Watchtower Study for the Week of February 22-28, 2027

Let Us Prepare to Remain Neutral

1, 2. Why should we prepare now to remain neutral?

Answer 1: We need to prepare now because it is not wise to wait until our neutrality is under pressure before thinking about how we will act. The example of a storm explains this very well: when we know that danger is approaching, we take measures before it arrives. In the same way, strengthening our convictions now will help us face trials with a clear stand instead of having to decide everything in a difficult moment.

Answer 2: The comparison with a storm reminds us that knowing that a danger exists is not the same as being prepared. A person protects his house, gathers what is needed, and seeks shelter. We too need to act, not merely recognize that our neutrality could be tested. So it is worthwhile to ask ourselves whether we are doing something now to strengthen our friendship with Jehovah and be ready to defend our beliefs.

Answer 3: Preparing ahead of time is a sign of prudence, not of a lack of trust in Jehovah. Someone who prepares for a storm does not want it to come; he simply recognizes that he needs to be ready. We do not seek difficult situations either. But because we want to remain loyal, we use the time we have to strengthen our faith. Thus, our peace of mind will not depend on thinking that nothing will ever happen to us, but on having cultivated a good relationship with Jehovah.

3. What will we consider in this article?

Answer 1: We will see why we can be sure that it is possible to remain loyal to Jehovah even when our neutrality is tested in very difficult situations. Then we will consider how to prepare for two specific possibilities: being called to serve in the military or being imprisoned. In this way, the article combines something we all need: confidence in Jehovah’s help and personal preparation to act in harmony with our beliefs.

Answer 2: The article does not focus only on the difficulties we might face. First, it helps us understand why we can remain loyal to Jehovah. That foundation is important, because preparing should not increase our fear but strengthen our confidence. With that assurance, we can practically consider what to do if we are called to serve in the military or if we lose our freedom because of maintaining our neutral stand.

Answer 3: Two situations that can test our neutrality will be discussed: being called up for military service and imprisonment. The purpose is to help us prepare before they arise. As we study these ideas, we can think about what we personally need to strengthen. It is not merely a matter of knowing what others have done, but of being convinced that with Jehovah’s help we too can remain loyal.

4. How did first-century Christians manage to remain loyal despite trials?

2 Corinthians 4:7 — However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.

Answer 1: The first-century Christians remained loyal because they received strength from Jehovah, not because they were people who never felt weak. The comparison with fragile vessels helps us understand this. Although they faced persecution and even death, God’s power sustained them. This encourages us not to measure our ability to endure solely by the strength we feel we have now.

Answer 2: They remained loyal because they obeyed Jesus even when doing so cost them dearly. They did not get involved in politics or participate in wars, nor did they agree to worship the emperor. Their loyalty was not merely a declaration of belief; it was seen in concrete decisions. Their example moves us to strengthen now our willingness to obey Jehovah, without allowing pressure from other people to determine our conduct.

Answer 3: Those Christians clearly understood that they had to support God’s Kingdom and remain separate from the world’s political affairs. That conviction enabled them to maintain a definite stand despite persecution. We too need to understand well why we are neutral. When our decision springs from loyalty to Jehovah and his Kingdom, we have a much firmer basis than a mere personal preference.

Answer 4: Jehovah did not always prevent first-century Christians from suffering, but he did give them the strength needed to remain loyal. This detail helps us to have realistic expectations. Receiving God’s help does not mean that we will never face trials, but that we will not have to face them alone. When we remember how he sustained those brothers, we can trust that he will also help us maintain our neutrality.

5. How does Jehovah view those who remain loyal to his Kingdom?

Psalms 18:25 — With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless man you deal blamelessly;

Answer 1: Jehovah deeply values those who remain loyal to his Kingdom and responds to them with loyalty. He does not view their suffering with indifference. The paragraph explains that he looks forward to rewarding them in the new world. Remembering how Jehovah feels helps us look beyond any rejection we may receive and attach more importance to our relationship with him than to the approval of others.

