The Watchtower, October 1, 1993

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The Watchtower — October 1, 1993

Source: jw.org

Contents

A Key to Successful Family Life

A Rare Christian Heritage

Does God Really Know You?

“Search Through Me, O God”

Famine Foretold

Have a Right View of God’s Mercy

Principle or Popularity—Which Is Your Guide?

Questions From Readers

“Happy Is the Man That Has Found Wisdom”

Have You Ever Started a Forest Fire?

Would You Welcome a Visit?

A Key to Successful Family Life

“WE HAVE a deteriorating family unit,” noted a candidate for the U.S. presidency last year. Indeed, the extent of the family’s deterioration numbs the senses. “Changes of similar magnitude in economic or industry data over the same period,” reported Fortune magazine, “would make us gape in amazement.”

Even families who try to follow Bible principles are often affected tragically. A few years ago, a father of six preteen-agers was told by a well-meaning fellow Christian: “You can expect to lose four of your children to the world.” Yet, this father did not believe that this had to happen to even one of his children. He explained why.

“Our children are not really ours,” he said. “They were entrusted to my wife and me by Jehovah God, an ‘inheritance,’ or a gift, from him. And he said that if we train them up in the proper way, ‘they will not turn aside from it.’ So we have always tried to care for them as though they belonged to Jehovah.”—Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 22:6.

The father here identified a key to successful family life—parents should care for their children as though they were caring for God’s property. While this does not mean that children in every instance will heed your fine direction, you have the responsibility to care for the children God has entrusted to you.

A Serious Responsibility

You properly provide this care with reverence and deep concern, not carelessly or indifferently. You work at it with the realization that you will answer to God for his inheritance, or gift, to you. There is no need to experiment with various methods of child rearing. Parents need only God’s instructions as provided in his Word, the Bible, and should follow these carefully.

This is Jehovah God’s instruction: “You must inculcate [my words] in your [children] and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you must tie them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes; and you must write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” The Bible also urges: “You, fathers, . . . go on bringing [your children] up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.”—Deuteronomy 6:7-9; Ephesians 6:4.

So caring for children requires daily attention; yes, it means giving them unstintingly of your time and especially of your love and deep concern. Parents who give their children these basic needs are doing what God says is necessary in order to enjoy a successful family life.

Do you believe that this is asking too much? Many parents by their actions indicate that they feel it is. Yet, these gifts from God—your children—really do deserve extra-special attention.

How to Care for Them

Wisely, consider the example of those who have enjoyed success in rearing children. One magazine, in the cover story “Amazing Families,” noted four things that are important in rearing young ones successfully: “ Dinner-table conversation that provokes intellectual inquiry, the companionship of great books, the inspiration of creative role models, the sense that there is a family tradition to uphold.”—U.S.News & World Report, December 12, 1988.

Regarding “dinner-table conversation,” recall that God instructs parents to teach their children when they sit in the house. Does your family regularly sit around a table at meals, thus providing daily opportunities for companionship and stimulating conversation? Such times are vital and memorable for children, offering them a sense of stability and security. A six-year-old said he liked mealtimes “because you don’t have to worry about each other,” since all are together.

What about the quality of your dinner-table conversation? Does it frequently center on the contents of “great books,” including the Bible and Bible-based literature discussing our service to God or matters relating to God’s creation? In addition to dinner-table conversation of this kind, by means of a regular study program, parents need to cultivate within their children a love for Jehovah and his righteous laws.

“Having meals together regularly was no problem,” explained the father of six mentioned earlier. “This was automatic, and it served to unite us. But having a regular program of Bible study was difficult.” Because of sheer exhaustion after a day of hard labor, he at times fell asleep during the study. Yet, he never gave up conducting a regular Bible study with his children, and he regularly talked with them individually and listened to them for extended periods.

Besides taking the lead in meaningful dinner-table conversation and providing the companionship of great books, do you see to it that your children receive “the inspiration of creative role models”? The truth is, arranging for your children to associate regularly with those who imitate the greatest man who ever lived, Jesus Christ, is vital if they are to become successful adults.

Finally, what about “the sense that there is a family tradition to uphold”? Your children need to understand that there are family standards that they are expected to uphold—that certain conduct, speech, dress, manners, and so forth, are unacceptable and violate family tradition. They need to realize that to violate family tradition is a serious matter—that you would be hurt terribly, as was the ancient patriarch Jacob, whose boys by their shameful conduct made him “a stench to the inhabitants of the land.”—Genesis 34:30.

The father of six who viewed his children as God’s property especially emphasized “family tradition.” He constantly reasoned with his children on how the family standard of dress, grooming, and separateness from the ways of the world were in keeping with the spirit and direction of the Creator, Jehovah God. As a result of the great amount of time, love, and deep concern given them—being trained in the way they should go—all six of the children have responded by ‘not turning aside from the way for them.’—Proverbs 22:6.

Worldwide, there are thousands of such strong family units. What a praise these are to their Creator, and what a reward they are to unselfish, loving parents! As the years pass, such parents are appreciated more and more by the children who have benefited from their efforts. Please consider next the story of one woman reared by godly parents, and note the valuable lessons that can be learned from it.

A Rare Christian Heritage

AS TOLD BY BLOSSOM BRANDT

There was a snowfall in San Antonio, Texas, on January 17, 1923, the day I was born. It was cold outside, but I was welcomed into the warm arms of loving Christian parents, Judge and Helen Norris. From my earliest memories, everything my parents did centered on their worship of Jehovah God.

IN 1910 when Mother was eight, her parents moved from near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a farm outside Alvin, Texas. There they rejoiced to learn Bible truths from a neighbor. Mom spent the remainder of her life seeking to interest people in the Kingdom hope. She was baptized in 1912 after the family had moved to Houston, Texas.

Mother and her parents first met Charles T. Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, when he visited their congregation in Houston. The family often entertained in their home traveling representatives of the Society, who were then called pilgrims. A few years later, Mom moved with her parents to Chicago, Illinois, and Brother Russell would also visit the congregation there.

