Watchtower Study for the week of January 18-24, 2027

How to strengthen our friendship with Jehovah and Jesus

1. How do we know that Jehovah wants us to know and love him?

Psalms 139:1-4 — O Jehovah, you have searched through me, and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from afar. You observe me when I travel and when I lie down; You are familiar with all my ways. There is not a word on my tongue, But look! O Jehovah, you already know it well.

Answer 1: This psalm shows that Jehovah knows us personally, even before we express our thoughts. His interest helps us understand that he wants a close relationship with us.

Answer 2: We know this because Jehovah created us with the ability to develop a friendship with him. He did not just give us life; he also made it possible for us to come to know and love him. This reminds us that drawing close to him is not an attempt to obtain something he does not want to give us. On the contrary, we are responding to his own desire for us to be his friends. Thinking about his initiative fills us with gratitude.

Answer 3: Jehovah shows that he wants our friendship by the way he treats those who want to draw close to him. He listens to their prayers and provides the help and guidance they need. Therefore, his interest is neither distant nor impersonal. We can speak to him with confidence, sure that we matter to him. Knowing that the Creator pays attention to our needs makes us happy and moves us to keep getting to know him better.

2. Why do we know that we can be friends with Jehovah even though we are imperfect?

Romans 5:10 — For if when we were enemies we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more we will be saved by his life, now that we have become reconciled.

Answer 1: This verse explains that Jesus’ death made our reconciliation with God possible. So our imperfection does not make his friendship unattainable. Jehovah himself provided the means for us to draw close to him. Instead of thinking only about our limitations, we can gratefully remember what he and his Son did for us.

Answer 2: Because Jehovah did not wait for humans to become perfect before demonstrating that he loved us. Although we are born alienated from him because of the sin of Adam and Eve, he was willing to pay an extremely high price to help us. He sent his beloved Son. This shows how much he values the possibility of having us as his friends. If our mistakes discourage us, remembering that loving initiative can help us not to view our friendship with him as impossible.

Answer 3: Jesus taught that human limitations do not prevent Jehovah from carrying out his purpose. We could not resolve on our own the alienation from God caused by sin. But Jehovah could open the way, and he did so through his Son. Therefore, confidence that we can be his friends is based, not on our abilities, but on Jehovah’s power and love.

Answer 4: What Jehovah and Jesus did allows us to draw close to them, but we also have a responsibility to respond to their love. The paragraph connects that friendship with obeying Jesus’ commandments. We do not have to wait until we are perfect to begin cultivating that relationship. We can show from now on that we value their love by striving to obey. In this way, our gratitude does not remain merely a feeling but influences our conduct.

3. Why is our relationship with Jehovah very different from the friendship we can have with any human?

Psalms 15:1 — O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your holy mountain?

Answer 1: The psalmist’s question conveys how much he valued being close to Jehovah. This is not friendship with someone who is on our level, but with the Creator. So although we can feel very close to him, we never lose sight of his greatness. His friendship is a privilege that deserves our gratitude and our deep respect.

Answer 2: The main difference is who Jehovah is: He is the almighty God and our Creator. A human friend shares our limitations, but Jehovah is far superior to us. This makes it extraordinary that he wants to have a personal relationship with us. We can enjoy his closeness without treating him as if he were simply another companion. Our friendship with him is always accompanied by love, humility, and deep respect.

Answer 3: Having Jehovah’s friendship is an unparalleled honor. At times we might become accustomed to speaking of him as our friend and forget what that means: The Creator allows us to draw close to him. Meditating on this reality helps us not to take his friendship for granted. Rather, we want to know him better and strive to strengthen a relationship that no human friendship can replace.

4. What might we sometimes find hard to believe?

Romans 6:23 — For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

Answer 1: We may accept what this text teaches about everlasting life and still wonder whether Jehovah wants our personal friendship. The paragraph distinguishes these two things. Perhaps we do not doubt his purpose for mankind, but our mistakes make us feel unworthy of his affection. Recognizing this concern helps us identify what we need to strengthen: confidence in his interest in us.

Answer 2: At times we find it hard to believe that Jehovah wants to be our friend because we see our imperfections so clearly. We know how many mistakes we make and may think about them too much. Thus, although we recognize that Jehovah loves his servants, we find it more difficult to apply that truth to ourselves. The paragraph puts into words this personal concern, which we should not confuse with a lack of knowledge about God’s promises.