Answer 2: Jehovah is happy with servants who maintain their neutrality. Although others may criticize or treat them unjustly, he gives them his approval. This is a blessing they receive now, not merely a future reward. Therefore, when we think about the possible consequences of being neutral, we should also think about what we retain: the joy of knowing that our decisions please our heavenly Father.

Answer 3: To Jehovah, the loyalty of his servants deserves a reward. The article emphasizes that he eagerly looks forward to the new world so that he can bless them. This idea allows us to see his affection, not merely his appreciation of what they do. When a brother suffers for being neutral, we can encourage him by reminding him that Jehovah values his faithfulness and that present suffering will not be the last thing he experiences.

Answer 4: Jehovah does not consider his servants less valuable because of the difficulties they face. On the contrary, he approves of those who endure loyally. The paragraph links trials with endurance, divine approval, and hope. So we should not interpret opposition as a sign that we have lost his favor. What matters is to remain faithful and allow our trust in him to grow stronger as we face the trial.

6. What individual responsibility do we have?

1 Corinthians 15:58 — Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.

Answer 1: Each one has the responsibility to prepare to maintain a firm neutral stand. This counsel encourages us to be constant and to keep busy in Jehovah’s service. It is not enough to trust that others will know what to say for us. We need to know our beliefs and be ready to explain and defend them personally when asked to do so.

Answer 2: When we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, we made a personal decision that included remaining neutral. Therefore, the responsibility to prepare to defend that stand is also personal. The elders and other brothers can guide and encourage us, but they cannot replace our convictions. A good question would be: If I had to explain today why I am neutral, could I do so clearly and on the basis of what I have learned from the Bible?

Answer 3: We need to take advantage now of the help Jehovah offers us. Knowing that he will give us strength does not eliminate our responsibility to prepare. We can accept the support of the elders and other brothers while continuing to strengthen our own convictions. Thus, we will avoid depending solely on answers that others have taught us and will be able to explain our stand as a decision that springs from our dedication and our love for Jehovah.

7. Why do we not take sides in political matters? (John 18:36).

John 18:36 — Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.”

Answer 1: We do not take sides because we support the Kingdom that Jesus described. He made clear the separation between his Kingdom and the world, and he explained that his followers would not fight to defend it. Our neutrality springs from that loyalty. It is not a matter of preferring one human government over another, but of remaining on the side of God’s Kingdom.

Answer 2: Our neutrality does not mean that we despise the authorities. The paragraph reminds us that we respect governments and obey their laws, even though we support only God’s Kingdom. It is important to understand both points so that we can explain our position correctly. We can show respect in the way we speak and act without taking sides in political matters. Thus, we make clear that our decision is based on our religious beliefs, not on an oppositional attitude toward the authorities.

Answer 3: We remain neutral because we want to demonstrate that we are on the side of God’s Kingdom. The article presents this opportunity as a privilege. This helps us view our position positively: it is not merely a matter of refusing to participate in certain activities, but of expressing whom we are loyal to. Having this motivation clearly in mind will enable us to explain our beliefs with greater conviction if an authority asks us why we do not serve in the military.

Answer 4: The reason for our neutrality should be clear in our own mind before we have to explain it to others. That is why the paragraph recommends studying Jehovah’s view of human governments and reviewing the Bible’s information on this subject. It is not enough to remember our position in a general way. Researching and asking Jehovah for help will enable us to understand it better and respond respectfully, without being influenced by personal political opinions.

Answer 5: We do not take sides because our loyalty belongs to Jehovah and to the Kingdom that he has placed in Jesus’ hands. When we explain that reason well, we can honor both of them. Therefore, preparing ourselves is not aimed only at resolving a difficult personal situation. We also want our words to represent our beliefs worthily. Reviewing Bible principles helps us keep the explanation focused on our faith instead of turning it into a discussion about politics.

8. Why do we neither participate in nor support wars? (John 17:16).

John 17:16 — They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.

