selena

"When you show good manners, that's usually the first thing people notice-and appreciate.  You'll also feel good about yourself because you know that you are doing he right thing.

Megan

"If you're unmannerly, people won't take you seriously.  But if you act considerately,  people will treat you with the same respect that you show them."

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK /Why Should I Help Others? 

From the jw.org publications

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/ Do Manners Really Matter?

 

What You Should Know About Manners

Good maners can  improve the following three areas of your life.

1. Your reputation. How you treat people makes an impression, for good or bad. If you are mannerly, people will likely view you as mature and responsible-and they'll treat you accordingly! If you are rude, however, people will conclude that you are interested only in yourself and you could end up being bypass3ed for employment and other opportunities  As the Bible sats, "the cruel person bring disgrace on himself." - PROVERBS 11:17.

2. Your social life.  The Bible says: "Clothe yourself with love, for it is a perfect bond of union." (Colossians 3:14)  That is certainly true when it comes to friendship.  People are draw to thos3e who are mannerly and who treat them well.  After all, who would want to be in the company who of someone who is rude or obnoxious?

3. The way people treat you.  "If you are always polite," says a young woman named Jennifer, "over time, you may see improvement in the way even the most consistently rude people respond to you."  Of course,  if you are rude, you may get the opposite response.  The Bible says: "With the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you." - MATTHEW 7:2.

The bottom lie:  Social interaction is a part of daily life.  How you handle it can affect how people view you and treat you.  Put simply, your manners really matter!

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK / Do Manners Really Matter? - How to Improve

From the jw.org publicaytions

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/Do Manners Reall/y Matter?

 

'People don't open the door for me; why should I do it for them?

'Aren't the+re more important things  to worry about than saying "Please," thank you," and "excuse me"? 

'I don't need to show manners to my siblings. We're family.'

Do any of these statements sound like something you would say? If so, you could be missing out on the benefits of showing manners!

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/Do Manners Really Matter? - What You Should Know About Manners

From the jw.org publications

Raising Considerate Childen in a Me-First World

 

3 Overproviding

The problem.  In a survey of young adults, 81 percent dais that the most important goal of other generations is to become rich'-rating it far above helping others. but striving for wealthy does not being contentment.  In fact, research indicates that people who focus on material things are less happy and more depressed.  They also have a higher rate of physical and mental problems.

What is behind it?  In some cases, children are being raised in materialistic families.  "Parents want  to make their children happy, and children want stuff," says the book The Narcissism Epidemic.  "Thus parents buy them stuff. And children are happy, but only for a short period of time.  Then they want even more stuff.

Of course, the advertising industry has been all too eager to exploit this hungry consumer market.  It promises such ideas as "You deserve the best' and 'Because you're worth it.'  Many young adults have devoured the message and are not in debt, unable to pay for things they "deserve." 

What the Bible says.  The Bible acknowledges the need for money. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)  At the same time, it warns that "the love of money is a root  of all evil (all sorts of injurious things) It adds: "By reaching out for this love, some . . .have stabbed themselves all over with many pains." (1 Timothy 6:10) The Bible enourages us, not to pursue material riches, but to be content with the basic necessities of life. - 1 TIMOTHY 6:7, 8. 

"Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptaion and a snare and many senseless and heartfelt desires."- 1 TIMOTHY 6:9. 

What  you can do.  As a parent, examine your own attitude toward money and the things  it can buy.  Keep your priorities  straight, and help your children to do the same.  The Narcisssism Epidemic, quoted earlier, suggests: "Parents and children can start discussions on such topics as  'When is buying things on sale a good idea?  When  is it a bad idea?'  'What's an interest rate? 'When hae you bought something because somebody else thought you should?' 

Be careful not to use "stuff" as a drung to cover over family issues that need to be addressed.  "Throwong material goods at problmes is a notoriously unsuccessful solution," says the book The Price of Privilege.  "Problems need to be addressed with thought, insight, and empathy., not shoes and purses." 

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/Do Manners Really Matter? 

From the jw.org publications  

Raising Considerate Children in a Me-First World

 

2 Overprotecting

The problem. Many young adults entering the workforce seem ill-prepared to cope with adversity.  Some are devastated by the slightest criticism .  Others are finicky and will accept only work that meets their highest expectations.  For example, Escaping Adolescence, Dr. Joseph Allen tells of a young man who said to him during a job interview: "I get the sense that  sometimes parts of the job can be a little boring, and I don't want to be bored."  Dr. Allen writes: "He didn't seem to understand tha tall jobs have some boring elements.  How did one make it to age  twenty-three without knowing that?" 

What is behind it.  In recent decades, many parents have felt compelled to protect theiir children from any type of adversity.  Your daughter failed a test? Intervene and demand that the teacher raise the grade. Your son receive a traffic ticket? Paythe fine for him.  A failed romance? Lay all the blame on the other person. 

While it is natural to want to protect your childlren, overprotecting them can send the worng message-tha they do not need to take responsibility for their actions."Instead of learning thaty they can survive pain and disappointment, and even learn from it," says the book Positive Discipline for Teenagers, "[such] children grow up extremely self-centered, convinced that the world and their parents owe them something." 

