Watchtower January 6 through January 12
[For the opening song before the Public Talk, select the song number announced, on the 'Sing Out Joyfully' Page or click here]
Watchtower Study Article 44 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 33 Throw Your Burden on Jehovah. Based on Psalm 55
1. “Listen to my prayer,” Jehovah.
Let yourself be found by me.
Feel the anguish deep inside me;
Help me unafraid to be.
Throw your burden on Jehovah;
Trust in him to sustain and save you.
He will always give protection.
He is loyal; he is true.
2. Had I wings just as a dove has,
Far from danger I would fly,
Safe from those who seek to hurt me,
Sheltered from their hateful cry.
Throw your burden on Jehovah;
Trust in him to sustain and save you.
He will always give protection.
He is loyal; he is true.
3. Comfort from our God, Jehovah,
Always brings us peace of mind.
He will help us bear our burden.
He is loving; he is kind.
Throw your burden on Jehovah;
Trust in him to sustain and save you.
He will always give protection.
He is loyal; he is true.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
How to Cope With Injustice (January 6 through 12)
“Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.” Romans 12.21.
[Box] Focus.
How to cope with injustice in a way that avoids making matters worse. [End of box]
Question 1 and 2. How might injustice affect all of us in one way or another?
1. Jesus told an illustration about a widow who kept asking a judge to give her justice. No doubt that story resonated with many of Jesus’ disciples because in his day the common people were often victims of injustice.
[Quotation] Luke 18.1 through 5: Then he went on to tell them an illustration about the need for them always to pray and not to give up, 2 saying: “In a certain city there was a judge who had no fear of God and no respect for man. 3 There was also a widow in that city who kept going to him and saying, ‘See that I get justice from my legal opponent.’ 4 Well, for a while he was unwilling, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Although I do not fear God or respect any man, 5 because this widow keeps making me trouble, I will see that she gets justice so that she will not keep coming and wearing me out with her demand.’” [End Quotation]
The story is also meaningful to us today because we have all experienced injustice at one time or another.
2. In the world today, prejudice, inequality, and oppression are common, so we are not surprised when we are treated unfairly.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 5.8: If you see any oppression of the poor and a violation of justice and righteousness in your district, do not be surprised about the matter. For that high official is being watched by one who is higher than he is, and there are others who are still higher than they are. [End Quotation]
What we might not expect, though, is to be misjudged by a brother or a sister; yet, that can happen. Of course, our brothers and sisters are not opposers of the truth. They are simply imperfect. We can learn much from how Jesus reacted to injustices from wicked opposers. If we can be patient with opposers who treat us unjustly, how much more so should we be patient with our fellow believers! How does Jehovah feel when we are treated unjustly either by those outside the congregation or by those inside the congregation? Does he care?
Question 3. Does Jehovah care about our suffering injustice, and why?
3. Jehovah cares deeply about the way we are treated. “Jehovah loves justice.”
[Quotation] Psalm 37.28: For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. [End Quotation]
Jesus assures us that Jehovah will “cause justice to be done ... speedily” when the time is right.
[Quotation] Luke 18.7 and 8: Certainly, then, will not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, while he is patient toward them? 8 I tell you, he will cause justice to be done to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man arrives, will he really find this faith on the earth?” [End Quotation]
And soon he will undo all the harm we have suffered and eliminate all forms of injustice.
[Quotation] Psalm 72.1 and 2: O God, give your judgments to the king, And endow the son of the king with your righteousness. 2 May he plead the cause of your people with righteousness, And of your lowly ones with justice. [End Quotation]
Question 4. What help does Jehovah provide for us today?
4. While we await the time when righteousness will prevail, Jehovah helps us to cope with injustice.
[Quotation] 2 Peter 3.13: But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. [End Quotation]
He teaches us how to avoid doing something unwise when we are treated unfairly. Through his Son, Jehovah provides us with the perfect example of the way we can deal with injustice. And he gives us practical counsel that we can apply when we are treated unjustly.
Be Careful About How You React to Injustice
Question 5. Why should we be careful about the way we react to injustice?
5. We may feel deeply hurt and distressed by injustice.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 7.7: But oppression can drive the wise one into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart. [End Quotation]
Faithful servants, such as Job and Habakkuk, felt the same way.
[Quotation] Job 6.2 and 3: “If only my anguish could be fully weighed And put on scales together with my calamity! 3 For now it is heavier than the sands of the seas. That is why my words have been wild talk. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Habakkuk 1.1 through 3: A pronouncement that Habakkuk the prophet received in a vision: 2 How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help, but you do not hear? How long must I ask for help from violence, but you do not intervene? 3 Why do you make me witness wrongdoing? And why do you tolerate oppression? Why are destruction and violence before me? And why do quarreling and conflict abound? [End Quotation]
While these feelings are natural, we need to be careful about how we react so that we do not do something foolish.
Question 6. What does the example of Absalom teach us? (See also picture.)
6. We could react to an injustice by improperly trying to take matters into our own hands. Responding in that way, however, could make matters much worse. Consider the example of King David’s son Absalom. He was outraged when his sister Tamar was raped by their half brother Amnon. According to the Mosaic Law, Amnon deserved to die for what he had done.
[Quotation] Leviticus 20.17: “‘If a man has sexual relations with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother, and he sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off before the eyes of the sons of their people. He has exposed his sister to shame. He should answer for his error. [End Quotation]
Although Absalom’s anger was certainly understandable, he was not authorized to take matters into his own hands.