Answer 1: We do not participate in wars because we follow Jesus’ example and remain separate from the political affairs of the world. Our loyalty is to God’s Kingdom. Therefore, we do not join organizations that resort to war or violence to solve problems. This position does not depend on who is involved in the conflict, but on our identity as Christ’s disciples.

Answer 2: The main reason is that we trust that God’s Kingdom is the only government that will rule the earth and solve all problems. Therefore, we do not support wars as a solution. Our hope is not that one side will succeed in establishing a better world. Our hope is in Jehovah’s government. Keeping that hope in mind helps us maintain a neutral position even when others present war as something necessary.

Answer 3: We also do not participate because the Bible teaches us that Jehovah disapproves of human wars. Our conscience is guided by his way of thinking, and we want to obey him as Ruler. Therefore, our position does not depend on whether a war seems convenient or inconvenient to us. As we prepare ourselves, we need to have this principle firmly rooted: what Jehovah requires should guide our decisions, even if we are pressured to act otherwise.

Answer 4: Jesus taught us to love even our enemies. Participating in or supporting a war would be incompatible with that command. This detail shows that neutrality is closely related to Christian love. It is not enough to avoid feelings of hatred; we must also make sure that our decisions agree with what Jesus taught. In this way, we show that we want to treat people as he commanded us to, regardless of which side they are on.

Answer 5: Love for our brothers is another important reason. The Bible commands us to love them intensely, and participating in a war could make us responsible for the death of one of them. Our brotherhood is not limited by the world’s political divisions. Thinking about this helps us see that neutrality is not a cold or indifferent position. It is a concrete way to protect our unity and demonstrate that Christian love guides our decisions.

9. If we know that we will be called to serve in the military, in what other ways can we prepare?

1 Peter 3:15 — But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.

Answer 1: We can prepare ourselves to explain our beliefs clearly and respectfully. This counsel shows that both the reasons we give and the way we express them matter. We may have only a few minutes, or we may be asked for a more detailed explanation. We should be ready for either situation, making clear that our position is based on the Bible and on our loyalty to the Kingdom.

Answer 2: It will help us to think about how to explain the real reason why we will not go to war. It is not fear, but our firm support for God’s Kingdom. That difference should be clear. As we prepare, we can check whether our words highlight our faith or focus too much on the personal difficulties we want to avoid. Our goal is to defend our beliefs and honor Jehovah, not simply to look for a comfortable way out.

Answer 3: We can also prepare without becoming obsessed with memorizing every word we will say. The paragraph reminds us that Jehovah will give us his spirit and the necessary wisdom. This does not mean that we stop studying, but our confidence should not depend on repeating a perfect explanation. If we understand our beliefs well and trust in Jehovah, we will be able to concentrate on expressing them sincerely, clearly, and respectfully, even if the conversation does not proceed as we expected.

Answer 4: It is important to strengthen our confidence that Jehovah will help us endure any mistreatment we may receive. Preparing ourselves does not involve thinking only about what we will say before an authority; it also means being willing to maintain our decision if the response is unfavorable. Remembering that Jehovah knows our limitations and can give us strength helps us avoid allowing fear of the consequences to weaken our loyalty.

Answer 5: We can speak with brothers who have already had to explain why they refused to serve in the military. The article suggests asking them what challenges they faced and how they prepared. Listening to their experience may help us recognize aspects of our preparation that we still need to improve. This does not mean assuming that everything will happen to us exactly as it did to them, but rather taking advantage of the guidance of those who have gone through a similar situation.

10. What good effect can preparing well have?

Answer 1: Preparing well may awaken the interest of some people in Jehovah’s Witnesses. When we explain our position clearly, those listening have an opportunity to understand our beliefs better. The paragraph indicates that this has already happened to some brothers. Therefore, although appearing before the authorities may worry us, we can also view it as an opportunity to give a fine witness through a respectful, well-prepared explanation.

