1, 2. (a) God’s servants look forward to what prize? (b) What helps us to keep our eyes on the prize? (See opening picture.)

LIKE the apostle Paul, spirit-anointed Christians today have the precious prospect of receiving “the prize of the upward call of God.” (Phil. 3:14) They look forward to serving with Jesus Christ in his heavenly Kingdom and sharing with him in bringing mankind to perfection. (Rev. 20:6) What a wonderful goal such ones have been invited by God to pursue! The other sheep have a different hope. They look forward to gaining the prize of everlasting life on earth​—and what a happy prospect that is!​—2 Pet. 3:13.

² To help fellow anointed Christians to stay faithful and attain the prize, Paul urged them: “Keep your minds fixed on the things above.” (Col. 3:2) They were to keep in mind the precious hope of receiving their heavenly inheritance. (Col. 1:4, 5) Indeed, contemplating the blessings that Jehovah sets before his people helps all of God’s servants to keep their  eyes on the prize, whether they have the heavenly or the earthly hope.​—1 Cor. 9:24.

3. Paul alerted fellow Christians about what dangers?

³ Paul also alerted fellow Christians about dangers that could deprive them of the prize. For example, he wrote to the congregation in Colossae about false Christians who were trying to gain God’s favor through works of the Law rather than through faith in Christ. (Col. 2:16-18) Paul also discussed dangers that exist down to this day and that can deprive us of the prize. For instance, he explained how to resist immoral desires, handle problems with fellow believers, and deal with family difficulties. His counsel on these matters is valuable for us today. Therefore, let us examine some of Paul’s loving warnings found in his letter to the Colossians.

4. Why can immoral desires deprive us of the prize?

⁴ After reminding his brothers of their marvelous hope, Paul wrote: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness.” (Col. 3:5) Immoral desires can be very powerful and can deprive us of spiritual treasures. One brother who was swept away by immoral desires said after he returned to the congregation, “I was drawn by a force so powerful that I did not turn back until it was too late.”

5. How can we protect ourselves in dangerous situations?

⁵ It is especially important to be on guard when we are confronted by circumstances that could tempt us to compromise Jehovah’s moral standards. For example, it is wise for a couple, right from the start of a courtship, to set clear limits for themselves about such matters as touching, kissing, or being alone together. (Prov. 22:3) Morally dangerous situations may also come up when a Christian is away from home on a business trip or when a Christian has to work with someone of the opposite sex. (Prov. 2:10-12, 16) If you find yourself in such a situation, identify yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, act in a respectable manner, and remember that flirting can have disastrous consequences. We may also find ourselves at greater risk if we are depressed and vulnerable. At such times, we may yearn for someone who makes us feel needed. We may even become so desperate for emotional support that we will accept attention from just about anyone. If that ever happens to you, turn to Jehovah and his people for help so as not to allow yourself to be deprived of the prize.​—Read Psalm 34:18; Proverbs 13:20.

6. As to our choice of entertainment, what should we keep in mind?

⁶ To deaden immoral desires, we need to reject immoral entertainment. Much of the entertainment industry today has the characteristics of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jude 7) Industry leaders promote their ideas on morals by presenting sexual immorality as normal behavior, free of painful consequences. We cannot let our guard down, passively accepting any entertainment that is offered. We need to select forms of entertainment that will not hinder us from keeping our eyes on the prize of life.​—Prov. 4:23.

7. What problems might we face within the Christian congregation?

⁷ We all agree that being part of the Christian congregation is a blessing. The study of God’s Word at our meetings and the kind and loving support that we give one another help us to keep our eyes focused on the prize. Nevertheless, at times, misunderstandings may lead to some tension among members of the congregation. If we fail to resolve such problems, they could easily lead to feelings of resentment.​—Read 1 Peter 3:8, 9.

8, 9. (a) Having what qualities will help us to win the prize? (b) What can help us to preserve peace if a fellow Christian upsets us?

