“Keep Strengthening Your Friendship as a Married Couple”
Theme scripture: Proverbs 18:24: “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
1. Why are good friends a gift from Jehovah?
Answer 1:
Good friends are a gift from Jehovah because they reflect qualities that he himself has: loyalty, love, sincere interest, and frankness. James 1:17 reminds us that every good gift comes from Jehovah. So when we have a friend who encourages us, listens to us, or corrects us with kindness, we should value him highly.
Answer 2:
A good friend is not present only in pleasant moments. He also comforts us when we are suffering and advises us when we need it. Proverbs 27:9 says that the heartfelt advice of a friend brings joy to the heart. This shows that true friendship is not based only on having a good time but on helping us draw closer to Jehovah.
Answer 3:
Jehovah knows that we need to feel loved and understood. That is why it is so wonderful that, within the congregation, we can have friendships that strengthen us. When we show interest, keep confidences, and are loyal, we can become that gift from Jehovah for another person.
2. Why is it important for the husband and the wife to keep strengthening their friendship? (Matthew 19:6).
Answer 1:
It is important because marriage should not be reduced to sharing a house or responsibilities. Jehovah wants the husband and the wife to be very good friends. Matthew 19:6 says that they are “one flesh,” so they need to take care of their relationship in order not to allow routine, fatigue, or worries to distance them.
Answer 2:
If a married couple neglects their friendship, they may begin to feel lonely even while living under the same roof. Over time, frustration, lack of understanding, or resentment could appear. On the other hand, when they speak with confidence, enjoy time together, and support each other, their bond grows stronger and the home becomes a safe place.
Answer 3:
Friendship in marriage needs to be strengthened continually. It is not enough that it existed at the beginning of the courtship or the wedding. Just as a plant needs regular attention, marriage needs time, affection, and sincere conversations to keep growing and to withstand the pressures of this system.
HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIEND FOR LIFE
3, 4. What will help us to find a good husband or wife? (Proverbs 18:22).
Answer 1:
Following Jehovah’s guidance will help us, for he is the one who created marriage and knows what kind of union can make us happy. Proverbs 18:22 shows that finding a good wife is receiving Jehovah’s favor. So before making such an important decision, it is good to ask him for direction and to analyze Bible principles.
Answer 2:
Choosing a husband or wife affects one’s whole life, so it is not wise to decide based only on feelings or attraction. It is good to think calmly about a person’s spiritual qualities, personality, goals, and way of dealing with problems. Jehovah does not force anyone, but his guidance protects us from much pain.
Answer 3:
Isaiah 48:17, 18 teaches that Jehovah teaches us for our own benefit. If a Christian allows himself to be guided by Him when choosing a mate, he will not be looking simply for someone he likes, but for someone with whom he can serve Jehovah, build a deep friendship, and move toward the same spiritual goals.
5. Why is it important that the person we choose be a baptized Witness?
Answer 1:
It is important because a baptized Witness has shown that he wants to be a friend of Jehovah. Psalm 25:14 shows that Jehovah has a special friendship with those who respect him. If both love Jehovah, they will have a common basis for making decisions, solving problems, and putting spiritual interests first.
Answer 2:
First Corinthians 7:39 says that a Christian should marry “only in the Lord.” That guidance protects us from being unevenly yoked. When both share the same beliefs and values, they can pray together, preach together, and support each other to remain faithful to Jehovah.
Answer 3:
It would not be wise to think that an unbeliever will change after marriage. Marriage should not be based on the hope of transforming someone. Choosing a baptized servant of Jehovah shows respect for his standards and greatly increases the chances of enjoying a solid and happy friendship.
6, 7. What questions should you ask yourself if you are interested in someone?
Answer 1:
It is good to ask how the person treats his family, what kind of friends he has, and how he reacts when there are disagreements. Those things reveal a lot about a person. It is not enough for him to be pleasant in calm moments; it is important to see whether he is respectful, humble, and reasonable also when there is pressure.
