1. What do Christian parents want to be sure of before their children get baptized?

“FOR months I kept telling Dad and Mom that I wanted to be baptized, and they often talked to me about it. They wanted to make sure I knew how serious my decision was. On December 31, 1934, the day came for this momentous event in my life.” Blossom Brandt thus described events surrounding her decision to get baptized. Today, Christian parents have a similar interest in helping their children make wise decisions. Postponing baptism or delaying it needlessly could invite spiritual problems. (Jas. 4:17) Wisely, however, parents want to be sure that before their children get baptized, they are ready to shoulder the responsibility of Christian discipleship.

2. (a) Why have some circuit overseers expressed concern? (b) What will we consider in this article?

² Some circuit overseers have expressed concern because they meet young ones in their late teens and early 20’s who have grown up in Christian households but who have yet to  get baptized. In most cases, these young ones attend congregation meetings and share in the ministry. They view themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet, for some reason they hold back from dedicating their lives to Jehovah and getting baptized. What could be the reason for this? In some cases, parents have encouraged them to delay baptism. In this article, we will consider four concerns that have hindered some Christian parents from helping their children progress to baptism.

3. Blossom’s parents had what concern?

³ Blossom’s parents, mentioned in the first paragraph, were understandably concerned whether their daughter was old enough to grasp the significance and seriousness of baptism. How can parents know if a child is in a position to make a valid dedication?

4. How can Jesus’ command found at Matthew 28:19, 20 help parents as they teach their children?

⁴ Read Matthew 28:19, 20. As discussed in the preceding article, the Bible does not specify an age at which a person should get baptized. However, parents can benefit from reflecting on what it means to make a disciple. The Greek word translated “make disciples” at Matthew 28:19 has the sense of teaching with the intent of making pupils, or disciples. A disciple is one who learns and understands Jesus’ teachings and who is determined to observe them. Thus, the goal of all Christian parents should be to teach their children from infancy with the intention of helping them become baptized disciples of Christ. Granted, an infant would not qualify for baptism. However, the Bible shows that even relatively young children can grasp and appreciate Bible truths.

5, 6. (a) The Bible’s description of Timothy leads us to what conclusion about his baptism? (b) How can discerning parents effectively assist their children?

⁵ Timothy was a disciple who made the truth his own at a young age. The apostle Paul stated that Timothy had learned Scriptural truths from infancy. Even though Timothy grew up in a religiously divided household, his Jewish mother and grandmother cultivated in him an appreciation for the Scriptures, as the Jews understood them. As a result, his faith was unshakable. (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14, 15) By the time he was in his late teens or early 20’s, Timothy was a Christian disciple who could be considered for special privileges in the congregation.​—Acts 16:1-3.

⁶ Of course, each child is unique; not all children become mature at the same rate or at the same point in life. Some have a good measure of mental and emotional maturity at a young age and express a desire to get baptized. Others may not be ready for baptism until they are a bit older. Thus, discerning parents do not pressure their children to get baptized. Rather, they assist each child to make spiritual advancement in keeping with his or her own growth and progress. Parents can rejoice when a child takes to heart the thought behind Proverbs 27:11. (Read.) However, they should never lose sight of their goal​—to have their children become Christian disciples. With that in mind, parents will want to consider the question, ‘Does my child have sufficient knowledge to  make a dedication to God and get baptized?’

7. Does someone who wants to get baptized need to have an exhaustive knowledge of the Bible? Explain.

⁷ It is fitting that as teachers in the family, parents want their children to gain a solid foundation of knowledge on which a dedication may be based. Even so, an exhaustive knowledge is not required before a person can make a dedication to God and get baptized. After baptism, all disciples should keep on growing in accurate knowledge. (Read Colossians 1:9, 10.) So how much knowledge is initially required?

8, 9. What lessons can we learn from the account about Paul and the jailer?

