Ima ma rẹn emwi nọ rre ivbi agbọn ekhọe, sokpan Jesu vbe Erhae rẹnrẹn. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, ma ghaa gbarokotọ, ma gha sẹtin rẹn emwi ne emwa ọvbehe la gberra kevbe iyobọ nọ khẹke ne ima ru ne iran. (2 Kọr 11:29) Ma i ya egbe taa emwa ni rre uwu agbọn rhunmwuda, ọghe enegbe iran ọkpa ẹre iran rẹnrẹn. Ma keghi hia ne ima gha mu ọghe emwa ọvbehe ye okaro. (Fil 2:4) Ọ wa khẹke ne ediọn vbe iko gha mwẹ amuroro daa etẹn. Iran rẹnrẹn wẹẹ, ọ gha sẹ ẹghẹ, iran gha na iyẹn iwinna iran ma Osanobua. (Hib 13:17) Ne ediọn mieke na sẹtin gha ru iyobọ ne etẹn, ọ khẹke ne iran rẹn vbene emwi ye iran hẹ. De vbene ediọn khian ya sẹtin ru ọna hẹ? Ọdiọn nọ mwẹ amuroro ẹre ọ mwẹ ẹghẹ ne etẹn vbe iko. Ọ gha nọ iran ọta, ọ ghi gbe ehọ kotọ danmwehọ. Ọ wa khẹke ne ediọn vbe iko gha ya izinegbe danmwehọ katekate deghẹ ọ mwẹ emwi ne ọtẹn hoo nọ ta, sokpan, ọ ma rẹn vbene ọ khian ya tae hẹ. (Itan 20:5) Ediọn ghaa loo ẹghẹ iran vbenian, asikẹgbe ne iran gu etẹn mwẹ ghi maan sayọ, ahoẹmwọmwa nọ rre uwu ẹkpo iran ghi vbe wegbe sayọ.—Iwinna 20:37. w19.03 17 ¶14-17

We cannot read hearts as Jehovah and Jesus do. Even so, we can try to understand the emotions and needs of others. (2 Cor. 11:29) Unlike the selfish world around us, we strive to “look out not only for [our] own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4) Congregation elders in particular need to show fellow feeling. They know that they are accountable for the sheep entrusted to their care. (Heb. 13:17) To help their fellow believers, elders need to be understanding. How can elders demonstrate fellow feeling? A sympathetic elder spends time with his Christian brothers and sisters. He asks questions and then listens attentively and patiently. That is especially important if one of these dear sheep wants to pour out his heart but struggles to find the right words. (Prov. 20:5) By willingly giving of his time, an elder forms strong bonds of trust, friendship, and love with his brothers.​—Acts 20:37. w19.03 17 ¶14-17

Ọ mwẹ emwi nọ zẹe nọ na khẹke ne ima gha gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi. Te ọ ye vbe evbare esi. Ọ keghi re emwi ọyẹnmwẹ vbe avbe ọse ni gba ẹko egbe ghaa koko rri evbare. Ẹko keghi sẹ ima ọyẹnmwẹ vbe emwa gha kpọnmwẹ ima ye ẹse ne ima ru ne iran. Ma gha vbe gbọyẹmwẹ ye ẹse ne emwa ọvbehe ru ne ima, ọyẹnmwẹ ghi vbe gha sẹ iran. Ọmwa ne ima kpọnmwẹ ye emwi esi nọ ru ne ima keghi sọyẹnmwẹ rhunmwuda, ọ rẹnrẹn wẹẹ ẹrhiọn ne irẹn loo ro ma de ihoi rua. Ọna ẹre ọ ya avbe ọse sikẹ egbe sayọ. Ọ wa sẹ emwa ọyẹnmwẹ vbe a gha gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi esi ne iran ru, zẹvbe nọ rre ako ọghe evbagbẹn nọhuanrẹn ne ebe ẹdẹ ọghe ẹrẹna ke ladian. Ya aro ekhọe ruẹ zomwa rẹn vbene iwinna ona ọghe igoru na ma yan esiliva khian gha mose hẹ. Emwi ighobioye khian vbe gha nọ. A gha ya emwi vbenian ru ẹse nuẹn, u i sẹtin ghọghọ. Erriọ ọyẹnmwẹ vbe ya sẹ emwa, vbe ima gha gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi esi ne iran ru. Ma ghẹ mianmian wẹẹ, iwinna ona ọghe igoru i fafa ẹdẹ. Erriọ ẹmwẹ ne ima ta ya gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi ne emwa ọvbehe ru vbe ye, iran i mianmiaẹn ẹdẹ. w19.02 15 ¶5-6

Appreciation is like a good meal​—it is more enjoyable when shared. When we feel appreciated, we are happy. When we express our appreciation, we make others happy. The person who receives our gratitude knows that his efforts to help us, or to give us something we need, were worthwhile. As a result, the bonds of friendship between us and that person are strengthened. Our expressions of gratitude are valuable, as mentioned in today’s text. Imagine how beautiful an apple made of gold and set in silver would look! And just think how valuable it would be! How would you feel if you received such a gift? Well, the words of gratitude you express to others can be just as valuable. And consider this fact: An apple made of gold could last indefinitely. Likewise, your expressions of appreciation may be remembered and treasured by the recipient for the rest of his life. w19.02 15 ¶5-6

Vbe Adam kevbe Ivi rri ọmọ erhan nọ mudia ye ẹwaẹn ne a ya rẹn emwi nọ maan kevbe ne ẹi maan, ọ keghi dewarorua wẹẹ, iran ma mu ẹtin yan e Jehova, iran ma vbe mu egbe ne iran ya lele ilele ọghẹe. Iran keghi he ẹmwẹ ye Osanobua obọ rhunmwuda, iran hoo ne iran gha kha yan egbe iran. U miẹn emwi ne iran mu fua! Iran na khian oghian e Jehova, ẹkpotọ nọ te kie ne iran ya gha rrọọ vbe etẹbitẹ na vbe wii iran. Uwu kevbe orukhọ ọre ukhu ne ima hia re vbe obọ iran. (Rom 5:12) De vbene uyinmwẹ ọghe Adam kevbe Ivi ya lughaẹn ne ọghe ọghẹrriẹnoguan ne Ovbi Etiopia ne Filip kporhu ma? Ovbi Etiopia nii keghi gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi ne Jehova kevbe Jesu ru nẹẹn sẹrriọ wẹẹ, ọ na dinmwiamẹ vbobọvbobọ nii. (Iwinna 8:34-38) Ma gha vbe ye egbe ima fiohan ne Osanobua, ima na dinmwiamẹ, te ima rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ma gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi ne Jehova kevbe Jesu ru ne ima, vbe na ghee Ovbi Etiopia nii. Te ima vbe rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ma mu ẹtin yan e Jehova kevbe wẹẹ, ma rẹnrẹn wẹẹ irẹn ọkpa ẹre ọ mwẹ asẹ na ya tae ighẹ emwi maan ra ẹi maan. w19.03 2 ¶1-2

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, they sent a clear message: They did not trust Jehovah and his standards. They chose to set their own standards of good and bad. But look at what they lost. They lost their friendship with Jehovah. They also lost the opportunity to live forever, and they passed sin and death on to their children. (Rom. 5:12) Compare the way Adam and Eve behaved with the way that the Ethiopian eunuch responded when Philip preached to him. The eunuch appreciated so much what Jehovah and Jesus had done for him that he immediately got baptized. (Acts 8:34-38) When we dedicate ourselves to God and, like that eunuch, get baptized, we send a clear message. We show that we appreciate what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us. We also show that we trust Jehovah and recognize that he is the one who should set the standard of good and bad. w19.03 2 ¶1-2

A gha kha wẹẹ ọguọmwadia e Jehova mwẹ imudiase, ọni ọre wẹẹ, ọ ya ekhọe hia hoẹmwẹ e Jehova sẹrriọ wẹẹ, ahoo ọghe Jehova ẹre ọ mu ye okaro vbe arrọọ ọghẹe. Gia guan kaẹn odẹ eso ne Baibol ya loo imudiase. Emwi ọkpa ne imudiase demu vbe Baibol ọre emwi nọ gbae, emwi ne ẹi mwẹ okan ra emwi ne egbe gba na. Vbe igiemwi, vbe ẹghẹ ne Ivbi Izrẹl ya gha ru izọese ọghe aranmwẹ gie Jehova, aranmwẹ ne ẹi mwẹ okan ẹre iran ghaa loo rhunmwuda, erriọ Uhi khare. (Lẹv 22:21, 22) Osanobua ma kue ne eguọmwadia re gha loo aranmwẹ ne egbe ma gba na, nọ rhu aro, nọ yin ehọ ra nọ khuọnmwi. Aranmwẹ ne ẹi zẹdẹ mwẹ okan ẹre Jehova wa gha gualọ vbe obọ iran. (Mal 1:6-9) De ọmwa nọ gha hoo nọ ya igho ẹre dẹ alimo nọ kẹkẹe ra ebe nọ yanghaẹn? Emwi nọ maan ẹre ima hia hoo ne ima gha ya igho ima dẹ. Inu ghi nọ ne Jehova nọ yi ima! Te ọ ghi vẹ ne ima rẹn nia, evbọzẹe ne Jehova na hoo ne ima ya ekhọe hia gha hoẹmwẹ irẹn. w19.02 3 ¶3

When applied to us as servants of God, integrity means wholehearted love for and unbreakable devotion to Jehovah as a Person, so that his will comes first in all our decisions. One basic meaning of the Bible word for “integrity” is this: complete, sound, or whole. For example, the animals sacrificed to Jehovah had to be sound. (Lev. 22:21, 22) God’s people were not allowed to offer up an animal that was missing a leg, an ear, or an eye; nor could they offer one full of disease. It was important to Jehovah that the animal be complete, sound, or whole. (Mal. 1:6-9) We can understand why Jehovah cares about soundness or completeness. When we purchase something, whether a piece of fruit, a book, or a tool, we do not want one that has gaping holes or parts missing. We want one that is complete, sound, or whole. Jehovah feels similarly when it comes to our love for him, our loyalty. It must be complete, sound, or whole. w19.02 3 ¶3