⁸ How can we prevent resentment from depriving us of the prize? Paul urged the Colossians: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”​—Col. 3:12-14.

⁹ Love and kindness can help us to be forgiving toward one another. For example, if we feel hurt by the words or actions of a fellow Christian, we can try to recall occasions when we spoke or acted unkindly. Do we not appreciate the love and kindness of the brothers and sisters who overlooked our errors? (Read Ecclesiastes 7:21, 22.) Especially are we thankful for Christ’s kindness in gathering true worshippers into unity. (Col. 3:15) We all love the same God, preach the same message, and face many of the same challenges. By kindly and lovingly forgiving one another, we contribute to Christian unity and keep our eyes on the prize of life.

10, 11. (a) Why is jealousy dangerous? (b) How can we prevent jealousy from depriving us of our reward?

¹⁰ Warning examples in the Bible remind us that jealousy can deprive us of the prize. For instance, Cain became jealous of his brother Abel and killed him. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram became jealous of Moses and opposed him. Also, King Saul became jealous of David’s success and tried to kill him. No wonder God’s Word states: “Wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing.”​—Jas. 3:16.

¹¹ If we cultivate love and kindness in our heart, we will not easily become jealous. God’s Word says: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous.” (1 Cor. 13:4) To prevent jealousy from taking root in our heart, we must strive to see things from God’s standpoint, viewing our brothers and sisters as members of the same Christian body. This will help us to show fellow feeling, in harmony with the inspired counsel: “If a member is glorified, all the other members rejoice with it.” (1 Cor. 12:16-18, 26) Thus, rather than feel jealous, we will be happy when others receive blessings. Consider the example of King Saul’s son Jonathan. He was not jealous when David was appointed heir to the throne. Rather, he encouraged David. (1 Sam. 23:16-18) Could we be as kind and loving as Jonathan?

12. Heeding what Scriptural counsel will help us to attain the prize as a family?

¹² Applying Bible principles can bring peace and happiness to a family and help them to win the prize. What Scriptural counsel for families did Paul give to Christians in Colossae? He stated: “You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord. You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them. You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. You fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.” (Col. 3:18-21) No doubt you will agree that applying Paul’s inspired counsel will still benefit husbands, wives, and children.

13. How could a Christian sister win over her unbelieving husband?

¹³ What if you are a wife and you feel that your unbelieving husband does not treat you properly? Would you improve the situation by arguing about his behavior? Even if you succeed in making him do what you want, will you win him over to the truth? Not likely. But if you show respect for your husband’s headship, you can contribute to peace in the  family, you will praise Jehovah, and you may even win your husband over to true worship; thus you both may gain the prize.​—Read 1 Peter 3:1, 2.

14. What should a Christian husband do if his unbelieving wife does not respect him?

¹⁴ What if you are a husband and you feel that your unbelieving wife does not respect you? Would you move her to show you more respect if you were to shout at her to show her who is boss? Absolutely not! God expects you to exercise headship lovingly, in imitation of Jesus. (Eph. 5:23) Jesus exercises his headship over his congregation with loving patience. (Luke 9:46-48) By imitating Jesus’ example, a husband may win his wife over to true worship.

15. How does a Christian man express his love for his wife?

¹⁵ Husbands are told: “Keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them.” (Col. 3:19) A loving husband honors his wife by listening to her opinions and by assuring her that he values what she says. (1 Pet. 3:7) Although he cannot always do as she asks, he often arrives at a more balanced decision by consulting her. (Prov. 15:22) A loving husband tries to gain his wife’s respect by earning it rather than demanding it. A husband who loves his wife and children is more likely to have a family that happily serves Jehovah and wins the prize of life.

16, 17. As a youth, how can you avoid becoming overly frustrated with your parents?

¹⁶ What if you are a teenager and feel misunderstood and restricted by your Christian parents? Your frustration might even make you doubt that serving Jehovah is the best way of life. But if you allow frustration to make you give up serving Jehovah, you would soon discover that no one else cares for you more genuinely than your God-fearing parents and your congregation.