⁸ The experience of a family in the first century offers parents some insight. (Acts 16:25-33) While on his second missionary tour, about 50 C.E., Paul visited Philippi. While there, he and his companion Silas were arrested on false charges and thrown in jail. During the night, an earthquake shook the foundations of the jail and opened all the doors. The jailer, fearing that the prisoners had escaped, was on the verge of committing suicide when Paul called out to him. Paul and Silas were able to give a fine witness to the jailer and his family. Their appreciation for the truths they were learning about Jesus prompted them to take what step? They got baptized without delay. What can we learn from this account?

⁹ According to custom, the jailer may have been a retired army veteran. He was not familiar with the Scriptures. So to gain a solid foundation of Scriptural knowledge, he needed to learn basic Bible truths, understand what it means to be one of God’s servants, and be determined to obey Jesus’ teachings. In a relatively brief time, his knowledge of basic Scriptural truths and his appreciation of them prompted him to get baptized. No doubt he continued to add to his knowledge after his baptism. With this example in mind, what can you do when your child expresses a heartfelt appreciation for basic Scriptural teachings, including the meaning and significance of dedication and baptism? You Christian parents may conclude that he can contact the congregation elders to see if he meets the qualifications to get baptized. * Like other baptized disciples, he will continue to increase in knowledge of Jehovah’s purpose throughout his life, even for all eternity.​—Rom. 11:33, 34.

10, 11. (a) What have some parents concluded? (b) What should be a parent’s first concern?

¹⁰ Some parents have concluded that it would be best for their son or daughter to delay baptism in order first to obtain some advanced education and become secure in a career. Such reasoning may be well-intentioned, but will it help their child to achieve genuine success? More important, is it in harmony with the Scriptures? What course does Jehovah’s Word encourage?​—Read Ecclesiastes 12:1.

 ¹¹ It is important to remember that this world and all its components are opposed to Jehovah’s interests and thinking. (Jas. 4:7, 8; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:19) A close relationship with Jehovah is a child’s best defense against Satan, his world, and its ungodly thinking. For a parent to place high priority on secular pursuits could confuse a child and jeopardize his best interests. Would loving Christian parents really want this world to shape their child’s view of success? The fact is, we find true joy and success only when we give Jehovah first place in our lives.​—Read Psalm 1:2, 3.

12. Why have some parents wanted their child to postpone baptism?

¹² In explaining her reasons for discouraging her daughter from getting baptized, one Christian mother stated, “I am ashamed to say that the major reason was the disfellowshipping arrangement.” Like that sister, some parents have reasoned that it is better for their child to postpone baptism until he has outgrown the childish tendency to behave foolishly. (Gen. 8:21; Prov. 22:15) They may conclude, ‘As long as my child is not baptized, he cannot be disfellowshipped.’ Why is this deceptive reasoning?​—Jas. 1:22.

13. Does delaying baptism make one less accountable to Jehovah? Explain.

¹³ Understandably, Christian parents would not want their child to get baptized before being mature enough to make a valid dedication. However, it would be a mistake to conclude that by not being baptized, a child is not accountable to Jehovah. Why is that? Accountability to Jehovah is not founded on the act of getting baptized. Rather, a child is accountable to God when the child knows what is right and what is wrong in Jehovah’s eyes. (Read James 4:17.) Thus, rather than discourage a child from getting baptized, wise parents work hard to set the right example. They want to cultivate in their child from infancy a heartfelt appreciation for Jehovah’s elevated moral standards. (Luke 6:40) Such appreciation is the best protection, for your child will be motivated to hold to Jehovah’s righteous way.​—Isa. 35:8.

14. How can the elders reinforce the efforts of parents who are helping their children progress to baptism?

¹⁴ As spiritual shepherds, congregation elders can reinforce parents’ efforts by speaking positively about spiritual goals. One sister who served as a pioneer for more than 70 years recalled the impact of her conversation with Brother Charles T. Russell when she was only six years old. She related, “He took 15 minutes with me to discuss my spiritual goals.” Yes, positive words and encouragement can have a long-lasting effect. (Prov. 25:11) Elders can also include parents and their children in Kingdom Hall projects, giving tasks to youths in keeping with their age and abilities.