What the Bile says.  Adversity is a part of life. In fact, the Bible says: "Bad things happen to everyone!"  (Ecclesiastes 9:11, Easy-to-read Version) That includes good people. The Christian apostle Paul, for example, endured all manner of hardship during the course of his ministry.  Yet, facing up to adversity benefited him!  He wrote: "I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be self-sufficient. . . . I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, bot how to have an abundance and how to suffer want." - PHILIPPIANS 4:11,12.

What you can do.  Taking into account the maturitylevel of your children, strive to follow the Bible principle: "We each need carry our own load." (Galatians 6:5, CEV) If your son receives a traffic ticket, it might be best  to let him pay the fine out of his allowance or salary.  If your fails a test, perhaps tha tshould be a wake-up call to her so that next time she will be better prepared. If your son experiences a breakup of a romance, comfort him-but at the appropriate time help him to reflect on questions such as. "in hindsight, has this experience revealed any ways in which I need to grow?  Children who work through their problems builds a resilence and self-confidence-assets they might lack if someone was constantly rescuing them. 

Next time: Raising Considerate Children in a Me-First World- Continue

From the jw.org publications

Raising Considerate Children in a Mer-First World -Continue

 

1 Overpraising

What the Bible says.  The Bibler acknowledges that praise is appropriate when it is deserved, (Matthew 25:19-21) But praising children simply to make them feel good may cause them to develop a distorted view of themselves.  The Bible aptly states:  "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving his own mind." ( Galatians 6:3) For good reason, the Bible tells parents: "Don't fail to correct your children.  You won't kill therm by being firm. " - PROVERBS 23:13, Contemporary English Version. 

Note: People are being a better parent by not overraising them. They parents need to be firm and correct their children when they do something wrong.  That make the childrlen to be better people and more considerate and respectful of others. 

What you can do.  Make it your goal to give correction when it is needed and commendation when it is genuinely deserved.  Do not dole out praise just to make your children feel good about themselves.  Likely, it will not work.  "True self-confidence comes from honing your talents and learning things," says the book Generation Me, "not from being told you're great just because you exist." 

Note: Your children need to learn to be responsible as well. In order to teach them to be so, parents need to give them a  little chore they can handle while  in grade school,  then make it bigger as they get older.  They also need to know the value of money, how to economize, save and spend.  As adults it will be easier for them when they leave home in order to know a little about living life.  In my experience, a person that actually lives life and goes through tough times, learns a lot and they may not be the me-first person anymore.  But in my opinion, I believe a person-he or she, does not really mature mentally until the are in their 40's or 50's and some not even then. 

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest." - ROMANS , Good News Translation

Next time: Raising Considerate Children in a Me-First Word -Overprotecting

From the  jw.org publications

Raising Considerate Children in a Me-FIrst World

 

1 Overpraising 

The problem.  Researchers have noted a disturbing trend: Many young adults are entering the workforce with a marked sense of entitlement-an attitude in which they expect success, even if they have little or nothing to earn it.  Some just assume that they will be promoted quickly, even without mastering their trade. Others are convinced that they are special and deserve to be treated that way-and then they become dejected when they realize that the world does not share their view.

What is behind it. Sometimes a sense of entitlement can be traced back to how a person was raised.  For example, some parents have been unduly influenced by the self-esteem movement thaty has become popular in recent decades. Its tenets  seem plausible:  If a little praise is good for kids, a lot of praise is better. On the other hand, the thinking was that showing any type of disapproal  will only discourage a child. And in a world on a misstion to build esteem, That was considered the epitome of irresponsible parenting.  Children must never be made to feel bad about themselves-or so parents were told.  

Many fathers and mothers thus began lavishing a constant flow of praise upon their children, even when those children did nothing particularly praiseworthy.  Each accomplishment,no matter how small, was celebrated; each indiscretion, no matter how large, was overlooked. Those parents believed that the secret to building self-esteem was to ignor the bad and praise everything else.  Making children feel good about themselves became more important than teaching them to accomplish things  that they could actually feel good about.

Next time: Raising Considerate  Children in a Me-First World - Contiue

From the jw.org publications 

Raising Considerate Children in a Me-First World

 

EACH day presents people with numours opportunitys to do kind things for others.  It may appear, though, that many think only of themselves.  You see evidence of that nearly everywhere-from the shameless ways people defraud others to the aggressive way they drive, from their crude langauage to their explosive tempers.

A me-first mentality also exisists in many homes.  For example, some spouses divorse simply because one partner feels that he or she  "deserves better." Even some parents may unwittingly sow the seeds of a me-first spirit. How?By indulging their child's ever whim, while hestitaing to administer any kind of discipline.

By contrast, many other parents are training their children to put others before self, and with great benefits.  Children who are considerate are more likely to make friends and to enjoy stable relationships/  They are also more likely to be content. Why? Because, as the Bible says, "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." - ACTS 20:35.

If you are a parent, how can you help your children to reap the benefits of being kind and to avoid beimg contaminated by the self-absorbed  culture that surrounds them?   Consider three traps that could foster a me-first spirit in your children, and see how you can avoid those traps. 