In 1918, Grandmother got the Spanish flu, and because of its weakening effect on her health, doctors recommended that she live in a warmer climate. Since Grandfather worked for the Pullman train company, in 1919 he obtained a transfer back to Texas. There, in San Antonio, Mom met a young, zealous member of the congregation named Judge Norris. They were attracted to each other right away, and in time they married, and Judge became my father.

Father Learns Bible Truth

Judge was given his unusual name at birth. When his dad first saw him, he said: “That baby is as sober as a judge,” and that became his name. In 1917, when Dad was 16, he was given the tracts Where Are the Dead? and What Is the Soul? printed by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Dad’s father had died two years earlier, and the tracts provided him answers that he had been looking for about the condition of the dead. Shortly afterward he began attending meetings of the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known.

Dad immediately wanted to share in congregation activities. He obtained a territory where he could preach, and after school he would ride there on his bike to distribute tracts. He became totally absorbed in sharing the Kingdom hope, and on March 24, 1918, he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah by water baptism.

The following year when Mom moved to San Antonio, Dad was immediately attracted to what he said was “the sweetest smile and the bluest eyes” he had ever seen. They soon let it be known that they wanted to marry, but they had a hard time convincing Mother’s parents. Yet, on April 15, 1921, the wedding took place. Both had as their goal the full-time ministry.

Early Start in the Ministry

When Mom and Dad were busy planning to attend the Cedar Point, Ohio, convention in 1922, they discovered that Mom was expecting me. Shortly after my birth, when Dad was only 22, he was appointed congregation service director. This meant that he made all the field service arrangements. In just a matter of weeks, Mom had me out in the door-to-door ministry. The fact is, my grandparents also liked to have me in the ministry with them.

When I was only two, my folks moved to Dallas, Texas, and they began the full-time ministry as pioneers three years later. At night they slept on a cot by the road and put me in the backseat of the car. Of course, I thought this was fun, but it soon became evident that they were not prepared for pioneer life just yet. So Dad started a business. In time, he built a small trailer in preparation to start pioneering again.

Before I began school, Mother taught me to read and write, and I knew up to the fourth multiplication table. Her focus was always on helping me learn. She would stand me on a chair next to her so I could dry dishes as she washed them, and she would teach me to memorize scriptures and sing the Kingdom songs, or hymns as we called them then.

Serving God With My Parents

In 1931 all of us attended the thrilling convention in Columbus, Ohio, where we received the name Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although I was only eight, I thought it was the prettiest name I had ever heard. Shortly after we returned home, Dad’s business burned to the ground, and Dad and Mom took this as “the Lord’s will” that they start pioneering again. Thus, beginning in the summer of 1932, we enjoyed many years in the full-time ministry.

My folks pioneered in central Texas to stay near Mom’s parents, who were still in San Antonio. Moving from assignment to assignment meant that I changed schools quite often. At times thoughtless friends would say, “Why don’t you settle down and have a home for that child,” as though I wasn’t properly cared for. But I thought our life was exciting and that I was helping Dad and Mom in their ministry. Actually, I was being trained and prepared for what was later to become my own life-style.

For months I kept telling Dad and Mom that I wanted to be baptized, and they often talked to me about it. They wanted to make sure I knew how serious my decision was. On December 31, 1934, the day came for this momentous event in my life. However, the night before, Dad made sure I had gone to Jehovah in prayer. Then he did a beautiful thing. He had all of us get on our knees, and he offered a prayer. He told Jehovah that he was so happy about his little girl’s decision to dedicate her life to Him. You can be sure, in all the ages to come, I’ll never forget that night!

Training From My Grandparents

Between 1928 and 1938, I spent much time visiting my grandparents in San Antonio. The routine with them was much the same as with my folks. Grandmother had been a colporteur, as they used to call pioneers, and then she became a part-time pioneer. Grandfather was appointed a pioneer in December 1929, so field service was always the rule of the day.

Grandfather would hold me in his arms at night and teach me the names of the stars. He would recite poetry to me from memory. I made many trips with him on the Pullmans when he worked for the railroad. He was always one I could turn to when I had trouble; he comforted me and wiped my tears away. Yet, when I was disciplined for misbehaving and went to him seeking consolation, he would simply say (words that I didn’t understand at the time, but their tone was very clear): “Honey, the way of the transgressor is mighty hard.”

Years of Persecution

In 1939, World War II began, and Jehovah’s people suffered persecution and mob violence. By the end of 1939, Mom was very ill and eventually needed surgery, so we moved back to San Antonio.

Mobs would form as we did magazine work on the streets of San Antonio. But each week, as a family, we were there, each on our assigned corner. I often watched as they hauled Dad away to the police station.

Dad tried to continue pioneering even though Mom had to stop. However, he couldn’t earn enough working part-time, so he had to stop also. I completed school in 1939, and I too went to work.

Dad’s name Judge came in handy during those years. For example, a group of friends went to witness in a town just north of San Antonio, and the sheriff started putting all of them in jail. He had arrested about 35, including my grandparents. They got word to Dad, and he drove up there. He walked into the sheriff’s office and said: “I’m Judge Norris from San Antonio.”

“Yes Sir, Judge, what can I do for you?” the sheriff asked.

“I’ve come to see about getting these people out of jail,” Dad replied. With that the sheriff let them go without bail—and no further questions!

Dad loved to work the downtown office buildings, and he especially liked to call on judges and lawyers. He would tell the receptionist: “I’m Judge Norris, and I’ve come to see Judge So-and-So.”

Then, when he met the judge, he always said first: “Now, before I talk about the purpose of my visit, I want to explain that I’ve been a Judge longer than you have. I’ve been one all my life.” And then he would explain how he got his name. This got them off to a friendly start, and he cultivated many good relationships with the judges in those days.

Grateful for Parental Direction

I was in those tumultuous teenage years, and I know Dad and Mom held their breath many times as they watched and wondered what I would do next. As all children do, I tested Dad and Mom many times, asking to do something or to go somewhere knowing ahead of time that their answer would be no. Sometimes there were tears. Actually, I would have been devastated if they had ever said: “Go ahead, do what you want. We don’t care.”

