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.

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

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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.

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah - WHY HONOR JEHOVAH

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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. 

Next time: How to Plan a Wedding That Brings Honor to Jehovah

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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. 

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Humility- JEHOVAH DIGNIFIES LOWLY ONES -Conclusion

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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. 

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH DIGNIFIES LOWLY ONES 

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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. 

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS PATIENT

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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. 

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS REASONABLE - Conclusioin

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS APPROACHABLE -Conclusion

 Jesus imitates his Father. Like his Father, Jesus is humble. As a result, while he was on earth, people felt comfortable approaching him. They felt at ease with asking questions. (Mark 4:10, 11) So when he invited their comments on a matter, they would tell him what they truly felt. (Matthew 16:13-16) And when they made mistakes, they did not cringe in fear; they knew that Jesus was kind, merciful, and patient. (Matthew 17:24-27) It is significant that because of how well Jesus imitated his Father, Jesus's followers came to know Jehovah better. (John 14:9) They learned that Jehovah was nothing like the harsh, proud, and aloof religious leader of the day. Rather, he was humble and approachable. 

How can we imitate Jehovah? By cultivating humility, we will become more approachable. Humility will prevent us from being envious, prideful, and unforgiving-traits that push others away. But humility will help us to be kind, patient and forgiving-traits that draw others to us. (Colossians 3:12-14) Elders must especially strive to be approachable. Of course in order to be approachable, they need to be visible. This means that thy endeavor to attend congregation meetings in person, preferring that to attending via conferencing unnecessarily .  And as their circumstances allow, they try to work along with the brothers and sisters in the house-to-house ministry. As these ones get better acquainted with the elders, they will feel in confiding in them when the need arises. 

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS APPROACHABLE

 Proud people are not usually approachable. Their inflated egos cause them to act in ways that make others hesitate to go to them or cause others to avoid altogether. How different Jehovah is! Because our heavenly Father is humble, he invites us to approach him and tell him about the things that are weighing on our mind and heart. (Read Psalm 62:8.) Just as a caring father readily listens to his children's concerns, Jehovah welcomes and listens to the prayers of his worshippers. In fact, he had many of these prayers recorded in the Bibe. That shows how approachable he is. (Joshua 10:12-14; 1 Samuel 1:10-18) But what if for some reason we at times feel unworthy to approach Jehovah?

We can approach Jehovah in prayer even if we feel unworthy of his love. Why can we say that. In Jesus' parable of the lost son, he likened Jehovah to be a tenderhearted father whose repentant son felt unworthy of being accepted back into the family. How did the father react when his son returned home? Jesus said that as soon as the father caught sight of his son, the father "ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him." (Luke 15:17-20) Jehovah is like that father. As soon as he hears the prayer of individuals whose hearts are broken ad crushed by the burden of guilt or worry, his humility moves him to give them his full attention. (Lamentations 3:19, 20) Jehovah is moved with compassion, and he runs to them, as it were, to comfort them and reassure them of his mercy and love. (Isaiah 57:15) How does Jehovah "run to us" today? He often does by means of the elders, believing family members, and others fellow worshippers. (James 5:14, 15) Jehovah provides his help because he wants us to be close to him.

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Humility - JEHOVAH IS APPROACHABLE  - Conclusion

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Imitate Jehovah's Humility

 "Become Imitators of God, as beloved Children." - EPHESIANS 5:1. 

WHEN you observe people in power today, does the quality of humility come to mind? Likely not. Jehovah, is almighty, is humble. (Psalm 113:5-8) Humility permeates Jehovah's personality; there is not a trace of haughtiness in him. It will benefit us to consider four aspects of Jehovah's personality and discover how his humility is reflected in each of them. We will also consider how Jesus imitated his Father's humility. By examining these facets, we will help to draw closer to Jehovah and to imitate his humility to a greater degree.

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM THE BOOK OF JOB

 What benefits we receive from examining the book of Job! As we learned in the preceding article, the inspired account teaches us not only what God permits suffering but also how we can endure it. And as we have considered in this discussion, all of us can learn to give effective counsel by not following the bad examples of Job's three companions but instead follow the good examples of Elihu. Why not review the lessons you have learned from the book of Job before offering counsel to others in the future? And if it has been some time since you have had the pleasure of reading the book of Job, make it your goal to reread this remarkable book. You will find that it is just as beneficial today as it was when it was written.