Answer 2:
Colossians 3:9, 10 encourages us to put off the old personality and put on the new one. So it is good to ask whether that change is really seen in the person: whether he controls his temper, is honest, shows kindness, and strives to imitate Christ in his daily life.
Answer 3:
We should also think about spiritual goals. Does the person love Jehovah deeply? Will he help me to serve Him better? Will we be able to be true friends? The sister should consider whether he could be a good family head, and the brother whether she will respect the principle of Jehovah’s authority despite his imperfections.
8, 9. What will help someone to decide whether or not to marry a person? (See also the picture).
Answer 1:
During courtship it is important to learn what the person is really like, not just how he behaves when he wants to make a good impression. It can be helpful to ask tactfully mature friends, elders, or brothers who know him well. Their observations may reveal positive qualities or matters that should be taken seriously.
Answer 2:
The picture reminds us that courtship should not isolate the couple from others. Taking part in wholesome activities with friends makes it possible to see how the person treats others, how he converses, whether he is considerate, and how he reacts in normal situations. This helps in getting to know his true personality.
Answer 3:
If important doubts arise or mature people express concern, it is not wise to ignore that because of being excited. It is better to stop, listen, and analyze. A wise decision before marriage can avoid many problems afterward. True love does not make us close our eyes but rather act with good judgment.
SPEND TIME TOGETHER
10. Why is it good for the husband and the wife to set aside time to be together?
Answer 1:
Spending time together strengthens the friendship and keeps the marriage from becoming a mere routine. It allows them to talk about what they experienced during the day, express their thoughts and feelings, show affection, and enjoy simple activities. Those moments build trust and keep emotional closeness alive.
Answer 2:
When mates are very busy, it is easy for them to talk only about chores, children, work, or problems. But they need moments to take an interest in each other as friends. Asking “How did you feel today?” can open a conversation that helps both to feel understood.
Answer 3:
It is not necessary always to arrange something expensive or spectacular. It can be walking together, having a coffee, preparing a meal, or doing a spiritual activity. What matters is that it be quality time, without rushing or distractions, in which the two perceive that they are still a priority.
11. What can endanger the friendship of the husband and the wife?
Answer 1:
The friendship can be endangered when the husband and the wife spend much time apart. At times, a work-related decision seems to bring financial advantages, but if it keeps the family apart for long periods, it can damage communication, trust, and affection.
Answer 2:
Not every temporary separation can be avoided, but the couple should carefully analyze whether the benefit outweighs the risk. If being apart makes the two feel disconnected or weakens the family’s spiritual life, it may be necessary to look for another solution.
Answer 3:
The friendship can also be endangered by allowing work, electronic devices, friends, or hobbies to take up almost all the time. Having many activities is not bad, but none of them should crowd out the care of the relationship that Jehovah has united.
12, 13. a) What have some couples done to make sure that they spend time together?
Answer 1:
Some couples include in their schedule moments to be together, just as they do with other important matters. This keeps time for the couple from always being left for “whenever there is a spare moment,” something that often never happens. Planning it shows that they value and protect their friendship.
Answer 2:
Amos 3:3 raises the idea of walking together in agreement. Applied to marriage, it teaches that it is good to cultivate shared activities. Some mates take an interest in what the other likes to do, even if at first it is not their favorite activity. That effort conveys love and consideration.
Answer 3:
It can also help to put away the phones or limit other distractions for a while. It is not just about being physically together but about really paying attention. When a husband and a wife listen to each other without interruptions, they feel more valued, and it is easier to talk about important matters.
12, 13. b) What importance should we give to the relationship with our husband or wife?
Answer 1:
Friendship with Jehovah always occupies first place. Matthew 6:33 teaches that we should seek first the Kingdom. So we should never disobey Jehovah to please our husband or wife. However, after Jehovah, our mate deserves a special priority in our life.