Knowing I couldn’t push them into changing their standards gave me a feeling of security. In fact, this made it easier for me when other young ones suggested unwise entertainment, for I could say: “My dad won’t let me.” When I was 16, Dad made sure I learned to drive and that I got my driver’s license. Also, about this time he gave me a key to the house. I was so impressed that he trusted me. I felt so grown-up, and it gave me a sense of responsibility and a desire not to betray their trust.

In those days not much counsel was given about marriage, but Dad knew the Bible and what it said about marrying “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39) He made it clear to me that if I ever brought home a worldly boy, or even looked at one, his disappointment would be overwhelming. I knew he was right, for I had seen the happiness and unity in their marriage because they did marry “in the Lord.”

In 1941, when I was 18, I thought I was in love with a young man in the congregation. He was a pioneer and studying to be a lawyer. I was excited. When we told my parents we wanted to get married, instead of showing disapproval or being discouraging, they simply said: “We would like to make one request of you, Blossom. We feel that you are too young, and we would like to ask you to wait one year. If you are really in love, one year won’t make a difference.”

I am so thankful that I listened to that wise advice. Within the year, I matured some and began to see that this young man did not have the qualities that would make for a good marriage mate. He eventually left the organization, and I escaped what would have been a disaster in my life. How wonderful to have wise parents whose judgment can be relied on!

Marriage and Traveling Work

In the winter of 1946, after I had spent six years pioneering and working part-time, the finest young man I had ever met walked into our Kingdom Hall. Gene Brandt had been assigned as a companion to our traveling servant to the brethren, as the circuit overseer was then called. It was mutual attraction, and on August 5, 1947, we were married.

Shortly, Dad and Gene opened an accounting office. But Dad told Gene: “The day this office keeps us from a meeting or a theocratic assignment, I’m going to lock the door and throw away the key.” Jehovah blessed this spiritual outlook, and the office provided sufficiently for our material needs and allowed time to pioneer. Dad and Gene were good businessmen, and we could easily have been wealthy, but this was never their goal.

In 1954, Gene was invited into the circuit work, which meant a big change in our lives. How would my parents react? Once again, their concern was not for themselves but for the interests of God’s Kingdom and for the spiritual well-being of their children. They never said to us: “Why don’t you give us grandchildren?” Instead, it was always: “What can we do to help you in the full-time service?”

So when the day came for us to leave, there were only words of encouragement and rejoicing at our grand privilege. They never made us feel that we were abandoning them but were always 100 percent behind us. After we left, they kept themselves busy in the pioneer work for another ten years. Dad was appointed city overseer of San Antonio, which position he held for 30 years. He rejoiced to see the growth from one congregation in the city in the 1920’s to 71 before he died in 1991.

For Gene and me, life was filled with excitement. We had the rich joy of serving dear brothers and sisters in over 31 states and, probably the highlight of all, the privilege of attending the 29th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in 1957. Afterward we returned to the traveling work. In 1984, after 30 years in the circuit and district work, the Society kindly granted Gene a circuit assignment in San Antonio, since the folks were in their 80’s and in poor health.

Caring for Parents

It was only a year and a half after we had returned to San Antonio that Mom slipped into a semicoma and died. It happened so quickly that I didn’t get to say some of the things I wanted to say to her. This taught me to talk a lot with Dad. After 65 years of marriage, he missed Mom very much, but we were there to give love and support.

Dad’s lifelong example of Christian meeting attendance, study, and service continued right up to his death. He loved to read. As he had to be alone while we were in service, I would come home and ask, “Were you lonely?” He had been so busy reading and studying, the thought had not even occurred to him.

There was another lifelong habit that we maintained. Dad had always insisted that the family eat together, especially at breakfast time, when the daily Scripture text was considered. I was never allowed to leave home without doing it. Sometimes I would say: “But Dad, I’m going to be late for school (or for work).”

“It’s not the text that’s making you late; you didn’t get up in time,” he would say. And I had to stay and hear it. He made sure this good example existed right up to his last days of life. This is another inheritance he left me.

Dad stayed mentally alert right up to the end. What made caring for him easier was that he never got fussy or complained. Oh, sometimes he’d mention his arthritis, but I would remind him that what he really had was “Adamitis,” and he would laugh. As Gene and I sat beside him, Dad quietly went to sleep on the morning of November 30, 1991.

I am now over 70 years of age and am still benefiting from the good example of my loving Christian parents. And it is my earnest prayer that I will prove my full appreciation for this heritage by properly using it through all the ages to come.—Psalm 71:17, 18.

[Picture on page 5]

Mom with me

[Pictures on page 7]

1. My first convention: San Marcos, Texas, September 1923

2. Dad’s last convention: Fort Worth, Texas, June 1991 (Dad seated)

[Picture on page 9]

Gene and Blossom Brandt

Does God Really Know You?

“O Jehovah, . . . you have become familiar even with all my ways.” —PSALM 139:1, 3.

1. How widespread is the feeling that ‘others do not understand’ the anxieties, problems, and pressures that we face?

DOES anyone really understand the anxieties, pressures, and problems that you face? Worldwide there are millions of people, young and old, who have no family or relatives who care what happens to them. Even within families, many wives—yes, and husbands too—feel that their marriage mates do not truly comprehend the pressures that weigh them down. At times, in frustration, they protest: “But you don’t understand!” And not a few young people have concluded that no one understands them either. Yet, among those who have longed for greater understanding from others are some whose lives have later taken on rich meaning. How is that possible?

2. What can enable worshipers of Jehovah to have lives that are richly satisfying?

2 It is because, regardless of whether fellow humans fully understand their feelings or not, they are confident that God does understand what they are going through and that, as his servants, they do not have to face their problems alone. (Psalm 46:1) Furthermore, God’s Word coupled with the help of discerning Christian elders enables them to see beyond their personal problems. The Scriptures help them to appreciate that their faithful service is precious in the eyes of God and that there is a secure future for those who rest their hope in him and the provisions he has made through Jesus Christ.—Proverbs 27:11; 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.

3, 4. (a) How can appreciation of the fact that “Jehovah is God” and that he “made us” help us to find joy in his service? (b) Why do we have complete confidence in Jehovah’s loving care?