¹⁷ If your parents never corrected you, would you not wonder if they really cared about you? (Heb. 12:8) But perhaps it is the way your parents discipline you that upsets you. Rather than fret over the manner of discipline, try to recognize that there may be a reason for the way they act. So keep calm and do your best to avoid overreacting to criticism. God’s Word says: “A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a discerning man will remain calm.” (Prov. 17:27) Make it your goal to become a mature person who can take counsel calmly, benefiting from it without worrying excessively about how it was given. (Prov. 1:8) To have believing parents who truly love Jehovah is a blessing. They will surely want to help you to win the prize of life.

18. Why are you resolved to keep your eyes on the prize?

¹⁸ The prize before us​—whether immortal life in heaven or everlasting life on a paradise earth—​is marvelous to contemplate. It is a sure hope, one based on the promise of the Creator himself. Regarding the Paradise earth, God says: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.” (Isa. 11:9) Everyone then living on earth will be taught by God. That is surely a prize worth striving for. So keep your mind on what Jehovah has promised, and let nothing deprive you of the prize!

1, 2. (a) De ive ne eguọmwadia e Jehova yaro yi? (b) Vbọ ru iyobọ ne ima ya rhie aro tua ne ive? (Ghee efoto nọ rre omuhẹn.)

ZẸVBE na ghee Pọl, Ivbiotu e Kristi ne a hannọ zẹ keghi mwẹ ayayẹro ọghe “utiemwẹ ne Osanobua la ekpa Jesu Kristi tie” iran gha rrie ẹrinmwi. (Fil. 3:14) Iran yaro ye ẹghẹ ne iran khian ya deba Jesu Kristi gha kha vbe Arriọba Osanobua kevbe ẹghẹ ne iran khian ya ya emwa nagbọn khian emwa ni gbae. (Arhie. 20:6) Ayayẹro ne iran ni rrie ẹrinmwi mwẹ keghi ọghe ọyunnuan. Sokpan, oghẹn ne gbii mwẹ ayayẹro nọ lughaẹn. Iran yaro ye arrọọ ọghe etẹbitẹ vbe uhunmwu otagbọn. Ọna keghi wa ya iran sọyẹnmwẹ!—2 Pit. 3:13.

² E Pọl wa gha hoo ne Ivbiotu e Kristi mudia gbain vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn ne ive nii mieke na sẹ iran obọ, rhunmwuda ọni, ọ keghi tama iran wẹẹ: ‘Wa rhie aro tua emwi ni rre odọ.’ (Kọl. 3:2) Te ọ khẹke nọ gha rre iran orhiọn vbe ẹghẹ hia ighẹ ayayẹro ọghe arrọọ vbe ẹrinmwi. (Kọl. 1:4, 5) Vbene ẹmwata, eguọmwadia e Jehova ghaa ru erria yan afiangbe ni dee vbe odaro, deghẹ erinmwi iran yaro yi ra agbọn na, ọ keghi ru  iyobọ ne iran ya rhie aro tua ne ive.—1 Kọr. 9:24.

3. Vbọzẹe ne Pọl na ya obọ sekhae ne Ivbiotu e Kristi?

³ E Pọl vbe ya obọ sekhae ne Ivbiotu e Kristi vbekpae emwi eso ni gha sẹtin ya ne ive la iran ban. Vbe igiemwi, ọ keghi rhie ibude ne etẹn ni rre Kọlose vbekpae Ivbiotu e Kristi okeke. Iran kegha roro ẹre wẹẹ, iran gha miẹn ilekhue ọghe Osanobua vbene iran na mu Uhi e Mozis karo. Sokpan e Jesu ẹre ọ te khẹke ne iran mu ẹtin yan. (Kọl. 2:16-18) E Pọl vbe guan kaẹn emwi eso ni gha sẹtin ye ne ive la ima ban vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ. Ọ ya unu kaẹn emwi ne ima gha ru vbe ima gha werriẹ aro daa edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ, deghẹ ima vbe etẹn ne a gba ga mwẹ egbe ẹzọ kevbe deghẹ ọlọghọmwa rre uwu ẹgbẹe. Ibude na, wa ye mwẹ esa nọ ye ne ima vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ. Nia, gima ziro yan adia eso ne Pọl rhie ne etẹn ni rre Kọlose.