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Humility

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - HOW ELIHU COUNSELED JOB - Conclusion

 How we can benefit. As Christians, we too make known God's will by proclaiming what is found in his Word, the Bible. Another way we do so is by using words that build up and encourage our fellow worshippers. (1 Corinthians 14:3) Elders need to be especially aware of the need to "speak consolingly" to their brothers and sisters, even those who might be agitated or inclined to engage in "wild talk." - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14; JOB 6:3.

Imagine this situation.  An elderly learns that a sister in his congregation is feeling depressed. Commendably, he and another brother visit her to try to provide encouragement. During the visit, the sister expresses negative emotions. She mentions that although she is attending meetings and going out in the ministry, she feels little joy. How will the brother taking the lead react?

First, he will likely try to learn the underlying reasons for the sister's pain. To accomplish that, he will have to listen patiently. Does she feel unworthy of God's love? Are the "anxieties of life" breaking her spirit? (Luke 21:34) Second, the elder will look for opportunities to commend the sister. She is, after all, still attending meetings and sharing in the ministry despite feeling depressed. And third, once the elder understands the situation and what is causing the siter to feel discouraged, he will use the Bible to build up her confidence in God's love for her. - GALATIANS 2:20. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM THE BOOK OF JOB

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel- HOW ELIHU COUNSELED JOB

 When offering counsel, Elihu did so in way that dignified faithful man. For example, Elihu used Job's name, which the other three men apparently did not. (Read Job 33:1.) Perhaps remembering his own strong desire to speak while Job and his companions argued, Elihu also empathetically offered Job a chance to respond to his counsel. (Job 32:4; 33:32) Elihu also clearly warned Job of the danger of some of his reasoning and kindly reminded him of Jehovah's wisdom, power, justice, and loyal love. (Job 36:18, 21-26; 37:23, 24) Elihu's good counsel no doubt put Job in the right frame of mind to receive addition instruction, this time from his Creator. (Job 38:1-3) How could the example of Elihu have benefited those in the past, and how can it benefit us today? 

How the Israelites could have benefited.  Throughout Israel's history, Jehovah appointed prophets to make his purpose known to the Israelites. For example, during the period of the judges, Deborah provided motherly spiritual guidance to the nation and Samuel tirelessly served as Jehovah's spokesman from his youth. (Judges 4:4-7; 5:7; 1 Samuel 3:19, 20) Then during the time of the kings, Jehovah provided an almost continuous line of prophets to strengthen his people spiritually and to give advice to those who strayed from pure worship. (2 Samuel 12:1-4; Acts 3:24) Elihu's example recorded in the book of Job had the potential to help faithful men and women to understand what to say and how to say it when giving counsel. 

Next time:  The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - How Elihu Counseled Job - Conclusion

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - HOW ELIHU COUNSELED JOB

 By the time Job and his companions stopped arguing, the atmosphere must have been tense. Those men had spoken enough words to fill 28 chapters of the Bible, and what much of what was said was spoken in anger or out of frustration. No wonder Job's pain remained! He still needed comfort and correction. How did Jehovah help Job? He used Elihu to give him counsel. Why did Elihu not speak up sooner? "I am young, he said, "and you men are aged. I respectfully held back." (Job 32:6, 7) Young Elihu realized what many come to realize today: Older ones have lived and learned and, as a result, have wisdom as well as experience in life that younger ones often do not have. But after listening patiently to Job and his companions, Elihu could no longer keep silent. He said: "Age alone does not make one wise, nor is it only old men who understand what is right." (Job 32:9) What did Elihu say next, and did he say it?

Before Elihu gave Job any counsel, he created the right atmosphere. How? First, he got his own emotions under control. We know this because the Bible says that at first Elihu was angry. (Job32:2-5) Yet, not once did Elihu attack Job out of frustration. On the contrary, he spoke reassuringly to him. For example, he said to Job: "Look! I am just like you before the true God." (Read Job 33:6, 7.) Then Elihu made it clear that he had listened carefully to Job. In fact, he summarized the key points in Job's six speeches.  (Job 32:11; 33:8-11) Elihu did something similar when again offered Job counsel. - JOB 34:5, 6, 9; 35:1-4. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - HOW ELIJU COUNSELED JOB

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel- HOW JOB'S THREE COMPANIONS COUNSELED HIM - Conclusion