3 You may be acquainted with Psalm 100:2, which says: “Serve Jehovah with rejoicing. Come in before him with a joyful cry.” How many truly render worship to Jehovah in that manner? Sound reasons for doing so are given in verse 3, which reminds us: “Know that Jehovah is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasturage.” In the Hebrew text, he is there referred to as ʼElo·himʹ, thus indicating his greatness in majesty, dignity, and excellence. He is the only true God. (Deuteronomy 4:39; 7:9; John 17:3) His servants come to know his Godship, not merely as a fact that has been taught to them but as something they experience and of which they give evidence by obedience, trust, and devotion.—1 Chronicles 28:9; Romans 1:20.

4 Because Jehovah is the living God, able to see even our heart, nothing is hidden from his eyes. He is fully aware of what is happening in our lives. He understands what causes the problems that we face as well as the mental and emotional turmoil that may result from these. As the Creator, he knows us better than we know ourselves. He also knows how to help us to cope with our situation and how to provide lasting relief. Lovingly he will help us—like a shepherd who holds a lamb in his bosom—as we trust in him with all our heart. (Proverbs 3:5, 6; Isaiah 40:10, 11) A study of Psalm 139 can do much to strengthen that confidence.

The One Who Sees All Our Ways

5. What does Jehovah’s ‘searching through’ us mean, and why is that desirable?

5 With deep appreciation, the psalmist David wrote: “O Jehovah, you have searched through me, and you know me.” (Psalm 139:1) David was confident that Jehovah’s knowledge of him was not superficial. God did not see David as humans might, noting only his physical stature, his speaking ability, or his skill in playing the harp. (1 Samuel 16:7, 18) Jehovah had “searched through” into David’s innermost self and had done so with loving concern for his spiritual welfare. If you are one of Jehovah’s devoted servants, he knows you just as well as he did David. Does that not stir within you feelings of both gratitude and awe?

6. How does Psalm 139:2, 3 show that Jehovah knows everything we do, even all our thoughts?

6 All of David’s activities were exposed to the view of Jehovah, and David was aware of that. “You yourself have come to know my sitting down and my rising up,” the psalmist wrote. “You have considered my thought from far off. My journeying and my lying outstretched you have measured off, and you have become familiar even with all my ways.” (Psalm 139:2, 3) The fact that Jehovah is in the heavens, far removed from the earth, did not prevent his knowing what David was doing or what he was thinking. He “measured off,” or carefully examined, David’s activities, both by day and by night, so as to know their nature.

7. (a) Using incidents from David’s life as a basis, comment on some of the things in our lives that God is aware of. (b) How should awareness of this affect us?

7 When love for God and confidence in His power to deliver moved David as a young man to volunteer to fight the Philistine giant Goliath, Jehovah knew that. (1 Samuel 17:32-37, 45-47) Later, when the hostility of men caused David’s heart severe pain, when the pressure was so great that he gave way to tears at night, he was comforted by the knowledge that Jehovah heard his supplication. (Psalm 6:6, 9; 55:2-5, 22) Likewise, when a heart filled with gratitude caused David to meditate about Jehovah during a sleepless night, Jehovah was well aware of it. (Psalm 63:6; compare Philippians 4:8, 9.) One evening when David watched the wife of a neighbor bathing, Jehovah knew that too, and he saw what happened when David, even for a brief period, allowed sinful desire to crowd God out of his thoughts. (2 Samuel 11:2-4) Later, when the prophet Nathan was sent to confront David with the gravity of his sin, Jehovah not only heard the words that came from David’s mouth but also discerned the repentant heart from which they came. (2 Samuel 12:1-14; Psalm 51:1, 17) Should that not make us think seriously about where we go, what we do, and what is in our heart?

8. (a) In what way do the ‘words on our tongue’ influence our standing with God? (b) How can weaknesses in the use of the tongue be overcome? (Matthew 15:18; Luke 6:45)

8 Since God knows everything that we do, it should not surprise us that he is aware of how we use a body member even as small as the tongue. King David realized this, and he wrote: “For there is not a word on my tongue, but, look! O Jehovah, you already know it all.” (Psalm 139:4) David well knew that those who would be welcomed as guests in Jehovah’s tent would be people who did not slander others and who refused to use their tongue to spread juicy tidbits of gossip that would bring reproach on an intimate acquaintance. Those whom Jehovah favored would be people who spoke the truth even in their hearts. (Psalm 15:1-3; Proverbs 6:16-19) None of us are able to keep our tongue under perfect control, but David did not weakly conclude that there was nothing he could do to improve his situation. He spent much time composing and singing psalms of praise to Jehovah. He also freely acknowledged his need for help and prayed to God for it. (Psalm 19:12-14) Is our use of the tongue also in need of prayerful attention?

9. (a) What does the description at Psalm 139:5 indicate as to how thoroughly God knows our situation? (b) Of what does this make us confident?

9 Jehovah does not see us or our situation from just a limited perspective. He has the full picture, from every side. Using a besieged city as an example, David wrote: “Behind and before, you have besieged me.” In David’s case, God was not a besieging enemy; he was, rather, a watchful guardian. “You place your hand upon me,” David added, thus indicating God’s control and protection exercised for the lasting benefit of those who love him. “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is so high up that I cannot attain to it,” David acknowledged. (Psalm 139:5, 6) So complete, so thorough, is God’s knowledge of his servants, that we cannot fully comprehend it. But we know enough to be confident that Jehovah truly understands us and that the help he provides will be the very best.—Isaiah 48:17, 18.

Wherever We Are, God Can Help Us

10. What encouraging truth is conveyed by the vivid description at Psalm 139:7-12?

10 Viewing Jehovah’s loving care from another standpoint, the psalmist continues: “Where can I go from your spirit, and where can I run away from your face?” He had no desire to try to get away from Jehovah; rather, he knew that wherever he might be, Jehovah would know and, by holy spirit, could help him. “If I should ascend to heaven,” he continued, “there you would be; and if I should spread out my couch in Sheol, look! you would be there. Were I to take the wings of the dawn, that I might reside in the most remote sea, there, also, your own hand would lead me and your right hand would lay hold of me. And were I to say: ‘Surely darkness itself will hastily seize me!’ then night would be light about me. Even the darkness itself would not prove too dark for you, but night itself would shine just as the day does; the darkness might just as well be the light.” (Psalm 139:7-12) There is nowhere that we might go, no circumstance that we might face, that would put us beyond Jehovah’s view or beyond the reach of his spirit to help us.