4. Vbọzẹe ne ọ na khẹke ne ima gha begbe vbe nọ dekaan uyinmwẹ alama oghẹ?

⁴ E Pọl ghi rhie ibude ne etẹn ne a hannọ zẹẹ nẹ vbekpae ayayẹro nọ hiunsi ne iran mwẹ, ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Wa ghi gbẹe rua ighẹ orriarria emwi agbọn na, ne ọ rre uwu uwa, avbe oghẹ, ohọhọ, ufifimwẹ, aro ne ọ viẹn ye emwi kevbe arovbẹmwẹ.” (Kọl. 3:5) Edanmwẹ alama oghẹ wegbe sẹrriọ wẹẹ, deghẹ ima ma yegbe, ọ sẹtin ye ne ive la ima ban. Ọ mwẹ ọtẹn nokpia ọkpa ne a kan fua vbe iko rhunmwuda uyinmwẹ alama oghẹ. Vbe a ghi rhie ẹre werriegbe nẹ, ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ wegbe sẹrriọ wẹẹ, I ru aighẹru nẹ, aro ke do gbannọ mwẹ.”

5. De emwi nọ khẹke ne ima ru, vbe ima gha werriẹ aro da edanmwẹ alama oghẹ?

⁵ Ẹghẹ ne ọ wa khẹke ne ima ya gha begbe ọre vbe ima gha werriẹ aro daa edanmwẹ nọ gha sẹtin ya ima rhaa uhi e Jehova. Vbe igiemwi, ẹghẹ ne okpia vbe okhuo wa ya suẹn gha si egbe obọ, ẹre ọ khẹke ne iran ya vin uwu ne egbe iran vbe nọ dekaan obọ ne a ya kaẹn egbe kevbe unu ne a mu soso egbe. Ọ ma vbe khẹke ne iran eva ọkpa gha rre ehe nọ de ivbiẹ vbe ẹghẹ hia. (Itan 22:3) Edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ sẹtin vbe rhiegbe ma deghẹ iwinna ima mu ima yo ehe ughughan nọ ghi ya ima gbe ikpẹdẹ eso ma ke vbe sẹ owa, ra deghẹ ima gu ọmwa ne ẹi re arowa ima ra amwẹ ima winna vbe isiwinna ọkpa. (Itan 2:10-12, 16) U ghaa rre iwinna vberriọ, ọ khẹke nu gi emwa rẹn wẹẹ, Osẹe Jehova ẹre u khin, u vbe gha yin zẹvbe ọmwa nọ rẹn enegbe. U ghi yerre wẹẹ, ne a gha gbe ọkiẹkiẹ nọ ma khian rẹn sẹtin zẹ ẹbe. Ma sẹtin vbe de ye edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ vbe iro gha haan ima. Ma ghaa rre ihe vberriọ, ọ sẹtin ya ima gha gualọ egbakhian sẹrriọ wẹẹ, ọmwa ke ọmwa ne ima ghi miẹn ra nọ ghi rhirhi gu ima guan, ma ghi miẹn ọnrẹn yi. Adeghẹ u na miẹn edanmwẹ vberriọ, u ghi na erhunmwu gie Jehova nọ ru iyobọ nuẹn, u sẹtin vbe muẹn ma etẹn eso vbe iko ne iran ru iyobọ nuẹn, nu mieke na sẹtin dobọ mu ne ive.—Tie Psalm 34:18; Itan 13:20.