 How we can benefit. As Christians, we want to help our brothers and sisters when they go through trials. However, to do so, we must avoid what Job's three companions did.  First, we should refrain from jumping to conclusions and be sure that what we say is based on solid facts. Second, we should not build our advice primarily on the unstable ground of personal experience, as Eliphaz often did, but rather, on the solid bedrock of God's Word. (Job 4;8; 5:3, 27) Third, we need to avoid harsh or critical speech. Remember Eliphaz and his companions did speak some things that were true; one of their statements often quoted by another inspired Bible writer.  (Compare Job 5:13; with 1 Corinthians 3:19.) Nevertheless, most of what they said misrepresented God and hurt Job, so Jehovah judged what they said as false. (Job 42:7, 8) Good counsel never paints Jehovah as reasonable or his servants as unlovable. Let us now discuss what we can learn from Eliju's example. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - HOW ELIHU COUNSELED JOB

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - HOW JOB'S THREE COMPANIONS COUNSELED HIM -Continue

 How the Israelites could have benefited. After forming the nation of Israel, Jehovah appointed men, elders, to judge the nation according to his righteous standards. (Deuteronomy1:15-18; 27:1) Such men needed to listen carefully before giving advice or rendering judgment.  (2 Chronicles 19:6) They also needed to ask questions rather than assume that they knew all the facts. (Deuteronomy 19:18) Those counselors in Israel needed to avoid speaking harshly to those who came to them for help. Why? Because displaying irritation would discourage a person from opening his or her heart. (Exodus 22:22-24) The elders in Israel who considered the account of Job could have gleaned lessons from it.

Of course, mature men were not the only ones who could give counsel in Israel. Really, any Israelite-young or old, male or female-could offer advice to a companion who needed help to improve in his worship or correct his conduct. (Psalm 141:5) Such sincere counsel is the mark of a true friend. (Read Proverbs 27:9.) The bad example of Job's three companions had the potential to provide the Israelites with a living pattern of what not to say and what not to do when giving counsel. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel -HOW JOB'S THREE COMPANIONS COUNSELED HIM - Conclusion

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Give Counsel - HOW JOB'S THREE COMPANIONS COUNSELED HIM

 The Bible says that Job's three companions went to "sympathize with Job and comfort him" after hearing about his calamities. (Job 2:11) However, they failed to achieve that objective. Why? For at least three reasons. First, they quick to jump to the wrong conclusions. For example, they mistakenly assumed that Job was being punished for sins that he had committed. (Job 4:7; 11:14) Second, much of the counsel those men gave Job was unhelpful, unkind, and downright hurtful. For instance, all three men made statements that sounded good but were lacking real substance. (Job 13:12) Twice, Bildad unkindly told Job that talked too much. (Job 8:2; 18:2) And Zophar cuttingly implied that Job was "empty-headed." (Job 11:12) Third, although they may not have raised their voices when speaking to Job, their tone was often condescending, sarcastic, and accusatory. (Job 15:7-11) Ultimately, these men became interested in proving Job wrong than in healing his heart or building up his faith. 

Not surprisingly, the counsel Job's companions gave did not yield good results. Job felt accursed by their words. (Job 19:2) You can appreciate why he also felt the need to defend his reputation. That led him to become imbalanced in his thinking and to speak unwisely. (Job 6:3, 26) Job's companions did not share thoughts that harmonized with Jehovah's thinking; nor did they treat Job with compassion. As a result, they unwittingly became tools in Satan's hands. (Job 2:4, 6) How could this account have benefited those in the past, and how can it benefit us today? 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Give Counsel - HOW JOB'S THREE COMPANIONS COUNSELED HIM - Continue

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Give Counsel

 "Now, Job, please hear my words." - JOB 33:1.

THE news spreads like wildfire among the people of the East, Job, a man known far and wide for his riches, has lost everything. When three of Job's companions-Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-learn what has happened to Job, they journey to Uz in order to comfort him. But they are prepared for what they see when they arrive. 

Imagine the scene. In a sense, everything that Job possessed had been taken from him. His vast herds of sheep, cattle, and donkeys are gone. His children have been killed and most of his servants have been slaughtered. And the house where Job's children were killed lies in ruins. As if that weren't bad enough, Job is personally affected. His body is now covered with painful boils. From distance, the three men see Job dejected and sitting in ashes. How do they react? For some seven days, they do not say a word to this man who in great pain. (Job 2:12, 13) At one point, a younger man named Elihu arrives and sits down nearby. Job finally breaks the silence by cursing the day he was born and wishing for death. (Job 3:1-3, 11) Clearly, Job needs help! What these men say and how they say it will prove whether they are really Job's friends and whether they are truly interested in his welfare. 