Odẹ ọkpa ne ima ya gbogba ga ekhọe ima, ọre ne ima na begbe ne iziro dan ghẹ laọ, sokpan, ọ khẹke ne ima gi iziro nọ maan gha laọ. Ọmwa nọ bodẹ vbe onurho ẹvbo ẹre ọ rhie urho khui ne eghian ghẹ mieke na la ẹvbo. Sokpan, ọ mwẹ ẹghẹ ne ọbodẹ vbe ya kie urho ne emwa ni viọ evbare kevbe emwi ọvbehe die ẹvbo. Deghẹ iran i zẹdẹ kie urho ẹvbo, ohanmwẹ ẹre emwa ni rre ẹvbo nii khian gha ye. Erriọ vbe khẹke ne ima ya gha kie ẹkokoudu ọghe ima rua, ọni ọre wẹẹ, ma ghi gha kie ẹkpotọ yọ ne iziro e Jehova gha dia ima ekhọe. Iziro ekhọe ọghe Jehova ẹre ọ rre Baibol, nọnaghiyerriọ, ẹghẹ ke ẹghẹ ne ima ya tiẹre, ọ khẹke ne ima gi ẹre gha dia iziro kevbe uyinmwẹ ima. Vbe ima khian ya sẹtin gele gha miẹn ere hẹ vbe Baibol na tie? Erhunmwu gha ru iyobọ ne ima ya miẹn emwi ewe ni rre Ẹmwẹ Osanobua. (Psm 119:18) Ọ vbe khẹke ne ima gha ru erria yan emwi ne ima tie. Ma ghaa na erhunmwu ma ke tie Ẹmwẹ Osanobua, ima na vbe gha ru erria yan ako ne ima tiere, ọ ghi gbọzinian vbe ekhọe ima, ẹghẹ nii, ma ghi do gha ghee emwi vbene Jehova ghee ẹre.—Itan 4:20-22. w19.01 18 ¶14-15

To safeguard our heart, we must not only close it to wrong influences but also open it to positive influences. In ancient walled cities, a gatekeeper closed the gates of the city to stop an enemy invasion, but at other times he opened the gates to allow food and other supplies to be brought in. If the gates were never open, the inhabitants of the city would starve. Similarly, we need to open our heart regularly to the influence of God’s thinking. The Bible contains Jehovah’s thinking, so each time we read it, we allow Jehovah’s thoughts to affect the way we think, feel, and act. How can we get the most from our Bible reading? Prayer is vital to help us “see clearly the wonderful things” in his Word. (Ps. 119:18) We also need to meditate on what we read. When we pray, read, and meditate, God’s Word reaches “deep within [our] heart,” and we come to love Jehovah’s thinking.​—Prov. 4:20-22. w19.01 18 ¶14-15

E Jehova rẹn vbene ẹtin edọmwadẹ ima sẹ hẹ, rhunmwuda ọni, aro nọ ghaan ẹre ọ ya ghee emwi ke emwi ne ima sẹtin ru vbe ugamwẹ ọghẹe. Vbe ẹghẹ nẹdẹ, e Jehova keghi kue yọ, ne Ivbi Izrẹl gha ru izọese vbene ẹtin iran sẹ. Oteghe ohuan ra ẹwe ẹre eso ya gha ru izọese. Ovbi Izrẹl ne obọ ma sẹ ọre ghi loo “idu eva ra elikhukhu eva.” Ovbi Izrẹl gha ghi vbe ru ovbiogue sẹrriọ wẹẹ, ọ ma sẹtin dẹ elikhukhu, ọ sẹtin loo “uwan irhuarhua” (flour) ra irhuarhua nọ ma bun gbe sokpan, ọ ghi gha re na ma ya ofigbọn oliv gua. (Lẹv 5:7, 11) Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ irhuarhua i ghaan, te Jehova ye gha gbọyẹmwẹ yọ, sokpan nọ gha re na ma gua. Osanobua ma he fiwerriẹ. E Jehova keghi miẹn ọnrẹn yi vbe ima gha ya ekhọe hia zẹ ewanniẹn vbe iko, ọ gha khọnrẹn wẹẹ, ẹmwẹ i maan ima unu vbe na ghee Apọlọs ra ma i gua mu ẹmwẹ ye owa vbe na ghee Pọl. (Iwinna 18:24; 26:28) Emwi ne Jehova gualọ, ọre ne ima gha zẹ ewanniẹn vbene ima rẹn sẹ. Te Jehova gbọyẹmwẹ ye ikọbọ eva ne okhuọ nọ dẹgbẹe nii rhie ye ẹkpẹti okozẹ, rhunmwuda, emwi hia nọ mwẹ ẹre ọ ya ru izọhẹ nii.—Luk 21:1-4. w19.01 8-9 ¶3-5

Jehovah knows that we have different abilities and circumstances, and he deeply appreciates the sacrifices we are able to offer to him. Think of the type of sacrifices that he accepted from the Israelites. Some Israelites were able to offer a lamb or a goat. But a poor Israelite might offer “two turtledoves or two young pigeons.” And if an Israelite could not afford two birds, Jehovah accepted “a tenth of an ephah of fine flour.” (Lev. 5:7, 11) Flour was less expensive, but Jehovah still appreciated that sacrifice, as long as it was “fine flour.” Our kind God feels the same way today. When we give comments, he does not demand that all of us be as eloquent as Apollos or as persuasive as Paul. (Acts 18:24; 26:28) All Jehovah wants is that we give the best comments we can​—within our limits. Remember the widow who offered the two small coins. She was precious to Jehovah because she gave the best she could.​—Luke 21:1-4. w19.01 8-9 ¶3-5

Zẹvbe erhuanegbe Kristi, ọ khẹke ne ima gha mwẹ ọnrẹn vbe orhiọn wẹẹ, emwa gha khuiwu ima. Jesu tae yotọ wẹẹ, vbe ẹghẹ okiekie ẹdẹ, erhuanegbe ẹre gha werriẹ aro daa ukpokpo nọ wegbe. (Mat 24:9; Jọn 15:20) Ẹmwẹ akhasẹ ọghe Aizaia keghi ya ima rẹn wẹẹ, ẹi re te eghian khian gha khuiwu ima kẹkan, odẹ ughughan ẹre iran khian ya gha zẹ ima kpokpo. Odẹ eso ne eghian ya gele kpokpo ima ọre ẹkẹ vbe iwẹnwẹn, ọtakhọ kevbe ukpokpo ọwara. (Mat 5:11) Ma gha ye gha werriẹ aro daa ọlọghọmwa ughughan rhunmwuda, ọ ma he sẹ ẹghẹ ne Jehova khian ya sọfurre yọ. (Ẹfis 6:12; Arhie 12:17) Ọrheyerriọ, ọ ma khẹke ne ohan gha mu ima. E Jehova khare wẹẹ, “emwi igbinna” ọkpa nọ gha sẹtin kuan ima egbe “i rrọọ.” (Aiz 54:17) Zẹ vbene ogba ọghe ekẹn ya gbogba ga ima vbe ogbigbi ẹhoho ghaa la, erriọ e Jehova vbe ya miẹn ima fan vbe obọ “emwa dan.” (Aiz 25:4, 5) Ukpokpo ra isievẹn ne ima werriẹ aro daa nia vbe obọ emwa dan keghi re ọghe ovbi ẹghẹ kherhe. (Aiz 65:17) Ẹi mwẹ vbene eghian gha kpokpo ima sẹ hẹ, ọkpa i khian gbe ifuẹn ne iran, ‘iran ni gu ima gbinna gha wulo, a gha ho iran bẹkun.’—Aiz 41:11, 12. w19.01 6-7 ¶13-16

As Christ’s followers, we expect to be hated. Jesus foretold that his disciples would be severely persecuted during the last days. (Matt. 24:9; John 15:20) Isaiah’s prophecy forewarns us that our enemies will do more than hate us; they will use various weapons against us. Those weapons have included subtle deception, blatant lies, and brutal persecution. (Matt. 5:11) Jehovah will not stop our enemies from using these weapons to wage war against us. (Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:17) But we do not need to be afraid. Jehovah said that “no weapon” used against us would “have any success.” (Isa. 54:17) Just as a wall protects us from the force of a destructive rainstorm, so Jehovah protects us against “the blast of the tyrants.” (Isa. 25:4, 5) Our enemies will never succeed in causing us any lasting harm. (Isa. 65:17) All enemies of God’s people “will be brought to nothing and perish.”​—Isa. 41:11, 12. w19.01 6-7 ¶13-16

E Jehova tobọre sọyẹnmwẹ afanvbimu, ọni ẹre ọ si ẹre nọ na yi ima, vbe odẹ ne ima khian vbe ya gha sọyẹnmwẹ afanvbimu. Ọrheyerriọ, e Jehova hoo ne ima gha loo afanvbimu ne ima mwẹ vbe odẹ nọ khẹke, ne ima ghẹ mieke na de fi ẹti. A sẹtin miẹn wẹẹ, emwa eso ghee efoto ne ikpia vbe ikhuo na bannuan ra iran mwẹ obọ vbe uyinmwẹ alama oghẹ, iku isasegbe nọ mu arrọọ ọghe ọmwa ya ikpadede ra iran loo ikpẹ ukhunmwu ni wegbe kevbe wẹẹ, iran da ayọn gbe egbe. Vbe okaro, iran sẹtin gha sọyẹnmwẹ ọnrẹn sokpan, emwi nọ ghi kẹrikian ọre wẹẹ, uyinmwẹ dan nii ghi do gu iran obọ ro, iran sẹtin mu emianmwẹ ughughan, vbe okiekie ẹre, iran ghi ya uhunmwu khiẹ ọre. (Gal 6:7, 8) Iran sẹtin gha roro ẹre wẹẹ, iran mwẹ afanvbimu ne gele gele, sokpan, te iran mu egbe iran rẹrẹ. (Taitọs 3:3) Inu emwa ẹre u rẹnrẹn nọ mu emianmwẹ rhunmwuda ighẹ iran lele ilele ọghe Jehova? Vbene ẹmwata, umanmwẹ ọghe egbe ima nọ deghẹ ima lele ilele ọghe Jehova. (Psm 19:7-11) U ghaa ya uhi kevbe ilele nọgbae ọghe Osanobua ru emwi, te u loo afanvbimu ruẹ vbe odẹ nọ khẹke, te u vbe rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, Osanobua kevbe evbibiẹ ruẹ gha sẹtin mu ẹtin yan ruẹ.—Rom 8:21. w18.12 22-23 ¶16-17