Answer 3: We may find it difficult to move from thinking that Jehovah loves people to being convinced that he wants to be our friend. The difference lies in feeling his interest as something personal. Our imperfection may make us doubt that he looks upon us with affection. That is why it is helpful to examine what Jehovah has done to draw us close to him, rather than reaching conclusions based solely on how we feel.

5. Why can we be convinced that Jehovah wants to be our friend? (See also the picture.)

John 3:16 — “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.

Answer 1: Jehovah demonstrated his love by giving what was most precious to him—his only-begotten Son. He did not merely express good wishes toward mankind. He made an extraordinary sacrifice to save us. Therefore, when we doubt whether he wants our friendship, we can think about the price he was willing to pay to make it possible.

Answer 2: One reason is that Jehovah began to act immediately after the rebellion of Adam and Eve. He did not allow their sin to end every possibility of our drawing close to him. From then on, he set in motion what was necessary to save mankind. That initiative shows that our welfare and our friendship mattered to him. Meditating on this helps us view his purpose as an expression of love, not as an obligation.

Answer 3: Inherited imperfection did not cause Jehovah to stop loving humans. This detail is very comforting, because at times we see only our defects. Jehovah, on the other hand, has continued to act lovingly so that we can draw close to him. His actions give us a firm basis for trusting in his affection. Therefore, we should not allow our feelings of inadequacy to outweigh the evidence of his love.

Answer 4: The picture contrasts Adam’s disobedience with Jesus’ sacrifice on the stake. It helps us remember both the origin of our alienation from God and what Jehovah did to remedy it. He allowed his beloved Son to die so that we could be his friends. As we contemplate this contrast, we see that our friendship with Jehovah rests on a very costly expression of love. This moves us to value it and care for it.

6. What does Jehovah do to help us draw close to him? (James 4:8).

James 4:8 — Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.

Answer 1: This text assures us that Jehovah responds when we make an effort to draw close to him. He does not leave us to make all the effort alone to cultivate the friendship. This willingness on his part moves us to take concrete steps, such as speaking to him sincerely and correcting whatever may be necessary in our life. We know that he wants to help us have a closer relationship with him.

Answer 2: Jehovah lovingly draws us, even though he knows that we are imperfect. He does not merely allow us to be his friends; he takes steps to help us draw close to him. This teaches us much about the way he treats us: He shows personal interest and encourages us to respond to his love. If at times we feel worthless, remembering that he wants to draw us can give us the confidence needed to continue cultivating our friendship.

Answer 3: He invites us to speak to him regularly and to tell him what we really feel. We do not have to limit our prayers to general matters; we can express our concerns to him and pour out our heart. Such sincere communication strengthens the friendship. The paragraph encourages us to make use of it, especially when something weighs on us. Rather than keeping all our feelings to ourselves, we can turn to Jehovah with the confidence that he wants to listen to us.

Answer 4: In addition to listening to our prayers, Jehovah answers them. Philippians explains that we can make our petitions known to him and receive the peace that he gives. Thus, prayer is not simply a way to express what we feel; it is part of a real relationship with a Father who cares about us. The more we make use of that help, the more reasons we have to trust in him and continue drawing close with gratitude.

7. What quality does Jehovah show his friends, and what does that mean for us? (Exodus 34:6).

Exodus 34:6 — Jehovah was passing before him and declaring: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth,

Answer 1: Jehovah describes himself as a God whose loyal love is abundant. This means that his affection for his friends is not superficial or temporary. It is accompanied by commitment and deep attachment. Knowing this gives us security: when we cultivate his friendship, we have someone who remains at our side and wants to help us, even though he knows our weaknesses.

Answer 2: Jehovah loves all people, but he shows loyal love to his friends. The paragraph explains that this quality involves commitment and deep attachment. Therefore, his friendship is not unstable or dependent on a passing interest. We can trust that he sincerely cares about us. This security helps us face our difficulties without thinking that we are alone or that we have ceased to matter to him.

Answer 3: His loyal love moves him to forgive and help us. This is especially important because Jehovah knows our mistakes, and we may feel discouraged by them. The paragraph does not present a friend who distances himself as soon as he sees our weaknesses, but one who wants to support us. Remembering this encourages us to seek his help to improve, rather than pull away from him out of shame or discouragement.