Answer 2: Good preparation can help our position to be understood and may move someone to learn more about our faith. However, the paragraph clarifies that it will not always prevent us from going to prison. That qualification is important: we should not measure the value of our preparation only by the legal outcome. Even if the decision is unfavorable, our words may have given a fine witness and awakened someone’s interest.

Answer 3: Preparing ourselves enables us to make better use of the opportunity to explain our beliefs, but it also helps us face the situation with realistic expectations. Some people may become interested even though the authorities decide to imprison us. It is normal for that possibility to worry us. Instead of thinking that an excellent explanation will necessarily resolve everything, we should prepare both to speak clearly and to remain faithful if we have to face difficult consequences.

11. What should be our goal if we are put in prison because of our neutrality? (Revelation 2:10).

Revelation 2:10 — Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison so that you may be fully put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Answer 1: Our goal should be to remain loyal to Jehovah. This passage acknowledges that his servants may suffer imprisonment, but it emphasizes the importance of maintaining faithfulness. Therefore, we need to strengthen our friendship with him now. We cannot control every circumstance, but we can prepare ourselves to maintain our loyalty and trust in his help.

Answer 2: The main thing is not simply to endure the passing of time in prison, but to continue being good friends of Jehovah. To do so, we need a strong relationship with him before the test arrives. The paragraph encourages us to work on that friendship now. Every effort we make to draw close to Jehovah is part of our preparation to remain faithful when conditions become much more difficult.

Answer 3: We must remember that being unjustly imprisoned does not mean that Jehovah has abandoned us. Many faithful servants in Bible times went through that experience. This precedent helps us keep the right goal in mind: to remain loyal, rather than viewing imprisonment as a spiritual failure. Jehovah wants us to remain faithful and is willing to help us. We can rely on that assurance as we strengthen our friendship with him.

Answer 4: Our faithfulness under suffering has significance beyond our personal situation. The paragraph explains that if we suffer for doing what is right, we contribute to the vindication of Jehovah’s name and sovereignty. Remembering this can give us deep motivation to endure. We do not seek suffering, but if it comes because we maintain our neutrality, we want our conduct to demonstrate that we continue to love Jehovah and support his way of ruling.

12. Why is it important to develop good study habits now?

John 14:26 — But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you.

Answer 1: Studying now enables us to learn truths and promises that we will later be able to remember. As the paragraph explains when applying this promise of Jesus, Jehovah can use his spirit to help us remember them if we do not have access to the Bible. Therefore, studying is not just a help for the present; it also strengthens our faith for situations in which our resources may be limited.

Answer 2: This is important because a good habit that is already firmly established can stay with us when our circumstances change. Takis spent many hours in personal study before going to prison and maintained that habit during his imprisonment. His experience encourages us not to put off studying until we have more time or face a crisis. Now is the time to give it a stable place in our life and enjoy its benefits.

Answer 3: We do not know whether we would have free access to a Bible in prison. So it is wise to take advantage now of opportunities to study and understand its teachings well. The truths, principles, and promises we learn can strengthen us later. This possibility helps us view personal study in a different way: it is not simply a task that we must complete, but a way to nourish our faith and prepare ourselves to remain close to Jehovah.

13. What will help us to promote peace if we are put in prison?

Romans 12:18 — If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.

Answer 1: It will help us to learn now to do our part to maintain peace. This counsel reminds us that we cannot control everyone’s conduct, but we can control our own reaction. If we try to get along with people of different personalities and are willing to yield in personal matters, we will be better prepared to live with others under the difficult conditions of a prison.

Answer 2: We must now cultivate the qualities needed to live peacefully, even with those who are very different from us. The paragraph acknowledges that some imprisoned brothers had difficulty getting along with others. This teaches us that sharing the same faith does not automatically eliminate differences in personality. We need to learn to handle them with love so that they do not become a problem that weakens unity.