15. What are some ways that others in the congregation can encourage young ones?

¹⁵ Members of the congregation can help by demonstrating appropriate personal interest in young ones. This would include being alert to indications of spiritual progress. Did a youth give a heartfelt, well-thought-out comment or share in a part on the midweek meeting program? Has a youth  successfully faced a test of integrity or taken advantage of an opportunity to give a witness at school? Be quick to offer sincere commendation. What about making it a point​—before or after a meeting—​to talk with a young person, manifesting your genuine interest? In these ways and others, young ones can be made to realize that they are part of “the great congregation.”​—Ps. 35:18.

16, 17. (a) How does baptism relate to one’s future life prospects? (b) What joy do all Christian parents strive for? (See opening picture.)

¹⁶ Bringing up a child in “the discipline and admonition of Jehovah” is one of the greatest privileges a Christian parent can have. (Eph. 6:4; Ps. 127:3) Unlike children in the ancient nation of Israel, the children of Christian parents are not born as part of a people dedicated to Jehovah. Moreover, love for God and for truth is not inherited. From the day of their child’s birth, parents should have the intent to make a disciple, assisting their child to become a dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah. What could be more important? After all, it is each individual’s dedication, baptism, and faithful service to God that will bring him in line for being marked for salvation during the coming great tribulation.​—Matt. 24:13.

¹⁷ When Blossom Brandt decided that she wanted to get baptized, her God-fearing parents wanted to be sure that she was ready to take the most important step of her life. Once they were certain that she was ready, they supported her decision. On the night before her baptism, her father did a beautiful thing. Blossom related: “He had all of us get on our knees, and he offered a prayer. He told Jehovah that he was so happy about his little girl’s decision to dedicate her life to Him.” More than 60 years later, Blossom stated: “You can be sure, in all the ages to come, I’ll never forget that night!” May you parents experience the joy and satisfaction that result from seeing your children become dedicated, baptized servants of Jehovah.

1. De emwi nọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ rẹn vbekpae ivbi iran, a te miẹn wẹẹ iran dinmwiamẹ?

BLOSSOM BRANDT keghi kha wẹẹ: “Ọwara uki nibun ẹre I ya gha tama evbibiẹ mwẹ wẹẹ, I hoo ne I dinmwiamẹ. Iran ma wa ya uhukpa kue yọ rhunmwuda, iran kegha hoo ne iran rẹn deghẹ I gele rẹn emwi ne a ya idinmwiamẹ kha. Ọ ghi rre December 31, vbe ukpo 1934, I na dinmwiamẹ.” Erriọ evbibiẹ emọ ni ga e Jehova vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ vbe ya ru iyobọ nọ khẹke ne ivbi iran. Iran rẹnrẹn wẹẹ, iran gha si ivbi iran obọ ghee iyeke vbe nọ dekaan idinmwiamẹ, ọ sẹtin zẹ ẹbe vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn. (Jems 4:17) Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, ọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ rẹn wẹẹ, ivbi iran gele mu egbe nẹ, ne iran ya lele ukpowẹ e Jesu Kristi iran ke dinmwiamẹ.

2. (a) De emwi nọ kpa ọgbaroghe ọghe otako eso odin? (b) De emwi ne ima khian ziro yan vbe ako iruẹmwi na?

² Ọ keghi re emwi nọ kpa ọgbaroghe ọghe otako eso odin, vbe iran gha bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, igbama eso ni rre odẹ ukpo 20, ne a biẹ ye uwu ẹgbẹe ne a na ga e Jehova, ma he ye dinmwiamẹ. Nibun  vbuwe avbe igbama na i gbe ẹdẹ iko re, erriọ iran vbe ya ladian vbe ikporhu vbe ẹghẹ hia, rhunmwuda ọni, te iran ka egbe iran ba Avbe Osẹe Jehova. Sokpan, rhunmwuda emwi eso, iran ma ya egbe fiohan ne Jehova ne iran vbe dinmwiamẹ. Vbọ ghi zẹe ne iran ma na ya egbe fiohan ne Jehova? A sẹtin miẹn wẹẹ, evbibiẹ iran ẹre ọ si ẹre ne iran ma na rherhe dinmwiamẹ. Vbe ako iruẹmwi na, ma gha ziro yan emwi enẹ ni si ẹre, ne evbibiẹ emọ na si ivbi iran obọ ghee iyeke vbe nọ dekaan idinmwiamẹ.