Answer 4: I am struck by how often the Bible highlights the greatness of Jehovah’s loyal love. It is not merely that he possesses this quality, but that he demonstrates it with extraordinary generosity. This helps us adjust the way we view him. When doubts arise about his affection, we can remember that his love is far greater than what our limited feelings allow us to perceive.

8. How did Jehovah show that he never forgot his friends Abraham and David? (See also the picture).

Isaiah 41:8 — “But you, O Israel, are my servant, You, O Jacob, whom I have chosen, The offspring of Abraham my friend,

Answer 1: Jehovah continued to recognize Abraham as his friend hundreds of years after his death. The passage of time had not erased the affection he had for him. This teaches us that Jehovah does not forget those who have cultivated a friendship with him. His memory and love are much firmer than those of any human.

Answer 2: In David’s case, Jehovah kept in mind the promise to establish his throne forever. Much later, he announced that Jesus would receive that throne. In this way he showed that he had not forgotten what he had told his friend. This example helps us trust his promises: even if much time passes, Jehovah does not lose sight of his commitments or stop valuing those who have been faithful to him.

Answer 3: Jehovah not only remembered the promise made to David but also fulfilled it. The paragraph points out that in 1914 he appointed Jesus, the Messiah, as King in heaven. Thus we see that his loyalty is demonstrated by actions. For us, the lesson is that we can trust Jehovah even when the fulfillment of a promise is not immediate. He forgets neither his friends nor what he has promised them.

Answer 4: The examples of Abraham and David show two very beautiful aspects of Jehovah’s friendship. He preserved his affection for Abraham and fulfilled his commitment to David. In other words, he forgot neither the person nor the promise. This helps us better understand his loyal love. Our friendship with him does not lose its value with the passage of time; therefore, it is worth caring for and remaining close to him.

9. What do you learn from what happened to Hannah? (See also the picture).

1 Samuel 2:21 — Jehovah turned his attention to Hannah, so that she could conceive; and she gave birth to three more sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel continued growing up before Jehovah.

Answer 1: Jehovah had not forgotten Hannah. In addition to Samuel, she came to have five other children. Her experience demonstrates that Jehovah is interested in his friends and has compassion for them. Even if someone feels insignificant, that does not mean that he is insignificant to Jehovah. Hannah helps us trust in his affection and personal attention.

Answer 2: I learn that we should not compare ourselves with well-known servants of Jehovah and conclude that we are worth less. The paragraph mentions Hannah precisely to show that Jehovah does not reserve his loyal love for people such as Abraham or David. He also cares for those who are suffering and may feel of little value. Therefore, our confidence in his friendship should not depend on how important we think we are.

Answer 3: Hannah teaches me to pour out my heart to Jehovah when something causes me to suffer. Peninnah’s cruel taunts caused her much pain, but she turned to her heavenly Father and expressed how she felt. We too can speak to him with such sincerity. We do not have to hide our emotions or think that our concerns are too small. Cultivating this communication helps us seek the support of our best Friend.

Answer 4: Hannah’s painful circumstances did not prove that Jehovah had stopped loving her. She could not have children and, in addition, she endured Peninnah’s taunts. Yet Jehovah listened to her prayer and took an interest in her suffering. This teaches me not to measure God’s affection solely by the difficulties I am experiencing. I can continue drawing close to him, confident that my feelings matter to him.

Answer 5: I am encouraged to see that Jehovah did not treat Hannah’s suffering as something unimportant. He listened to her request and, in her case, answered it by allowing her to have children. The point highlighted by the paragraph is his loyal love toward all his friends. Therefore, if I ever feel worthless, I can remember Hannah. The way I view myself does not change Jehovah’s ability to take a tender interest in me.

10. Why is Jehovah’s counsel infinitely superior to that of humans? (Psalm 119:98-100).

Psalms 119:98-100 — Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, Because it is with me forever. I have more insight than all my teachers, Because I ponder over your reminders. I act with more understanding than older men, Because I observe your orders.

Answer 1: The psalmist connected his wisdom with reflecting on Jehovah’s guidance and obeying it. That is the advantage of his counsel: It helps us develop true understanding. It is not enough to know it; by meditating on it and putting it into practice, we learn to make better decisions.