Jehovah had Moses record what Job's three companions and Elihu said and did. It is worth noting that some of what Eliphaz said seems to have been inspired by a wicked spirit. In contrast, Elihu's statements were inspired by Jehovah.  (Job 4:12-16; 33:24, 25) Little wonder, then, that even though the book of Job contains some of the best advice given, it also contains some of the worst. A key benefit that we can gain from the book of Job is how it can help us when we need to give counsel. First, we will consider the bad examples of Job's three companions. Then, we will discuss the good example of Elihu. In each case, we will learn how the Israelites could have benefited from the book of Job and how we can benefit from it today.

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Give Counsel - HOW JOB'S THREE COMPANIONS COUNSELED HIM

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer- USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS -Conclusion -

 Consider how the book of Job helped Mario. One day in 2021, a sister was doing telephone witnessing. On her first call, she shared a Bible verse with Mario and explained that God does not listen to our prayers but also offers us a future and a hope. When she asked for his thoughts, Mario told her that he had been writing a suicide note when called. He said, "I believe in God, but I was just wondering this morning if he had abandoned me." The second phone call led to a discussion about Job's. Mario decided that he needed to read the entire book of Job. So our sister sent him a link to the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. The result? Mario accepted a Bible study and was excited to learn more about the loving God who took an interest in him. 

Clearly, God's Word has tremendous power to help people, including those who suffer. (Hebrews 4:12) How grateful we are that Jehovah included the account of Job in His inspired Word! (Job 19:23, 24) The book of Job assures us for a certainty, God does not act wickedly." (Read Job 34:12) It also teaches us why God permits suffering. The next article will discuss insights from the book of Job, such as how to give effective counsel. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Give Counsel

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer -USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS -Conclusion

 Have you ever met someone in the ministry who ask you why suffering exists? How did you answer his question? You may have pointe to what the Bible says happened in the garden of Eden. Perhaps you started by mentioning that Satan, a wicked spirit, told the first human couple a lie that led them to rebel against God. (Genesis 3:1-6) Then you may have pointed out that after Adam and Eve's rebellion, the world became filled with suffering and death. (Roman 5:12) Finally, you may have explained that God is allowing enough time to pass to disprove Satan's lie and to spread the good news that in the future humans will again be perfect.  (Revelation 21:3, 4) This is a fine way to reason on the question, and it can lead to good results. 

Consider another line of reasoning that you may want to incorporate in your approach, one from the book of Job. You might start by commending the person for asking such a meaningful. Then, mention to Job, a faithful man who suffered greatly, raised a similar thought. He even believed that in some way God was the cause of his pain. (Job 7:17-21) The person you are speaking with may be somewhat impressed that his view has a long history. Next, you could tactfully explain that it was not God but the Devil who caused Job's suffering. The Devil did so in an attempt to prove that human serve God only for selfish reasons. You might add that although God did not cause Job's suffering, he did allow it, thus showing that God trusts faithful humans to prove Satan wrong. Finally, you could explain that in time God blessed Job for remaining faithful. So we can c0mfort others by assuring them that Suffering does not come from Jehovah. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - HOW THE ACCOUNT OF JOB HELPS US ENDURE - Conclusion

How we can benefit. As Christians, we too need endurance. (Read Hebrews 10:36.) For example, some of us are coping with a physical or an emotional problem, a difficult situation, the loss of a loved one, or some other serious problem. And at times, the comments or the actions of others may make our situation harder to endure. (Proverbs12:18) However, the book of Job teaches us that we can express our innermost feelings to Jehovah, confident that he will hear us. (1 John 5:14) He will not condemn us if our heartfelt supplications occasionally veer into the realm of "wild talk," as occurred with Job. Rather, God will give us the strength and the wisdom we need to endure. (2 Chronicles 16:9; James 1:5) He may also correct us to the extent needed, as he did Job. The book of Job also teaches us how to endure if we receive counsel or discipline from Jehovah's Word, His organization, or mature friends. (Hebrews 12:5-7) Just as Job benefited humbly accepting the correction he received, we benefit when allow ourselves to be readjusted. (2 Corinthians 13:11) What beneficial lessons we learn from Job! Now let us consider how we can use the account of Job to help others. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer- USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - HOW THE ACCOUNT OF JOB HELPS US TO ENDURE

 In retrospect, we can see that Job's desperate plea reflected his unswerving devotion to Jehovah and unshakable hope that somehow God would recognize his integrity. When Jehovah finally did answer Job from a windstorm, He did not go into detail about the reasons for Job's suffering. Neither did he condemn Job for his complaints or mention his protests of innocence. Rather, Jehovah instructed Job as a father would son. And that was the right approach. As a result, Job humbly acknowledged how little he really knew, and he repented of his rash words. (Job 31:6; 40:4, 5; 42:1-6) How could this account have benefited people in the past, and how can it benefit us today? 