11, 12. (a) Even though Jonah lost sight of it for a time, how was Jehovah’s ability to see and to help demonstrated in Jonah’s case? (b) How should Jonah’s experience benefit us?

11 At one point the prophet Jonah lost sight of that. Jehovah had assigned him to preach to the people of Nineveh. For some reason he felt that he could not handle that assignment. Perhaps because of the fierce reputation of the Assyrians, the thought of serving in Nineveh frightened Jonah. So he tried to drop out of sight. At the seaport of Joppa, he obtained passage on a ship bound for Tarshish (generally associated with Spain, over 2,200 miles [3,500 km] west of Nineveh). Nevertheless, Jehovah saw him board the ship and go to sleep down in the hold. God also knew where Jonah was when he was later thrown overboard, and Jehovah heard Jonah when he promised from within the belly of the big fish that he would pay his vows. Delivered back to dry land, Jonah was again given an opportunity to fulfill his assignment.—Jonah 1:3, 17; 2:1–3:4.

12 How much better it would have been for Jonah from the start to have relied on Jehovah’s spirit to help him fulfill his assignment! Later, though, Jonah did humbly record his experience, and that record has helped many since then to manifest the confidence in Jehovah that it seemed so difficult for Jonah to gain.—Romans 15:4.

13. (a) What assignments had Elijah faithfully fulfilled before he fled from Queen Jezebel? (b) How did Jehovah help Elijah even when he sought to go into hiding outside the territory of Israel?

13 Elijah’s experience was somewhat different. He had faithfully delivered Jehovah’s decree that Israel would suffer drought as chastisement for their sins. (1 Kings 16:30-33; 17:1) He had boldly upheld true worship in the contest between Jehovah and Baal at Mount Carmel. And he had followed through with the execution of 450 prophets of Baal at the torrent valley of Kishon. But when Queen Jezebel in a rage vowed to have Elijah put to death, Elijah fled the country. (1 Kings 18:18-40; 19:1-4) Was Jehovah there to help him at that difficult time? Yes, indeed. If Elijah had climbed a high mountain, as if to heaven; if he had hid in a cave deep within the earth, as if in Sheol; if he had fled to some remote island with speed like that of the light of dawn spreading over the earth—Jehovah’s hand would have been there to strengthen and lead him. (Compare Romans 8:38, 39.) And Jehovah did strengthen Elijah not only with food for his journey but also with marvelous displays of His active force. Thus fortified, Elijah undertook his next prophetic assignment.—1 Kings 19:5-18.

14. (a) Why would it be wrong to conclude that God is omnipresent? (b) Under what circumstances has Jehovah lovingly sustained his servants in modern times? (c) How is it that even if we were in Sheol, God would be there?

14 The prophetic words of Psalm 139:7-12 do not mean that God is omnipresent, that he is personally present in all places at all times. The Scriptures clearly show otherwise. (Deuteronomy 26:15; Hebrews 9:24) Yet, his servants are never beyond his reach. That is true of those whose theocratic assignments have taken them to distant places. It was true of loyal Witnesses in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, and it was true of the missionaries held in solitary confinement in China during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. It was true of our dear brothers and sisters in a Central African country who had to flee repeatedly from their villages, even from the country. If need be, Jehovah can reach right into Sheol, the common grave, and bring faithful ones back by means of a resurrection.—Job 14:13-15; Luke 20:37, 38.

The One Who Truly Understands Us

15. (a) From how early a time was Jehovah able to observe our development? (b) How is the extent of God’s knowledge of us indicated by the psalmist’s reference to the kidneys?

15 Under inspiration, the psalmist draws attention to the fact that God’s knowledge of us precedes even the time of our birth, saying: “For you yourself produced my kidneys; you kept me screened off in the belly of my mother. I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware.” (Psalm 139:13, 14) The combining of genes from our father and our mother at the time of conception produces the pattern that profoundly influences our physical and mental potential. God understands that potential. In this psalm special mention is made of the kidneys, which are often used in the Scriptures to represent the innermost aspects of personality.a (Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 17:10) Jehovah has known these details about us since before we were born. He is also the one who with loving concern designed the human body so that a fertilized cell within a mother’s womb produces a protective housing to ‘screen off’ the embryo and protect it as it develops.

16. (a) In what way does Psalm 139:15, 16 highlight the penetrating power of God’s vision? (b) Why should this be encouraging to us?

16 Then, emphasizing the penetrating power of God’s vision, the psalmist adds: “My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was woven in the lowest parts of the earth [evidently a poetic reference to his mother’s womb but with an allusion to Adam’s creation from the dust]. Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your book all its parts were down in writing, as regards the days when they [the body parts] were formed and there was not yet one [distinct body part] among them.” (Psalm 139:15, 16) There is no doubt about it—whether fellow humans understand us or not, Jehovah does. How should that affect us?

17. When we view God’s works as being wonderful, what does this move us to do?

17 The writer of Psalm 139 acknowledged that God’s works about which he was writing were wonderful. Do you feel that way too? Something that is wonderful makes a person think deeply or show rapt attention. Likely you react that way to Jehovah’s works of physical creation. (Compare Psalm 8:3, 4, 9.) Do you also give that sort of thought to what he has done in establishing the Messianic Kingdom, to what he is doing in having the good news preached in all the earth, and to the way in which his Word transforms human personalities?—Compare 1 Peter 1:10-12.

18. If we find God’s work to be fear-inspiring, how will it affect us?

18 Is it likewise your experience that contemplation of God’s work is fear-inspiring, that it produces in you a wholesome fear, one that is powerfully motivating, one that has a profound effect on your personality and on the way you use your life? (Compare Psalm 66:5.) If so, your heart will move you to laud Jehovah, to praise him, to make opportunities to tell others about his purpose and the marvelous things that he has in store for those who love him.—Psalm 145:1-3.