6. De emwi nọ khẹke ne ima kọ ye orhiọn vbe nọ dekaan ughe ne a ghee?

⁶ Ne ima mieke na sẹtin gbẹe rua ighẹ orriarria alama oghẹ, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha begbe vbekpae ughe ne ima ghee. Ughe nibun ne ima miẹn ghee vbe ẹkpẹti ughe vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ, keghi ye ima re rre vbene emwi vbe gha ye hẹ vbe Sọdom kevbe Gomorra. (Jud 7) Te alama oghẹ ghi wa kpọ kua vbe ughe ne a ghee vbe vidio vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ. Iran ni ru emwamwa avbe ughe na, keghi ruẹ vbe ne a miẹn wẹẹ, uyinmwẹ alama oghẹ ma de emwi nọ rhiae kevbe wẹẹ, ẹi si ẹbe. Ọ ma zẹdẹ khẹke ne ima fi egbua vbe nọ dekaan egbe ughe vberriọ. Te ọ khẹke ne ima gha  gbaẹngbe ne ughe ke ughe nọ gha sẹtin ye ne ive la ima ban.—Itan 4:23.

7. De ọlọghọmwa eso nọ gha sẹtin rhiegbe ma vbuwe iko?

⁷ Afiangbe nọkhua nọ, ne ima na rre otu ọghe Jehova. Ẹmwẹ Osanobua ne ima tie vbe iko kevbe iyobọ ne ima ru ne egbe keghi ru iyobọ ne ima ya rhie aro daa ne ive. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, ugbẹnso, etẹn sẹtin muan egbe ẹmwẹ, ọna sẹtin si ẹzọ ra ighaegbe ye uwu iko. Deghẹ a ma rherhe ru adọlọ, etẹn sẹtin ya eghian gha so egbe.—Tie 1 Pita 3:8, 9.

8, 9. (a) De akpa eso ni gha ru iyobọ ne ima ya dobọ mu ene ive? (b) De emwi nọ gha ru iyobọ ne ima ya gha rrọọ vbuwẹ ọfunmwegbe vbe ọtẹn ne a gba ga gha ru emwi nọ sọnnọ ima?

⁸ De emwi nọ ghi khẹke ne ima ru, ne ohu etẹn nọ mu ima ghẹ ya afiangbe ọghe Osanobua la ima ban? E Pọl keghi rhie adia na ne etẹn vbe Kọlose vbe ọ khare wẹẹ: “Emwa Osanobua ọre uwa khin, ọ hoẹmwẹ uwa, ọ keghi vbe hannọ uwa zẹ ne ọ ya ru ọghẹe, rhunmwuda ọnii, wa gha mwẹ ekhọe agiẹngiẹn, itohan, imuegberriotọ, ọmẹhẹ, ufumwẹ kevbe izinegbe. Wa gha ye egbe obọ, wa gha yabọ egbe, deghẹ ọmwakọmwa kevbe ogieva ẹre gba muan egbe ẹmwẹ, wa ghi gha yabọ egbe, zẹ vbene Kristi vbe yabọ uwa. Wa ghi rhie ba ena hia, ahoẹmwọmwa ne ọ re ọza ne ọ gba emwi hia kugbe vbe akugbe ne ọ gbae.”—Kọl. 3:12-14.

⁹ Ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe itohan ẹre ọ ya ima yabọ emwa ọvbehe. Vbe igiemwi, ọtẹn ne a gba ga gha ru emwi ra ọ taa ẹmwẹ nọ sọnnọ ima, ọ khẹke ne ima vbe yerre, ẹghẹ ne ima tobọ ima vbe ya ru emwi nọ sọnnọ emwa ọvbehe. Ima ma gbọyẹmwẹ ye ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe itohan ne iran rhiema vbe iran yabọ ima ra? (Tie Asan-Ibo 7:21, 22.) Ma wa vbe gbọyẹmwẹ yọ, ne Kristi ne a si ima kugbe vbe ugamwẹ ẹmwata. (Kọl. 3:15) Osanobua ọkpa ẹre ima ga, ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan ọkpa ẹre ima vbe kpe kevbe wẹẹ, ọlọghọmwa ne ima nibun werriẹ aro daa, ma vbe lughaẹn ne egbe. Ma ghaa ya ekhọe hia yabọ egbe rhunmwuda ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe itohan ne ima mwẹ daa egbe, akugbe ghi gha rre uwu ẹbu etẹn, ọna ghi vbe ru iyobọ ne ima ya rhie aro tua ne ive.