Young ones, Jehovah loves freedom, and he put that love in your heart. At the same time, however, he wants you to use your freedom responsibly, which is a protection for you. Perhaps you know others who view pornography or who engage in sexual immorality, high-risk sports, or drug and alcohol abuse. To be sure, they may enjoy a few moments of excitement or pleasure. But often that comes at great cost, perhaps in the form of disease, addiction, or even death. (Gal. 6:7, 8) Yes, their “freedom” is a cruel self-deception. (Titus 3:3) By comparison, how many people do you know who became sick because they adhered to Bible standards? Clearly, obedience to Jehovah is both healthful and liberating. (Ps. 19:7-11) What is more, when you use your freedom wisely​—that is, within the bounds of God’s perfect laws and principles—​you show God, as well as your parents, that you can be trusted with more freedom.​—Rom. 8:21. w18.12 22-23 ¶16-17

Orukhọ ọghe Adam keghi ya afiwerriẹ eso rhiegbe ma vbe orọnmwẹ. Ọkpa vbe usun afiwerriẹ na keghi re uwu. Vbe ebe ne ukọ e Pọl gbẹn gie Ivbiotu e Kristi vbe Rom, ọ keghi gi iran rẹn wẹẹ, Ivbiotu e Kristi i ghi rre ototọ Uhi e Mosis, nọnaghiyerriọ, uwu ẹre ọ mu emwamwa orọnmwẹ sẹ ufomwẹ. Ọ gha sunu vbenian, nọ ghi rre agbọn vbọ, sẹtin dọlegbe ru orọnmwẹ. (Rom 7:1-3) Uhi ne Jehova yi ne Ivbi Izrẹl keghi ya iran rẹn emwi nibun vbekpae orọnmwẹ. Uhi nii ma wẹẹ ne okpia ghẹ rhie gberra okhuo ọkpa. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, emwa ka gha rhie gberra okhuo ọkpa vbene Jehova te yi Uhi nii. Sokpan, Jehova keghi gi Ivbi Izrẹl rẹn wẹẹ, ọ ma khẹke ne okpia gha ya obọ atosi mu ọvbokhan rẹn kevbe ivbi ẹre. Vbe igiemwi, Ovbi Izrẹl gha rhie ọviẹn rọnmwẹ, ọ na ghi do rhie okhuo ọvbehe ba re, te ọ khian ye gha kpemehe evbare kevbe ukpọn ne ọvbokhan rẹn nokaro, ọ vbe gha gbaroghe ẹre zẹvbe okhuo nọ rre owa ọdọ. (Ẹks 21:9, 10) Ima i ghi rre ototọ Uhi e Mosis nia, sokpan, ọ ya ima rẹn wẹẹ, aro nọ ghaan ẹre Jehova ya ghee orọnmwẹ. Ọ khẹke ne ima ya egbe tae Osanobua. w18.12 10 ¶3; 11 ¶5-6

Adam’s sin brought changes. One was death, which would affect marriage. We can see that from what the apostle Paul wrote when explaining that Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. He revealed that death ends a marriage and that the surviving mate can thereafter remarry. (Rom. 7:1-3) The Law that God gave to the nation of Israel provided details about marriage. It allowed for polygamy, a practice that existed even before God gave Israel the Law. However, polygamy was regulated, prohibiting abuses. For example, if an Israelite married a slave and later took a second wife, he could not diminish his first wife’s food, clothing, and marital due. God required that he protect and care for her. (Ex. 21:9, 10) We are not under the Law, but we can still see from it Jehovah’s interest in marriage. Does that not help you to esteem marriage? w18.12 10 ¶3; 11 ¶5-6

E Habakọk ghi tama e Jehova emwi hia nọ kpokpo irẹn vbe orhiọn nẹ, ọ keghi zin egbe ne Jehova zẹ emwi ru, sokpan ọ ma rẹn vbene Jehova khian ya sọfurre ye ọlọghọmwa ọghe irẹn hẹ. E Jehova keghi re Osa nọ mwẹ itohan, ọ vbe rẹn emwi ne Habakọk la gberra, rhunmwuda ọni, ọ ma gu e Habakọk gui. Ọ keghi tama e Habakọk emwi nọ khian sunu daa Ivbi e Ju ni sọtẹ daa irẹn. Ọ gha kẹ, Habakọk ọre ọmwa okaro ne Jehova tama wẹẹ, irẹn gha rherhe fuẹn Ivbi e Ju rua. E Jehova keghi tama e Habakọk wẹẹ irẹn gha zẹ emwi ru kevbe wẹẹ, ẹi khian kpẹẹ gbe. Ẹmwẹ ne Jehova loo ro, rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ẹghẹ Habakọk kevbe Ivbi e Ju ni ghaa rrọọ vbe ẹghẹ nii, ẹre Jehova khian ya zẹ emwi ru. Ọna rhiema wẹẹ, te emwi khian rhia sayọ vbe otọ e Juda. Ọna keghi kpa e Habakọk odin rhunmwuda, ọna i re emwi ne irẹn te yaro yi. w18.11 15 ¶7-8

After leaving his worries and concerns in Jehovah’s hands, Habakkuk may have wondered how Jehovah would react. As an empathetic and understanding Father, Jehovah did not rebuke him for his sincere complaint. God knew that it was a desperate cry of pain and sorrow. In words really aimed at the wayward Jews, Jehovah informed Habakkuk of what would happen in the near future. It could well be that Habakkuk was the first to whom Jehovah revealed that the end of that violent era was very near. Jehovah showed Habakkuk that He was ready to act. The punishment of that violent and wicked generation was imminent. By the expression “in your days,” Jehovah indicated that this judgment would definitely occur during the lifetime of the prophet or that of his contemporaries. Jehovah’s reply was not at all what Habakkuk expected. Was this the answer to his impatient cry? What Jehovah told him surely meant that suffering would increase for all of Judah. w18.11 15 ¶7-8

De aro ne uwẹ ya ghee emwa ni ma he miẹn odẹ ọghe ẹmwata yi? Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ, Ivbi e Ju ni mwẹ irẹnmwi eso nẹ vbekpae Jehova ẹre ukọ e Pọl mobọ gha kporhu ma, ọ vbe gha kporhu ma emwa ni ga ẹbọ. Vbe okhian nokaro ne Pọl mu gha rrie ihe ọvbehe zẹvbe arọndẹ na gie yo isi, Ivbi e Likaonia na gha roro ẹre wẹẹ, e Pọl vbe Banabas i re emwa kẹkan. Iran na gha tie iran Ziọs kevbe Hẹmẹs nọ re eni ẹbọ ne iran ga. Te ọna ghi ye Pọl vbe Banabas suẹn gha tọn egbe mu ra? Te iran ghi gha ghee emwi nọ sunu na zẹvbe odẹ ne Osanobua ya kpe iran oya ye ukpokpo ne iran werriẹ aro daa vbe ẹvbo eva ne iran ka yo ra? Iran vbe gha ghee ẹre zẹvbe ẹkpotọ nọ kie re ne a ya kporhu ra? Hiehie! Iran ma zẹdẹ ghọghọ yọ. Iran ghi yanghan ukpọn ye egbe iran urhu nẹ, iran na rhulẹ la uwu ẹbu nii, gha go wẹẹ: “Vbọzẹe ne uwa na ru emwi na yi? Emwa kẹkan vbene uwa ye ẹre ima vbe khin.”—Iwinna 14:8-15. w18.09 5 ¶8-9

What is your view of the many sorts of people who have yet to learn the truth? Although the apostle Paul searched in synagogues for those who already knew something about God, he certainly did not restrict his efforts to Jewish people. On Paul’s first missionary journey, for instance, the Lycaonian people mistook him and Barnabas for superheroes​—as incarnations of their false gods Zeus and Hermes. Were Paul and Barnabas tempted to ride the wave of popularity? Would that seem to be a refreshing break from all the persecution they had experienced in the last two cities they visited? Did they imagine that the publicity could help to advance the good news? Not at all! They immediately protested by ripping their garments and leaping into the crowd, crying out: “Why are you doing these things? We too are humans having the same infirmities as you have.”​—Acts 14:8-15. w18.09 4-5 ¶8-9