[Quotation] 2 Samuel 13.20 through 23: At this her brother Absalom asked her: “Was it your brother Amnon who was with you? And now keep silent, my sister. He is your brother. Do not let your heart dwell on this matter.” Then Tamar lived in isolation at the house of her brother Absalom. 21 When King David heard about all these things, he became very angry. But he would not hurt the feelings of Amnon his son, because he loved him, for he was his firstborn. 22 And Absalom said nothing to Amnon, either bad or good; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had humiliated his sister Tamar. 23 After two full years, Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor, near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the sons of the king. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 2 Samuel 13.28 and 29: Then Absalom ordered his attendants: “Watch, and when Amnon’s heart is in a cheerful mood from the wine, I will say to you, ‘Strike down Amnon!’ You must then put him to death. Do not be afraid. Is it not I who command you? Be strong and courageous.” 29 So Absalom’s attendants did to Amnon exactly as Absalom had ordered; then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one mounted his mule and fled. [End Quotation]
[Image Alt:] Tamar weeping and ripping her garment in grief. Absalom cunningly gestures for her to keep quiet. Caption: Absalom gave in to his anger over the injustice done to his sister Tamar
Question 7. How did injustice temporarily affect a psalmist?
7. When those who act unjustly seem to go unpunished, we might question whether it is worthwhile to do what is right. Consider the psalmist who observed that the wicked seemed to prosper at the expense of the righteous. “These are the wicked, who always have it easy,” he said.
[Quotation] Psalm 73.12: Yes, these are the wicked, who always have it easy. They keep increasing their wealth. [End Quotation]
He was also so distraught about the injustice he saw that he almost lost confidence in the benefits of serving Jehovah, saying: “When I tried to understand it, it was troubling to me.”
[Quotation] Psalm 73.14: And I was troubled all day long; Every morning I was chastised. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Psalm 73:16: When I tried to understand it, It was troubling to me [End Quotation]
In fact, he revealed: “As for me, my feet had almost strayed; my steps had nearly slipped.” (Psalm 73.2) Something similar happened to a brother we will call Alberto.
Question 8. What effect did injustice have on one brother?
8. Alberto was wrongly accused of stealing money from the congregation funds. As a result, he lost his privileges and the respect of many in the congregation who learned about the matter. “I felt bitter, angry, and frustrated,” he recalls. He allowed his emotional pain to affect his spirituality, and he even became inactive for five years. This experience illustrates what could happen if we were to become embittered by an injustice.
Imitate How Jesus Coped With Injustice
Question 9. What injustices did Jesus endure? (See also picture.)
9. Jesus set a perfect example of how to cope with injustice. Consider the unjust treatment he experienced, both from family and from outsiders. His unbelieving relatives accused him of being out of his mind, the religious leaders accused him of collaborating with the demons, and Roman soldiers mocked him, physically assaulted him, and eventually killed him.
[Quotation] Mark 3.21 and 22: But when his relatives heard about it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying: “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 Also, the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying: “He has Beelzebub, and he expels the demons by means of the ruler of the demons.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Mark 14.55: Now the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they were not finding any. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Mark 15.16 through 20: The soldiers now led him off into the courtyard, that is, into the governor’s residence, and they called the whole body of troops together. 17 And they dressed him in purple and braided a crown of thorns and put it on him; 18 and they began to call out to him: “Greetings, you King of the Jews!” 19 Also, they were hitting him on the head with a reed and spitting on him, and they got on their knees and bowed down to him. 20 Finally, after they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple and put his outer garments on him. And they led him out to nail him to the stake. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Mark 15.35 through 37: And some of those standing near, on hearing it, began to say: “See! He is calling Elijah.” 36 Then someone ran, soaked a sponge in sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying: “Let him be! Let us see whether Elijah comes to take him down.” 37 But Jesus let out a loud cry and expired. [End Quotation]
Yet, Jesus endured all that injustice and more without retaliating. What can we learn from his example?
[Image Alt:] Collage: Jesus suffering injustice. 1. He wears a crown of thorns and is bleeding. 2. His unbelieving relatives question him. 3. Religious leaders angrily confront him. 4. He collapses while carrying his torture stake as he is pressured by a Roman soldier. Caption: Jesus set a perfect example of the way to cope with injustice (See paragraphs 9 and 10)
Question 10. How did Jesus cope with injustice? (1 Peter 2.21 through 23)
10. Read 1 Peter 2.21 through 23.* [Footnote] In chapters 2 and 3 of the apostle Peter’s first letter, he describes situations in which a number of first-century Christians faced unjust treatment at the hands of harsh masters or unbelieving husbands.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2.18 through 20: Let servants be in subjection to their masters with all due fear, not only to the good and reasonable but also to those hard to please. 19 For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. 20 For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.1 through 6: In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, 2 because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. 3 Do not let your adornment be external, the braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothing, 4 but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you have become her children, provided you continue doing good and do not give in to fear. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.8 and 9: Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. 9 Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing, for you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing. [End Quotation] [End of footnote]
Jesus left us a perfect model to follow when we are dealing with an injustice. He knew when to remain silent and when to speak.