10, 11. (a) Vbọzẹe nọ ma na khẹke ne ima gha gbọvo emwa ọvbehe? (b) De emwi ne ima gha ru ne igbọvo ghẹ ya afiangbe ne Osanobua ve la ima ban?

¹⁰ Igiemwi ọghe a ye obọ sekhae ni rre Baibol rhiẹre ma wẹẹ igbọvo sẹtin ya ne ive la ima ban. Vbe igiemwi, igbọvo ẹre ọ si ẹre ne Keni na gbe Ebẹl rua. Igbọvo ẹre ọ vbe si ẹre ne Kora, Datan kevbe Abiram na gha gbodan ye asẹ ne Mozis mwẹ. Igbọvo ẹre ọ yevbe si ẹre ne Ọba e Sọl na gha zẹ e Devid kpokpo sẹrriọ wẹẹ, ọ te gbẹe rua. Ẹi khabe ne Baibol na kha wẹẹ: ‘Ehe ke ehe ne igbọvo kevbe imuaẹmwẹ ye, evba ẹre a na miẹn olighi kevbe emwi dan hia.’—Jems 3:16.

¹¹ Adeghẹ ima mwẹ ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe itohan nọ sẹ otọ ẹko daa emwa ọvbehe, ma i khian gha gbọvo iran. Ẹmwẹ Osanobua keghi kha wẹẹ: “Te ahoẹmwọmwa zinegbe emwi, ọ vbe mwẹ itohan, oya ọmwa i dae.” (1 Kọr. 13:4) Ne igbọvo ghẹ mieke na gbọzinia vbe ekhọe ima, te ima gha hia ne ima gha ghee emwi zẹ vbene Jehova ghee ẹre, ma vbe gha ghee etẹn ima hia vbe uhunmwu otagbọn hia zẹvbe etẹn vbuwe ẹgbẹe. Ekhọe vbenian gha ru iyobọ ne ima ya lele adia na: “Adeghẹ a vbe tian ọkpa vbọ, ni dekẹe hia ghi gu ẹre ghọghọ.” (1 Kọr. 12:16-18, 26) Ọna rhiema wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha ghọghọ vbe etẹn ima ghaa mwẹ alaghodaro, ẹi re ne ima gha gbọvo iran. E Jonatan ne ọvbi Ọba e Sọl keghi rhie igiemwi esi  yotọ. Ọ ma gbọvo e Devid hiehie vbe Jehova zẹẹ ọre ye ukpo Ọba. Ọ keghi ye Devid ike. (1 Sam. 23:16-18) Ma mwẹ ekhọe ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe itohan zẹvbe na ghee Jonatan ra?