Note: The problem with people today/society etc, think just because you did something kind for someone, they should get  medal and be deemed a hero. That is not the correct thinking. If you are going to be kind at all, it should be done from the heart naturally, not just because you were expected to do so. You have to love people  in your heart, to do something kind and helpful. And society or whoever thinks otherwise, their thinking and attitude is wrong and against God's standards. 

Next time: Raising Considerate Children in a Me-First World -1 Overpraising

From the jw.org publications

THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/Paradise

 

Who will live in Paradise?  

Many religions teach that only good people  will live in Paradise. But there is much confusion as to what "good" means.  Some think it is enought simply to participate in religious ceremonies and ritualistic prayers. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible teaches that "the righteous" will live in Paradise.  But who is righteous in God's eyes?  Not the person who engages in rituals of his religion while ignoring God's will.  The Bible says: "Does Jehovah have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah?  Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice." (1 Samuel 15:22) Simply put, "The righteous" who will live forever in Paradise are the ones who obey God's commands as outlined in the Bible. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Obedience to God's commandments involves more than partipation in religous  ceremonies. By your everyday conduct, you may either please or displealse God. You can learn to pleaseGod by carefully examining the Bible. And he is not hard to please.  The Bible says that "his commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3) God is eager to reward your obedience by granting you entrance into Paradise. 

The righteous will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." - PSALM 37:29. 

Next time: Raising Considerate Children in a Me-First World

From the jw.org publications

THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT /Paradise -What Is Paradise? Conclusion

 

What is Paradise?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Some think that Paradise is nothing more than myth. Others believe that it is a gardenlike utopia where good people live forever and share in joyful and productive activities.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The word "paradise" has been used to designate mankind's first home, the garden of Eden. (Genesis 2:7-15) The Bible presents that garden as a real place where the first human couple lived free of disease and death.  (Genesis 1:27, 28) Because they disobeyed God, the first couple lost their paradise home. However, many prophecies describe a future in  which humans will enjoy Paradise restored.

WHY SHOULD IT MATTER TO YOU?

If God is loving, then it would make sense that he would reward his faithful worshippers with a good life in such a place as Paradise. It would also make sense that he would inform people about what they need to do in order to gain God's approval. The Bible says that you can gain God's approval by taking in knowledge of him and obeying his commands. - JOHN 17:3; 1 JOHN 5:3.

 Where is Paradise? 

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Some believe that Paradise is in heaven, while others claim that it will be established in the future on earth. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The original Paradise  for mankind was on earth.  God has clearly designated the earth as the permanent home for humans.  The Bible says that God made our planet to last forever.  (Psalm 104:5) It also states: "To Jehovah the heavens belong, but the earth he has given to teh sons of men." - PSALM 115:16. 

It is not surprising, then, that the Bible/Jehovah  holds out the promise of Paradie on earth. In it, God will bless mankind with everlasting life. Harmony and peace will prevail.  Pain and suffering will be gone.  And people will be able to enjoy to the full the natural wonders of planet earth. - ISAIAH 65:21-23. 

Next time:  THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/ Paradise -What is Paradise? Conclusion 

From the jw.org publications

What Is Heaven?

 

What is heaven like?

The spirit realm is a hive of activity.  It is occupied by hundreds of millions of spirit creatures "who carry out [Jehovah's] word." - PSALM 103:20, 21; DANIEL  7:10.

The Bible describes  heaven as being brilliantly lighted.  (1 Timothy 6:15, 16) The prophet Ezekiel received a heavenly vision marked by "brilliant light," while the vision of heaven that Daniel saw included "a stream of fire." (Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9, 10) Heaven is holy, or clean, and beautiful. - PSALM 96:6; ISAIAH 63:15; REVELATION 4:2. 3.

The overall impression that  the Bible gives is awe-insiring. (Ezekiel 43:2, 3) Nevertheless, it is not possible to comprehend heaven fully, since the spirit realm is beyond our senses. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/ Paradise - What  is Paradise?

From the jw.org publications

What Is Heaven?

 

The Bible's answer

The word "heaven" is used in three basic senses in the Bible: (1) the physical heavens; (2) the spirit realm; (3) A symbol of hight or exalted position.  In each case, the context helps determine the correct understanding. 

1. The phycical heavens. In this sense, "the heavens" refers to earth's atmosphere, wehre the winds blow. the birds fly, the clouds produce rain and snow, and the lightnig flashes.  (Psalm 78:26; Proverbs 30:19; Isaiah 55:10; Lukwe 17:24) It can also mean outer space, the location of "the sun, the moon, and the stars." - DEUTERONOMY 4:19; GENESIS 1:1.

2. The spirit realm.  The term "heavan" also refers to the spiritual heavens, or spirit realm, a level of existence higher than and outside of the physical universe. (1 Kings 8:27; John 6:38) These spiritual heavens are occupied by Jehovah God, who is "a Spirit," as well as by the angelic spirit beings whom he created. (John 4:24; Matthew 24:36) At times "the heavens" are personified to represent the faithful angels, "the congregation of the holy ones." - 89:5-7. 