Answer 2: Jehovah’s counsel is superior because he knows everything and wants what is best for us. A human, even if experienced, is still imperfect and has limited knowledge. Jehovah, on the other hand, combines perfect wisdom with love for those who listen to him. Thus we can trust his guidance. He does not guide us for his own benefit but for our good, and paying attention to his Word always benefits us.

Answer 3: Another advantage is that Jehovah’s guidance is always available and costs nothing. We do not have to wait for our best Friend to have time to listen to us, because he does not get tired or need to sleep. We can turn to him in prayer at any time. This makes his help incomparable: In addition to being perfectly wise, Jehovah is attentive to the needs of those who want to receive his guidance.

Answer 4: Jehovah not only tells us what to do but also gives us wisdom. As we read his Word, meditate on it, and obey it, we learn to view matters with greater clarity. The paragraph highlights that we always come out ahead when we listen to his counsel. Therefore, when facing a decision, it is wise to ask first what guidance Jehovah offers. In this way we show that we value our best Friend also as the best Counselor.

11. How does Jehovah show us that he is a very generous friend?

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: Jehovah shows generosity by giving us the wisdom we need. He does not make us feel like a burden when we ask him for help, nor does he reproach us for our limitations. This encourages us to turn to him when we do not know how to face a problem. We have a friend who wants to help us think clearly and who invites us to keep seeking his guidance.

Answer 2: His generosity is seen in that he gives us life and what we need to enjoy it. The paragraph does not speak merely of surviving but of receiving good things that bring us joy. Thinking about this helps us recognize his love in things we sometimes take for granted. We can strengthen our friendship with Jehovah by specifically thanking him for what we receive from him and acknowledging that he is a very generous Father.

Answer 3: Jehovah is also generous in the way he treats us. Although we are imperfect, he shows us respect and dignity, makes us feel loved, and is willing to forgive. That combination is very valuable because we need more than material help or advice; we also need to feel that we matter to him. His way of treating us draws us closer to him and teaches us how we can show love and consideration to our own friends.

Answer 4: The greatest proof of his generosity is that he gave the life of his beloved Son. Thanks to that gift, we have the possibility of living forever. This helps us put all his other expressions of goodness in perspective. Jehovah has not given us merely things that cost him little; he was willing to give what was most valuable. Meditating on this increases our desire to respond to his love.

12. According to Hebrews 11:6, what do we need in order to be good friends of Jehovah?

Hebrews 11:6 — Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

Answer 1: We need faith. This includes being convinced that Jehovah exists and that he values the efforts of those who sincerely seek him. It is not enough to know facts about him. Our confidence must move us to draw close to him and care for the relationship. In this way, we show that we believe both in his existence and in his desire to reward us.

Answer 2: To be good friends of Jehovah, we have to do our part. He wants our friendship, but we must earnestly seek him and work to maintain a strong relationship. This means that we cannot treat friendship as something that is preserved automatically. Faith moves us to give it attention and to show by our way of life that we want to remain close to him.

Answer 3: We also need to trust that Jehovah wants to reward us. That assurance helps us view him as a friend who appreciates our efforts, not as someone indifferent to what we do. When we do our part to draw close to him, we can be sure that he values it. Thus, faith not only moves us to begin a friendship with Jehovah but also to keep strengthening it.

13. What does it mean to fear God?

Psalms 25:14 — Close friendship with Jehovah belongs to those who fear him, And he makes his covenant known to them.

Answer 1: The psalm connects fear of Jehovah with close friendship with him. Therefore, we should not understand this fear as something that makes us flee from God. It is such deep love and respect that we do not want to displease him. The more we value his friendship, the more important it is to us to make decisions that agree with what he wants.

Answer 2: To fear God means to love him so much that we do not want to do anything that displeases him. The motivation is not simply to avoid consequences but to care for a friendship that we value immensely. This influences our decisions, even when no one else sees them. Before acting, we want to know how Jehovah feels and what he advises us to do. In this way, we show that his opinion truly carries weight in our life.

Answer 3: One practical way to show godly fear is to consult his Word before making a decision. If we truly want to please him, we do not limit ourselves to doing what seems best to us. We seek his guidance and are willing to follow it. This requires humility because we recognize that our understanding is limited. By doing so, we show that we trust Jehovah as a good friend who knows what is best for us.

Answer 4: Fear of Jehovah helps us act wisely. When our love for him moves us to accept his counsel, we avoid relying solely on our own judgment. Thus, fearing him does not limit our ability to make good decisions; it strengthens it. The paragraph encourages us to view obedience as an expression of trust in our best Friend. Listening to him protects our relationship with him and helps us make sound decisions.