12. De ibude nọ rre Baibol nọ gha ru iyobọ ne ẹgbẹe ne ive nii ghẹ la iran ban?

¹² Emwa hia vbuwe ẹgbẹe ghaa ya ilele ọghe Baibol ru emwi, ọfunmwegbe kevbe oghọghọ ghi gha rre uwu ẹgbẹe. Ọna gha ru iyobọ ne iran ya dobọ mu ene ive. E Pọl keghi rhie ibude na ne etẹn vbe Kọlose: “Wa ne ikhuo, wa gha họn ẹmwẹ ne ọdafẹn uwa, rhunmwuda, emwi ne ọ khẹke nọ, ne uwa gha ru zẹvbe emwa ni ya Kristi yi. Wa ne ikpia, wa gha hoẹmwẹ amwẹ uwa, wa ghẹ gha khọ mu iran. Wa ne emọ, te ọ khẹke uwa, zẹvbe emwa ni ya Kristi yi, ne uwa gha họn ẹmwẹ ne avbe evbibiẹ uwa vbe ẹghẹ hia, rhunmwuda, ọnii ọre ọ yẹẹ Osanobua. Wa ne evbibiẹ emọ, wa ghẹ gha ye ukpẹ gbe ivbi uwa ne egbe ghẹ ya wọọ iran.” (Kọl. 3:18-21) Ibude na wa ye mwẹ esa nọ ye ne ẹgbẹe vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ.

13. De emwi ne ọtẹn nokhuo gha ru ne ọdafẹn ọnrẹn mieke na deba re vbe ugamwẹ ẹmwata?

¹³ A sẹtin miẹn wẹẹ ọtẹn nokhuo nọ rọnmwẹ okpia ne ẹi ga e Jehova ẹre u khin. De emwi nọ khẹke ne u ru deghẹ ẹi ya obọ esi mu ruẹ? Imuaẹmwẹ gha sọfurre ye  ọlọghọmwa vberriọ ra? Adeghẹ uwẹ ẹre ọ deyan rẹn vbe uwa gha muaẹmwẹ, uwẹ yayi wẹẹ uyinmwẹ vberriọ gha yae do ga e Jehova ra? Ọ gha lọghọ. Sokpan u ghaa gbe uhunmwu kotọ ne ọdafọn, ọfunmwegbe ghi gha rre uwu ẹgbẹe, uyinmwẹ ruẹ gha rhie urhomwẹ ne Jehova, ọdafọn sẹtin vbe do deba ruẹ vbe ugamwẹ ẹmwata; ẹghẹ nii, uwa eveva ghi sẹtin dobọ mu ene ive.—Tie 1 Pita 3:1, 2.

14. De emwi nọ khẹke ne ọtẹn nokpia ru deghẹ amwẹ ọnrẹn ne ei ga e Jehova i rhie ọghọ nẹẹn?

¹⁴ Adeghẹ ọtẹn nokpia rhie okhuo ne ẹi ga e Jehova, de emwi nọ khẹke nọ ru deghẹ okhuo nii i mwẹ ọghọ? Ẹi re te ọ khẹke nọ ya obọ nọ tọn mu okhuo nii, nọ mieke na rẹn wẹẹ irẹn ọre uhunmwuta ẹgbẹe? Hiehie! Osanobua hoo ne avbe ọdọ gha ya obọ esi mu amwẹ iran zẹ vbene Jesu ru ẹre. (Ẹfis. 5:23) Ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe izinegbe ẹre Jesu ya su iko ọghe Ivbiotu e Kristi. (Luk 9:46-48) Avbe ọdọ ghaa ya egbe ta Jesu, amwẹ iran ne ẹi ga e Jehova sẹtin do deba iran vbe ugamwẹ ẹmwata.

15. De odẹ ne ọtẹn nokpia ya rhiẹre ma wẹẹ irẹn hoẹmwẹ ọvbokhan rẹn?

¹⁵ E Baibol keghi rhie adia na ne ikpia: “Wa ne ikpia, wa gha hoẹmwẹ amwẹ uwa, wa ghẹ gha khọ mu iran.” (Kọl. 3:19) Okpia nọ rhie ehọ ne ọvbokhan rẹn taa yi vbe iran ghaa ziro keghi rhiẹre ma wẹẹ irẹn hoẹmwẹ ọnrẹn kevbe wẹẹ, ẹmwẹ nọ taa mwẹ esa nọ ye. (1 Pit. 3:7) Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ, ẹi re ẹmwẹ hia ne okhuo taa ẹre okpia ya ru emwi, ọ khẹke ne ikpia gha mu ẹmwẹ ma amwẹ iran, ne emwi hia mieke na gha khian hẹnnẹhẹnnẹ vbuwe ẹgbẹe. (Itan 15:22) Okpia nọ rẹn enegbe i ya unu nọ amwẹ ọnrẹn, nọ gha rhie ọghọ ne irẹn, sokpan, uyinmwẹ ọnrẹn ẹre ọ khian ya amwẹ ọnrẹn gha rhie ọghọ nẹẹn. Okpia gha hoẹmwẹ ọvbokhan rẹn kevbe ivbi ẹre, iran gha ya oghọghọ ga e Jehova. Odẹ vbenian, iran ghi sẹtin dobọ mu ne ive.