Ma gha ghi do rẹn odẹ ọghe ẹmwata nẹ, te ọ khẹke ne iziro ekhọe ọghe ima kevbe uyinmwẹ ima fiwerriẹ. Ukọ e Pita keghi kha wẹẹ: ‘Wa gha họn ẹmwẹ ne Osanobua, wa ghẹ ghi yin uyinmwẹ ne uwa ka gha yin vbe ẹghẹ ne uwa ma na rẹn ena ye, sokpan, wa gha re nọhuanrẹn vbe emwi ne uwa ru hia.’ (1 Pit 1:14, 15) Uyinmwẹ esakan ẹre ọ wa gu emwa nibun obọ ro vbe Kọrinti nẹdẹ. Rhunmwuda ọni, etẹn ni ghaa rrọọ vbe ẹghẹ nii, keghi ru afiwerriẹ ne gẹdẹgbẹẹ vbe arrọọ ọghe iran, ne iran mieke na sẹtin gha rre odẹ ọghe ẹmwata. Erriọ etẹn nibun vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ vbe ya sẹ uyinmwẹ dan rae, ne iran mieke na sẹtin gha rre odẹ ọghe ẹmwata. Ọna ẹre Pita ghaa guan kaẹn vbe ọ khare wẹẹ: “Uwa loo ẹghẹ ne ọ taẹn sẹ nẹ, ne uwa ya gha ru vbene avbe enimayayi ru. Ẹdẹ agbọn uwa kegha re ne a loo ye uyinmwẹ iruẹn, ufifimwẹ, ayọn ne a da gbe egbe, ohọhọ, ẹbu idayọn, kevbe iruẹbọ ne ọ hu ọmwa ẹko.”—1 Pit 4:3. w18.11 6 ¶13

To accept the truth and live by the Bible’s moral standards, we must be willing to make changes in our thinking and conduct. Note what Peter wrote regarding these adjustments: “As obedient children, stop being molded by the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, but . . . become holy yourselves in all your conduct.” (1 Pet. 1:14, 15) For people in the morally corrupt city of Corinth, buying truth meant making major changes in their lifestyle. Likewise, to be able to buy truth, many today have turned their back on ungodly conduct. Peter further reminded Christians in his day: “The time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries.”​—1 Pet. 4:3. w18.11 6 ¶13

Vbe ima khian ghi ya rẹn emwa ni mwẹ ekhọe ata, ni hoo ne iran gha rrọọ vbe etẹbitẹ? Zẹvbe nọ ghaa ye vbe orre nokaro, ma gha sẹtin miẹn emwa vberriọ deghẹ ima ye ikporhu. Nọnaghiyerriọ, te ọ khẹke ne ima rhie owẹ lele emwi ne Jesu khare. Ọ khare wẹẹ: “Ẹvbo ne uwa a rhirhi lao, . . . wa gualọ ọmwa ne ọ gha miẹn uwa yi.” (Mat 10:11) Ọ khẹke ne ima rẹn wẹẹ emwa eso i khian miẹn odẹ ọghe ẹmwata yi, vbe na ghee emwa ni tọn egbe mu, ni ta ohoghe kevbe emwa ne ẹi ka Osanobua yọ. Sokpan emwa ni mu egbe rriotọ, ni mwẹ ekhọe ata kevbe ni hoo ne iran rẹn vbekpae Osanobua ẹre ima gualọ. Ma sẹtin ya ọna gie odẹ ne Jesu ya gha gualọ erhan nọ maan, nọ gha gi ẹre ya ru ẹkhu, urọnghọn kevbe emwi nibun ne avbe owinna ya erhan ru. Ọ gha ghi miẹn erhan vberriọ, ọ ghi ya ifuẹro loo emadogua ya ru emwi ke emwi nọ hoo nọ ru. Erriọ vbe khẹke ne ima gha ya ifuẹro loo emadogua ọghomwa ya ru iyobọ ne emwa ni mwẹ ekhọe ata.—Mat 28:19, 20. w18.10 12 ¶3-4

How can we know who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life”? As in the first century, the only way to find those people is to give a witness. Thus, we need to do just as Jesus instructed: “Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving.” (Matt. 10:11) We do not expect insincere people, haughty individuals, or those with no spiritual inclination to respond favorably to the good news. We are looking for people who are honest, humble, and hungry for the truth. We can liken this search to what Jesus as a carpenter might have done in looking for just the right wood for making furniture, doors, yokes, or other things. Once he found suitable material, he could get his toolbox, use his skill, and make the item. We must do likewise as we endeavor to make disciples of honesthearted people.​—Matt. 28:19, 20. w18.10 12 ¶3-4

E Filip nọ kporhu keghi rhie igiemwi esi yotọ vbe nọ dekaẹn ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan ne a kpee, agharhemiẹn wẹẹ, afiwerriẹ eso rhiegbe ma vbe arrọọ ọghẹe. Ẹghẹ ne Filip ya gha sọyẹnmwẹ iwinna ne avbe ukọ waa re vbe Jerusalẹm, ẹre eghian ya suẹn gha zẹ Ivbiotu e Kristi kpokpo, sẹrriọ wẹẹ, iran na gbe Stivin rua. (Iwinna 6:1-6) Rhunmwuda ukpokpo na, Ivbiotu e Kristi keghi zagha gba ehe hia. Sokpan e Filip ma wa kie abọ rre. Vbe ọ ghi ru? Ọ na ya kporhu vbe Sameria. Emwa nibun ma he họn ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan vbe ẹvbo na. (Mat 10:5; Iwinna 8:1) E Filip keghi kue yọ ne orhiọn nọhuanrẹn ọghe Osanobua gha dia irẹn, rhunmwuda ọni, Osanobua keghi gie ẹre ya kporhu vbe ehe ne ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan ma he sẹ. E Filip ma yaro gbe Ivbi e Sameria re, zẹ vbene Ivbi e Ju ghaa ru ẹre vbe ẹghẹ nii, rhunmwuda ọni, iran nibun keghi “wa kakabọ gha danmwehọ ẹmwẹ ne Filip tae.” (Iwinna 8:6-8) Te Filip wa rhiegba ye iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan. Vbọ ghi kẹrikian? E Jehova keghi fiangbe irẹn vbe ẹgbẹe ọre.—Iwinna 21:8, 9. w18.10 30 ¶14-16

Philip the evangelizer provides a fine example of one who stayed focused on his ministry despite changing circumstances. In Jerusalem, a wave of persecution arose following the martyrdom of Stephen. At the time, Philip was enjoying a new privilege of service. (Acts 6:1-6) But when Christ’s followers were scattered, Philip could not just watch and do nothing. He went to preach in Samaria, a city that was largely untouched by the good news at that time. (Matt. 10:5; Acts 8:1) Philip was willing to go wherever God’s spirit would lead him, so Jehovah used him to open up new territories. His impartial approach was likely refreshing to the Samaritans, who were used to being treated with disdain by the Jews. Little wonder that crowds listened to him “with one accord”! (Acts 8:6-8) Philip stayed focused on his ministry, and as a result, he and his family were richly blessed by Jehovah.​—Acts 21:8, 9. w18.10 30 ¶14-16

Asẹ ọkpa vbe Jesu rre odin e Decapolis, emwa keghi “rhie okpia ne ayin ehọ ne ẹi vbe sẹtin guan ẹse bu ẹre rre.” (Mak 7:31-35) Jesu ma mu ẹre egbe rran vbe idagbo, ọ “keghi rhie ẹre hin uwu ẹbu rre,” ya mu ẹre egbe rran vbe ẹkhokho. Vbọ ye Jesu ru vberriọ? Ọ gha kẹ, Jesu bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, ne okpia nii na re ayin ehọ, ekhue sẹtin gha muẹn vbuwe ẹbu, rhunmwuda ọni, Jesu na ya mu ẹre egbe rran vbe ehe ne ọmwa rhọkpa i ye. Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ ima i mwẹ ẹtin ne a ya mu emwa egbe rran vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ, ma gha sẹtin gha mwẹ amuroro daa etẹn, ma ghi vbe gha ru iyobọ ne iran. Jesu rẹnrẹn vbene emwi ghaa ye hẹ ne ayin ehọ nii, ọni ẹre ọ zẹe ne ọ na mwẹ amuroro daa re. Erriọ vbe khẹke ne ima gha mwẹ amuroro daa etẹn ni khian eniwanrẹn nẹ kevbe etẹn ne egbe ma rran. Akpa nọ ghi ru ekpataki sẹ nọ khẹke ne Ivbiotu e Kristi gha mwẹ ọre ahoẹmwọmwa, ẹi wa re ifuẹro ne a ya ru emwi. (Jọn 13:34, 35) Ahoẹmwọmwa na, ẹre ọ gu ima kpa ya ru iyobọ ne etẹn ni khian eniwanrẹn nẹ kevbe ne egbe ma gba na, ne iran mieke na sẹtin gha yo iko kevbe ikporhu. Ọ khẹke ne ima gha ru iyobọ ne iran, ọ gha khọnrẹn wẹẹ, iran i ghi sẹtin ru emwi ne iran ka ru vbe ugamwẹ e Jehova.—Mat 13:23. w18.09 29-30 ¶7-8

One time when Jesus was in the Decapolis region, people “brought him a deaf man with a speech impediment.” (Mark 7:31-35) Instead of healing him in public, Jesus “took him aside” and healed him. Why? The man’s disabilities may have made him feel uncomfortable in a crowd. Perhaps sensing this, Jesus healed him in private. Of course, we cannot perform miraculous cures. But we can​—and should—​show thoughtful regard for the needs and feelings of our fellow worshippers. Jesus understood how the deaf man felt and treated him thoughtfully. Likewise, we should show consideration for the elderly and the infirm. The Christian congregation is marked, not by mere efficiency, but by love. (John 13:34, 35) That love moves us to go out of our way to help older ones and those with disabilities to attend Christian meetings and to preach the good news. That is so even if what they can do is limited.​—Matt. 13:23. w18.09 29-30 ¶7-8