The Bible also uses "heavens" to refer specifically to the portion of the spirit realm where Jehovah actually resides, his "dwelling place." (1 Kings 8:43, 49; Hebrews 9:24; Revelation 13:6) For example, the Bible foretold that Satan and hte demons would be thrown out of  heaven, no longer being allowed to enter Jehovah's presence.  However, they would remain in the spirit realm. - REVELATIONS 12:7-9, 12. 

3. A symbol of a high or exalted position. The Scriptures use "heaven" to represent an elevated position, usually in connection with ruling authority.  Such a position could occupied by: 

* Jehovah God himself as the almighty  Sovereign. - 2 CHRONICLES 32:20; Luke 5:21. 

* God's Kingdom, the government that will replace human rule. The Bible refers to that Kingdom as the "new heavens. " -  ISAIAH 65:17; 66:22;2 PETER 3:13.

* Christians who, while on eart. have the hope of going to heaven. - EPHESIANS 2:6.

* Human governments that have exalted themselves over their subjects. - ISAIAH 14:12-14; DANIEL 4:20-22; 2 PETER 3:7. 

* Wicked spirits who now rule over the world. - EPHESIANS 6:12; 1 JOHN 5:19.

Next time: What Is Heaven? - What is Heaven Like?

From the jw.org publications

Who Go to Heaven?

 Misconceptions about those who go to heaven

Misconceptions: All good people go to heaven.

Fact: God promises  everlasting life on earth for most good people. - PSALM 37:11. 29, 34. 

* Jesus said: "No man has ascended into heaven." (John 3:13) He thus showed that good people who died before him, such as Abraham, Moses, Job, and David, did not go to heaven. (Acts 2:29, 34) Instead they had the hope of being resurrected to life on earth. - JOB14:13-15. 

The resurrection to heaven life is called "the first resurrection."(Revelation 20:6)  This indicates that there will be another resurrection . It will be an earthly one.

The Bible teaches that under the rule of God's Kingdom, "death will be no more."(Revelation 21:3, 4)  This promise must apply to the earth, since death has never existed in heaven. 

Misconception: Each person chooses whether he or she will receive life in heaven or on earth. 

Fact: God determines which faithful Christian receive "the prize of the upward call," that is, the hope of heavenly life. (Philippians 3:14) Personal desire or ambition has no bearing on a person's being chosen. - MATTHEW 20:20-23.

Misconception: The hope of everlasting life on earth is an inferior one. offered only to those not worthy of going to heaven. 

Fact: God calls those who will receive everlasting life on earth "my people," "my chosen ones," and "those blessed by Jehovah." (Isaiah 65:21-23) They will have the privilege of fulfilling God's original purpose  for humankind-everlasting lfie in perfection on a paradise earth. - GENESIS 1:28; PSALM 115:16; ISAIAH 45:18.

Misconception: The number 144,000 mentioned is symbolic, not literal.

Fact: Although Revelation contains symbolic numbers, some of the numbers it uses are literal.  For example, it speaks of the 1  names of "the 12 apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14) Consider the evidence for concluding that the number 144,00 should likewise be taken literally. 

Revelation 7:4 records "the number of those who were sealed [or, confirmed for life in heaven], 144,000." In the immediate context of this verse, a second group is contrasted: "a great crowd, which no man was able to number."  Those of the "great crowd" also receive salvation from God. (Revelation 7:9, 10)  If the number  144,000 were symbolic, referring instead to a group without number, then the contrast between the two groups  would be lost. 

In addition, the 144,000 are described as being "brought from among mankind as firstfruits." (Revelation 14:4) The expression firstfruits" refers to a small representative selection. It aptly describes those who will rule in heaven with Christ over an undetermined number of subjects on earth. - REVELATION 5:10. 

Next time: What Is Heaven? / The Bible's Answer

From the jw.org publications

Who Go to Heaven?

 

The Bible's answer

God selects  a limited number of faithful Christians who, after death, will be resurrected to life in heaven.  (1 Peter 1:3, 4) Once they have been chosen,, they must continue to maintain a Christian standard of faith and conduct in order not to be disqualified  from receiving their heavenly inheritance. - EPHESIANS  5:5; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14.

What will those who go to heaven do there?

They will serve alongside Jesus as kings and priests for 1,000 years.  (Revelation 5:9, 10; 20:6)They will form the "new heavens," or heavenly government, that will rule over the "new earth," or earthly society.    Those heavenly rulers will help restore mankind to the righteous conditions that God origially intended. - ISAIAH 65:17; 2 PETER 3:13. 

How many will be resurrected to heaven?

The Bible indicates that 144,000 people will be resurrected to heavenly  life.  (Revelation 7:4)  In the vision recorded at Revelation 14:1-3,  The apostle John saw "the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144.000." in this vision,  "the Lamb" represents the resurrected  Jesus.  (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19)  "Mount Zion" represents the exalted position of Jesus and the 144,000 who rule with him in heaven. - PSALM 2:6; HEBREWS 12:22. 

Those "whoare called and chosen" to rule with Christ  in the Kingdom are referred to as  a "little flock." (Revelation 17:14; Luke 12:32)   This shows tha tthey would be relatively few in comparison wiht the complete number of  Jesus' sheep. - JOHN 10:16.