[Quotation] Matthew 26.62 through 64: With that the high priest stood up and said to him: “Do you say nothing in reply? What is it these men are testifying against you?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. So the high priest said to him: “I put you under oath by the living God to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him: “You yourself said it. But I say to you: From now on you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” [End Quotation]
He did not reply to every false statement made about him.
[Quotation] Matthew 11.19: The Son of man did come eating and drinking, but people say, ‘Look! A man who is a glutton and is given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ All the same, wisdom is proved righteous by its works.” [End Quotation]
When he did speak, he did not insult his persecutors or threaten them. Jesus exercised self-control because he “entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously.” Jesus knew that it was Jehovah’s view of matters that was most important. He trusted that Jehovah would deal with the injustices at the right time.
[Read scripture] 1 Peter 2.21 through 23: In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. [End of Read scripture]
Question 11. What are some ways that we can control our speech? (See also pictures.)
11. We can imitate Jesus by controlling what we say when we are treated unjustly. Some injustices are minor, and we can simply overlook them. Or we may remain silent to avoid saying something that could make matters worse.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 3.7: A time to rip apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] James 1.19 and 20: Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness. [End Quotation]
At other times, we may need to speak up when we observe unfair treatment or when we need to defend the truth.
[Quotation] Acts 6.1 and 2: Now in those days when the disciples were increasing, the Greek-speaking Jews began complaining against the Hebrew-speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 So the Twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: “It is not right for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables. [End Quotation]
If we do speak, we should try our best to do so calmly and respectfully.* [Footnote] See on jw.org the video How Love Leads to Genuine Peace. [End of footnote]
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.15: But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect. [End Quotation]
[Press the link below for the Video: How Love Leads to Genuine Peace (12:52) Opens in new page]
[Image Alt:] Collage: An older sister being treated unjustly. 1. She remains calm as a masked officer leads her away in handcuffs and another officer ransacks her home. 2. She speaks respectfully in court to the judge. 3. She prays in her prison cell as a guard stands just outside the cell. Caption When we face injustice, we can imitate Jesus by carefully deciding when and how to speak (See paragraphs 11 and 12)
[Click for Transcript]|[How Love Leads to Genuine Peace]
[In the room of a teenage girl named Olivia, a collage of drawings, family photos and a convention program decorate the wall. Dressed in a mustard yellow sweater, headband, and jeans, she wears earbuds as she sits on her bed and draws on a notepad. Her mom Irene calls out from the kitchen.]
Mom: Olivia! Olivia!
[Olivia removes one earbud.]
Hurry you’re going to be late for school.
[She and her big brother Gabe rush into the hallway. Olivia hugs mom, mom beckons Gabe to hug her too.]
Gabe: OK, Mom. I’m going to preach.
Olivia: See you.
[Gabe grabs a travel mug.]
Bye, Mom, Love you
Mom: Have a good day.
[Mom grabs her keys.]
Gabe: See you later, Mom.
[They all hurry out the door. At school Olivia greets other students as she walks to her desk. She sees two girls recording her, from the back of the class.]
Brooke: Today’s poll: Would she ever?
Amanda: She would never, she’s an angel.
Brooke: I think it’s all a front. You know she’s wild. Oh, she totally just saw us. OK. I’m totally posting that.
Amanda: Do it.
Brooke: OK. It’s up.
[Her classmates look at their phones. They mockingly laugh. She scans the room then looks at the post.]
Brooke’s post: Hey, everyone, Brooke here and Amanda. Guess who just walked in. Olivia.
[A kiss emoji.]
And there’s Jake. Today’s poll: Would she ever? No, she would never; she’s an angel. I think it’s all an act. You know she’s wild.
[Devil emoji.]
Oops, she saw us
Girl: I don’t believe it.
[Wide eyed Olivia looks around.]
Amanda: I don’t even think she likes guys.
Boy: What if she’s into girls?
[A classmate Jake looks at her.]
Brooke: Everybody’s getting it.
Amanda: I bet she’s still a virgin.
[Gabe and another brother cart witnessing. Two young men watch from a distance, one wears a t shirt with two fists breaking a chain, the other wears a beanie and carries a cardboard sign. They approach him.]
Man: Hey, can I see that?
Gabe: Yeah, of course,
[Gabe takes a brochure from the cart.]
Here you go.
[The man in the t shirt looks at it.]
Man: Enjoy Life Forever. Now, how are you going to do that?
Gabe: Well, that’s a very good question, actually. Well, God promises.
Man: No, no, no, not God, you! What are you doing?
[He leans in towards Gabe.]
Gabe: Me? Well, I try to help others.
Man: Try? Man, all you do is stand next to your little cart while the rest of us stand up for your rights, bro.
Gabe: Well, I’m actually neutral when it.
Man: Neutral? Ain’t no neutral. You’re just a coward,
[Gabe purses his lips and looks away.]
Keep your trash.
[He throws the brochure at Gabe’s feet. The two men storm off. Gabe gently picks up the brochure and puts it back on the cart. Back home, Gabe slowly walks in. Mom comes out of the kitchen to greet Gabe.]
Mom: How did it go?
Gabe: It was a tough day at the cart, but I’m OK.
[As he puts down his bag his sister Olivia enters. She walks past them without looking up. Gabe and Mom exchange looks, he shrugs. Mom follows Olivia to her room.]
Olivia’s phone plays Brooke’s video post: “Hey, everyone, Brooke here. And Amanda. Guess who just walked in? Olivia.”
[Mom enters.]