Aro nọ ghaan ẹre Jehova ya ghee eguọmwadia re, erriọ Jesu nọ ya arrọọ ọghẹe de ima werriegbe vbe ye. (Gal 2:20) Ahoẹmwọmwa nọ wegbe ẹre ima hia vbe mwẹ daa egbe vbe otu e Jehova, ọna ẹre ọ si ẹre ne ima na ya obọ esi mu etẹn ima. E Baibol keghi kha wẹẹ: “Wa gie ima gha rhie ekhọe ye ẹmwẹ emwi nọ gha rhie ọfunmwegbe rre kevbe nọ gha rhie ẹtin ye egbe iwu.” (Rom 14:19) Ma wa yaro ye agbọn ọgbọn nọ dee, vbe ẹghẹ nii, iro i khian ghi gha han ọmwa rhọkpa. Ai ghi khuọnmwi, ai ghi miẹn okuo, uwu, ukpokpo, ọlọghọmwa ọghe ẹgbẹe kevbe emwi ke emwi nọ si egbewọmwẹ. Vbe iyeke ukpo arriaisẹn ọkpa ne Jesu khian ya kha, emwa nagbọn hia ghi khian emwa ni gbae. Emwa ni la edanmwẹ nokiekie gberra ghi gele do gha re ivbi Osanobua, iran ghi do gha mwẹ afanvbimu ọghe “ivbi Osanobua.” (Rom 8:21) Nọnaghiyerriọ, wa gi ima hia gha rhie ahoẹmwọmwa nọ de ọmwa igiẹ ma, ne ima hia mieke na sẹtin la agbọn ọgbọn nọ dee. w18.09 14 ¶10; 16 ¶18

Every one of Jehovah’s sheep is extremely precious to him and to Jesus, who provided the ransom sacrifice. (Gal. 2:20) We love our spiritual brothers and sisters dearly. And we want to care for them in a tender and loving way. In order to be a source of refreshment, “let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that build one another up.” (Rom. 14:19) How we all look forward to the time when, in the coming Paradise, we will never have reason to be discouraged! There will be no more sickness, wars, inherited death, persecution, domestic strife, and disappointments. When the Millennium is past, mankind will have reached perfection. Those who pass the final test will then be adopted as earthly sons of Jehovah God and have “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:21) May we all keep displaying the love that builds up and helping one another to attain that joyful and rewarding goal. w18.09 14 ¶10; 16 ¶18

Na gbarokotọ tie Baibol na mieke na rẹn otọ re, gberra na rhie aro lae kẹkan kevbe na vinnọ ama ye ewanniẹn ọghe inọta. A ghaa tie Baibol, ọ khẹke na ru erria yan emwi ne ako ne ima tie maa ima re vbekpae Jehova kevbe aro nọ ya ghee emwi. Ma ghi vbe hia ne ima rẹn evbọzẹe ne Osanobua na rhie adia ne ima, ne ima gha ru emwi eso kevbe evbọzẹe nọ na wẹẹ ne ima gha gban egbe ne emwi eso. Vbe iyẹke ọni, ma ghi ziro yan afiwerriẹ eso ne ima gha ru vbe iziro kevbe uyinmwẹ ima. Sokpan ẹi re ẹghẹ hia ma khian ya sẹtin gha ru erria yan asefẹn na hia. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, ọ khẹke ne ima loo ẹghẹ eso ya ru erria vbe ẹghẹ ke ẹghẹ ne ima ya tie Ẹmwẹ Osanobua. (1 Tim 4:15) Ma ghaa ru erria yan Ẹmwẹ Osanobua vbe ẹghẹ hia, ọ ghi gele do vẹ ne ima rẹn wẹẹ, aro ne Jehova ya ghee emwi ẹre ọ gele maan sẹ kevbe wẹẹ, emwi hia nọ ru keghi re nọ gbae. Irẹnmwi na, ghi fi ima ‘ekhọe werriẹ.’ (Rom 12:2) Vbene ẹghẹ ya khian, ma ghi do gha ghee emwi vbene Jehova ghee ẹre. w18.11 24 ¶5-6

Studying God’s Word involves more than superficial reading and merely highlighting the answers to study questions. When we study, we consider what the material tells us about Jehovah, his ways, and his thinking. We try to understand why God commands one thing and condemns another. We also give thought to what changes we need to make in our life and in our thinking. Although all these aspects might not be considered in every session of study, we profit by spending time​—perhaps half of each study period—​meditating appreciatively on what we read. (1 Tim. 4:15) As we meditate regularly on God’s Word, we ‘prove to ourselves’ that Jehovah’s reasoning on matters is perfect. We begin to see things from his point of view, and we come to agree with that viewpoint. Our minds are ‘made over,’ and we develop a new pattern of thinking. (Rom. 12:2) Progressively, we make Jehovah’s thoughts our own. w18.11 24 ¶5-6

Vbe orre nokaro, e Pọl keghi kha wẹẹ, irẹn kevbe Ivbiotu e Kristi nikẹre keghi re otu ni gu Osanobua winna. Vbọ yae kha vberriọ? Rhunmwuda iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan ọghe Arriọba ne iran rhiegba yi. (1 Kọr 3:6) Vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ, a gha vbe sẹtin ka ima ba emwa ni gu Osanobua winna, deghẹ ima na gha loo ẹghẹ, emwi ewe kevbe ẹrhiọn ọghe ima ye iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan ne Osanobua waa ima re. Ọna keghi re ukpamuyọmọ nọ hiunsi! Ma gha gele gha loo ẹghẹ kevbe ẹrhiọn ọghomwa ye iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan, ọyẹnmwẹ ẹre ọ khian gha sẹ ima. Etẹn ne ẹkpotọ kie na ya ru iyobọ ne emwa ọvbehe keghi se ọyẹnmwẹ vbenian. Vbene ẹmwata, ọmwa ne a gu tie Baibol ghaa mwẹ alaghodaro vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn, ọ na fi werriẹ do gha re ọkpa vbuwe ima, ọ keghi ya ima mwẹ ọyẹnmwẹ nọ sẹ otọ ẹko. Ọyẹnmwẹ vbenian ẹre ọ ghaa sẹ Jesu vbe erhuanegbe ẹre 70 ghi rre do na iyẹn ma rẹn wẹẹ, ikporhu ne iran yo wa biẹ ọmọ esi.—Luk 10:17-21. w18.08 20 ¶11-12

In the first century C.E., Paul referred to himself and certain close associates as “God’s fellow workers” because of their role in planting and watering the seed of Kingdom truth. (1 Cor. 3:6) Today, we too can be “God’s fellow workers” by generously giving of our time, resources, and energy to the divinely commissioned preaching work. What a tremendous privilege this is! Being generous with our time and energy in the preaching and disciple-making work brings great joy. Many who have had the privilege of conducting progressive Bible studies will tell you that few things are more rewarding. Great happiness comes from seeing appreciative individuals light up when they grasp spiritual truths, grow in faith, make changes, and start sharing the truth with others. Jesus also experienced great happiness when the 70 preachers whom he had sent out to the field “returned with joy” because of the favorable results they had experienced.​—Luke 10:17-21. w18.08 20 ¶11-12

Iziro ọghe ima sẹtin do gha re emwi nọ ghi dia ima, ọna sẹtin ya ima gha mu ẹtin yan egbe ima. Ma sẹtin do gha roro ẹre wẹẹ, ima gha sẹtin rẹn otọ emwi hia, ọ gha khọnrẹn wẹẹ ima ma wa rẹn ẹmwata hia nọ rre nene ẹmwẹ. Emwi ọvbehe nọ vbe yae lọghọ ne ima sẹtin rẹn ẹmwata nọ rre ẹmwẹ ọre deghẹ iyẹn ne ima họẹn, dekaẹn ọtẹn ne ima gba muan ẹmwẹ. Imuanẹmwẹ vbenian sẹtin ya ima gha ghee ọtẹn na zẹvbe ọghian ima. Ma gha họn iyẹn dan vbekpae ọtẹn vberriọ, uhukpa ẹre ima ya yaeyi. Vbe ọna maa ima re? Ma ghaa khọ ẹko etẹn ima, ọ sẹtin ya ima gha ya aro dan ghee iran, ọ gha khọnrẹn wẹẹ ima ma wa gele rẹn iran sẹ owa. (1 Tim 6:4, 5) Igbọvo ẹre ọ si emwi vbenian. Nọnaghiyerriọ, ọ ma khẹke ne ima gi igbọvo gbọzinian vbe ekhọe ima. Ọ khẹke ne ima gha yerre wẹẹ, e Jehova hoo ne ima ya ekhọe hia gha hoẹmwẹ etẹn ima, erriọ vbe khẹke ne ima ya gha yabọ iran.—Kọl 3:12-14. w18.08 6 ¶15; 7 ¶18

Leaning too heavily on our own understanding can become a snare. We may begin to feel that we can look at a situation and understand it even though we do not have all the facts. Also, a challenge to evaluating matters accurately may be faced when we have a personality conflict with a brother in the congregation. If we constantly dwell on our differences, we may begin to look at our brother with a measure of suspicion. Thus, if we hear a negative report about this brother, we may be eager to believe it. What is the lesson? Harboring ill feelings toward our brothers can lead to distorted judgments that are not based on the facts. (1 Tim. 6:4, 5) We can prevent our judgment from becoming clouded by refusing to allow envy and jealousy to take root in our hearts. Instead of giving in to such bad feelings, may we recognize our obligation to love our brothers and freely forgive them from the heart.​—Col. 3:12-14. w18.08 6 ¶15; 7 ¶18

E Jehova ẹre ọ yan ima rhunmwuda irẹn ẹre ọ yi ima. (Psm 100:3; Arhie 4:11) Vbuwe emwa hia nọ he yin agbọn na ke na ya bu agbọn tua agbọn gha dee, e Jehova mwẹ emwa ne irẹn hannọ zẹ ya ru ọghẹe. Vbe igiemwi, ebe Psalm 135 keghi tie Ivbi Izrẹl ni ghaa ye ẹkoata ga Osanobua vbe ẹghẹ nẹdẹ, emwa ne Osanobua ve ghaan, ne irẹn zẹ “ne iran gha re ọghe irẹn.” (Psm 135:4) Ebe Hozia vbe tae ye otọ wẹẹ, emwa ni ke agbọn ẹvbo ọvbehe rre gha vbe do khian eguọmwadia e Jehova. (Hoz 2:23) Ukpo 36 C.E. ẹre ẹmwẹ akhasẹ nii ghi mwẹ amusẹ vbe Jehova hannọ emwa ne ẹi re Ivbi e Ju zẹ, zẹvbe emwa ni gha deba e Kristi kha vbe ẹrinmwi. (Iwinna 10:45; Rom 9:23-26) Iran na, ne a ya orhiọn nọhuanrẹn hannọ zẹ, ni mwẹ ayayẹro ọghe arrọọ vbe ẹrinmwi, ọre “agbọn ẹvbo nọhuanrẹn” ni re emwa kpataki ọghe Osanobua. (1 Pit 2:9, 10) Eguọmwadia e Jehova ni mwẹ ayayẹro ọghe arrọọ ọghe etẹbitẹ vbe uhunmwu otagbọn ghi vbo? E Jehova vbe tie iran ‘emwa irẹn’ ne irẹn hannọ zẹ.—Aiz 65:22. w18.07 22 ¶1-2