Next time; Who Go to Heaven - Misconceptions About Those Who Go to Heaven

From the jw.org publications

Did You Know?

 

How does and ancient inscription support the Bible?

A  STONE block with an inscription, dated to about 700-600 B.C.E., belongs to the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem.  The stone was taken from a burial cave not far from Hebron in Israel.  The inscription states:  "Curse be Hagaf son of Hagav by Yahweh Sabaot."  How does this inscription support the Bible?  It shows that God's name Jehovah, written in YHWH in ancient Hebrew letters, was well-known and used in daily life during Bible times.  In fact, otjher inscriptions from the burial caves show that those who used the caves as places to meet and hide frequently write God's name, along with personal names that include forms of God's name, on the walls.

Commenting on these inscriptions, Dr Rachel Nabulsi of the University of Georgia said:  "The repeated use of YHWH is important. . . . The texts and the inscriptuons show the importance of YHWH in the life of Israel and Juda." This supports the Bible, wherein God's name, written YHWH in Hebrew letters, appears thousands of times. Often person names included the divine name. 

The words "Yahweh Sabaot," inscribed on the stone block, mean Jehovah of armies" seems to indicate that not only the name of God but also the expression "Jehovah of armies"was commonly used in Bible times.  This also supports the Bible's usse of the phrase "Jehovah of armies, which appears 283 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, mostly in the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah.

Next time: Who Go to Heaven? /The Bible's Answer

From the jw.org publications

Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah / AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A SAD LOSS

Now, though, I am without my partner.  After almost 59 years of marriage, my dear Harvey died on January 1, 2010, after battling cancer.  He had spent nearly six decades in full-time service!  I still miss him terrible.  But how happy I was to support him in the early days of the work in two fascinating countries! We learned to speak-and in Harvey's case to write-two difficult Asian languages.

A few years later, the Governing Body decided that because of my advanced age, it would b best for me to return to Australia.  My first thought was,  'I don't want to leave Taiwan.'  But Harvey taught me never to say no to Jehovah's organization, so I was about to do that. Later, I came to see the wisdom of the decision. 

Today, I work in the Australian branch during the week and with a local congregation on the weekends.  At Bethel, I am glad to use my Japanese and Chinese to give tours. Yet, I earnestly await the promised day of the resurrection, knowing that Harvey, who learned never to say no to Jehovah, is now safe in His memory. - JOHN 5:28, 29. 

Next time: Did You Know? /How Does an Ancient Inscription Support the Bible?

From the jw.org publications

Life Story/We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah/AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A PERIOD OF CLEANSING

 

During the 1960's and 1970's, many Amis brothers were not living by God's standares.  Since they did not fully understand Bible principles, some were living immoralluy, getting drunk, or using tobacco and betel nut.  Harvey visited many congregation, trying to help the brothers understand Jehovah's view on these matters. On one such trip, we had the experience mentioned at the outset. 

Humble brothers were willing to make changes, but sadly others were not, and the number of publishers in Taiwan dropped from over 2,450 to about 500 during a period of 20 years. This was veruy discouraging.  However, we knew that Jehovah would never bless and unclean organization.  (2 Corinthians 7:1) Eventually, the wrong practices were cleaned out, and with Jehovah's blessing, Taiwan has over 11,000 publishers. 

From the 1980's on, we saw the spiritual condition of the Amish congregations improve, and Harvey could spend more time among the Chinese.  He was delighted to help the husbads of a number of sisters become believers.  I recall that he said how happy he was when one of these men prayed to Jehovah for the first time.  I too rejoiced to have been able to teach many honesthearted ones to draw close to Jehovah.  I even had the joy of serving at the Taiwan branch with the one and daughter of one of my former Bible students. 

Next time: 

Life Story/We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah/AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A SAD LOSS

From the jw.org publications

Life Story/We Leared Never to Say No to Jehovah -AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A BATH WITH A DIFFERENCE

At one circuit assembly, I faced an unusual challenge.  We were staying in a brother's home right nexts to the Kingdom Hall.  Since the Amish consider bathing very important, the circuit overseer's wife prepared a bath for us. Harvey was too busy, so he asked me to go first.  The bath consisted of three recepacles.  A bucket of cold water, one of hot water, and an empty basin.  To my surprise, the circuit overseer's wife had placed them outside  the house in direct view of the Kingdom Hall where brother's were helping with the preparations  for  the assembly.  I asked her for a curtain of some kind. She brought me a sheet of transparent plastic! I considered retreating into the shadows behind the house, but there geese poked their heads through the fence, ready to nip anyone who got too close. I thought to myself: the brothers are too busy to noticwe that I am taking a bath.  And I don't bathe,  they will be offended.  Let's get on with it! So I did.

LITERATURE FOR THE AMIS

Harvey realized that the Amis brothers were struggling to prepare spiritually because many were illiterate and they had no literature.  Since the Amis language had recently begun to be written using Roman characters, it seemed practical to teach the brothers to read their own language.  This was a huge undertaking, but eventuallythe brothers were able to study by themselves. Amis literature became available in the late 1960's, and in 1968.  The Watchtower in Amis began to be published.