3. De emwi ne evbibiẹ Blossom ghaa si osi ẹre?

³ Evbibiẹ Blossom na guan kaẹn ban vbe omuhẹn, kegha si osi deghẹ ovbi iran wan sẹ nọ gha rẹn evba ya idinmwiamẹ kha. Sokpan, de vbene evbibiẹ emọ khian ghi ya rẹn deghẹ ovbi iran sẹ nọ dinmwiamẹ?

4. De emwi ne evbibiẹ emọ gha miẹn ruẹ vbe iyi ọghe Jesu nọ rre ebe Matiu 28:​19, 20?

⁴ Tie Matiu 28:19, 20. Zẹ vbene ima ruẹ ọre vbe ako iruẹmwi nọ lae, e Baibol ma wa sunu ye inu ukpo ne ọmwa sẹ ọ ke dinmwiamẹ. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, te ọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ ziro yan evba gele yae kha, ne a ya ya emwa khian erhuanegbe Kristi. Evbọ demu ighẹ ẹmwẹ e Grik ne a ke zedu ifiẹmwẹ na ladian, “ya emwa khian erhuanegbe,” zẹ vbene a loo ẹre vbe ebe Matiu 28:19, keghi re ne a gha mwẹ ọnrẹn vbe orhiọn wẹẹ, ọmwa ne a maa re emwi gha do khian ọrhuanegbe. Ọrhuanegbe keghi re ọmwa ne ọ rẹn otọ emwi ne ọ ruẹ vbekpae Jesu. Ọ ma fo ye evba. Ọ vbe gha hoo nọ lele adia ọghẹe. Aro na ẹre ọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ ya gha ghee ivbi iran. Te iran gha ke egbe ọmobọ maa iran emwi, a te miẹn ighẹ iran dinmwiamẹ zẹvbe erhuanegbe Kristi. Ọ na ma rhiema wẹẹ emobọ gbegba ni gha dinmwiamẹ, vbọrhirhighayehẹ, e Baibol ya ima rẹn wẹẹ, ibiẹka gha sẹtin rẹn otọ imamwaemwi ni rre Baibol.

5, 6. (a) De emwi ne igiemwi ọghe Timoti maa ima re vbekpae idinmwiamẹ? (b) De vbene evbibiẹ emọ ne aro iran sẹ otọ khian ya sẹtin ru iyobọ nọ khẹke ne ivbi iran hẹ?

⁵ Egbe ọvbokhan ẹre Timoti ya miẹn odẹ ọghe ẹmwata yi. Ukọ e Pọl keghi kha wẹẹ, ọmobọ ẹre Timoti ye khin, vbe a suẹn gha ya Evbagbẹn Nọhuanrẹn maa re emwi. Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ ẹgbẹe nọ ghae egbe ye ugamwẹ ughughan ẹre Timoti na wan, iyẹe kevbe iyẹe nọkhua ne Ivbi e Ju keghi ya e Baibol maa re emwi. Ọ na ẹre ọ yae gha mwẹ amuẹtinyan ne ẹi beghe. (2 Tim 1:5; 3:14, 15) Vbe Timoti ghi rre odẹ ukpo 20, ọ kegha re igbama ne a so eni ẹnrẹn nọ maan vbe iko kevbe nọ somwa nọ gha sẹtin ru iwinna kpataki vbe ugamwẹ e Jehova.—Iwinna 16:1-3.