16, 17. Zẹvbe igbama, de emwi nọ gha ru iyobọ nuẹn, ne u ghẹ gha mu ohu evbibiọ?

¹⁶ Adeghẹ ehọnrre ẹre u khin, u sẹtin gha roro ẹre wẹẹ evbibiọ ma rẹn emwi ne u la gberra ra iran i gu ruẹ zobọ zowẹ. Ohu sẹtin mu ruẹ sẹrriọ wẹẹ, ugamwẹ e Jehova do khan ruẹ. Sokpan, u gha sẹ e Jehova rae, u ghi do bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, ọmwa rhọkpa i rrọọ nọ hoẹmwẹ ruẹ sẹ etẹn vbuwe iko kevbe evbibiọ ni ga e Jehova.

¹⁷ Ọ khẹke ne u rẹn wẹẹ, deghẹ evbibiọ i rhie adia nuẹn, ọni rhiema wẹẹ iran ma hoẹmwẹ ruẹ. (Hib. 12:8) A sẹtin miẹn wẹẹ odẹ ne iran ya gbuẹ hin ọkhọ rre ẹre ọ ya ohu muẹn. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, ghẹ gi ọna gha mu ruẹ ohu. Hia ne u rẹn evbọzẹe ne iran na rhie adia nuẹn vberriọ. Ghẹ gha zẹ ẹmwẹ wanniẹn iran, ra ne u gha taa ẹmwẹ ekpọ ma iran. E Baibol khare wẹẹ: “Ọmọ nọ rẹn enegbe i talọ ẹghẹ hia; ọmwa ne ọ hẹko zinegbe, ọmwa nọ ghee umọdia emwi ẹre nọ.” (Itan 17:27) Hia ne u do gha re ọmwa nọ ya imuegberriotọ miẹn adia yi, ne u mieke na miẹn emwi ruẹ vbọ, vbene u i na rhie aro tua odẹ ne a ya rhie adia ra ibude nii nuẹn. (Itan 1:8) Afiangbe nọkhua nọ deghẹ evbibiọ ga e Jehova vbe odẹ ọghe ẹmwata. Iran gha ru iyobọ nuẹn, ne ive ọghe arrọọ ghẹ la ruẹ ban.

18. Vbọzẹe ne u na ya ekhọe yan rẹn wẹẹ u gha rhie aro tua nene ive?

¹⁸ Ive nọ hiunsi ẹre ima yaro yi, deghẹ oghẹn ne a hannọ zẹe ni rrie ẹrinmwi ẹre ima khin ra oghẹn ne gbii ni khian yin agbọn ọgbọn vbe etẹbitẹ. Ayi ọghomwa ẹre ọ ru eyan na, nọnaghiyerriọ, ẹi mwẹ ọ ma muẹn sẹ. Vbe nọ dekaan e Paradais vbe uhunmwu otagbọn na, e Jehova keghi kha wẹẹ: ‘Irẹnmwi Enọyaẹnmwa gha vuọn otọe nii zẹ vbene amẹ vuọn olokun.’ (Aiz. 11:9) Te ima gha rhiegba ye iwinna ugamwẹ rhunmwuda, ọ na i re ive ne a ya rhẹghẹrẹ hiehie. Te ima gha rhie aro daa avbe eyan ọghe Jehova, ne ive arrọọ ghẹ mieke na la ima ban!