Answer 3: One practical help is being willing to make sacrifices for a good atmosphere. We do not always need things to be done according to our preferences. At the same time, the paragraph sets a clear limit: We must not violate any Bible principle. Learning to distinguish between a personal preference and a principle will allow us to be flexible without compromising our loyalty to Jehovah. That willingness can make living together much easier.

Answer 4: Preparation begins with the way we treat our brothers today. If we promote peace and unity now, it will be easier to continue doing so under pressure. So we can ask ourselves how we react when someone thinks or acts differently from us. Everyday differences give us opportunities to cultivate a peaceful attitude, rather than expecting that attitude to appear on its own when we face a trial.

14. How do those in prison often feel, and what has helped them?

Philippians 2:4 — as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Answer 1: It is normal for them to feel discouraged at times. It has helped them to show interest in other people, just as Paul advised while he was in custody. Although their own difficulties may be great, they can look for ways to encourage and support others. We can cultivate that habit now. In this way, we will learn not to focus only on our own worries and to find encouragement by doing something useful for others.

Answer 2: Ho-Seon was helped by praying for his family, his friends, and other brothers who, although they were not imprisoned, were also going through difficult times. This shows that concern for others can be expressed even when our ability to act is limited. We do not have to think that we can help only if we are physically close to someone. Including others in our prayers is a way to continue being attentive to them.

Answer 3: Takis found strength and motivation by trying to be useful to the brothers. If there are other Jehovah’s Witnesses imprisoned with us, we can take advantage of opportunities to help them in practical ways and lift their spirits. This willingness benefits both the one receiving help and the one offering it. The paragraph encourages us to cultivate this concern from now on, so that thinking of others will be a habit and not something we try to learn in the midst of discouragement.

Answer 4: The paragraph treats discouragement as a feeling that may arise, not as a sign of a lack of faithfulness. This helps us to understand those who are imprisoned better. One way to deal with such feelings is to continue showing interest in others through prayers, encouraging words, or practical help. This does not mean denying how difficult the situation is, but rather avoiding allowing suffering to make us lose sight of the needs of others.

15. Why is it so important for us to develop the habit of praying to Jehovah now? (James 1:5; see the box “What If It Is Not Clear What the Right Decision Is?”)

James 1:5 — So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

Answer 1: It is important because we cannot foresee all the decisions we will have to make. This passage encourages us to ask Jehovah for wisdom, confident in his generosity. If we turn to him now in both large and small matters, we will be cultivating the habit of seeking his help also when a difficult situation takes us by surprise.

Answer 2: Prayer should be our first reaction when facing a difficult decision, not a last resort after we have tried to solve it on our own. An elder who was imprisoned learned precisely that. His experience encourages us to practice it now in the situations we already face. Thus we will strengthen our reliance on Jehovah and be better prepared to ask him for guidance if something arises in prison that we do not know how to resolve.

Answer 3: Talking with brothers who have been in prison can help us prepare, but their experiences do not cover everything that might happen to us. Unexpected situations can always arise. So we need more than knowledge of possible problems: We need the habit of turning to Jehovah. He can give us the wisdom needed to deal with decisions we had not imagined. Cultivating that confidence now is an essential part of our preparation.

Answer 4: Praying frequently helps us present our concerns to Jehovah and acknowledge that we need his guidance. We should not reserve prayer for emergencies. The paragraph encourages us to ask for wisdom for any situation, whether large or small. If we do that regularly, our relationship with Jehovah will grow stronger, and it will be more natural to seek his help when pressure or uncertainty makes it difficult to decide clearly.

16. What have many brothers in prison been able to do? (See also the pictures.)

Matthew 5:16 — Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.

Answer 1: Many have been able to give a fine witness by their conduct, in addition to doing so with their words. This counsel from Jesus shows that fine works can direct attention to Jehovah. Being kind, peaceable, hardworking, and respectful, even toward those who treat them badly, can arouse interest. Therefore, learning now to behave as Christians in difficult situations also prepares us for possible imprisonment.