⁶ Vbene ẹmwata, te ibiẹka hia lughaẹn ne egbe; eso rherhe rẹn otọ emwi vbene eso na rhie ẹghẹ iran ke rẹn egiaye. Iran ni rherhe rẹn otọ emwi na maa iran re, sẹtin ru atamuolọyan wẹẹ iran hoo ne iran dinmwiamẹ. Eso i zẹdẹ guan kaẹn idinmwiamẹ vbe ẹghẹ nii vbẹre te iran wan sẹ ọni nẹ. Rhunmwuda ọni, evbibiẹ emọ ne aro iran sẹ otọ vbe egbe ivbi iran i gbagbae ye ivbi iran egbe ne iran dinmwiamẹ. Nọghayayerriọ, evbibiẹ emọ keghi ru iyobọ nọ khẹke ne dọmwadẹ iran zẹ vbene ne irẹnmwi ọghe iran sẹ. Evbibiẹ emọ keghi ghọghọ vbe ivbi iran gha ghi suẹn gha lele adia nọ rre ebe Itan 27:11. (Tie ẹre.) Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, emwi nọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ rhie aro tua ọre ne iran ru iyobọ ne ivbi iran, ne iran do khian erhuanegbe Jesu. Inọta nọ ghi khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ nọ egbe iran ọre: ‘Ovbimwẹ mwẹ irẹnmwi nọ somwa nọ gha gua re kpa nọ ya egbe fiohan ne Osanobua kevbe nọ dinmwiamẹ ra?’

7. Te ọmwa khian ka wa rẹn emwi hia vbe Baibol ọ ke dinmwiamẹ ra? Rhan otọ re.

⁷ Zẹ vbene evbibiẹ emọ ya maa ivbi iran  emwi, iran keghi hoo ne ivbi iran gha mwẹ irẹnmwi nọ somwa vbekpae Osanobua, iran ke ya egbe fiohan nẹẹn. Ọna ma rhiema wẹẹ, te ọmwa khian ka wa rẹn emwi hia vbe Baibol ọ ke dinmwiamẹ. Ọmwa gha dinmwiamẹ nẹ, ẹkpotọ wa ye kie nọ ya gha mwẹ irẹnmwi sayọ. (Tie Kọlose 1:9, 10.) Sokpan, de vbe nọ khẹke ne ọmwa mwẹ irẹnmwi sẹ ọ ke dinmwiamẹ?

8, 9. Vbọ sunu dae eseghan vbe Filipai? De emwi ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe okha na?

⁸ Evbibiẹ emọ gha miẹn emwi ruẹ vbe igiemwi ọghe ẹgbẹe ọkpa vbe orre nokaro. (Iwinna 16:25-33) Vbe odẹ ukpo 50 C.E., e Pọl keghi mu okhian ne ukpogieva gha rrie Filipai zẹvbe arọndẹ ne a gie yo isi. E Filipai ẹre eghian na ba e Pọl vbe ogieva re ne Sailas ifiẹzọ, iran na vbe filo iran ye uwu eghan. Ọ ghi rre ogiasọn, igbohiọtọ keghi mu ehe hia weghe vbe eghan nii, sẹrriọ wẹẹ, urho hia na kie ye otọ. Ohan kegha mu eseghan wẹẹ, avbe oleghan lẹfua nẹ. Rhunmwuda ọni, te ọ khian ghi te gbe egbe ẹre rua, vbe Pọl go tie ẹre. Vbe iyeke ọni, e Pọl vbe Sailas keghi kporhu ma okpia na kevbe ẹgbẹe ọre. Vbọ ghi sunu? Iran keghi gbọyẹmmwẹ ye emwi hia ne iran ruẹ re vbekpae Jesu. Ọni ẹre ọ ghi gua iran kpa ya dinmwiamẹ vbene iran ma na si obọ ẹgogo ghee iyeke. De emwi ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe okha na?