By reason of their very existence, all humans belong to Jehovah. (Ps. 100:3; Rev. 4:11) Yet, throughout human history, God has designated specific groups of people as belonging to him in a special way. For example, Psalm 135 refers to faithful worshippers of Jehovah in ancient Israel as “his special property.” (Ps. 135:4) Also, the book of Hosea foretold that some non-Israelites would become Jehovah’s people. (Hos. 2:23) Hosea’s prophecy was fulfilled when Jehovah included non-Jews in his selection of prospective corulers with Christ. (Acts 10:45; Rom. 9:23-26) This “holy nation” is Jehovah’s “special possession” in an outstanding way, its members having been anointed with holy spirit and chosen for life in heaven. (1 Pet. 2:9, 10) What about the majority of faithful Christians today who have an earthly hope? Jehovah also calls them his “people” and his “chosen ones.”​—Isa. 65:22. w18.07 22 ¶1-2

Ọ khẹke ne Ivbiotu e Kristi gha ya egbe tae Jesu rhunmwuda, irẹn ẹre ọ rhie igiemwi nọ gbae yotọ vbe nọ dekaẹn odẹ nọ khẹke ne emwa nagbọn ya gha zẹ emwi obọ. (Mat 20:28) Inọta ne ima gha ghi nọ egbe ima re nia ọre wẹẹ: ‘I gha sẹtin hia sayọ vbe odẹ ne I ya ya egbe tae Jesu ra?’ (1 Pit 2:21) Ọ keghi ya ẹko rhiẹnrhiẹn e Jehova vbe ima ghaa lele igiemwi nọ gbae ọghe irẹn vbe Jesu Kristi, vbe nọ dekaẹn ahoẹmwọmwa ne ima mwẹ daa emwa ọvbehe kevbe obọ esi ne ima ya mu iran. Vbe erre ọghe Ovbi e Sameria nọ mwẹ ekhọe esi, Jesu keghi gi erhuanegbe ẹre rẹn wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne iran gha ru iyobọ ne emwa ọvbehe, ọ gha khọnrẹn wẹẹ otọ ẹvbo ọvbehe ẹre iran ke rre. (Luk 10:29-37) Inọta ne Ovbi e Ju ọkpa nọ rẹn, ẹre ọ ye Jesu zẹ erre na. Ọ keghi nọ wẹẹ: “Gha ogieva mwẹ?” Ewanniẹn ne Jesu ghi zẹ rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne ima ya egbe tae Ovbi e Sameria nii, ne ima mieke na miẹn afiangbe ọghe Osanobua. w18.08 19 ¶5-6

True Christians imitate the Christ, who provided us with the perfect example of how a human can be generous. (Matt. 20:28) Each of us would do well to ask, ‘Can I follow Jesus’ example even more closely than I am already doing?’ (1 Pet. 2:21) We can enjoy Jehovah’s favor by imitating his and Christ’s perfect examples, by being interested in the welfare of others, and by looking for ways to care for their needs. Indeed, in the parable of the neighborly Samaritan, Jesus made clear that he expected his followers to go out of their way to help others, even those of a different background. (Luke 10:29-37) Do you recall the question that moved Jesus to recount the parable of the neighborly Samaritan? A Jew asked him: “Who really is my neighbor?” Jesus’ answer shows that like the Samaritan we must be willing to give generously if we are to enjoy God’s favor. w18.08 19 ¶5-6

De vbene Jehova ya fiangbe Meri hẹ rhunmwuda ekhọe esi nọ ya koko e Jesu? Emwi eso ne Meri ru kevbe ẹmwẹ nọ tae keghi re ne a gbẹn ye Baibol. Ughaghe, e Meri ma sẹtin lele Jesu gha kporhu vbe ukpo eha vbe ukhiọnmwẹ ne Jesu ya kporhu. Vbọzẹe? Ọ gha kẹ, okhuo nọ dẹgbẹe ẹre Meri ghaa khin vbe ẹghẹ na, rhunmwuda ọni, ọ ma kpa hin e Nazarẹt rre. Ọna rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, aro ẹre ma sẹ emwi nibun ne Jesu ru. Ọrheyerriọ, aro e Meri sọe vbe Jesu wu. (Jọn 19:26) E Meri vbe gha rre uwu ẹbu erhuanegbe Jesu vbe Jerusalẹm, vbene ọ te sẹ ẹdẹ Pẹntikọst nọ re ẹdẹ ne Jehova rhurhẹ orhiọn nọhuanrẹn yan erhuanegbe Jesu. (Iwinna 1:13, 14) Ughaghe, e Meri ghaa rre usun emwa na hannọ zẹ vbe ẹdẹrriọ. Ọ ghaa yerriọ, ọni rhiema wẹẹ, te Meri khian gu Jesu gha rre ẹrinmwi vbe etẹbitẹ. Vbene ẹmwata, e Jehova wa gele fiangbe Meri! w18.07 9 ¶11; 10 ¶14

Did Jehovah continue to show Mary due recognition for faithfully caring for and raising his Son? Yes, he did. God had her actions and words recorded in the Bible. Apparently, Mary was not in a position to travel with Jesus during the three and a half years of his ministry. Perhaps as a widow, Mary had to stay in Nazareth. But even though she missed out on many privileges, she was able to be with Jesus at the time of his death. (John 19:26) Later, though, Mary was in Jerusalem along with the disciples during the days leading up to Pentecost when holy spirit was poured out. (Acts 1:13, 14) She was likely anointed along with the others present. If so, this would mean that she was given the opportunity to be in heaven with Jesus for all eternity. What a beautiful reward for her faithful service! w18.07 9 ¶11; 10 ¶14

Vbe Jesu rre agbọn, ọ keghi maa erhuanegbe ẹre ilele nibun, ni gha ya iran rẹn emwi nọ kẹrikian vbe iran gha yin uyinmwẹ eso. Vbe igiemwi, ọ keghi gi iran rẹn wẹẹ, ohu sẹtin si igbinnoguo kevbe wẹẹ, ọmwa ne aro ọre viẹn ye okhuo ra okpia sẹtin fi owẹ ye oha. (Mat 5:21, 22, 27, 28) Nọnaghiyerriọ, ne ekhọe ọguọmwaziro ọghomwa mieke na gha winna ẹse, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha ya ilele ni rre Baibol dia re. Ẹghẹ nii, ma ghi sẹtin gha rhie uyi gie Osanobua. Ugbẹnso, etẹn eva sẹtin gha mwẹ iziro nọ lughaẹn vbe emwi eso, ọ gha khọnrẹn wẹẹ ilele ni rre Baibol ẹre ọ dia ekhọe ọguọmwaziro ọghe iran. Vbe igiemwi, ọ sẹtin gha re ẹmwẹ ayọn nọ wegbe na da. E Baibol ma wẹẹ ne ima ghẹ zẹdẹ da ayọn. Ọ wẹẹ na gha dae ye oreghe. Sokpan, e Baibol gbikhan ye ayọn na da gbe egbe. (Itan 20:1; 1 Tim 3:8) Nọnaghiyerriọ, ọ mwẹ emwi ọvbehe nọ khẹke ne Ovbiotu e Kristi nọ da ayọn ye oreghe gha yerre ra? Ẹn! Ọ khẹke nọ yerre wẹẹ, ọ mwẹ etẹn eso ne ekhọe ọguọmwaziro ọghe iran ma kue yọ, ne iran gha da ayọn nọ wegbe. Rhunmwuda ọni, ọ khẹke ne ọtẹn nọ da ayọn ye oreghe gha begbe ne ẹi ghẹ ya rhua iran owẹ. w18.06 18 ¶10-11

Throughout his ministry, Jesus taught basic truths to help his disciples recognize the consequences of certain attitudes or actions. For example, he taught that resentment can lead to violence and that lust can lead to adultery. (Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28) To help us have a conscience that is properly trained, we should let godly principles guide us and thus bring glory to God. On certain matters, two different Christians with Bible-trained consciences might come to opposite conclusions. Consider the use of alcoholic beverages. The Bible does not condemn the moderate use of alcohol. It does, however, warn against the excessive use of alcohol, as well as drunkenness. (Prov. 20:1; 1 Tim. 3:8) Does this mean that a Christian has no other factors to consider as long as his use of alcohol is moderate? Not at all. While he may be at peace with his own conscience, the Christian must also consider the conscience of others. w18.06 18 ¶10-11