Answer 2: Many brothers have continued preaching the good news. Some have witnessed to other prisoners, preached by letter, conducted Bible classes, and even served as auxiliary pioneers. They have also been able to organize meetings for field service. This reminds us that losing our freedom does not necessarily mean losing every opportunity to serve Jehovah. Preparation consists of staying active now and learning to take advantage of the opportunities we have.

Answer 3: Some brothers have helped other inmates and even guards to accept the truth. So the paragraph encourages us to improve our teaching skills now. We do not know where we may use them in the future. If we learn to explain the Bible well and show interest in people, we will be better prepared to give a witness even under difficult circumstances, without thinking that we can do so only when everything is comfortable.

Answer 4: The pictures show a brother reading the Bible in his cell, praying before eating, and preaching to another prisoner. Together, they highlight the importance of maintaining a spiritual routine. This is not just a matter of carrying out an isolated activity, but of continuing to nourish our faith, speak with Jehovah, and share the good news. These same habits can be strengthened now so that they continue to occupy a central place if our circumstances change.

Answer 5: Imprisoned brothers have demonstrated that it is possible to continue being preachers of the good news within the limitations they face. The counsel is not to compare ourselves with everything others have accomplished, but to remain as spiritually active as possible. This attitude also benefits us now: We should take advantage of real opportunities to preach and give a fine example, rather than waiting for ideal circumstances to do something for Jehovah.

17. Why is it important to keep our friendship with Jehovah strong while we are imprisoned? (1 Peter 1:6, 7 and footnote.)

1 Peter 1:6-7 — Because of this you are greatly rejoicing, though for a short time, if it must be, you have been distressed by various trials, in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being tested by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Answer 1: This is important because trials can refine our faith if we stay close to Jehovah. This passage acknowledges that they cause distress, but it highlights the great value of a tested faith. Many brothers have come out of prison spiritually strengthened. We want to take advantage of Jehovah’s help so that the trial does not weaken our friendship with him.

Answer 2: Being imprisoned because of neutrality does not in itself guarantee that our friendship with Jehovah will remain strong. The paragraph mentions that some stopped serving him after being released from prison. This is a warning that encourages us not to rely solely on having made a courageous decision in the past. We need to keep caring for our relationship with Jehovah during the trial by applying the counsel we have studied.

Answer 3: Maintaining a strong friendship with Jehovah may enable us to help others afterward. Many brothers came out of prison with stronger faith and were able to strengthen others. So caring for our spirituality benefits us not only personally. What we learn by trusting in Jehovah during a trial can become a source of encouragement for others. But first we need to stay close to him and continue taking advantage of his help.

Answer 4: The key is to apply the counsel, not merely know it. Studying, praying, promoting peace, showing interest in others, and remaining spiritually active help us preserve our friendship with Jehovah. The paragraph invites us to view these measures as practical preparation. If we are ever imprisoned, we want to remain God’s friends throughout the experience and continue serving him faithfully when we regain our freedom.

18. What is one way to help a young person prepare in case he is called up for military service?

Answer 1: We can devote part of family worship to helping him explain his neutral position. The paragraph relates that one father did this with his two sons. He did not merely talk to them about the subject but gave them opportunities to rehearse. This example encourages us to offer concrete help so that the young person can express his convictions in his own words and be better prepared when he has to speak before the authorities.

Answer 2: One practical way is to conduct rehearsals. The father mentioned played the role of a recruiting officer, and his sons practiced what they were going to say. In this way, they could move from knowing what their position was to knowing how to explain it. We could do something similar with a relative or friend. The purpose is not for him to memorize a speech, but to help him communicate clearly the reasons for his decision.

Answer 3: We can take the initiative to offer him support before the call-up comes. The article does not limit this help to parents; it also invites us to think of relatives or friends. If we know that a young person will face this situation, we can give him time and help him practice his explanation. In this way, we show him that we are interested in his spiritual preparation and that he does not have to face this responsibility without the love and support of others.