However, the government restricted publications that were notg in chinese.  So to avoid problems, the Amis Watchtower was circulated in various forms.   For example, for some time, we used a dual-languae Manarin-Amis edition of the Watchtower. If anyone was curious, we were ostensibly teaching the local people chinese.  Since then, Jehovah organization has supplied much Amis-language to help these dear people learn Bible truths. - ACTS 10:34, 35. 

Next time: Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah/AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A PERID OF CLEANSING

From the jw.org publications

Life Storuy/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah/AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - MY FIRST MOUNTAIN CLIMB

 

During the weeks we spent with the brothers, would normally wal for an hour or more at a time, climbing mountains and wading across rivers.  I remember my first mountain climb. After a quick breakfast, we caugth a 5:30 a.m. bus to a distant village, crossed a wide riverbed, and labored up a mountainside.  It was so steep that the feet of the brother climbing in front of me were at my eye level. 

That morning, Harvey worked with some local brothers in the ministry, while I witnessed alone in a small hamlet where Japanese people lived.  By about one o'clock.  I was feeling faint because I had not eaten for several hours.  When I finally met up with Harvey, there were no other brothers around.  Harvey had bartered some magazies for three raw chicken eggs.  He showed me how to eat one by making a small hole in each end and sucking.  Although it did not seem very applealing, I tried one.  But who would get the third egg? I to it, since Harvey did not feel able to carry me down mountain if I passed out from hunger. 

Next time: Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah -AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A BATH WITH A DIFFERENCE

From the jw.org publications

Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah - AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A NEW ASSIGNMENT BRINGS NEW CHALLENGES

 

After three years in the traveling work, the Japan branch asked us if we would be willing to go to Taiwan to work among the indigenous  Amis people.  An apostasy had arisen there, and Taiwan needed a brother fluent in Japenese to help remedy the situation.  We loved our work in Japan, so this was hard decision. But Harvey had learned never to turn down an assignment, so we agreed to go. 

We arrived in November 1962. Taiwan had 2,271 publishers, most of them Amis.  But first, we needed to learn Chinese.  We had only a  textbook and a teacher who did not speak English, but we learned it. 

Soon after arriving in Taiwan, Harvey was assigned to be the branch servant.  The branch was small, so Harvey could care for his office responsibilities and still work with the Amis brothers up to three weeks per month. He also served as  district overseer from timt to time, which included giving tasks at assemblies.  Harvey could have given the talks in Japanese, and the Amis brother would have understood. However, the government allowed religious meetings to be held only in Chinese.  So Harvey, still struggling with the language, gave the talks in Chinese while a brother interpreted them into Amish.

Taiwan was then under martial law, so the brothers had to obtain permits to hold assemblies.  Obtaining permits was not easy, and the police often delayed issuing them.  If the police had not issued the permit by the week of assembly, Harvey would just sit in the police station until they did.  Since the police were embarrassed to have a foreigner waiting in their station, the tactic worked.

Next time: Life Story/We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah -AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - MY FIRST MOUNTAIN CLIMB

From the jw.org publications

Life Story / We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah/AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - OUR DREAM IS FULFILLED

In 1954, we were invited to attend the 25th class of Gilead.  Our dream of becoming missionaries was within reach! We arrived in New York by ship and began a rigorous Bible study course.  As part of the curriculum, we had to study Spanish, which was challenging for Harvey because he could not roll his r's. 

During the course, the instructors announced that those interested in an assignment to Japan could sign up for a Japanese-language  class.  We decided to let Jehovah's organization choose our assignment.  Shortly afterward, Albert Schroeder, one of Gilead's instructors, learned that we had not put our names down. He said to us:  "Think about it some more." When we hesitated further, Brother Schroeder said:  "The other instructors and I have signed you up.  See if you can get  your tongues around Japanese." Harvey easily adapted to this language. 

We arrived in Japan in 1955 when there were only 500 publishers in the whole country.  Harvey was 26, and I was 24.  We were assigned to the port of Kobe, where we served for four years.  Then were delighted to be invited back into the traveling work, and we served near the city of Nagoya.  We loved everyting   about our assignment-the brothers, the cuisinem te countryside.  Before long, however, we had another opportunity to avoid saying no to Jehovah. 

Next time: Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah - AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - A NEW ASSIGNMENT BRINGS NEW CHALLENGES

From the jw.org publications

Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah-AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN

 

FOLLOWING a typhoon, the river churned with mud and boulders.  We needed to reach the other side, but the raging waters had washed the bridge away.  My husbandm Harvey and I, along with our Amis-language interpreter, felt scared and helpless.  As the brothers on the other side watched anxiously, we began to cross.  First, we drove our small car onto the back of a slightly larger truck.  Then without ropes or chains to keep the car in place, the truck slowly drove through the torrent.  The passage seemed endles; yet, we made it safely across, all the while beseeching Jehovah in prayer. That was in 1971.  We were on the east coast of Taiwan, thousands of miles away from  our places of origin.  Let me you our story.