Jesu keghi kakabọ ya obọ sekhae ne erhuanegbe ẹre ne iran biegbe ne eyist ra imamwaemwi ọghe ekpayẹ Hẹrọd, avbe Farisi kevbe avbe Sadusi. (Mat 16:6, 12) Te ibude na wa rre ye ẹghẹ. Jesu ghi ta ẹmwẹ na ma erhuanegbe ẹre nẹ, ọ ma he kpẹẹ vba, Ivbi e Galili na te gha hoo ne iran ma Jesu ọba. Igbinnoguo ẹre ọ mobọ kẹrikian vbe emwa ugamwẹ ghaa mwẹ obọ vbe otu azẹ. Jesu keghi gi erhuanegbe ẹre rẹn wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne iran gha rre idiaghe. Ọna rre usun emwi nọ ya avbe Farisi gha si uma ne iran gbe Jesu rua. Te iran ghaa ghee Jesu zẹvbe ọmwa nọ gu iran suan. Iran kegha roro ẹre wẹẹ, Jesu gha ya imamwaemwi ọghẹe silo emwa iran ba egbe, ẹghẹ nii, arriọba e Rom sẹtin do miẹn iran ukpo nọ yo ne iran te ye. Ọna ẹre ọ si ẹre ne iran na kha wẹẹ: “Ma gha gi ẹre gha ru avbe emwi na khian vberriọ, emwa hia gha do yae yi, ẹghẹ nii, arriọba e Rom ghi ya ohu guọghọ ima Ọgua Osa, ọ ghi khọn ẹvbo ima muotọ.” (Jọn 11:48) Rhunmwuda ọni, e Kaiafas ne Ogie Ohẹn ẹre ọ ghaa re ọkaolotu emwa ni si uma ya gbe Jesu rua.—Jọn 11:49-53; 18:14. w18.06 6 ¶12-13

Jesus emphatically warned his disciples to stay clear of the teachings, or leaven, that the Pharisees, Sadducees, and party followers of Herod advocated. (Matt. 16:6, 12) Interestingly, this conversation took place not long after the occasion when the people wanted to make Jesus king. When religion is mixed with politics, violence can easily erupt. Jesus taught his disciples that they must maintain neutrality in these circumstances. That is related to the reason why the chief priests and the Pharisees planned to kill Jesus. They saw him as a political and religious rival who threatened their position. “If we let him go on this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation,” they said. (John 11:48) Thus, High Priest Caiaphas took the lead in plotting Jesus’ death.​—John 11:49-53; 18:14. w18.06 6-7 ¶12-13

Odẹ ọvbehe ne Esu ya mu emwa rẹrẹ ọre orhiọn dan na gu mu obọ. Ugamwẹ okeke kevbe ugha ne a na miẹn emwi irọkhegbe ẹre ọ ya do ẹki na. Ughe ne a na gu orhiọn dan mu obọ ẹre ọ ghi gba evba miẹn ghee vbe ẹkpẹti ughe kevbe vidio game nibun. Te ughe vbenian wa yẹẹ emwa nibun rhunmwuda iran ma rẹn ẹbe nọ lelẹe khian. Vbe ima khian ru ne ima ghẹ de ye ifi na? Otu e Jehova i khian hae ye ugan ighẹ ughe nọ khẹke ne ima gha ghee kevbe nọ ma khẹke. Te dọmwadẹ ima gha dia ekhọe iziro ọghẹe nọ mieke na gha winna vbe odẹ nọ gua ilele ọghe Baibol ro. (Hib 5:14) Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, ma gha sẹtin gha ru azẹ nọ maan deghẹ ima lele adia ọghe ukọ e Pọl, nọ rre ako ọghe Evbagbẹn Nọhuanrẹn ne ebe ẹdẹ ọghe ẹrẹna ke ladian. Ma sẹtin nọ egbe ima wẹẹ: ‘Ughe ne I ghee rhiẹre ma wẹẹ ọmwa agabagebe ẹre I khin ra? Emwa ne I gu tie Baibol gha miẹn ughe ne I ghee, iran gha kha wẹẹ I rhie owẹ lele emwi ne I maa iran re ra?’ Ma tobọ ima ghaa rhie emwi ne ima maa emwa re ye uyinmwẹ, ifi ọghe Esu i sẹtin mu ima.—1 Jọn 3:18. w18.05 25 ¶13

An effective bait that Satan uses is curiosity about the occult. Today, he promotes interest in the demons not only through false religion but also through the entertainment industry. Movies, electronic games, and other media make spiritism seem exciting. How can we avoid being caught in this trap? We should not expect God’s organization to supply a list of acceptable and unacceptable entertainment. Each of us needs to train his own conscience to be in harmony with God’s standards. (Heb. 5:14) However, we will make wise choices if we apply the apostle Paul’s inspired counsel above. We could ask ourselves: ‘Will my choice of entertainment make me seem hypocritical? If my Bible students or return visits saw the entertainment I choose, would they think that I practice what I preach?’ The more our speech and actions harmonize, the less likely we are to be caught in Satan’s snares.​—1 John 3:18. w18.05 25 ¶13

De odẹ eso ne ima gha ya sẹtin ya egbe tae Pọl? Okaro, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha mwẹ ekhọe ne a ya gualọ emwa ni mwẹ ekhọe ata ne a ya miẹn ọnrẹn yi ighẹ odẹ nọ su rrie arrọọ ọghe etẹbitẹ. Nogieva, ma ghi vbe gha na erhunmwu gie Jehova nọ ya obọ kaẹn ekhọe ọghe emwa ne ima kporhu ma. (Iwinna 13:48; 16:14) Te ọ ghi rrie odẹ ukpo 30 ne ọtẹn na tie ẹre Silvana ke ru iwinna arọndẹ. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Vbene I te suẹn gha kporhu, I ghi ka na erhunmwu gie Jehova nọ ya mwẹ gha mwẹ ilẹkẹtin wẹẹ, ẹrhiọn ne I loo ye ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan gha biẹ ọmọ esi.” Ọ vbe khẹke ne ima gha na erhunmwu ne Jehova gha ya odibo ọghẹe dia ima gie emwa ni mwẹ ekhọe ata. (Mat 10:11-13; Arhie 14:6) E Robert, nọ gberra ukpo 30 nọ ke ru iwinna arọndẹ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Ọ keghi re emwi nọ gbe ọmwa otiti ne ima na gu avbe odibo winna rhunmwuda iran rẹn emwi ne emwa ne ima kporhu ma la gberra.” Nogieha, gi aro ruẹ gha sotọ, ne u mieke na rẹn deghẹ iran mwẹ ẹkorhiẹnrhiẹnmwẹ. Ọtẹn Nokpia Carl nọ re ọdiọn vbe iko keghi kha wẹẹ: “I keghi gbarokotọ ne I mieke na rẹn deghẹ ọmwa ne I kporhu ma gele mwẹ ẹkorhiẹnrhiẹnmwẹ. Emwi ne I ya rẹn ọre, deghẹ ọ muẹnmuẹn ogiẹ, ugbaro ọre maan vbe uhunmwu ra ọ na nọ ọta kpataki.” Vbene ẹmwata, ma gha sẹtin gha ya izinegbe mọ ọmọ erhan zẹ vbene ukọ e Pọl ru ẹre. w18.05 15 ¶13; 16 ¶15

How can we imitate Paul? First, we strive to maintain a heartfelt desire to find any who might be “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” Second, we supplicate Jehovah in prayer to open the heart of sincere ones. (Acts 13:48; 16:14) Silvana, a pioneer for nearly 30 years, says, “Before I go to a house in my territory, I pray to Jehovah, asking him to give me a positive attitude.” We also pray to God that angels may direct us to find honesthearted ones. (Matt. 10:11-13; Rev. 14:6) Notes Robert, a pioneer for over 30 years, “To work along with angels who know what is going on in the householders’ lives is exciting.” Third, we try to see a potential for good in people. Says Carl, an elder, “I look for any small sign that may reveal a person’s sincerity, perhaps a smile, a kind look, or an honest question.” Yes, like Paul, we can endure in bearing fruit. w18.05 15 ¶13; 16 ¶15

Ọ keghi sẹ ima ọyẹnmwẹ vbe ima gha họn wẹẹ, emwa ne ima gu tie Baibol, ni ghi do khian Osẹe Jehova wa ye ga Osanobua vbuwe amuẹtinyan. Erriọ wa vbe gha ye ne ukọ e Jọn. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Emwi ọkpa i rrọọ nọ ghi ya ẹko mwẹ rhiẹnrhiẹn gberra ọni, vbe I họn wẹẹ, ivbi mwẹ wa rrọọ vbuwe ẹmwata nii.” (3 Jọn 4) Arọndẹ nibun keghi mwẹ ọyẹnmwẹ nọ sẹ otọ ẹko vbe ọmwa ne iran gu tie Baibol gha ghi do gbọzinian vbe odẹ ọghe ẹmwata, ugbẹnso, eso ghi vbe do gha re arọndẹ. Odẹ ọkpa ne a ya rhie igiọdu ne arọndẹ ne orhiọn gbe yọ re iwu, ọre ne a yee ẹre rre, vbene ọ he ya ru iyobọ ne emwa ọvbehe hẹ vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn. Ọgbaroghe ọghe otako nibun vbe amwẹ iran keghi tae vbene ọ rhie ẹrhiọn ye iran iwu hẹ, vbe etẹn eso gha gbẹn ebe gie iran, ya gbọyẹmwẹ ye iwinna ne iran ru vbe otu e Jehova. Erriọ vbe ya rhie igiọdu ne avbe arọndẹ, ediọn, arọndẹ na gie yo isi kevbe etẹn ni ga vbe Abotu vbe etẹn gha gbọyẹmwẹ ye iwinna ne iran ru. w18.04 23 ¶14-15

News of faithfulness on the part of those we have helped in the past can be a real source of encouragement, as it was for the apostle John, who wrote: “No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.” (3 John 4) Many pioneers can attest to how encouraging it is for them to learn that some of those they helped into the truth years ago are staying faithful and perhaps are even serving as pioneers. Simply reminding a discouraged pioneer of past joys can be a real source of comfort. Many circuit overseers have stated how encouraged they and their wives felt after receiving even a short note of gratitude for their visit to a congregation. The same can be true of elders, missionaries, pioneers, and Bethel family members who receive a word of appreciation for their faithful service. w18.04 23 ¶14-15

