Watchtower Study, Week of December 1-7, 2025, Let Us Help Immediately Those Who Have “the Right Attitude,” Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, December 1-7, 2025, Let Us Help Immediately Those Who Have “the Right Attitude,” Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“All who had the right attitude to gain eternal life became believers” (ACTS 13:48).

1. In what ways do people react when we preach to them? (Acts 13:47, 48; 16:14, 15).

In the first century, many people accepted the truth as soon as the message was preached to them (read Acts 13:47, 48; 16:14, 15). Today, there are also those who joyfully accept the good news from the very first moment they hear it. Even those who initially show no interest may later open their hearts and want to learn about God. What should we do when, while preaching, we encounter people who have "the right attitude"?

2. In what sense can preaching be described as tending a garden?

2 In a certain sense, one could say that preaching is like tending a garden. While a farmer is planting and cultivating plants, he might see that another one already has ripe fruit, so he immediately goes to harvest it. Similarly, as we cultivate people's interest in helping them understand the value of what the Bible teaches, we might find someone who is ready to accept the message, so we immediately do everything we can to help them. (John 4:35, 36). If we are observant, we can distinguish between the two types of people and know how to attend to each one. In this article, we will see what we can do during the first conversation if we see that the person is already willing to accept the message. We will also talk about how to help them continue to progress.

IF THE PERSON IS INTERESTED IN THE MESSAGE

3. If we are preaching and we find a person interested in the message, what can we do? (1 Corinthians 9:26).

3 If we are preaching and we find a person interested in the message, we want to help them immediately to start walking the path that leads to life. There's no need to wait: during the first conversation, it's best to offer her a Bible course and invite her to attend our meetings. (it’s 1 Corinthians 9:26).

4. What experience shows that there are people willing to accept a Bible course from the very beginning?

4. Offer them a course. Some people are willing to accept a Bible course from the very beginning. Let's look at a case that happened in Canada. One Thursday, a girl approached a cart and took a pamphlet, Enjoy Life. The sister there explained that the pamphlet included a free Bible course. The girl said she was interested and gave her phone number. Furthermore, that same day she sent her a message asking about the course. The sister suggested meeting that weekend, but the girl replied, "Why not tomorrow? I'm available." The next day they started the course, that same weekend she attended her first meeting, and then she continued to progress very quickly.

5. What should we keep in mind when offering a Bible course? (See also the images.)

5 Of course, not everyone who listens to us is like this girl. We must keep in mind that, in many cases, it may be necessary to first talk about a topic that catches the person's attention in order to get them interested. Even so, if we maintain a positive attitude and show personal interest, we may soon be able to start a course. What can we say to offer it? That's exactly what was asked of several brothers and sisters who are very skilled at starting Bible courses. Let's see what they answered.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. Two brothers preach to an elderly man sitting outdoors in his driveway. 2. Two sisters preach to a woman at her front door and give her the booklet “Enjoy Life.” The woman is holding her youngest child and her older child is standing beside her.

What would you say to the people in these pictures to encourage them to learn more about the Bible? (See paragraph 5.)

6. What can we do to get the person to allow us to return and continue talking about the Bible?

6 These publishers and pioneers explained that in some places it may be better not to use words like class, course, or study with the person. They find it more effective to use expressions like conversation, discussion, and getting to know the Bible better. To bring up the topic of wanting to return, they suggest saying things like, “It’s amazing how the Bible answers questions you’ve had your whole life,” or “The Bible doesn’t just talk about religious things; it also gives very practical and useful advice.” And perhaps add, “In just 10 or 15 minutes, you can learn things that can really help you.” It is not necessary to include that we want to go every week, as this will prevent the person from feeling overwhelmed or obligated.

7. When do some people realize that they have found the truth? (1 Corinthians 14:23-25).

7. Invite her to a meeting. Apparently, in the apostle Paul’s day, some people realized they had found the truth when they attended their first Christian meeting (read 1 Corinthians 14:23-25). The same is true today. Many people progress more quickly when they begin attending our meetings. So when should we invite the person? The book Enjoy Life includes an invitation in lesson 10, but we don't have to wait until then. We can encourage them to attend the weekend meeting even in our first conversation, perhaps by mentioning the title of the public talk or a point from that week's Watchtower article.