How the Israelites could have benefited. The Israelites could have learned from what happened to Job. Consider Moses' example.  He had to endure a multiple of hardships, disappointments, and discouragements as he took on the role of leader of the nation of Israel. In contrast to the rebellious Israelites, who often complained against Jehovah, Moses went to Jehovah with his concerns.  (Exodus 16:6-8; Numbers 11:10-14; 14:1-4, 11; 16:41, 49; 17:5) Moses also needed to endure when he was personally corrected. For example, while the Israelites were encamped at Kadesh, probably during the 40th year of their wandering in the desert, Moses "rashly with his lips" and failed to magnify Jehovah's name. (Psalm 106:32, 33) As a result, Jehovah did not allow Moses to enter the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 32:50-52) This discipline must have hurt Moses; he humbly accepted it. The account about Job could have helped future generations of the Israelites to endure the trials they faced. By meditating on the account, faithful ones could learn how to express their feelings to Jehovah and how to avoid justifying themselves before him. They could also learn how to accept Jehovah's discipline with humility.  

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - HOW THE ACCOUNT OF JOB CAN HELP US TO ENDURE - Conclusion

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - HOW THE ACCOUNT OF JOB HELPS US TO ENDURE

 Picture Job as he sat alone in ashes, covered in boils and bent double in pain. His skin blackened from the disease, peeled away from his emaciated frame. Physically exhausted, Job may have appeared to be doing little but scraping himself with pieces of broken pottery and giving vent to his despair. But Job was not merely surviving, he was enduring. (Read James 5:11.) What helped Job to endure? 

Job expressed his emotions to Jehovah. (Job 10:1, 2; 16:20) For example, chapter 3 tells us that Job complained bitterly about the tragedies that had befallen him, which he mistakenly assumed Jehovah had caused. Then is a series of debates with his three companions, Job strongly defended his integrity, often directing his responses to Jehovah. Job's words suggest that for a time he considered himself to be more righteous than God. (Job 10:1-3; 32:1, 2; 35:1, 2) In reality, though, he admitted his efforts to defend his integrity sometimes amounted to "wild talk." (Job 6:3, 26) In chapter 31, we read that Job spoke of wanting to be exonerated by God. (Job 31:35) Of course, Job was wrong to demand a direct answer from God as to what was behind his suffering. 

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - JEHOVAH ALLOWES JOB TO SUFER

 How we can benefit. Sadly, many people today have lost faith in God because they cannot understand why bad things happen to good people. Consider the example of Hazel from Rwanda. When she was young, she believed in God. But then things changed. Her parents got divorced, as a result, she was raised by her stepfather, who treated her badly. As a teenager, she was raped. When Hazel went to her place of worship for comfort, she did not receive it. Later, Hazel wrote a letter to God. In it she stated "God, I prayed to you, I tried to do good, but you repaid good with evil.  I am not leaving you, and I plan to do whatever makes me happy." Our hearts break for people who, like Hazel, have been led to believe that God is responsible for their suffering!

We, however, have learned from the account in the book of Job that God is not responsible for suffering-Satan is! We have also learned not to assume that those who are suffer are reaping what have sown. The Scriptures tell us that "time and unexpected events" can affect anyone at any time. (Ecclesiastes 9:11; Job 4:1, 8) And we have learned that by our enduring trials faithfully, we give Jehovah a reply to Satan's taunts. That helps to defend his reputation. (Job 2:3; Proverbs 27:11) We do not take what we have learned for granted-these insights enable us to know the truth about why we and our loved ones suffer. Later, Hazel studied with Jehovah Witnesses and came to understand that God did not cause her suffering. She said: "I prayed to God again from the bottom of my heart. I told Jehovah that when I had said I was leaving him, I was not really leaving him. After all, I didn't really know him. Now I understand that Jehovah loves me. I am finally happy and content." How grateful we are to know why God allows suffering! Let us now consider how the account of Job can help us personally during trials.