Mom: Olivia, what’s wrong?
[Tears roll down Olivia’s face. On the bed Olivia hands Mom her phone]
Olivia’s phone: “Hey, everyone, Brooke here. And Amanda. Guess who just walked in? Olivia.”
[Gabe enters.]
“And there’s Jake. Today’s poll: Would she ever? No, she would never; she’s an angel. I think it’s all an act. You know she’s wild. Oops, she saw us.”
[Mom’s brows furrow and Gabe shakes his head.]
Mom: I’m so sorry that happened to you.
[Olivia still softly cries. Mom takes a deep breath and relaxes her brow.]
Mom: You know, it reminds me of a situation Paul was in,
[Flash to Paul sitting in the dark.]
Mom: I think it was Acts chapter 16,
[Mom reads from Olivia’s phone.]
and verse 23,
[Gabe follows along on his.]
“After they had inflicted many blows on them,
[Back to Paul]
they threw them into prison
[Thrown onto the floor of the cell.]
and ordered the jailer to guard them securely,
[His dirt smudged face grimaces in pain.]
Because he got such an order, he threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks,
[Paul and Silas sit in darkness.]
But about the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were praying and praising God with song, and the prisoners were listening to them.”
[Both men look heavenward.]
What do you think made them want to sing?
[Mom warmly looks at both kids. The kids’ glance at each other.]
They loved Jehovah. And when they focused on that, how do you think they felt?
[Back to Paul, he serenely smiles with his bloodied lip, as his face glows with hope.]
Gabe: I think,
[Gabe looks up, then Olivia.]
they felt some peace.
Mom: That’s right. How about we dig a little bit deeper?
Gabe: OK.
Olivia: OK.
(Gabe’s mind repeatedly replays the cart situation.
“What are you going to do? You’re just a coward. Man, all you do is stand next to your little cart. You don’t do anything. You’re just a coward. You just stand next to your little cart. Ain’t no neutral. Stand up for your rights. You’re just a coward.”)
Mom: Gabe,
[In Olivia’s room.]
what happened today?
[Gabe recalls the man berating him at the witnessing cart.]
Gabe: It’s just that I’ve been yelled at in service before, but this time I wanted to,
[Mom listens compassionately.]
I don’t know.
[Olivia teary eyed.]
Olivia: I wanted to go up to the girls and smash their phones.
Mom: I’m so glad that you didn’t.
Gabe: Yeah, but I feel guilty, because I was like, I was like SO angry.
[Gabe looks down at his hands and bites his lip.]
Mom: It’s OK. Let’s keep reading. We had left off in verse 26.
[Mom gently touches Olivia’s knee and draws her attention back to the scripture on the phone.]
Gabe reads: “Suddenly a great earthquake occurred so that the foundations of the jail were shaken. Moreover, all the doors were instantly opened, and everyone’s bonds came loose. When the jailer woke up and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, assuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out with a loud voice Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here,
[Paul holds out his hand.]
So, he asked for lights and rushed in,
[Paul rushes towards him with a reassuring smile.]
and seized with trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas.”
[The jailer falls to his knees and looks intently into Paul’s eyes.]
Mom: Now, think about what the jailer had done to Paul,
[Paul is thrown to the floor, his feet fastened in stocks. The jailer glares at him.]
He could have hated him for it.
Gabe: Yeah, he could have. But I guess he saw the jailer’s pain instead of just his own,
[Paul kneels down and puts his hand on the jailer’s shoulder.]
Yeah, Paul loved his neighbor. He didn’t hold back from trying to save his life.
[Contemplating Gabe nods to himself. Another day in front of the cart, Gabe rubs his hands together in anticipation. He sees the same two men. They approach Gabe and his partner. Gabe nervously bites his lip and collects himself.]
Man: Hey, how do you get the nerve to keep coming out here?
[He turns to face the man.]
Gabe: Look, you were right, about what you said. No one should stand around while other people suffer injustice.
Man: So do something. Fight like we do.
[Gabe confidently smiles.]
Gabe: This is my way of making a difference, the only way that I know the world can really change.
Man: Come on, man, the Bible?
Gabe: Look, I get what you’re thinking but let me show you just one scripture.
Man: All right, one scripture.
Gabe: So, this is the verse in the Bible that convinced me of how I can make a difference. It’s at Matthew 24:14. Here it says, “And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
(Olivia’s mind replays her classmates video post.
“Guess who just walked in? Olivia. And there’s Jake. Would she ever? You know she’s wild. I don’t even think she likes guys. What if she’s into girls? I bet she’s still a virgin.”)
[In Olivia’s room.]
Mom: Olivia, what are you thinking?
[Olivia recalls the video her classmates posted.]
Olivia: I don’t, I don’t know how they can do that. I don’t even follow them. If this doesn’t stop,
[Her mom Irene nods understandingly,]
I don’t know if I can.
[Crestfallen Olivia shakes her head.]
Gabe: You’re strong, OK. You just can’t let them get to you.
[Seated in a chair near the bed, her brother Gabe looks at her compassionately.]
Mom: It feels out of your control, doesn’t it?
[Head hanging low, Olivia holds back her tears. Next to Olivia on the bed Mom takes in a deep breath and smiles.]
Mom: Hey, I think we need another Bible example. Remember when we studied about the Shulammite girl?
[Flash to a swarthy girl with big brown eyes.]
Olivia: Yeah, I remember.