⁹ Ughaghe ovbiyokuo nọ winna zeki nẹ, ẹre eseghan nii ghaa khin. Ẹi ka mwẹ irẹnmwi rhọkpa vbekpae imamwaemwi ọghe ẹmwata ni rre Evbagbẹn Nọhuanrẹn. Ne okpia na mieke na gha mwẹ irẹnmwi nọ somwa vbekpae Osanobua, te ọ khẹke na ya e Baibol maa re emwi, ọ vbe rẹn emwi ne Osanobua gualọ vbe obọ emwa ni gae kevbe wẹẹ, ọ ghi muegbe nọ ya gha lele ukpowẹ ọghe Jesu. Emwi ne okpia na ruẹ re vbe Evbagbẹn Nọhuanrẹn vbe ovbi ẹghẹ kherhe, ẹre ọ gua re kpa ya dinmwiamẹ. Te okpia na ye gha mwẹ irẹnmwi sayọ vbe ọ dinmwiamẹ nẹ. Zẹ vbene ima ruẹ ọre vbe igiemwi okpia na, de emwi ne u gha ru deghẹ ovbuẹ hoo ne ọ dinmwiamẹ rhunmwuda ọ hoẹmwẹ e Jehova, ọ vbe rẹn emwi ne a ya idinmwiamẹ kha? Uwa sẹtin tama ovbi uwa nọ gi ediọn rẹn wẹẹ irẹn hoo ne irẹn dinmwiamẹ. Ediọn ẹre ọ khian ghi tae deghẹ ọ gbegba. * Ọ gha ghi dinmwiamẹ nẹ, te ọ khian ye gha mwẹ irẹnmwi sayọ vbene a ghee etẹn ọvbehe ni vbe dinmwiamẹ nẹ. Vbene ẹmwata te ima hia khian gha ruẹ emwi vbekpae Jehova vbe etẹbitẹ.—Rom 11:33, 34.

10, 11. (a) De iziro ne evbibiẹ emọ eso mwẹ? (b) Vbọ gele khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ mu ye okaro?

¹⁰ Evbibiẹ emọ eso keghi roro ẹre wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne ovbi iran ka yo owebe nọ yo nẹ, ọ vbe gha mwẹ iwinna nọ maan, ọ ke dinmwiamẹ. Evbibiẹ emọ vberriọ sẹtin gha roro ẹre wẹẹ, iziro vbenian ma de emwi nọ rhiae sokpan, ọna gha ya ovbi iran gha mwẹ alaghodaro vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn ra? Yevbesọni, ọ gua ilele Evbagbẹn Nọhuanrẹn ro ra? De emwi ne Baibol khare vbekpae iziro vbenian?—Tie Asan Ibo 12:1.

¹¹ Te ọ khẹke ne ima gha yerre vbe ẹghẹ hia wẹẹ, te agbọn Esu gbodan ghee emwamwa ọghe Jehova. (Jems 4:7, 8; 1 Jọn 2:15-17; 5:19) Nọnaghiyerriọ, ọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ yẹrẹro wẹẹ, emwi nọ gha sẹtin gbogba ga ovbi iran ne ọyasin ọghe agbọn Esu ghẹ siẹn ọnrẹn, ọre deghẹ ọ gu e Jehova mwẹ asikẹgbe nọ maan. Evbibiẹ emọ ghaa mu ẹmwẹ owebe kevbe iwinna ye okaro, ọna gha sẹtin ya ivbi iran gha roro wẹẹ, owebe kevbe iwinna ẹre ọ ru ekpataki sẹ asikẹgbe  ne a gu e Jehova mwẹ. Evbibiẹ emọ ni gele hoẹmwẹ ivbi iran gha hoo ne oyọnyọn ọghe agbọn Esu bibi ivbi iran odẹ ra? Vbene ẹmwata, ma gha mu ugamwẹ e Jehova ye okaro vbe arrọọ ọghe ima, ẹre ima khian na gha mwẹ oghọghọ nọ sẹ otọ ẹko.—Tie Psalm 1:2, 3.

12. Vbọzẹe ne evbibiẹ emọ eso ma na hoo ne ivbi iran rherhe dinmwiamẹ?

¹² Ọtẹn nokhuo ọkpa keghi ya ekhue miẹn kue, evbọzẹe ne irẹn ma na kue ne ovbi ẹre nokhuo rherhe dinmwiamẹ. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Ima hoo na kaẹn fua rhunmwuda ọ sẹtin ru orukhọ nọ wegbe.” Erriọ evbibiẹ emọ eso vbe ya si ivbi iran obọ ẹgogo ghee iyeke rhunmwuda iran roro ẹre wẹẹ, ivbi iran gha wan nẹ, iran i ghi yin uyinmwẹ nọ gha ya ediọn kan iran fua vbe iko. (Gẹn 8:21; Itan 22:15) Emwi ne evbibiẹ emọ vberriọ mwẹ vbe orhiọn ọre wẹẹ, ‘Deghẹ ovbimwẹ ma dinmwiamẹ, ai khian vbe kaẹn fua vbe iko.’ Vbọzẹe ne iziro vbenian ma na gba?—Jems 1:22.