14. What are some ways we can show our loyalty to Jehovah?

2 Samuel 22:26 — With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless, mighty man, you deal blamelessly;

Answer 1: Jehovah values loyalty, and he himself sets the example. We can respond to him by putting him first and protecting our friendship with him. It is not merely a matter of saying that we love him but of remaining on his side in our decisions. Remembering how loyal he is to us gives us a powerful reason to keep faithful to him.

Answer 2: We show loyalty by giving Jehovah first place in our life. This means that our friendship with him influences our priorities and is not relegated to whatever time or attention we have left over. The paragraph invites us to protect that relationship. We can ask ourselves whether our decisions show that Jehovah really is our best friend and whether we are preventing other interests from weakening that friendship.

Answer 3: Another way is to speak to others about Jehovah and his beautiful qualities, as Jesus did. When we appreciate a friend, we are happy for other people to know what is good about him. The same is true of Jehovah. Sharing in the disciple-making work enables us to show that love and loyalty. We are not merely conveying information; we are helping others to know the God whom we value so much.

Answer 4: Loyalty is also shown by standing firm when there is opposition. It is easy to express affection for a friend when no one is pressuring us, but difficulties test our determination. The paragraph encourages us not to allow anything to harm our relationship with Jehovah. Remembering that he is our loyal Friend helps us remain on his side, even if other people do not understand or respect our decision.

15. In what ways do we show loyal love to others?

Micah 6:8 — He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is Jehovah requiring of you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, And to walk in modesty with your God!

Answer 1: Jehovah wants loyalty to be a quality that we appreciate from the heart. We can show it by standing by our friends and looking for ways to treat them kindly. It is not enough to feel affection during pleasant moments. Loyal love moves us to remain interested in their welfare and to act generously, thus imitating Jehovah.

Answer 2: We show loyal love when we do not forget the kind things our friends have done for us. Remembering them helps us remain grateful and value the friendship. At times it is easy to become accustomed to the kindness of others, but the paragraph encourages us to keep it in mind. That gratitude can move us to respond with affection and to look for opportunities to be good and generous to them ourselves.

Answer 3: We can show loyal love by being constant friends. This means remaining by the side of those who are also Jehovah’s friends and not limiting our affection to occasions that are convenient for us. In addition, we look for ways to do good to them. In this way, we imitate the kind of friendship Jehovah offers us. Our relationship with him is therefore reflected in the way we care for the people whom he also loves.

16, 17. (a) How do we know that Jesus wants to be our friend?

John 15:13 — No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.

Answer 1: Jesus not only explained what the greatest love consists of but also demonstrated it by giving his own life. That sacrifice gives us firm proof that he wants our friendship. We do not have to base that confidence solely on our feelings. We can look at what he did for us and respond with gratitude, seeking to know him better and follow his example.

Answer 2: We know that he wants to be our friend because he gave his life for us before we were born. This highlights that his love was not a response to something we had already done for him. He took the initiative and made an extraordinary sacrifice. Thinking about this helps us value his friendship as something personal and very costly, and it moves us to respond to him with love and with a sincere desire to draw close to him.

Answer 3: Jesus also shows his interest by inviting those who are overburdened to learn from him and receive refreshment. It is a kind invitation that reflects his mild-tempered and humble character. So we can feel drawn to him instead of thinking that he is distant or inaccessible. Learning how he treats people helps us understand that he wants a close relationship with those who accept his guidance.

Answer 4: Another proof is the trust he showed in dealing with his disciples. He told them what he had learned from his Father and considered them friends. He did not maintain a cold relationship with them. His interest in helping them know Jehovah reveals Jesus’ affection. We can respond to his invitation by paying attention to his teachings and valuing all that he has done to draw us closer to his Father.

16, 17. (b) What difference is there between our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with Jehovah?

Matthew 4:10 — Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

Answer 1: Jesus made it clear that worship belongs to Jehovah. Therefore, although we deeply love Jesus and want to be his friends, we do not worship him. Maintaining this distinction does not lessen our gratitude for him. On the contrary, it shows that we respect what he taught and the place his Father occupies in our life.