Answer 2:
Genesis 2:24 says that the husband and the wife become one flesh. This means that we should care for our mate with the same interest with which we care for ourselves. Even if we have other responsibilities, we should not allow anyone to unjustly take his place.
Answer 3:
We want to care for parents, children, relatives, friends, and congregation responsibilities. But, apart from Jehovah, nothing should be above the well-being and happiness of our husband or wife. Giving him that place is not selfishness; it is respecting Jehovah’s arrangement for marriage.
STAY UNITED DESPITE PROBLEMS
14, 15. Why should the husband and the wife make an effort to resolve the problems that arise in their marriage? Give an example.
Answer 1:
First Corinthians 7:28 realistically acknowledges that married people will have difficulties in life. So disagreements do not automatically mean that the marriage has failed. Rather, they are occasions to make an effort to stay united, to speak with respect, and to look for solutions that please Jehovah.
Answer 2:
The article compares marriage to a valuable work of art that needs restoration. When an important piece is damaged, its owners do not just throw it away; they invest time and effort to repair it because it has value. In the same way, a marriage is worth too much for the mates to give up on it quickly.
Answer 3:
Resolving problems may require time, humility, and personal changes. But Malachi 2:16 shows how much Jehovah values loyalty in marriage. When both make an effort to repair the relationship, they show mutual love and respect for Jehovah, who was the Creator of this bond.
16. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, what can help a marriage that has serious problems?
Answer 1:
First Corinthians 13:4-8 describes a love that is patient, kind, unselfish, and willing to forgive. When there are serious problems, each mate can ask: “Which aspect of this love do I need to show better?” That attitude helps one to focus on repairing the relationship, not on winning an argument.
Answer 2:
Instead of rushing to think about separating, it can be helpful to ask: “What can I do to get back into the heart of my husband or wife?” That question changes the focus. It is no longer just about pointing out faults but about looking for practical ways to rebuild trust and affection.
Answer 3:
Jehovah should be part of the solution. Ecclesiastes 4:12 compares a strong relationship to a threefold cord. If both pray, study, look for useful information, and accept help from elders or mature Christians, Jehovah can give them strength not to give up and to strengthen their friendship.
17. How can those who are thinking about marrying and those who are already married be happy?
Answer 1:
Those who are thinking about marrying can be happy if they carefully choose their friend for life. They should not focus only on feelings but on the person’s spirituality, his reputation, and his willingness to serve Jehovah. A wise choice can bring much peace and security.
Answer 2:
Married people can be happy if they keep strengthening their friendship. This includes spending time together, conversing sincerely, enjoying spiritual activities, and making an effort to resolve problems. Marriage needs constant attention, but the results fully merit the effort.
Answer 3:
Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages us to enjoy life with our husband or wife. Jehovah wants marriages to be happy, not simply to endure. When the two love Jehovah and treat each other as best friends, they can enjoy a relationship that gives them security, peace, and joy.
BOX: “What Place Does It Have in Our Life?”
Comment 1
Jehovah should always occupy first place. We cannot allow love for our mate to lead us to disobey his standards. But this order does not lessen the value of marriage; on the contrary, when both put Jehovah first, they have a firm basis for treating each other with love and respect.
Comment 2
The husband or the wife occupies second place, above other friendships and responsibilities. Being one flesh means that we should not neglect our mate by constantly attending to others. Caring for his emotional and spiritual well-being is a way to show loyal love.
Comment 3
Having many responsibilities can make it difficult to keep balance. But Philippians 1:10 encourages us to make sure of the more important things. The box helps us to review whether our schedule and our decisions truly reflect the value we give to Jehovah and to our marriage.
BOX: “Helps to Strengthen Your Friendship”
Comment 1
It is very encouraging to know that Jehovah has provided abundant help for married couples. The brochure Your Family Can Be Happy, the videos, and the articles about the family can serve both to prevent problems and to improve a relationship that is already going through difficulties.