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - GOD ALLOWS JOB TO SUFFER

 During the time the Israelites were suffering in Egypt, a man named Job was living in the land Uz, possibly located east of the Promised Land and somewhere north of the Arabia. In stark contrast to the Israelites who had begun worshipping idols in Egypt, Job served faithfully. (Joshua 24:14; Ezekiel 20:8) Jehovah said of Job: "There is no one like him on the earth." (Job 1:8) Job was extremely wealthy and enjoyed great prestige/greater than that of any other person of the East. (Job 1:3) How infuriated Satan must have been to see this prominent and influential man serving God with integrity!

Satan claimed that Job would abandon true worship if he suffered. (Job 1:7-11; 2:2-5) Though Jehovah loved Job dearly, Satan's brazen claim raised many important issues, so Jehovah allowed Satan to try to prove his case. (Job 1:12-19; 2:6, 8) Satan took away Job's flocks and herds, cause the death of Job's ten children, and struck Job with painful boils from head to toe. But these sadistic attempts to break Job's integrity failed. (Read Job 1:20-22; 2:9, 10.) In time, Jehovah gave Job ten more children. He also miraculously extended Job's life for 140 years, long enough for him to see four generations of his descendants thriving. (Job 42:10-13, 16) How could this account have benefited those in the past, and how can it benefit us today? 

How the Israelites could have benefited. The Israelites had not lived easy lives in Egypt. For example, Joshua and Caleb had spent their youth as slaves. Then through no fault of their own, the wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. If the Israelites had knew about the story of Job's trials and the outcome of his life, no doubt it helped them, as well as the Israelites of future generations, to understand who is ultimately responsible for suffering. They could also better understand why God permits suffering and how much he values human integrity and faithfulness.

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - GOD ALLOWS JOB TO SUFFER - Conclusion

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The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer

 "For a certainty, God does not act wickedly." - JOB 34:12.

Have you recently had the pleasure of reading the book of Job? Though written some 3,500 years age, this ancient book is often counted among the masterpieces of world literature. Commenting on its simple structure, beautiful style, and expressive language, one reference work calls its writer "a literary genius." Moses was the man who penned the remarkable book, but the real Author is Jehovah God. - 2 TIMOTHY 3:16. 

The book of Job is a key part of the Bible. Why? For one thing, it clearly reveals the great issue facing all intelligent creation-the sanctification of Jehovah's name. It also teaches us about Jehovah's marvelous qualities, such as his love, wisdom, justice, and power. For example, the book of Job refers to Jehovah as the "Almighty" 31 times, more than the rest of the Scriptures combined. The book of Job also answers many of life's questions, including one that still troubles many: Why does God allow suffering? 

Just as a mountain give us a vantage point from which we can see our surrounding clearly, the book of Job helps us to view life's trials from an elevated perspective-Jehovah's perspective. Let us see how we can benefit from it today. We will also learn how we can use the Bible account to help others.

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings -LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE

 Even if we have a good spiritual routing and a good study program tailored to our needs, we cannot expect negative thoughts and feelings to disappear completely. We may still have days when we feel miserable! However, with Jehovah's help, we can lessen negative feelings when they arise. We can be confident that on most days we will enjoy a clean conscience and have every reason to rejoice in our life and our service to Jehovah. 

Let us be determined not to be controlled by negative feelings about our past, our troubles or our imperfections. With Jehovah's help, we can keep negative feelings in check.  (Psalm 143:10) We can look forward to the day when positive thinking will no longer be a struggle.  Rather, we will be able to wake up each morning without having any anxious thoughts, happy to be serving our loving God, Jehovah!

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - HOW YOU CAN FIGHT NEGATIVE FEELINGS - Conclusion

 Prayerfully analyze your personal needs. King David was aware that Jehovah knew him well. So David asked Jehovah to help him identify the cause of his "anxious thoughts." (Read Psalm 139:1-4, 23, 24.) You too can ask Jehovah to help you identify the cause of your negative thoughts and understand how to overcome them. You might also ask yourself such questions as: 'What seems to be the root cause of my anxious thoughts? Is there something that triggers my negative thinking? Do I tend to dwell on the negative thought rather than dismiss it?'

Adapt your personal Bible study to your needs. From time to time, you may find it beneficial to study some aspects of Jehovah's personality. For example, the apostle Paul greatly benefited from reflecting on the ransom and Jehovah's forgiveness. You can do the same. Use the Research Guide for Jehovah's Witnesses, Watch Tower Publication Index, or other Bible study aids available in your language to explore such topics as God's mercy, forgiveness and loyal love. Once you found the articles that would benefit you, make a list of them. Post the list where you can see it, and study the articles from your list when you start to feel down. Try to apply what you read to your own circumstances. - PHILIPPIANS 4:8.