19. What can the family do to prepare in case a member is imprisoned?

Answer 1: The family can pray together and maintain a regular family worship routine. Thinking about the possible imprisonment of a loved one can cause much distress, and these activities can relieve some of the worry. It is also wise to plan how the spiritual schedule will be maintained during his absence. Thus, preparation focuses not only on material problems but also on making sure that everyone continues to receive the spiritual support they need.

Answer 2: It is helpful to discuss in advance the financial challenges that might arise and how to deal with them. The family member who may be imprisoned may be very concerned about the welfare of his loved ones, especially if he is the head of the household. Making plans together allows those concerns to be addressed in a practical way. It does not eliminate all difficulties, but it may help him concentrate on remaining faithful, knowing that his family has organized itself.

Answer 3: The family can also organize the support it will need during the separation. The paragraph suggests thinking about regular visits from the elders and about how to visit the loved one as much as possible. These are matters that should be considered beforehand, not only when the crisis comes. Maintaining that contact and receiving spiritual encouragement can benefit the whole family and help the imprisoned brother endure faithfully.

20. What can the elders and others in the congregation do to support those in prison and their families?

Hebrews 13:3 — Keep in mind those in prison, as though you were imprisoned with them, and those being mistreated, as if you were suffering with them.

Answer 1: We can strive to understand what they are experiencing, as this counsel indicates. Keeping them in mind means more than knowing that they are in prison. Visits, calls, and letters can encourage them greatly. If we think about how we would feel in their place, it will be easier to take the initiative and maintain contact so that they sense the love and support of the congregation.

Answer 2: In addition to encouragement, they may need specific material help: nutritious food, basic necessities, or money. The paragraph invites us to take an interest in these needs and do what is within our power. Love is not limited to expressing good wishes. If we know of a need and can help meet it, our practical assistance will show that we truly care about the welfare of the brother who is imprisoned.

Answer 3: We must also think about their families. Although they are not in prison, they face separation and may need various kinds of practical help. The elders can provide shepherding visits, and the rest of us can be alert to what they need. Supporting the family is not a secondary matter; it is part of the care the congregation provides for those who are suffering because of remaining loyal to Jehovah.

Answer 4: The help should not end on the day the brother is released from prison. He may need support to recover a normal life and resume a good program of spiritual activities. We should continue to show interest in him, not assuming that all his problems disappeared when he regained his freedom. The paragraph encourages us to accompany him during that stage as well, paying attention to his spiritual needs and to any practical help he may require.

21. What are we determined to do?

Daniel 2:44 — “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever,

Answer 1: We are determined to continue supporting God’s Kingdom. This prophecy assures us that human governments will not remain forever, but the Kingdom will. That perspective strengthens our determination to remain neutral. Even if we face pressure, we know that our hope is placed in a permanent government, not in the world’s temporary solutions.

Answer 2: We are determined to maintain our neutrality and continue preaching the good news. The article acknowledges that nationalism may bring more trials, but it does not invite us to live dominated by fear. It encourages us to continue supporting the Kingdom. This means that our preparation must be accompanied by spiritual activity: We want to keep speaking about our hope while showing by our decisions that we trust in Jehovah’s government.

Answer 3: We want to remain faithful, keeping in mind that present injustices will not last forever. The paragraph reminds us that under God’s Kingdom, no one will be mistreated or unjustly imprisoned. That hope gives us reasons to endure without abandoning our neutral position. While we await the new world, our determination is to remain on Jehovah’s side and take advantage of opportunities to announce the good news of his Kingdom.

What can help us to remain loyal to Jehovah and his Kingdom?

James 1:5 — So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

Answer 1: It will help us to ask Jehovah for the wisdom we need. We cannot anticipate every trial, but we can cultivate the habit of praying before making decisions. This passage gives us confidence that Jehovah is willing to help us. Turning to him in everyday matters prepares us to continue seeking his guidance when our neutrality comes under pressure.