[Footnotes]

See Insight on the Scriptures, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Volume 2, page 150.

What Is Your Comment?

□ How does our knowing that “Jehovah is God” help us to serve him with rejoicing?

□ How should our lives be influenced by God’s knowing everything we do?

□ Why is the fact that we are never out of God’s view encouraging?

□ Why is God able to understand us in ways that no human can?

□ Why does a study such as this make us want to laud Jehovah?

“Search Through Me, O God”

“Search through me, O God, and know my heart. . . . Lead me in the way of time indefinite.”—PSALM 139:23, 24.

1. How does Jehovah deal with his servants?

ALL of us like to be dealt with by someone who is understanding, someone who takes into account our circumstances, someone who helps when we fall short, someone who does not demand of us more than we are able to do. Jehovah God deals with his servants in that way. Psalm 103:14 says: “He himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust.” And Jesus Christ, who perfectly reflects his Father, extends the warm invitation: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you [or, “Get under my yoke with me,” footnote] and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.”—Matthew 11:28-30.

2. Contrast Jehovah’s view with that of humans as regards (a) Jesus Christ, and (b) followers of Christ.

2 Jehovah’s view of his servants is often very different from that of humans. He looks at matters from a different standpoint and takes into account aspects that others may know nothing about. When Jesus Christ walked the earth, he was “despised and was avoided by men.” Those who did not put faith in him as the Messiah “held him as of no account.” (Isaiah 53:3; Luke 23:18-21) Yet, in the eyes of God, he was “[God’s] Son, the beloved,” to whom the Father said: “I have approved you.” (Luke 3:22; 1 Peter 2:4) Among the followers of Jesus Christ are people who are looked down on because they are materially poor and endure much tribulation. Yet, in the eyes of Jehovah and his Son, such ones may be rich. (Romans 8:35-39; Revelation 2:9) Why the difference in viewpoint?

3. (a) Why is Jehovah’s view of people often very different from that of humans? (b) Why is it vitally important for us to examine the sort of person we are inside?

3 Jeremiah 11:20 replies: “Jehovah . . . is examining the kidneys and the heart.” He sees what we are inside, even those aspects of our personality that are hidden from the eyes of others. In his examination, he gives primary emphasis to qualities and conditions that are vital to a good relationship with him, those that are most lastingly beneficial to us. Our knowing that is reassuring; it is also sobering. Since Jehovah pays attention to what we are inside, it is important for us to examine what we are inside if we are going to prove to be the sort of persons that he wants in his new world. His Word helps us to make such an examination.—Hebrews 4:12, 13.

How Precious God’s Thoughts Are!

4. (a) What motivated the psalmist to declare that God’s thoughts were precious to him? (b) Why should they be precious to us?

4 After having meditated on the breadth and depth of God’s knowledge of his servants, as well as on God’s extraordinary ability to provide whatever help they might need, the psalmist David wrote: “So, to me how precious your thoughts are!” (Psalm 139:17a) Those thoughts, revealed in his written Word, are far higher than anything from humans, no matter how brilliant their ideas may seem. (Isaiah 55:8, 9) God’s thoughts help us to keep in focus the really important things in life and to be zealous in his service. (Philippians 1:9-11) They show us how to look at matters the way God does. They help us to be honest with ourselves, to face up to the sort of person we truly are at heart. Are you willing to do that?

5. (a) What does God’s Word urge us to guard “more than all else”? (b) How can the Bible record regarding Cain benefit us? (c) Though we are not under the Mosaic Law, how does it help us to understand what pleases Jehovah?

5 Humans are inclined to put too much emphasis on externals, but the Scriptures counsel us: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23) Both by precepts and by examples, the Bible helps us to do that. It tells us that Cain went through the motions of offering sacrifices to God while in his heart he seethed with resentment, then hatred, toward his brother Abel. And it urges us not to be like him. (Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:11, 12) It records the Mosaic Law requirement of obedience. But it also emphasizes that the foremost requirement of the Law was that those who worshiped Jehovah must love him with their whole heart, mind, soul, and strength; and it states that next in importance was the commandment that they love their neighbor as themselves.—Deuteronomy 5:32, 33; Mark 12:28-31.

6. In applying Proverbs 3:1, what questions should we ask ourselves?

6 At Proverbs 3:1, we are urged not merely to keep God’s commandments but to be sure that the obedience is an expression of what is truly in our heart. Individually we need to ask ourselves, ‘Is that true of my obedience to God’s requirements?’ If we realize that in some matters our motivation or thinking is deficient—and none of us can say that we are flawless—then we need to ask, ‘What am I doing to improve the situation?’—Proverbs 20:9; 1 John 1:8.

7. (a) How might Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees at Matthew 15:3-9 help us in safeguarding our heart? (b) What situations may require us to take strong measures to discipline our mind and heart?

7 When Jewish Pharisees made a pretense of honoring God while craftily promoting a practice motivated by self-interest, Jesus denounced them as hypocrites and showed that their worship was in vain. (Matthew 15:3-9) Jesus also warned that to please God, who sees the heart, it is not sufficient to lead an outwardly moral life while, with a view to passionate pleasure, we also persistently indulge in thoughts that are immoral. We may need to take drastic measures to discipline our mind and heart. (Proverbs 23:12; Matthew 5:27-29) Such discipline is also needed if as a result of our secular work, our goals in education, or our choice of entertainment, we are becoming imitators of the world, allowing it to mold us according to its standards. May we never forget that the disciple James addresses as “adulteresses” those who profess to belong to God but who want to be friends of the world. Why? Because “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”—James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:19.

8. To benefit fully from God’s precious thoughts, what do we need to do?

8 In order to benefit fully from God’s thoughts on these and other matters, we need to set aside time to read them or hear them. More than that, we need to study them, talk about them, and meditate on them. Many readers of The Watchtower regularly attend congregation meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where the Bible is discussed. They buy out time from other pursuits in order to do it. (Ephesians 5:15-17) And what they receive in return is worth far more than material wealth. Is that not how you feel?