LEARNING TO LOVE JEHOVAH

Harvey was the eldest of four brothers.  His family came into the truth in Midland Junction Western Australia, during the desperate economic times of the 1930's.  Harvey grew to love Jehovah and got baptized at age 14.  He soon learned not turn down theocratic  assignments.  As a lad, he once declined to read the Watchtower at the meeting, thinking he was not qualfied.  But the brother talking wiht Harvey reasoned,  "When someone in Jehovah's organization asks you to do something,  he thinks you are qualified." - 2 CORINTHIANS 3:5.

I embraced the truth in England, as did my mother and my older sister.  My father accepted the truth much later, but firstr  he was opposed. Against his wishes, I got baptized  when I was not quite ten years old.  I set the goal to pioneer  and then to become a missionary.  However, my father would not allow me to pioneer until I turned 21.  I did not intend to wait that long.  So when I was just 16, with his blessing I moved to Australia to live with my oldest sister, who had migrated to that country.  Finally, when I turned 18, I started pioneering.  

In Australia, I met Harvey.  We shared the desire to serve Jehovah as missionaries. We got married in 1951.  After pioneering together for two years, we were asked to take up circuit work.  Our circuit consisted of a large portion of Western Australia, so we were often driving through vast dry remote areas.  

Next time: Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah/AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN - OUR DREAM IS FULFILLED

From the jw.org publications

Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - HOW CAN WE SHOW TENDER AFFECTION TODAY?

 

When we show tender affection for one another, we protect the congregation from a spirit of competition.  Recall that Jonathan did not try to compete with David, viewing him as a rival to the throne.  All of us can imitate Jonathan's example.  Do not view your fellow workers as rivals because of their abilities, "bu  with humility consider others superior to you." (Read Philippians 2:3)  Keep in mind that each person in the congregation has something to contribute. By keeping a humble view of ourselves, we see the good in our brother and sisters and benefit from their faithful example. - 1 CORINTHIANS 12:21-25.

When we face unexpected trials, Jehovah comforts us through the tender affection and practical help that we receive from our brothers and sisrters.  Consider what happened to one family after attending the Saturday program at one of the 2019  "Love Never Fails" International Conventions in the United States.  "We were driving back to our hotel," relates Tanya, a mother of three,  "when another vehicle lost control and veered into our land and crashed into us.  No was hurt, but we got out of the car and stood on the freeway, stunned.  Somone on the side of the road was waving us over to the safety of his car. It was one of our brothers who had also just left the convention.  Ad he wasn't the only one who stopped.  Five delegates from Sweden also stopped.  The sisters gave my daugther and me the warmest hugs, which we desperatel needed !  I assured them that we would be Ok, but they would not leave us even after the paramedics arrived, and they made sure we had everything we needed.  Though every step of this ordeal, we felt Jehovah's love.  This experience intensified our love for our brothers and sisters, and it deepened our love and appreciation for Jehovah."  Can you recall a time when you were in need and a fellow believer showed you tender affection? 

Consider what results when we show tender affection for one another. We comfort our brothers and sisters in their time of need. We strengthen the unity among God's people.  We prove that we are Jesus' disciples, and this attacts honesthearted ones to true worship. Above all, we glorify  "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort," Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 1:3) May all of us continue cultivating and showing tender affection! 

Next time: Life Story/ We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah-AS TOLD BY KATHLEEN LOGAN

From the jw.org publicaitons

Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - HOW CAN WE SHOW TENDER AFFECTION TODAY?

 

The Bible tells us to "love one another intensely from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22) Jehovah sets the example for us.  His love is so intense that if we are loyal to him, nothing can break that bond.  (Romans 8:38, 39) The Greek word rendered  "intensely" conveys  the idea of stretching outward-even straining.  At times, we may need to "stretch" and "strain" in order to have tender affection for a fellow believer .  When others upset us,  we need to continue "putting up with one another in love, earnestly  endeavoring to maintain the oneness of the spirit in the uniting  bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3) When we work to maintain the "bond of peace," we will look beyond our brother's faults. We will try our best to view our brothers as Jehovah does. - 1 SAMUEL 16:7; PSALM 130:3. 

It is not always easy to show tender affection for our brothers and sisters, especially when we are aware of their faults.  Apparently, this was a challenge for sone first century Christians.  For example, Euodia and Syntyche likely had no problems working "side by side with [Paul] for the good news." But  for some reason they had difficulty getting along wiht each other. So Paul urged them "to be of the same mind in the Lord." - PHILIPPIANS 4:2, 3. 

How can we cultivate tender affection for our brothers and sisters today?  When we get to know fellow believers better we may find it easier to understand them and to develop tender affection for them. Age and background need not be a barrier,  Remember Jonathan was about 30 years older than David; yet he developed a close friendship with him. Could you take an interest in someone who is older-or younger -than you?  By doing so, you can show that you "have love for the whole association of brothers." - 1 PETER 2:17. 