Eliza. quoted earlier, did a personal study project on the Bible character Job. She says: "I relate a lot to Job. He had one trial after another. Yet, when Job was at his lowest point, he never stopped looking to Jehovah-even though he did not know why his problems were happening." (Job42:1-6) Diane, mentioned earlier, says: "My husband and I are doing a study project using the book Draw Close to Jehovah. We appreciate that Jehovah molds us as a potter does clay. Instead of focusing on how disappointed we are in ourselves, we try to imagine Jehovah molding us and trying to make us better people. This brings us closer to him."  ISAIAH 64:8. 

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings -HOW WE CAN FIGHT NEGATIVE FEELINGS

 Eliza quoted earlier, states: "Every time I attend Christian meetings and do my personal study, I am reminded that Jehovah hears me and really loves me. That makes me happy." Nolan, a circuit overseer in Africa, speaks for himself and his wife, Dianem when he says: 'We stick to our spiritual routine even when we feel discouraged. Jehovah always makes it clear that he is helping us to have the right attitude. We try to remember that Jehovah will help us and bless us; we do not know how, but we know he will." 

We may need to do more than just follow the basics if we are to overcome negative thoughts. To illustrate, imagine that you have developed back pain. To get rid of it, you may have to do more than just every day. To identify the cause of the pain, you may need to do research and even talk to a doctor. Similarly, we may need to do research in the Bible and in our publications and even talk to a mature Christian to learn how to deal with recurring negative feelings. Consider some further suggestions that can help. 

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings-HOW WE CAN FIGHT NEGATIVE FEELINGS

Maintain a good spiritual routine.When we developed a good spiritual routine, we are better able to focus on the positive. We can compare such a routine to maintaining healthy habits that contribute to our overall physical well-being. When we eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep, we usually feel better. Similarly, we all have experienced how good we feel when we read God's word regularly prepare for, attend, and participate in our meetings; and engage in our ministry. . Such up building activities help us deal with our negative thoughts. ROMANS 12:11, 12.

Consider the example of John, who was diagnosed with rare form of cancer at age 39. At first, he struggled with the negative feelings. 'How could I get sick at such a young age? He wondered.At the time, his son was just 3 years old. What helped John deal with his negative emotions? "Despite my fatigue, I made sure that our family maintained a regular spiritual routine,"he says "We attended all the meetings, had a regular share in the ministry, and had regular family worship even when it was difficult to schedule it." Looking back, John adds:after the initial shock, wears off, the nagging thoughts will be replaced by Jehovah's strength and love. Jehovah can make you strong, just as he had made me."

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - HOW PAUL DEALT WITH NEGATIVE FEELINGS

 Paul was  also able to fight negative emotions successfully because he believed that the ransom was a gift to him personally. (Galatians 2:20; read Ephesians 1:7.)As a result, he could confidently trust in Jehovah's forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Romans 7:24, 25) Despite his past errors and his imperfections, Paul was able to "render sacred to God" with joy. HEBREWS 912-14.

Like Paul, we met feel that there is always a battle going on from within. It may be about what we think, what we do, or what we say. We too may feel like saying. 'Miserable person that I am!' A sister in her 20's named Eliza says this about her personal struggle:  "It is encouraging for me  to think about Paul's situation. I am relieved that I am not the only one who feel this way. It is another reminder that Jehovah knows what his people are prgorg through." What can we do so that, like Paul, we can have a clean conscience and rejoice despite having negative feelings? 

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - HOW PAUL DEALT WITH NEGATIVE FEELINGS

 As indicated in his letters, Paul reflected on how he and his fellow believers could fight and overcome sinful tendencies with the help of God's spirit. (Roman 8:13; Galatians 5:16, 17) Paul often referred to undesirable traits and desires that Christians should combat.  (Galatians 5:19-21, 26) No doubt Paul meditate on his own weaknesses, sought counsel in the Scriptures, and identified specific steps to deal with his imperfections. We can be sure that he applied the advice he gave to others. 

Although Paul sometimes felt discouraged, he was able to remain positive. For example, he enjoyed receiving good reports from his traveling companions. (2 Corinthians 7:6, 7) He found joy in his friendships with fellow believers. (2 Timothy 1:4) And he knew that he had Jehovah's approval. Yes, Paul was happy because he could serve God "with a clean conscience." (2 Timothy 1:3) Even when he was imprisoned in Rome, Paul urged his fellow believers to "rejoice in the Lord." (Philippians 4:4) His words hardly sound like those of someone overcome by negative thoughts. Clearly, when negative thinking came into his mind, Paul was able to work through it so that he could positive again. 