9. Why do some who attend Christian meetings progress more rapidly than others?

9 However, some who attend these meetings make more rapid spiritual progress than others do. They apply the truth more fully in their lives. What accounts for this? Frequently, a major factor is their diligence in personal study. They appreciate that we do not live on bread alone; spiritual food every day is just as important as eating physical food regularly. (Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 5:14) So they endeavor to spend at least some time every day reading the Bible or publications that explain it. They prepare for the congregation meetings, studying lessons in advance and looking up the scriptures. They do more than read the material; they meditate on it. Their pattern of study includes thinking seriously about the effect that what they are learning should have on their own lives. As their spirituality grows, they come to feel as did the psalmist who wrote: “How I do love your law! . . . Your reminders are wonderful.”—Psalm 1:1-3; 119:97, 129.

10. (a) For how long a time is it profitable to continue to study God’s Word? (b) How do the Scriptures show this?

10 Whether we have studied God’s Word for a year, 5 years, or 50 years, it never becomes simply repetitious—not if God’s thoughts are precious to us. No matter how much any of us have learned from the Scriptures, there is more that we do not know. “O God, how much does the grand sum of them amount to!” said David. “Were I to try to count them, they are more than even the grains of sand.” God’s thoughts are beyond our ability to count. If we were to enumerate God’s thoughts all day long and fell asleep doing that, when we woke up in the morning, there would still be much more to think about. Thus, David wrote: “I have awaked, and yet I am still with you.” (Psalm 139:17, 18) For all eternity there will be more for us to learn about Jehovah and his ways. We will never come to the point where we know it all.—Romans 11:33.

Hating What Jehovah Hates

11. Why is it important not only to know God’s thoughts but to share his feelings?

11 Our study of God’s Word is not merely with a view to filling our head with facts. As we let it penetrate our heart, we also begin to share God’s feelings. How important that is! If we do not develop such feelings, what may result? Though we may be able to repeat what the Bible says, we may, nevertheless, view as desirable what is forbidden, or we may feel that what is required is a burden. It is true that even if we hate what is wrong, we may have a struggle because of human imperfection. (Romans 7:15) But if we do not put forth earnest effort to bring what we are inside into line with what is right, can we expect to please Jehovah, “the examiner of hearts”?—Proverbs 17:3.

12. How important are godly love and godly hate?

12 Godly hate is a powerful protection against wrongdoing, even as godly love makes the doing of what is right a pleasure. (1 John 5:3) Repeatedly the Scriptures urge us to cultivate both love and hate. “O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad.” (Psalm 97:10) “Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) Are we doing that?

13. (a) With what prayer of David regarding the destruction of the wicked are we in full agreement? (b) As shown in David’s prayer, who were the wicked that he prayed for God to destroy?

13 Jehovah has clearly stated his purpose to root the wicked ones out of the earth and to usher in a new earth in which righteousness is to dwell. (Psalm 37:10, 11; 2 Peter 3:13) Lovers of righteousness long for that time to come. They are in full agreement with the psalmist David, who prayed: “O that you, O God, would slay the wicked one! Then even the bloodguilty men will certainly depart from me, who say things about you according to their idea; they have taken up your name in a worthless way—your adversaries.” (Psalm 139:19, 20) David did not personally long to slay such wicked ones. He prayed that retribution would come at Jehovah’s hand. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Hebrews 10:30) These were not people who had in some way merely offended David personally. They had misrepresented God, taking up his name in a worthless way. (Exodus 20:7) Dishonestly, they professed to serve him, but they were using his name to promote their own schemes. David had no love for those who chose to be God’s adversaries.

14. Are there wicked people who can be helped? If so, how?

14 There are billions of people who do not know Jehovah. Many of them in ignorance practice things that God’s Word shows to be wicked. If they persist in this course, they will be among those who perish during the great tribulation. Yet, Jehovah takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, nor should we. (Ezekiel 33:11) As long as time permits, we endeavor to help such people to learn and apply Jehovah’s ways. But what if some people show intense hatred for Jehovah?

15. (a) Who were the ones that the psalmist viewed as “real enemies”? (b) How can we today show that we “hate” those revolting against Jehovah?

15 Regarding them, the psalmist said: “Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies.” (Psalm 139:21, 22) It was because they intensely hated Jehovah that David looked on them with abhorrence. Apostates are included among those who show their hatred of Jehovah by revolting against him. Apostasy is, in reality, a rebellion against Jehovah. Some apostates profess to know and serve God, but they reject teachings or requirements set out in his Word. Others claim to believe the Bible, but they reject Jehovah’s organization and actively try to hinder its work. When they deliberately choose such badness after knowing what is right, when the bad becomes so ingrained that it is an inseparable part of their makeup, then a Christian must hate (in the Biblical sense of the word) those who have inseparably attached themselves to the badness. True Christians share Jehovah’s feelings toward such apostates; they are not curious about apostate ideas. On the contrary, they “feel a loathing” toward those who have made themselves God’s enemies, but they leave it to Jehovah to execute vengeance.—Job 13:16; Romans 12:19; 2 John 9, 10.

When God Searches Through Us

16. (a) Why did David want Jehovah to search through him? (b) What is there about our own heart that we should ask God to help us discern?

16 David did not want to be like the wicked in any way. Many people try to conceal what they are inside, but David humbly prayed: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.” (Psalm 139:23, 24) When referring to his heart, David did not mean the physical organ. In harmony with the figurative meaning of that expression, he referred to what he was inside, the inner man. We too should want God to search our heart and discern whether we have any improper desires, affections, emotions, purposes, thoughts, or motives. (Psalm 26:2) Jehovah invites us: “My son, do give your heart to me, and may those eyes of yours take pleasure in my own ways.”—Proverbs 23:26.

17. (a) Instead of covering over disquieting thoughts, what should we do? (b) Should it surprise us to find wrong inclinations in our heart, and what should we do about them?