Answer 2: The foundation is a strong friendship with Jehovah. To care for that friendship, we need good study habits and the habit of praying. The truths and promises we learn now may sustain us in difficult situations, even if we do not have access to a Bible. Therefore, our preparation should not be limited to knowing arguments about neutrality. We also want to love Jehovah more and more and fully trust in his desire to help us.

Answer 3: Cultivating peace and concern for others will also help us. Trials can make it more difficult to get along with others or can lead to discouragement, so it is wise to learn now to get along with different kinds of people and to look for ways to be useful. Praying for our brothers, encouraging them, and helping them strengthens the bonds we have with them. These qualities are part of the preparation needed to remain faithful under difficult circumstances.

Answer 4: It will help us to keep our objective clear: to remain loyal to Jehovah, even though we cannot avoid every difficulty. He wants us to remain faithful and will give us the help we need to do so. Remembering this assurance keeps us from focusing only on what we might lose. Our relationship with Jehovah is the most important thing, and strengthening it now will give us firm motivation to support his Kingdom under any trial.

How can we prepare now in case we are called up for military service or are put in prison?

1 Peter 2:12 — Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that when they accuse you of being wrongdoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God in the day of his inspection.

Answer 1: We can learn now to maintain exemplary conduct when circumstances are difficult. This counsel shows that our actions also give a witness. Being respectful, peaceable, and hardworking prepares us to represent Jehovah well even in prison. Thus, our defense of the faith will not depend solely on an explanation but will be supported by the way we live.

Answer 2: If there is a possibility that we may be called up for military service, it is wise to study the Bible’s principles regarding neutrality and practice explaining them clearly. We should be ready to give either a brief or a more detailed answer, always with respect. We can also learn from brothers who have faced that situation. The goal is to understand our own beliefs well and make clear that our position stems from loyalty to God’s Kingdom.

Answer 3: In preparation for possible imprisonment, we can strengthen habits that keep us close to Jehovah: studying, praying, and remaining active in the ministry. Improving as teachers now may help us take advantage of future opportunities to give a witness. We also need to cultivate peace and concern for others. These are preparations we can make in our daily life, without waiting for an extreme situation to arise before we begin caring for our spirituality.

Answer 4: We must prepare to preserve our friendship with Jehovah throughout the entire trial, not just to face its beginning. Some brothers came out of prison with stronger faith and were able to encourage others, but that requires continuing to care for their spirituality. Therefore, it is wise to apply the article’s counsel now. Our goal is to remain faithful before, during, and after any situation that tests our neutrality.

How can we support those who are in prison and their families?

Hebrews 13:3 — Keep in mind those in prison, as though you were imprisoned with them, and those being mistreated, as if you were suffering with them.

Answer 1: We can support them by trying to understand their situation and by actively remembering them. This counsel encourages us to put ourselves in their place. Visits, calls, and letters can convey much encouragement. Maintaining contact shows that they remain in our affection and that the congregation has not forgotten them during their imprisonment.

Answer 2: We can show concern for their material needs and offer concrete help. The imprisoned brother may need food, basic supplies, or money, and his family may also be facing difficulties. Love moves us to go beyond words of encouragement and do what is within our power. To help effectively, we need to pay attention to what they truly need instead of assuming that everyone faces the same problems.

Answer 3: The family needs spiritual and practical support. The elders can encourage them through shepherding visits, and all of us can remain alert to ways to help. If the imprisonment has not yet occurred, planning spiritual activities, financial matters, and visits together can relieve some of the anxiety. In this way, we help the family to be better prepared and the brother to have fewer concerns about his loved ones.

Answer 4: We can also continue supporting the brother after his release. Recovering a normal life and resuming a good spiritual routine may require help. Therefore, we should not think that our support is no longer needed as soon as he leaves prison. Continuing to show interest in him and his family, listening to their needs, and offering encouragement and practical help demonstrates constant love that accompanies them through the different stages of the trial.

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