Does tender affection for fellow believers mean that we will feel equally close to everyone in the congregation? No, that would not be realistic. It is not necessarily worng to be drawn more to some than to others because of having similar interests.  Jesus referred to all his apostles as "friends," but he had  a special affection for John.  (John 13:23; 15:15; 20:2) However, Jesus did not show favoritism to John.  For instance, when John and his brother James asked him for a prominent position in God's Kingdom, Jesus told them: "To sit down at my right hand or at my left is not mine to give." (Mark 10:35-44) In imitation of Jesus, we should not show favoritism to our close friends.  (James 2:3, 4) Doing so would promote a divisive spirit-something tha thas no place in the Christian congregation. - JUDE 17-19. 

Next time: Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - HOW CAN  WE SHOW TENDER AFFECTION TODAY? Conclusion 

From the jw.org publications

Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - JONATHAN AND DAVID - "BOUND TOGETHER IN CLOSE FRIENDSHIP"

 

The Bible contains accounts of people of imperfect humans who showed tender affection.   Consider the example of Jonathan and David.  The Bible says: "Jonathan and David became bound together is close friendship, and Jonathan loved him as himself." ( 1 Samuel 18:1) David was anointed to succeed Saul as king.  After that, Saul became resentful of David and tried to kill him.  But Saul's son Jonathan did not join his father in this murderous campaign against David.  Jonathan promised to remain friends and always support each other. - 1 SAMUEL 20:42. 

The tender affection between Jonathan and David is all the more remarkable when we consider some factors that could have preventede them from becoming friends.  For example, Joathan was some 30 years older than David.  Jonathan could have concluded that he had nothing in common with this much younger man.  Yet, Jonathhan did not view or treat David as an inferior.

Jonathan could have been jealous of David.  As King Saul's son Jonathan could have insisted that he was the rightful heir to the throne.  (1 Samuel 220:31) But Jonathan was humble, and he was loyal to Jehovah. So he fully supported Jehovah's choice of David as future king.  He was also loyal to David, even when this incurred the wrath of Saul. - 1 Samuel 20:32-34. 

Jonathan had tender affection for David, so he did not view him as a rival.  Jonathan was a skilled archer and a courageous warrior.  He and his father, Saul, had a reputation for being "swifter than the eagles" and "mightier than the lions." (2 Samuel 1:22, 23)  Therefore, Jonathan could have boasted about his own heroic exploits.  However, Jonathan was not competitibe or resentful.  On the contrary, Jonathan admired David for his courage and reliance on Jehovah.  In fact, It was after David killed Goliath that Jonathan begant to love David as himself.  How can we show  such tender affection for our brothers and sisters?

Next time: Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - HOW CAN WE SHOW TENDER AFFECTION TODAY? 

From the jw.org publications 

Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - JEHOVAH - "VERY TENDER IN AFFECTI0N"

 

The Bible reveals Jehovah's beautiful qualities.  For example, it says that "God is love."  (1 John 4:8) That description alone draws us to him.  But the Bible also says that Jeh0vah "is very tender  in affection." (Read James 5:11) What a warm way of expressing the depth of feeling that Jehovah has for us!

Note that (James  5:11) links Jehovah's tender affection to another quality that draws us to him-his mercy.  (Exodus 34:6)  One way in which Jehovah show us mercy is by forgiving us for the mistakes we make.  (Psalm 51:1)  In the Bible, mercy involves much more than forgiveness.  Mercy is an immense feeling that springs from inside a person when he or she sees someon in distress and is moved to try to help hte person.  Jehovah describes the intense desire he has to help us  greater than the feelings that a mother has for her child.  (Psalm 37:39; 1 Corinthians 10:13)  We can show mercy to our brothers and sisters by forgiving them and not holding  a grudge when they disappoint us.  (Ephesians 4:32)  But a primary way we can show mercy is by supporting our brothers and sisters  through the hardshipss they face.  When love moves  us to be merciful toward others, we imitate Jehovah, the supreme example of tender affection.  EPHESIANS 5:1.

Next time: Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - JONATHAN AND DAVID-"BOUND TOGETHER IN CLOSE FRIENDSHIP"

From the jw.org publications

Keep Cultivating Tender Affection

 

"In brotherly love have tender affection for one another." - ROMANS 12:10. 

THE Bible foretold that in the last days, people would lack "natural affection." (2 Timothy 3:1, 3) We see this prophecy being fulfilled today.  For example, millions of families have been divided by divorce, leaving the parents angry with each other and the children feeling that they are unloved.  Even families who stay in the same house may become virtual strangers.  "Mom, dad, and the kids are all disconnected from each other and connected to a computer screen, tablet, smartphone, or video game console," says one family counselor.  "Although these families live under the same roof, they barely know each other." 

We do not want to be molded by this world's loveles spirit.  (Romans 12:2)  Instead, we need to cultivate tender affection not only for our family members but also those who are related to us in the faith.  (Read Romans 12:10.)  What is tender affection? It is a term that specifically describes the warm friendship  between close family members.  That is the kind of love we shoud cultivate for our spiritual family, our Christian brothers and sisters .  When we show tend affection, we help maintain the unity that is a vital part of true worship. -MICAH 2:12.

To help us cultivate and show tender affection, let us see what we can learn from the Bible examples. 

Next time: Keep Cultivating Tender Affection - JEHOVAH - "VERY TENDER IN AFFECTION

From the jw.org publications