[Her face half veiled.]
Mom: And who was pressuring her?
[In a field with the sun low.]
Olivia: Solomon,
[Solomon in royal attire approaches the girl dressed in linen coloured fabric.]
But she wasn’t interested in him,
[He reaches out.]
just like I’m not interested in that boy Jake, so.
[She turns away.]
Mom: But it wasn’t just him, there were the daughters of Jerusalem in Solomon’s court, [A group of young women in colourful clothing and gold jewellery.]
They urged her to accept his attention,
[In the field they address the Shulamite.]
But do you remember what she said in the Song of Solomon chapter 2?
[She calmly speaks to the young women.]
Olivia: It says: “I put you under oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and the does of the field. Do not try to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.”
Mom: So, despite all of the pressure, who was really in control?
Olivia: She was,
[She resolutely walks through the group.]
No one was going to push her into something that she didn’t want to do.
[She confidently smiles as she walks away.]
Mom: She even said: “I am a wall.”
[The young women follow her with their eyes.]
You have the same power.
[Back to Olivia’s room.]
And if you believe that, it’ll change how you handle the pressure.
[Olivia nods in agreement.]
Now give me a hug.
[Uplifted Olivia accepts her mom’s soothing embrace. Another day at school, Olivia hesitates at her locker, then enters the class. She nervously glances over at the girls.]
Brooke: Hey, guys, update on yesterday’s topic. I guess she still needs a man.
Amanda: She needs something.
[The girls send a new post to the class.]
Brooke: I just posted it. Go like my video.
Olivia thinks: All they want is to see me give in.
Olivia’s phone: Hey, guys, update on yesterday’s topic. I guess she still needs.
Olivia thinks: Why would I give them the satisfaction? My peace comes from doing the right thing. Nobody can make me stumble.
[Olivia confidently taps the block icon on the girl's profile page.]
“I am a wall.”
[Back to the Shulamite girl, she turns away from Solomon. She leaves the daughters of Jerusalem behind her.]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2022 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.) [C;icl to close]
Question 12. How do we entrust ourselves to “the One who judges righteously”?
12. We can also imitate Jesus by entrusting ourselves to “the One who judges righteously.” When others misjudge us or mistreat us, we trust that Jehovah knows the truth. That confidence can help us to endure unfair treatment because we know that ultimately Jehovah will correct matters. By leaving things with Jehovah, we prevent anger or resentment from festering in our heart. Those emotions can cause us to overreact, can destroy our joy, and can damage our relationship with Jehovah.
[Quotation] Psalm 37.8: Let go of anger and abandon rage; Do not become upset and turn to doing evil. [End Quotation]
“Yield Place to the Wrath".
Question 13. What can help us to continue putting up with injustice?
13. Of course, we will never be able to follow Jesus’ example perfectly. At times, we may do or say things that we later regret.
[Quotation] James 3.2: For we all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle also his whole body. [End Quotation]
And some injustices may leave us with emotional and physical scars that can be hard to bear. If that is true of you, be assured that Jehovah knows what you are going through. And Jesus, who also suffered unjustly, can sympathize with your feelings.
[Quotation] Hebrews 4.15 and 16: For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin. 16 Let us, then, approach the throne of undeserved kindness with freeness of speech, so that we may receive mercy and find undeserved kindness to help us at the right time. [End Quotation]
In addition to providing us with Jesus’ perfect example, Jehovah gives us practical counsel that helps us to deal with injustice. Let us consider two verses from the book of Romans that can help us.
“Yield Place to the Wrath".
Question 14. What does it mean to “yield place to the wrath”? (Romans 12.19)
14. Read Romans 12.19. When the apostle Paul urged Christians to “yield place to the wrath,” whose wrath was he referring to? According to the context, it is Jehovah’s wrath. We yield place to Jehovah’s wrath by letting him bring about justice in his own time and in his own way. After a brother named John was treated unfairly, he said: “I had to fight the urge to pursue righting the wrong in my own way. Romans 12:19 helped me to wait on Jehovah.”
[Read scripture] Romans 12.19: Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” [End of Read scripture]
Question 15. Why is it best to wait on Jehovah to correct a matter?
15. We benefit when we wait on Jehovah to correct a matter. If we do so, we will be spared the burden and frustration of trying to solve the problem ourselves. Jehovah offers to help us. He says, as it were, ‘Leave the injustice to me; I will take care of things.’ If we accept Jehovah’s promise “I will repay,” we can let the matter go, confident that he will handle it in the best possible way. That is what helped John, mentioned earlier. He said, “If I can just wait on Jehovah, he will handle it far better than I can.”
“Keep Conquering the Evil With the Good”
Question 16 and 17. How can prayer help us to “keep conquering the evil with the good”? (Romans 12.21)
16. Read Romans 12.21. Paul also urged Christians to “keep conquering the evil with the good.” In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he said: “Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you.”
[Quotation] Matthew 5.44: However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, [End Quotation]
That is exactly what he did. We have likely thought about the suffering Jesus endured when he was nailed to the stake by Roman soldiers. We can only begin to imagine the pain he felt as well as the indignity and the injustice that he endured.
17. Jesus was not conquered by the injustice he suffered. Instead of cursing those soldiers, he prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
[Quotation] Luke 23.34: But Jesus was saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Furthermore, they cast lots to distribute his garments. [End Quotation]
When we pray for those who mistreat us, it can lessen our feelings of resentment and anger and even change the way we view those who offend us.