Answer 2: One specific difference has to do with prayer. Jesus taught his disciples to address the Father, so our prayers are directed to Jehovah, not to Jesus. Even so, we can develop a deep friendship with the Son of God. The paragraph helps us distinguish between the affection and gratitude we feel for Jesus and the relationship we have with Jehovah as our God.

Answer 3: Being friends with Jesus does not mean relating to him exactly as we relate to Jehovah. We do not pray to him or worship him, but we are deeply grateful to him for all he does for us. That gratitude moves us to know him better and want to stay close to him. In this way, we can cultivate both friendships without confusing them, respecting what Jesus himself taught about his Father.

Answer 4: The balance is to give Jehovah the worship that belongs to him and, at the same time, to value our friendship with Jesus highly. Not worshipping the Son does not mean that we feel little affection for him. His sacrifice and his invitation to be his friends deeply move us. Therefore, we want a close relationship with Jesus, but always in a way that agrees with his own teachings.

18. What does Jesus do for us?

Hebrews 4:15 — For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin.

Answer 1: Jesus can understand our weaknesses because he went through trials, although he never sinned. This assures us that he is not a friend who is indifferent to suffering. When we feel weak, remembering his compassion helps us value his support. He knows what it means to remain faithful under difficult circumstances.

Answer 2: Jesus gives us practical advice that can save our life. For that reason, he deserves the title Wonderful Counselor. His friendship does not consist only of feeling affection for us; it also includes teaching us how to act. We can benefit from that help by studying his teachings and applying them in our decisions. The more we value his guidance, the more clearly we see that having him as a friend benefits us in our life and in our relationship with Jehovah.

Answer 3: As Eternal Father, Jesus has received authority from Jehovah to grant everlasting life to humans on earth. This shows us the extent of what he can do for us. He not only helps us now but also plays an essential role in our hope of living forever. Meditating on that responsibility Jehovah has given him increases our gratitude and our desire to strengthen our friendship with him.

Answer 4: Jesus also helps us have a peaceful relationship with Jehovah, and that is why he is called Prince of Peace. This is a very valuable benefit of his friendship: He brings us closer to our heavenly Father. When we think about all that he does, we see that his help extends far beyond our immediate needs. He guides us, understands us, and contributes to our enjoying peace with the God we love.

19. What must we do to be friends of Jesus? (John 15:14; see also the picture.)

John 15:14 — You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.

Answer 1: Jesus connects his friendship with obedience. So it is not enough to admire him or feel grateful for his sacrifice. We must follow his instructions and respect his authority. When our decisions reflect what he taught, we show that we truly want to be his friends. The paragraph also reminds us that Jesus sees and values our efforts to maintain that friendship.

Answer 2: We should carefully study the Gospels to learn what Jesus did and said. This allows us to go beyond having a general idea of his personality. We learn how he thought, how he treated people, and what counsel he gave. Then, when making decisions, we strive to follow his example. In this way, study does not remain mere information; it becomes a practical way to know our friend better and become more like him.

Answer 3: We also demonstrate our friendship with Jesus by willingly supporting the congregation. This includes cooperating with those he has appointed to care for us and fulfilling the responsibilities we receive through them. Our attitude is important: We want to cooperate because we respect Jesus and value his care. In this way, the love we feel for him becomes visible in how we contribute to the welfare and good functioning of the congregation.

Answer 4: The picture shows several ways to support the congregation: helping a brother in a wheelchair, cleaning the auditorium, organizing publications, and updating the bulletin board. Not everyone is doing the same task, but everyone is cooperating. This reminds us that we can demonstrate our friendship with Jesus in different ways. What matters is to support willingly and do what is within our reach, knowing that he values our efforts.

20. How do you feel when you think about the privilege of being a friend of Jehovah and Jesus?

Matthew 5:3 — “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.

Answer 1: I feel very grateful because Jehovah and Jesus care for our spiritual needs. Recognizing that we need their help enables us to appreciate more fully all that we receive from them. Their friendship gives us reasons to feel happy and to keep drawing close. I do not want to take this privilege for granted but want to show by the way I live that I value it very much.

Answer 2: I am moved when I think that the almighty God wants to hear my prayers and help me. Among the many reasons to admire Jehovah, knowing that he wants a personal friendship with me is especially comforting. I also feel deeply grateful to Jesus for what he has done to draw us closer to his Father. Thinking about both of them moves me to care for those relationships and not allow other matters to take the place they deserve in my life.