17 If there are hidden within us any painful, disquieting thoughts because of wrong desires or wrong motives or because of some wrong conduct on our part, then surely we want Jehovah to help us clear the matter up. Instead of the wording “any painful way,” Moffatt’s translation uses the expression “a wrong course”; The New English Bible says: “Any path that grieves thee [that is, God].” We ourselves may not clearly understand our disquieting thoughts and so do not know how to express our problem to God, but he understands our case. (Romans 8:26, 27) It should not surprise us if there are bad inclinations in our heart; still, we should not excuse them. (Genesis 8:21) We should seek God’s help to root them out. If we truly love Jehovah and his ways, we can approach him for such help with the confidence that “God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.”—1 John 3:19-21.

18. (a) How does Jehovah lead us in the way of time indefinite? (b) If we continue to follow Jehovah’s direction, what warm commendation can we expect to receive?

18 In harmony with the psalmist’s prayer that Jehovah would lead him in the way of time indefinite, Jehovah does, indeed, lead his humble, obedient servants. He leads them not only in the path that can mean long life because they are not prematurely cut off for evildoing but in the way that leads to life eternal. He impresses upon us our need of the sin-atoning value of Jesus’ sacrifice. Through his Word and his organization, he provides us vital instruction so that we are able to do his will. He emphasizes to us the importance of responding to his help so that we become inwardly the sort of person that we profess to be outwardly. (Psalm 86:11) And he encourages us with the prospect of perfect health in a righteous new world along with an eternity of life to use in serving him, the only true God. If we continue to respond loyally to his direction, he will, in effect, say to us, as he did to his Son: “I have approved you.”—Luke 3:22; John 6:27; James 1:12.

What Is Your Comment?

□ Why is Jehovah’s view of his servants often different from that of humans?

□ What can help us to discern what God sees when he examines our heart?

□ What sort of study assists us to learn facts and to safeguard our heart?

□ Why is it important not only to know what God says but to share his feelings?

□ Why should we personally pray: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart”?

[Picture on page 16]

When studying, endeavor to make God’s thoughts and feelings your own

[Picture on page 18]

Jehovah’s thoughts are “more than even the grains of sand”

[Credit Line]

Pictorial Archive (Near Eastern History) Est.

Famine Foretold

IN RECENT years the specter of famine has become painfully familiar in world news reports. From Ethiopia and elsewhere have come unforgettable images of suffering. In 1992 world attention was riveted on Somalia’s tragic victims of famine, caused by drought and war. The International Herald Tribune reported in September 1992: “No one knows how many Somalis have died, but the Red Cross puts the figure at above 100,000. Hundreds, if not thousands, die every day.”

The figures do little to convey the misery and pain of the individuals involved. Yvette Pierpaoli, European representative of Refugees International, wrote in the UN magazine Refugees: “In New York or Geneva, the refugee question appears quite straightforward; figures are cited and the string of zeros attached to them is difficult to grasp. But thousands of miles away, on the frontiers of countries no longer under control, emotion seizes you by the throat and the magnitude of the suffering makes you want to scream.”

While the Red Cross says that its efforts to aid Somalia represent its biggest ever humanitarian relief operation, many observers complain that the general picture is one of too little aid, too late. Pierpaoli laments: “Donor countries are reticent, tired of supporting an Africa which is disintegrating. . . . They blame Africans for their poor management, the greed of their leaders, the seemingly endless conflicts.”

The Bible foretold a time when there would be food shortages “in one place after another.” These food shortages, together with many other developments, such as wars, earthquakes, and pestilences, indicate that the Kingdom of God is near. (Luke 21:11, 31) The Bible further shows that under this benevolent Kingdom of God, there will be an abundance of food for all humankind. “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth,” wrote the psalmist. “On the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.”—Psalm 72:16.

Have a Right View of God’s Mercy

THE doctor was kind and very concerned. According to his best judgment, his patient desperately needed an operation in order to save her life. When she hesitated and raised the matter of blood transfusions, he was surprised. When she explained that for religious reasons she could not consent to an operation that involved a blood transfusion, he was thunderstruck. He racked his brains for a way to help her. Finally, he thought he had found one. He said: “You know, if you don’t accept a blood transfusion, you’ll die. You don’t want that, do you?”

“Of course not,” said his patient.

“But, seemingly, if you accept one, you will go against your religious beliefs, which are also important to you. Well, here is my suggestion. Why not accept a blood transfusion and thus save your life. Then confess to God that you have sinned, and repent. In that way, you’ll be restored in your religion also.”

The well-meaning doctor thought he had found the perfect answer. He was aware that his patient believed in a merciful God. Surely, this was a proper occasion to take advantage of God’s mercy! But was his suggestion as reasonable as it sounded?

Do We Ever Reason Like This?

Sometimes we may find ourselves reasoning the way the doctor did. Perhaps we are frightened by an unexpected outburst of opposition at school or at work. Or we may find ourselves in an embarrassing situation where we are under pressure to do something that offends our conscience. Taken by surprise, we may be inclined to take the easy way out and do what we know is wrong, intending to ask for forgiveness later.

Or individuals may be tempted by their own wrong inclinations. For example, a young man may find himself in a situation where he is strongly tempted to commit immorality. Rather than fight the wrong desire, he may give in, intending to put matters right with God later on. Some have even gone so far as to commit a serious sin despite knowing that they would probably be disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation. They have apparently reasoned, ‘I’ll let a little time go by. Then I will repent and be reinstated.’

All these situations have two things in common. First, individuals give in rather than struggle to do what is right. Second, they feel that after having done wrong, God will automatically forgive if they just ask.

What Is the Right View?

Does this show a proper appreciation for God’s mercy? Well, think about that mercy for a moment. Jesus said: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The apostle John explained how that mercy operates when he said: “I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one.” (1 John 2:1) Hence, if because of imperfection we fall into sin, we can come to God in prayer and beg for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Does this mean, though, that it does not matter whether we sin or not, as long as we ask for forgiveness afterward? Hardly. Remember the first words of that quotation: “I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin.” John’s further words in that verse show Jehovah’s loving arrangement for dealing with our imperfection. Nevertheless, we have to try as hard as we can to avoid sinning. Otherwise we show a lamentable disrespect for God’s love, rather like the ones referred to by Jude who used the undeserved kindness of God as an excuse for loose conduct.—Jude 4.

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The Watchtower, October 1, 1993