[Read scripture] Romans 12.21: Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good. [End of Read scripture]
Question 18. How did prayer help Alberto and John to cope with injustice?
18. Prayer helped the two brothers mentioned earlier in this article to cope with the injustices they faced. Alberto says: “I prayed for the brothers who treated me unfairly. I asked Jehovah several times to help me put this injustice behind me.” Happily, Alberto is again serving Jehovah faithfully. John says: “Many times, I prayed for the brother who hurt me. Such prayers helped me view him more objectively, without judging him. And those prayers also gave me peace of mind.”
Question 19. What must we do until the end of this system? (1 Peter 3.8 and 9)
19. There is no telling what injustices we may yet face before this system ends. Whatever comes our way, let us never stop praying to Jehovah for help. Also, may we imitate the way Jesus responded to mistreatment and continue to apply Bible principles. If we do, we can be sure of inheriting a blessing from Jehovah. Read 1 Peter 3:8 and 9.
[Read scripture] 1 Peter 3.8 and 9: Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. 9 Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing, for you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing. [End of Read scripture]
[Box] How Would You Answer?
How can we imitate the way Jesus coped with injustice?
What does it mean to “yield place to the wrath”?
How can prayer help us to cope with injustice? [End of box]
Song 38 He Will Make You Strong. Based on 1 Peter 5.10
1. There was a reason why God brought the truth to you
And called you from the darkness to the light.
Within your heart, he saw the longing that you had
To search for him and practice what is right.
You promised him in prayer to do his will;
He helped you then, and he will help you still.
With Jesus’ blood He bought you,
to God you now belong.
So he will make you firm,
and he will make you strong.
He’ll guide you and protect you,
as he has all along.
Yes, he will make you firm,
and he will make you strong.
2. God gave his own beloved Son in your behalf;
On this account, He wants you to succeed.
If He did not withhold the gift of His dear Son,
Then never doubt He’ll give the strength you need.
He won’t forget the faith and love you’ve shown;
He will not fail to care for all His own.
With Jesus’ blood He bought you,
to God you now belong.
So he will make you firm,
and he will make you strong.
He’ll guide you and protect you,
as he has all along.
Yes, he will make you firm,
and he will make you strong.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (3 Articles)
Life Story. In War and in Peace, Jehovah Strengthened Us
Life Story. In War and in Peace, Jehovah Strengthened Us
As told by Paul and Anne Crudass
Paul: We were so excited! It was November 1985, and we were on our way to our first missionary assignment, Liberia, West Africa. Our flight stopped in Senegal. “In just over an hour,” Anne said, “we will be in Liberia!” Then came an announcement: “Passengers for Liberia must get off the plane. A coup d’etat prevents our landing there.” For the next ten days, we stayed with missionaries in Senegal, listening to news from Liberia about truckloads of dead bodies and curfews that were strictly enforced, violators were shot.
Anne: We are not the kind who seek adventure. In fact, since infancy I have been known as Anxious Annie. I’m even nervous about crossing a road! But we were determined to get to our assignment.
Paul: Anne and I were born just eight kilometers (5 miles) apart in the west of England. We both started pioneering right after high school, greatly encouraged by my parents and Anne’s mother. They fully supported our desire to make a career of the full-time service. At the age of 19, I had the privilege of going to Bethel, and Anne joined me after our marriage in 1982.
Anne: We loved Bethel, but we had always wanted to serve where the need was greater. Working alongside former missionaries at Bethel strengthened that desire. We prayed specifically about this every night for three years, so we were thrilled when in 1985 we received an invitation to attend the 79th class of Gilead! We were assigned to Liberia, West Africa.
[Image:] Paul and Anne at their Gilead graduation.
Caption: Gilead graduation, September 8, 1985
Strengthened by the Love of Our Brothers and Sisters
Paul: We boarded the first flight allowed back into Liberia. The atmosphere was tense and curfews remained in place. A car that backfired was enough to cause mass panic in the marketplaces. To calm our nerves, we read portions of the Psalms together every night. But we truly loved our assignment. Anne was a missionary in the field, and I was in Bethel, working alongside John Charuk.* [Footnote] See John Charuk’s life story, “I Am Grateful to God and Christ,” in the March 15, 1973, issue of The Watchtower. [End of footnote] His experience as well as his understanding of the circumstances of our brothers and sisters helped to train me.
Anne: Why did we come to love Liberia so quickly? Because of our brothers and sisters. They were warm, outgoing, and faithful. We felt a bond with them; they became our new family. Their words of advice strengthened us spiritually. The ministry was a dream. Householders would be annoyed if you left them too soon! People discussed Scriptural questions on street corners. You could just walk up and join the conversation. We had so many Bible students that it was a challenge to study with them all. It was a wonderful problem!
Strengthened Despite Our Fears
Paul: In 1989 after four years of relative peace, there came a shocking change, outright civil war. Rebel troops captured the area around Bethel on July 2, 1990. For three months we lost all contact with the outside world, including our families and world headquarters. There was anarchy, food shortage, and rape. The troubles continued for 14 years and affected the entire country.
Anne: Members of some tribes were fighting and killing those in other tribes. Heavily armed fighters in bizarre clothing roamed the streets, looting every building. Some viewed killing humans, in their words, as “slaughtering chickens.” Bodies piled up at checkpoints, some near the branch. Faithful Witnesses were killed, including two of our dear missionaries.