13. Deghẹ ọmwa ma na rherhe dinmwiamẹ, ọni rhiema wẹẹ e Jehova i khian buohiẹn ọnrẹn ra? Rhan otọ re.

¹³ Ẹmwata nọ wẹẹ, ai miẹn evbibiẹ emọ ni ga e Jehova ne ẹi hoo ne ivbi iran dinmwiamẹ, sokpan iran i khian wa gheghe kue yọ ne ọmọ nọ ma he mwẹ irẹnmwi sẹ ya dinmwiamẹ. Vbọrhirhighayehẹ, deghẹ evbibiẹ emọ roro ẹre wẹẹ, Osanobua i khian nọ ivbi iran vbene iran ya loo arrọọ ọghe iran hẹ rhunmwuda iran ma dinmwiamẹ, iziro nọ ma gba ẹre ọni khin. Vbọzẹe? Rhunmwuda, ẹi re emwa ni dinmwiamẹ nẹ ọkpa ẹre Jehova khian buohiẹn ọnrẹn. Ọmwa gha ghi wan sẹ nọ rẹn emwi ni maan kevbe ne ẹi maan, e Jehova i khian rhie aro gberra re. (Tie Jems 4:17.) Nọnaghiyerriọ, ọ ma khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ gha si ivbi iran ghee iyeke. Igiemwi nọ maan ẹre ọ khẹke ne iran gha rhie ye otọ ne ivbi iran. Iran ghi vbe ke egbe ọmobọ gha maa iran re vbene ilele ọghe Jehova ru ekpataki sẹ hẹ. (Luk 6:40) Imamwaemwi na, ẹre ọ khian ru iyobọ ne emọ, rhunmwuda iran gha gele sikẹ e Jehova, iran i khian rraa uhi ẹre.—Aiz 35:8.

14. De odẹ eso ne ediọn vbe iko gha ya sẹtin ru iyobọ ne evbibiẹ emọ?

¹⁴ Odẹ ọkpa ne ediọn vbe iko gha ya sẹtin ru iyobọ ne evbibiẹ emọ, ọre ne iran gha nianiaẹn vbene ọ ru ekpataki sẹ hẹ na gha fian okhuo ne egbe ọmwa vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn. Ọtẹn nokhuo ọkpa keghi ya yerre, iyobọ ne Ọtẹn Nokpia Charles T. Russell ru nẹẹn, vbe ọ rre ukpo ehan. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ, “Ọ na ya ifuanro 15 rhie ibude mẹ ne I fian okhuo ne egbe mwẹ vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn.” Vbọ ghi sunu? Ọ gberra ukpo 70 ne ọtẹn nokhuo na ya ga zẹvbe arọndẹ. Emwi ẹwaẹn na rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ude nọ maan ne a bu ọmwa re, keghi biẹ ọmọ esi. (Itan 25:11) Ọ khẹke ne ediọn vbe gha tama evbibiẹ emọ kevbe ivbi iran ne iran gha mwẹ obọ vbe iwinna ne a rhirhi gha ru vbe Ọgua Arriọba. Ọrheyerriọ, iwinna ne emọ gha sẹtin ru ẹre ọ khẹke ne iran waa ne iran.