Answer 3: I feel that it is an immense honor and, at the same time, a reason to keep striving. Jehovah loves us, hears our prayers, and answers them, and both he and Jesus care for our spiritual needs. I would not want my gratitude to remain only in words. I want to keep knowing and obeying them because I value their friendship so much that I want it to last forever. That hope motivates me to care for it each day.

How do we know that Jehovah wants us to be his friends?

Exodus 34:6 — Jehovah was passing before him and declaring: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth,

Answer 1: Jehovah makes known to us his mercy, compassion, and abundant loyal love. These qualities are reflected in the way he treats his friends: He helps and forgives them. He is not a distant God who merely tolerates our presence. His treatment shows that he desires a close relationship with those who seek him.

Answer 2: The greatest proof is that he gave the life of his beloved Son to open the way for us to draw close to him and live forever. Jehovah did not merely say that he loved us; he was willing to make an extraordinary sacrifice. So when we doubt our worth, it is good to remember what he did for us. His generosity proves that our friendship is very important to him and that he wants us to respond to his love.

Answer 3: We know this from the way he remembers and cares for his friends. He did not forget Abraham or the promise he made to David. He also listened to Hannah when she was suffering and opened his heart to her. These examples show that his interest is not limited to people whom we consider prominent. Jehovah shows loyal love to all his friends, even those who feel small or of little value.

Answer 4: Jehovah shows that he wants our friendship by being willing to listen to us and by providing us with the best guidance. He gives us wisdom generously, and his counsel always seeks our good. In addition, he treats us with respect and dignity despite our imperfection. All these expressions of affection help us to know what kind of friend he is. The more we meditate on them, the more reasons we have to trust him and continue drawing close to him.

How do we cultivate our friendship with Jehovah?

Hebrews 11:6 — Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

Answer 1: The starting point is faith: We believe that Jehovah exists and that he appreciates those who earnestly seek him. That confidence moves us to do our part. Friendship does not grow stronger on its own; we have to show by our decisions that we want to draw close to him and that we value his approval.

Answer 2: We cultivate that friendship by fearing Jehovah, that is, by loving him so much that we do not want to displease him. We demonstrate that respect by consulting his Word and accepting his guidance instead of relying solely on our own judgment. The more we value his friendship, the more important his opinion becomes to us. Thus, every decision gives us an opportunity to show that we trust him and want to do what pleases him.

Answer 3: We also cultivate it by being loyal to Jehovah. We put him first, tell others about his qualities, and remain firm when there is opposition. These actions show that our affection does not depend on everything being easy. Remembering the loyalty he shows us moves us to reciprocate. We want to protect our relationship with him and prevent any pressure or interest from eventually weakening such a valuable friendship.

Answer 4: Another essential part is showing loyal love to others. Jehovah wants us to imitate the way he treats his friends. So we remember the good things they do for us, remain at their side, and look for opportunities to be generous. We cannot separate our friendship with Jehovah from the way we treat those whom he loves. By caring for them consistently, we show that we appreciate and want to reflect his qualities.

How do we cultivate our friendship with Jesus?

John 15:14 — You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.

Answer 1: We cultivate our friendship with Jesus by obeying his instructions. Gratitude for what he has done should influence the way we live. Therefore, when we make a decision, we try to be guided by his teachings and example. In this way, we show that we not only admire him but also recognize his authority and want to maintain a close relationship with him.

Answer 2: We need to get to know him better and better through careful study of the Gospels. There we learn what he said, what he did, and how he treated people. That knowledge feeds our love for him and helps us to imitate him. Friendship grows stronger when we move from reading his teachings to applying them. So it is good to ask ourselves how what we have just learned about Jesus can influence our decisions.

Answer 3: One practical way to strengthen that friendship is to willingly support the congregation. We cooperate with those whom Jesus has appointed to care for us and fulfill the responsibilities we receive. We also help in any way that is within our reach. These efforts express our respect for him and our affection for his disciples. It encourages us to know that Jesus sees and values them, even when some tasks may seem insignificant.

Answer 4: Gratitude also helps us cultivate our friendship with Jesus. We meditate on his sacrifice, his counsel, and the compassion he feels for us. All of this increases our desire to follow and obey him. At the same time, we respect the difference between him and Jehovah: We do not pray to Jesus or worship him. In this way, we develop a deep friendship with him in the manner indicated by his own teachings.