Risking their lives, Witnesses hid others who belonged to the tribes that were being hunted and killed. Missionaries and Bethelites did likewise. At Bethel, some displaced Witnesses slept downstairs and others lived with us in our rooms upstairs. We shared our room with a family of seven.
[Image:] Brothers speaking to refugees at the Liberia Bethel.
Caption: Caring for refugees at Liberia Bethel, 1990
Paul: Each day, the fighters tried to get in to see whether we were hiding people. We had a four-person security system: two watched from a window while two went to the outer gate. If the two out by the gate kept their hands in front of them, all was well. But if they put their hands behind their back, it meant that the fighters were aggressive, so those watching from the window would quickly hide our friends.
Anne: After many weeks, one angry group of fighters forced their way in. I locked myself and a sister in a bathroom where we had a tiny hiding place inside a cupboard with a false bottom. The sister squeezed in there. The fighters had followed me upstairs, armed with their machine guns. They angrily banged on our door. Paul pleaded, “My wife is using the bathroom.” Replacing the false bottom was noisy and rearranging the shelf contents caused a suspicious delay, so I began to shake visibly from head to foot. How could I open that door? I said a silent prayer, begging Jehovah for help. I then unlocked the door and somehow calmly greeted them. Pushing past me, one of them went straight for the cabinet, opened it, and rummaged the shelves. He could not believe that he found nothing. He and his group then searched other rooms and the attic. But once again, they found nothing.
The Truth Kept Shining
Paul: For months we were desperately short of food. But spiritual food was our lifeline. Bethel morning worship was our only “breakfast,” and we all appreciated the inner strength it gave us.
If literal food and water had run out, forcing us and others to leave the branch, those hiding would likely have been executed. Sometimes the manner and timing of Jehovah’s provisions seemed miraculous. Jehovah cared for our needs and helped us to control our fears.
The darker the world became, the brighter the truth shone. Repeatedly, our brothers and sisters fled for their lives, but their faith and dignity stayed intact. Some said that their dealing with the war was “practice for the great tribulation.” Courageous elders and young brothers stepped up and took the lead. When displaced, the brothers and sisters stuck together, opening up new preaching territories and holding meetings in makeshift Kingdom Halls set up in the bush. Meetings were havens of encouragement in a sea of despair, and preaching helped the Witnesses to cope. When distributing relief aid, we were touched to receive requests for preaching bags rather than clothing. Sad and traumatized people listened to the good news. They were amazed at how happy and positive the Witnesses were; they shone like a light in all that darkness.
[Quotation] Matthew 5.14 through 16: “You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. 16 Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens. [End Quotation]
The zeal within the brotherhood even led to some of the vicious fighters becoming our brothers.
Strengthened for Heartbreak
Paul: Sometimes we had to leave the country, three times briefly and twice for a whole year. One missionary sister summed up our feelings so well: “In Gilead, they taught us to put our heart into our assignment, and we did. So leaving our brothers in circumstances like these was like having our heart torn out!” Thankfully, we could assist the Liberia field from nearby countries.
Anne: In May 1996, four of us set off in the branch vehicle that was packed with important branch records. We wanted to drive 16 kilometers (10 miles) to a safer place across town. Right then our area was attacked. Angry fighters fired into the air, stopped us, pulled three of us out, and drove off in the vehicle with Paul still inside. We stood there dazed. Suddenly, Paul came walking through the crowd with blood dripping from his forehead. In the confusion, we thought he had been shot, but then we realized that if so, he would not be walking! One fighter had hit him when pushing him out of the vehicle. Thankfully, it was just a minor wound.
A military transport vehicle nearby was packed with frightened people. We clung to the outside of the vehicle with our fingertips. The driver set off at top speed, and we almost fell off. We begged him to stop, but he was too scared to listen. Somehow, we held on but arrived with nerves shaken and muscles trembling from the strain.
Paul: With nothing but the dirty, torn clothes on our back, we looked at each other and wondered how we were alive. We slept in an open field next to a rickety bullet-ridden helicopter, which took us to Sierra Leone the next day. We were grateful to be alive but deeply worried about our Christian brothers.
Strength for a New, Unexpected Challenge
Anne: On arrival at Bethel in Freetown, Sierra Leone, we were safe and well cared for. But I started having flashbacks. During the day, I was on high alert and afraid and my surroundings seemed blurry and unreal. At night, I would wake up in a cold sweat, trembling and feeling a sense of doom. It was difficult to breathe. Paul held me and prayed with me. We sang Kingdom songs until the shaking stopped. I felt that I was going crazy and could no longer serve as a missionary.
I will never forget what happened next. That very week we received two magazines. One was the Awake! of June 8, 1996. It contained the article “Coping With Panic Attacks.” Now I understood what was happening to me. The second was The Watchtower of May 15, 1996, which featured the article “Where Do They Get Their Strength?” The Watchtower had a picture of an injured butterfly. The article explained that just as a butterfly can continue feeding and flying despite having badly damaged wings, with Jehovah’s spirit we can continue to help others even if we have been emotionally hurt. This was strengthening food from Jehovah at precisely the right time.
[Quotation] Matthew 24.45: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? [End Quotation]
Researching the subject and making a folder of articles that discuss this matter helped me. Over time, my symptoms of post-traumatic stress faded.