Ikhuo 700 ẹre Solomọn viọ rọnmwẹ. Ọ na vbe zẹ ikhuo 300 ọse. (1 Ọba 11:3) Nibun vbuwe ikhuo nọ rhie re kegha re ikhuo ni ga ẹbọ, iran i vbe re Ivbi Izrẹl. Ọna rhiema wẹẹ, te Solomọn gele rraa uhi Osanobua. (Diut 7:3, 4) E Solomọn ma ya uhukpa fi iyeke gbe Jehova, kherhe kherhe ghaa nọ. Zẹ vbene ẹghẹ ya gha khian, e Solomọn na do gha fuẹn vbuwe igẹbọ. Ọ na gbe aka ne ẹbọ ne a tie ẹre Ashtoreth kevbe Chemosh. Ọ na deba ikhuo nọ viọ re gha ga ẹbọ. E Solomọn ma ghi miẹn ehe ọvbehe gbe aka yi, a na ghi miẹn wẹẹ, ọkpẹn oke nọ wa werriẹ aro dae Jerusalẹm, ne irẹn bọ Ọgua Osa yi, ẹre ọ vbe gbe aka ẹbọ yi! (1 Ọba 11:5-8; 2 Ọba 23:13) Ughaghe iziro nọ ma gba ne Solomọn ghaa mwẹ ọre wẹẹ, e Jehova gha rhie aro gberra emwi dan ne irẹn ru rhunmwuda izọese nọ vbe gha ru vbe Ọgua Osa. Sokpan, e Jehova i rhie aro gberra orukhọ. w18.07 18-19 ¶7-9

Solomon disobeyed, eventually marrying 700 women. He brought into his household an additional 300 concubines. (1 Ki. 11:3) Many of his wives were non-Israelites, who worshipped false gods. Hence, Solomon also disobeyed God’s law against marrying foreign women. (Deut. 7:3, 4) Solomon’s gradual departure from Jehovah’s requirements led him in time to extreme wrongdoing. Solomon built an altar to the idol goddess Ashtoreth and at least one other altar to the false god Chemosh. There he joined his wives in pagan worship. He built those altars on, of all places, a mountain located directly in front of Jerusalem, where he had built Jehovah’s temple! (1 Ki. 11:5-8; 2 Ki. 23:13) Perhaps Solomon fooled himself into thinking that Jehovah would overlook his disobedience as long as he also continued to offer sacrifices at the temple. But Jehovah never overlooks wrongdoing. w18.07 18-19 ¶7-9

Ọkpa vbe usun “ifẹnmwẹ erhẹn” ne Esu filo gi ima ọre ohoghe nọ ta vbekpae Jehova. Esu keghi hoo ne ọ kọe ye ima orhiọn wẹẹ, e Jehova ma zẹdẹ hoẹmwẹ ima. Ọtẹn nokhuo ne a tie ẹre Ida, nọ rre ukpo 19 kegha mwẹ egbe iziro vbenian. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Te I ka wa gha mwẹ ọnrẹn vbe orhiọn wẹẹ, e Jehova ma zẹdẹ hoẹmwẹ mwẹ kevbe wẹẹ, ọ ma vbe hoo ne I gha re ọsiọre.” De emwi nọ ghi fi iziro ọghẹe werriẹ? Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Iko na yo ẹre ọ ghi ya amuẹtinyan mwẹ deziẹn. I wa gha yo iko sokpan, te I wa ya gha tota kua kẹkan. I i niẹn obọ amaiwẹ te I khian zẹ ewanniẹn. Ẹi re erriọ ghi ye nia. Te I ghi mu egbe iko ye otọ, I vbe hia ne I zẹ ewanniẹn igbava ra igbaha.” Ma wa miẹn emwi kpataki ruẹ vbe emwi ẹwaẹn ọghe ọtẹn nokhuo Ida. Asa ne ivbiyokuo mu yo okuo i fi werriẹ, vbene ọ ye, ẹre ọ ye. Sokpan asa ọghe iyayi ọghe Ivbiotu e Kristi i yerriọ. Ọ sẹtin kanmwa sayọ, ọ sẹtin vbe khian nọ kpọlọ. Iyayi ọghomwa sẹtin worua, ọ sẹtin vbe khian nọ wegbe. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, obọ ima ẹre ọ ye. (Mat 14:31; 2 Tẹs 1:3) Nọnaghiyerriọ, te ọ khẹke ne iyayi ọghomwa wegbe sayọ. w18.05 29-30 ¶12-14

Some of the “burning arrows” that Satan might fire at you are lies about Jehovah​—that He does not care about you and that you are unlovable. Nineteen-year-old Ida struggles with feelings of unworthiness. She says, “I have often felt that Jehovah isn’t close to me and that he doesn’t want to be my Friend.” How does she deal with this attack? “The meetings are a giant boost to my faith,” says Ida. “I used to sit there and never comment, thinking that nobody would want to hear what I had to say. Now, though, I prepare for the meetings and try to answer two or three times.” Ida’s experience highlights an important truth: The literal shield given to a soldier had fixed dimensions, but the size of our shield of faith can either shrink or grow. It is up to us. (Matt. 14:31; 2 Thess. 1:3) How important it is that we build up our faith! w18.05 29-30 ¶12-14

Yẹrẹro wẹẹ, vbe iyeke igbohiotọ nii, ẹre eseghan nii na fiwerriẹ. (Iwinna 16:25-34) Erriọ emwa nibun vbe ye vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ, emwi nọ wegbe gha sunu daa iran, iran ghi suẹn gha danmwehọ. A sẹtin miẹn wẹẹ, te a rhie iran obọ sotọ vbe iwinna, ọ sẹtin vbe gha re emianmwẹ nọ wegbe ra uwu ọghe ọmwa ne iran hoẹmwẹ ọnrẹn. Emwi vbenian keghi ya iro han ọmwa. Ọ ghi ya emwa eso gha nọ ọta ne iran ma he ka nọ ẹdẹ. Iran sẹtin nọ wẹẹ, ‘Vbe arrọọ a demu? De emwi ne I gha ru ne I mieke na miẹn fan?’ Ma gha miẹn emwa vbenian vbe ikporhu, iran sẹtin danmwehọ iyẹn nọ maan vbe ẹghẹ okaro vbe arrọọ ọghe iran. Nọnaghiyerriọ, ma gha ya ekhọe hia rhiegba ye iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan, ẹre ima khian na sẹtin rhie ifuẹko ne iran vbe ẹghẹ ne iran ya gualọe zẹẹ.—Aiz 61:1. w18.05 19-20 ¶10-12

The jailer had a change of heart and asked for help only after the earthquake struck. (Acts 16:25-34) Similarly, some individuals today who have not responded to the Bible’s message before may have a change of heart and look for help when their world is suddenly shaken by a seismic event. Perhaps they may have lost their longtime job unexpectedly and are left in shock. Others may be at a loss after being diagnosed with a serious illness, or they may be heartbroken after losing a loved one in death. They may ask questions about the meaning of life that at one time they ignored. Perhaps they even wonder, ‘What must I do to get saved?’ When we meet them, they may want to listen to our message of hope for the first time in their life. Therefore, by faithfully continuing in our preaching work, we make sure that we will be available to give comfort to people at a time when they may be ready to accept it.​—Isa. 61:1. w18.05 19-20 ¶10-12

Vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ, emwa nibun ma rẹn wẹẹ, imu ọghe ugamwẹ ohoghe, emwi ewe na khu khian kevbe ọghe arriọba emwa nagbọn ẹre iran ye rhunmwuda, te Esu wa bibi iran odẹ. (2 Kọr 4:4) Iwinna ne kpataki nọ bi ye ima egbe nia, ọre ne ima ru iyobọ ne emwa ọvbehe, ne iran do ga Osanobua ne ọ fan ọmwa hin imu rre, zẹ vbene Jesu vbe ru ẹre. (Mat 28:19, 20) Iwinna na i khuẹrhẹ rhunmwuda, isievẹn nibun ni lelẹe khian. Vbe otọ ẹvbo eso, emwa i ghi mwẹ ẹkorhiẹnrhiẹnmwẹ daa iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan, te eso ghi kue zẹ aro mu ima. Inọta ne dọmwadẹ ima gha ghi nọ egbe ẹre ọre: ‘I gha sẹtin ya afanvbimu ne I mwẹ ru sayọ vbe iwinna Arriọba ra?’ Ọ keghi re emwi nọ wa sẹ ọmwa ọyẹnmwẹ, ne etẹn nibun na ya arrọọ ọghe iran khian ne khuẹrhẹ, ne iran mieke na sẹtin rhiegbe ye iwinna arọndẹ rhunmwuda iran rẹnrẹn wẹẹ, ufomwẹ agbọn Esu kakabọ sikẹ otọ nẹ. (1 Kọr 9:19, 23) Eso ga zẹvbe arọndẹ vbe iko ne iran ye, vbene eso na kpa gha rrie ehe ne a na gualọ iyobọ etẹn. Vbene ẹmwata, etẹn nibun wa gele loo afanvbimu ne iran mwẹ vbe odẹ nọ ghi maan sẹ!—Psm 110:3. w18.04 11-12 ¶13-14

Today, the vast majority of people are still blinded by the god of this system of things and are in bondage​—religious, economic, and social. (2 Cor. 4:4) It is our privilege to follow Jesus’ example of helping people to come to know and worship Jehovah, the God of freedom. (Matt. 28:19, 20) That is not an easy work, and there are many challenges. In some lands, people are becoming more indifferent, some even hostile. The question that each of us should consider is, ‘Can I use my freedom to give greater support to the Kingdom work?’ It is most encouraging to see that many have sensed the urgency of our times and have simplified their lives so as to share in the full-time ministry. (1 Cor. 9:19, 23) Some of them serve within their local territories; others move to where the need is greater. What a splendid result of making wise use of the freedom to serve Jehovah!​—Ps. 110:3. w18.04 11-12 ¶13-14