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - WHAT CAUSED PAUL TO HAVE NEGATIVE FEELINGS -Conclusion

 A thorn in the flesh. Paul compared something that was causing him much distress to "a thorn in the flesh. (2 Corinthians 12:7) The apostle did not mention the cause, but the word picture he suggests something-whether it was a problem, an emotional problem, or something else-that pained him. 

His imperfections. Paul struggled with his imperfections. (Read Romans 7:18, 19.) Although he wanted to do what was right, his imperfect flesh undermined his determination to do so. He admitted that there was a constant battle between his fleshly inclinations and the desire to do what was right. Yet, Paul worked very hard to improve. (1 Corinthians 9:27) How frustrated he must have been whenever his bad traits resurfaced.

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - WHAT CAUSED PAUL TO HAVE NEGATIVE FEELINGS

    Things that he did in the past. Before becoming a Christian, Paul, earlier known as Saul, did things that he would later regret. For example, he watched with approval as faithful Stephen was stoned to death. (Acts 7:58; 8:1) Also, Saul took the lead in viciously persecuting Christians. - ACTS 8:3; 26:9-11. 

After he became a Christian, the apostle Paul was at times troubled by his past. His previous actions as a relentless persecutor of Christians may have bothered him even more as the years went by. For example, when he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians in about 55 C.E., he said: "I am not worthy of being called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9) Some five years later, in his letter to the Ephesians, he described himself as being "less than all the least of the holy ones." (Ephesians 3:8) When writing to Timothy, Paul referred himself as being formerly "a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man." (1 Timothy 1:13) Can you imagine how Paul must have felt when he visited a congregation and met those he had persecuted? 

Next time: You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - WHAT CAUSED PAUL TO HAVE NEGATIVE FEELINGS - Conclusion

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You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings

 "Miserable man that I am!" - ROMANS 7:24.

WHAT come to your mind when you think of the apostle Paul? Do you think of a courageous missionary, a skilled teacher, or a prolific Bible writer? Those descriptions are certain accurate. Yet, Paul was also a man of deep emotions. Like many of us, he at times battled negative feelings. 

Read Romans 7:21-24.  In his letter to the Romans, Paul expressed feeling that many of us can relate to. Even though he was a faithful Christian, he had an inner struggle-a battle between his earnest desire to do God's will and his inclination to act on wrong desires. I addition to his inner conflict, Paul at times struggled with negative feelings about his past an about a persistent problem he was facing.

Despite his inner struggle, Paul did not allow his negative feelings to dominate his thinking. In this article, we will consider the following questions: What caused Paul at times to feel "miserable"? How did he deal with negative feelings? And how can we successfully fight our own negative feeligns?

Next time: You Can Successfully Fight Negative Feelings - WHAT CAUSED PAUL TO HAVE NEGATIVE FEELINGS

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Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need" - CONTINUE TO SATISFY YOUR SPIRITUAL NEED

Our 2026 yeartext states: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." That is true today more than ever. Why? Because we are surrounded by unhappy people who deny that they have such a need or try to satisfy that need in their own way through false religion or human philosophy. We must avoid letting their attitude influence. How? By nourishing ourselves with the new personality, and by seeking shelter in the protection that Jehovah supplies. 

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Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need" - LIKE DAVID-REMAIN SPIRITUALLY WELL-SHELTERED - Conclusion

 When David obeyed Jehovah, he was protected from the harm that comes to those who sin willfully. (Compare Proverbs 5:1, 2,) By contrast, when David ignored God's standards, Jehovah did not shelter him from the consequences of his actions. (Samuel 12:9, 10) What about the times when David suffered through no fault of his own? David poured out his heart to Jehovah in prayer, and Jehovah eased David's anxiety by reassuring him that He loved him dearly and would care for him. - PSALM 23:1-6. 

We can imitate David by seeking Jehovah's counsel when we make decisions. We also recognize that we may at times suffer hardship, not because Jehovah has failed to shepherd us, but because we have made poor decisions. (Galatians 6:7, 8) And when we face trials through no fault of our own, we pour our heart out to Jehovah in prayer, trusting that he will guard our hearts and thoughts. - PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 7. 

Next time: Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need" -CONTINUE TO SATISFY YOUR SPIRITUAL NEED

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