Strengthened to Adapt
Paul: Whenever we would return home to Liberia, we were so happy. By late 2004, we had been in our assignment for almost 20 years. The war had ended. There were plans for construction at the branch. But suddenly we were asked to accept a new assignment.
[Image:] Paul and Anne walking on the tarmac after arriving at the Liberia airport.
Caption: Joyfully returning to Liberia, 1997
This was a huge test. We were so close to our spiritual family, how would we cope? Having left our own dear families to go to Gilead, we had seen how putting ourselves in Jehovah’s hands would lead to blessings, so we accepted. Our assignment would take us to nearby Ghana.
Anne: We shed many tears as we left Liberia. We were surprised when Frank, a wise and elderly brother, told us: “You must forget about us!” Then he explained: “We know you will never forget us, but you must put your whole heart into your new assignment. It is from Jehovah, so focus on the brothers and sisters there.” This strengthened us for the challenge of starting again where few knew us and where we did not have history.
Paul: However, it did not take long to come to love our new spiritual family in Ghana. There were so many Witnesses there! We learned a lot from the stability and spiritual strength of our new friends. Then after serving in Ghana for 13 years, we received another surprise. We were asked to serve at the East Africa branch in Kenya. Although we deeply missed the friends in our previous assignments, we immediately felt a bond with faithful ones in Kenya. And we are still serving in a vast territory where the need is very great.
[Image:] Collage: 1. Anne smiling as she holds a young girl in her arms. 2. Paul and a few young brothers taking a selfie.
Caption: With new friends in the East Africa branch territory, 2023
Looking Back
Anne: Over the years, I experienced a lot of trembling and shaking. Dangerous or stressful situations can have both a physical and an emotional effect on us. We are not miraculously protected from this. If I hear the sounds of gunshots and artillery fire, I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and my hands go numb. But I have learned to depend on all the help that Jehovah supplies to strengthen us, including the support of our brothers and sisters. And I have seen that by keeping to a steady spiritual routine, Jehovah can help us to stay in our assignment.
Paul: Some may ask, “Do you love your assignment?” Countries can be beautiful, but they can also become unstable and dangerous. So, what is it that we love more than the country? The precious brothers and sisters, our family. Despite differences in background, we truly have the same mind. We thought we were sent to encourage them, but the reality is that they have strengthened us.
Each time we move, we see a modern-day miracle: our brotherhood. As long as we are part of a congregation, we have a family and a home. We are certain that if we continue to rely on Jehovah, he will strengthen us according to our need.
[Quotation] Philippians 4.13: For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power. [End Quotation]
Help to Study Regularly
Do you struggle to keep your personal Bible study both regular and enjoyable?
We probably all do at times. But think about other things that we do regularly, such as bathing. Washing takes time and effort, but how refreshed we feel afterward! Bible study too can be like a refreshing “bath of water by means of the word.”
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.26: in order that he might sanctify it, cleansing it with the bath of water by means of the word, [End Quotation]
Consider some suggestions that can help:
Make a schedule. Personal Bible study is among “the more important things” a Christian must not neglect.
[Quotation] Philippians 1.10: that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ; [End Quotation]
To help you follow your schedule, why not display it where it is readily visible, such as on a noticeboard or the fridge door? Or you may find it helpful to set an alarm on your electronic device shortly before study time.
Adapt to your needs. Is it easier for you to concentrate for a longer period of time or for several shorter periods of time? You know your circumstances best. Adapt your study sessions accordingly. If you feel reluctant when study time arrives, why not decide to study for just ten minutes? By studying for even that short time, you will have accomplished more than you might have otherwise. And once you get started, you may well be motivated to continue.
[Quotation] Philippians 2.13: For God is the one who for the sake of his good pleasure energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act. [End Quotation]
Choose topics in advance. If you sit down and then wonder what to study, you may not be “making the best use of your time.”
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.16: making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked. [End Quotation]
Why not keep a list of the articles or topics you would like to study? Whenever a question comes to mind, jot it down. And at the end of each study session, you might add other ideas to your list of what you would like to study.
Be flexible. Try to include some flexibility in your schedule, such as the amount of time you spend studying or the topics you choose. What counts is, not when, how long, or what you study, but how regularly you study.
We truly benefit from a regular study routine. We draw closer to Jehovah, we learn to act wisely, and we feel refreshed.
[Quotation] Joshua 1.8: This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely. [End Quotation]
[Image:] A sister using a laptop computer, a Bible, and a notebook to do personal Bible study. She uses the chart “World Powers Foretold by Daniel” in Appendix B9 of the New World Translation.
Study Tip. Create a Good Environment
Would you like to get more out of your personal study?
You could try these tips to have a learning-friendly environment:
Select a pleasant location. If possible, find an area that is uncluttered and appropriately lit. You could sit at a desk or a table, or you could choose a comfortable location outside.
Find privacy. Jesus chose to pray “early in the morning” in “an isolated place.”
[Quotation] Mark 1.35: Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up and went outside and left for an isolated place, and there he began praying. [End Quotation]
If complete privacy is not possible, you could let your family or your housemates know your study schedule and ask for their consideration.
Maintain focus. Avoid distractions. If you use your phone or tablet to study, silence the alerts or try using airplane mode in order to avoid interruptions. And if you think of something you need to do, make a brief note to handle it later. If your concentration falters, take a break to walk or stretch.