15. De odẹ eso ne etẹn vbe iko gha ya sẹtin ru iyobọ ne igbama ni rre uwu iko?

¹⁵ Odẹ eso ne etẹn ọvbehe vbe iko gha ya sẹtin ru iyobọ ọre wẹẹ, iran ghi gha si avbe ibiẹka ni wan dee kẹ egbe. Etẹn na ghi gha rhie aro sẹ otọ vbe egbe ibiẹka na, ne iran mieke na bẹghe ako ne iran na mwẹ alaghodaro vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn. Vbọ khẹke ne etẹn vberriọ ru deghẹ iran na bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, igbama vbe uwu iko zẹ ewanniẹn nọ gbe ye uviẹn vbe ẹghẹ hia? Ọ ghaa mwẹ ọta vbe iko ne a do vbe adesẹ uzọla vbo?A sẹtin vbe miẹn wẹẹ, ọ mwẹ edanmwẹ ne ọ da la gberra ra ọ loo ẹkpotọ nọ kie re ya kporhu iyẹn nọ maan vbe owebe. Ọ ghaa yerriọ, te ọ wa khẹke ne a tian rẹn. Ma sẹtin vbe ru  emwamwa ne ima gha rhie igiọdu ne igbama vbe iko vbene iko te suẹn ra vbe a gha ghi zobọ nẹ. Ena hia gha ya igbama rẹn wẹẹ, iran mwẹ esa ne iran ye “vbe uwu iko” ọghe Jehova.—Psm 35:18.

16, 17. (a) De vbene idinmwiamẹ ya kaẹn arrọọ ọghe ima hẹ vbe odaro? (b) De emwi ne evbibiẹ emọ hia ni ga e Jehova yaro yi vbe egbe ivbi iran? (Ghee efoto nọ rre omuhẹn.)

¹⁶ Ọkpa vbe usun iwinna nọ ghi ru ekpataki sẹ nọ bi ye evbibiẹ emọ egbe, ọre ne iran maa ivbi iran emwi vbekpae Jehova. (Ẹfis 6:4; Psm 127:3) Ivbi Izrẹl nẹdẹ keghi re agbẹnvbo ne Jehova hannọ zẹ, nọnaghiyerriọ, a gha wa bie ọmọ, a ghi yae fiohan ne Jehova. Sokpan, ẹi ghi yerriọ vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ. Asikẹgbe ne a gu e Jehova mwẹ i re emwi ne emọ re vbe ukhu. Emwi nọ khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ gha mwẹ vbe orhiọn vbe iran gha suẹn gha biẹlẹ emọ, ọre ne iran ru iyobọ nọ khẹke ne ivbi iran, ne iran mieke na sẹtin ya egbe fiohan ne Osanobua kevbe ne iran dinmwiamẹ. Ọna ọre iyobọ nọ ghi ru ekpataki sẹ ne iran gha sẹtin ru ne ivbi iran rhunmwuda, ọmwa gha ya egbe fiohan ne Jehova nẹ, ọ na dinmwiamẹ, ọ na vbe gha ya amuẹtinyan ga e Jehova, ẹre ọ khian na sẹtin miẹnfan vbe ẹghẹ orueghe nọkhua.—Mat 24:13.

¹⁷ Ẹghẹ ne Blossom Brandt na wẹẹ irẹn hoo ne irẹn dinmwiamẹ, evbibiẹ ọre kegha hoo ne iran rẹn deghẹ ọ gele rẹn emwi ne a yae kha, ne a ya egbe fiohan ne Osanobua kevbe ne a dinmwiamẹ. Iran ghi bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, ọ gele rẹn evba yae kha, iran na kue yọ re. Vbe asọn nọ gbe fi ẹdẹ ne Blossom khian dinmwiamẹ, erhae keghi ru emwi ne ẹi khian mianmian ẹdẹ. Blossom keghi kha wẹẹ: “Erha mwẹ na wẹẹ ne ima hia diguẹ, vbe iyeke ọni ọ na na erhunmwu. Ọ na tama e Jehova vbe erhunmwu nii wẹẹ, ọyẹnmwẹ wa sẹ irẹn rhunmwuda ne ovbi irẹn nekherhe na ya egbe fiohan ne Jehova.” Ọ ghi gberra ukpo 60 ne Blossom dinmwiamẹ, ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Ẹghẹ ọkpa i rrọọ ne I khian ya mianmian asọn nii nọ gbe fi ẹdẹ ne I dinmwiamẹ!” Erhunmwu ne ima na, ọre ne uwa ne evbibiẹ emọ gha mwẹ ọyẹnmwẹ nọ sẹ otọ ẹko rhunmwuda ivbi uwa ya egbe fiohan ne Jehova, iran na vbe dinmwiamẹ.