Comment 2
These helps yield better results when both use them with humility. It is not good to read an article thinking only about what the other one should change. It is more beneficial to ask ourselves: “What can I apply in order to be a better husband or a better wife?”
Comment 3
Seeking help is not a sign that the marriage is lost. On the contrary, it shows that both value their relationship and want to protect it. Jehovah can use his Word, his publications, and the advice of mature brothers to give direction, hope, and strength to a marriage.
COMMENTS ON THE PICTURES
Picture of the couple during courtship
Comment 1:
The picture shows the couple conversing in a wholesome social setting. This reminds us that courtship should not develop in isolation. Being with mature friends makes it possible to get to know the other person better and to observe how he behaves in normal situations.
Comment 2:
It also teaches that getting to know someone takes time. A few pleasant conversations are not enough. It is necessary to observe how the person treats others, to listen to good suggestions, and to allow the relationship to advance prudently, without pressure or haste.
Picture of the married couple spending time together
Comment 1:
The picture shows that strengthening the friendship does not require doing something extraordinary. The couple is enjoying a simple moment together. This encourages us to look for activities that both can enjoy and to set aside regular time to talk and to share.
Comment 2:
The friendship grows stronger when both take an interest in what the other likes. One may enjoy an activity more than the other, but taking part affectionately shows that we value our mate and want him to feel accompanied.
Picture of the couple facing a problem
Comment 1:
The picture shows a wife expressing her feelings while her husband listens calmly. It is a good reminder that resolving problems does not mean avoiding difficult conversations but facing them with respect, patience, and a true desire to understand the other.
Comment 2:
The open Bible and the available help on the table remind us that Jehovah should be present in the process. A marriage can improve when both pray, look for Bible principles, and concentrate on repairing the bond instead of accumulating resentment.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What will help a single Christian to choose well the person who will be his best friend for the rest of his life?
Answer 1:
It will help him to follow Jehovah’s guidance and to look for someone who is a baptized Witness, a friend of God, and with a good reputation. He should also analyze the person’s personality, spiritual goals, way of treating others, and ability to resolve disagreements with maturity.
Answer 2:
It is good to make use of courtship to get to know the person well and to ask for the opinions of mature brothers. Love should not prevent us from seeing warning signs. Choosing with calmness, prayer, and good judgment can help to form a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Answer 3:
The goal is not to find a perfect person but someone who loves Jehovah deeply and who will help us to serve him better. When the two desire to put God first, they have an excellent basis for becoming the best of friends.
What can the husband and the wife do to strengthen their friendship?
Answer 1:
They can regularly set aside time to be together, talk about their feelings, enjoy shared activities, and show affection. They can also take an interest in each other’s likes and reduce distractions, such as excessive use of the phone, in order to truly listen to each other.
Answer 2:
Spiritual activities are especially important. Reading the Bible, praying together, and preaching together greatly strengthens the friendship because it unites them around what is most important: their love for Jehovah and the desire to serve him as a married couple.
Answer 3:
They should also give their relationship the place it deserves. After Jehovah, the husband or the wife should be the main priority. Making decisions with the other’s well-being in mind protects trust and helps both to feel loved.
What can help a marriage to stay united despite problems?
Answer 1:
It can help them to remember that problems are inevitable in an imperfect world, but the marriage is still very valuable. Instead of giving up quickly, they should make an effort to restore the relationship with patience, humility, and love.
Answer 2:
First Corinthians 13:4-8 can help them to examine their attitude. If they make an effort to be patient, kind, forgiving, and unselfish, it will be easier to resolve disagreements and to strengthen again the friendship that united them.
Answer 3:
Above all, they need to rely on Jehovah. Praying together, applying Bible counsel, and asking for mature help when necessary turns the marriage into a threefold cord. With Jehovah as part of the relationship, they will have more strength to stay united.
Discover more from Comentarios para la Reunión TJ
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