8. If we invite someone to a meeting, what can we explain to them? (Isaiah 54:13).

8 When we invite the person, let's explain the differences between what we do in our meetings and what is done in other religions they may know. After attending the Watchtower Study for the first time, a student asked her Bible teacher, “Does the person asking the questions know everyone’s name?” The sister explained that the congregation is like a family, so everyone tries to learn each other’s names. The student replied that in her church, hardly anyone knows anyone else’s name. Many may not know the purpose of our meetings, so it would be good to explain it to them (read Isaiah 54:13). We meet to worship Jehovah, learn from him, and encourage one another. (Heb. 2:12; 10:24, 25). That is why our meetings are characterized by being educational and organized, but not ceremonial (1 Cor. 14:40). Since we go to the Kingdom Hall to learn, we make sure that the auditoriums are well lit. Furthermore, we are neutral, so we don't discuss political topics or support any party. We also don't hold debates or shout at our meetings. To give you an idea of ​​what to expect, we can show you the video. What are our meetings like?

9, 10. If we invite someone to a meeting, what can we say to help them overcome their possible fears? (See also the image.)

9 Some do not dare to go to a meeting because they fear that they will be told that they have to become Jehovah's Witnesses. Therefore, let us assure the person that those who are not Witnesses are welcome; if she wants, she can come and sit and listen, and no one will pressure her to participate or to change her religion. There are no separate meetings for children, so families can attend and sit together to learn. That way, parents always know where their children are and what they are being taught. (Deut. 31:12). We don't collect money or ask for it, because we do what Jesus said: "You received freely, give freely." (Matt. 10:8). Furthermore, we can tell you that you don't need to wear expensive clothes. God doesn't look at appearances, but at the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7).

10 If the person attends, let's do everything we can to make them feel comfortable. We can introduce them to the elders and other brothers and sisters. If we can make them feel at ease, they are more likely to return. During the meeting, if they don't have a Bible, let's show them the scriptures in ours and how to follow along with the discussion.

ILLUSTRATION

The brothers at the Kingdom Hall give a warm welcome to the woman in the previous picture. She is holding her youngest child while her older son talks to another child.

The sooner a person attends meetings, the faster they will progress. (See paragraphs 9 and 10.)

IF WE START A BIBLE COURSE

11. How do we show that we respect the person's time?

11 If we start a Bible study with someone, what things should we keep in mind? It is important to respect the person's time. For example, if we tell you that we're going to go at a certain time, let's keep our word, even if the people in the area don't place much importance on punctuality. In addition, it might be a good idea to keep the first session reasonably short. Some experienced siblings suggest not going beyond what was agreed upon, even if the person wants to continue. And let's avoid talking too much; let her express herself. (Prov. 10:19).

12. What should our goal be from the first class?

12 When teaching someone the Bible, our goal from the very first session should be for them to come to know and love Jehovah and Jesus. To achieve this, we must teach everything using the Bible and not rely on our own knowledge. (Neh. 10:25, 26) The apostle Paul centered his teaching on Jesus Christ, the person Jehovah sent to help us to know and love him. (1 Cor. 2:1, 2). Paul also made it clear that it was very important to help new disciples cultivate qualities that are as valuable as gold, silver, and precious stones (1 Cor. 3:11-15). Some of these are faith, wisdom, discernment, and the fear of Jehovah (Ps. 19:9, 10; Prov. 3:13-15; 1 Pet. 1:7). Let us follow his example and help students cultivate strong faith and a close friendship with their loving heavenly Father (2 Cor. 1:24).

13. How can we be patient and understanding with the student? (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5; see also the picture.)

13 Let us imitate Jesus' way of teaching by being patient and understanding. Let's not ask the student questions that make them feel uncomfortable. If we notice they're not understanding a point, let's continue with the lesson and come back to it later. And if we see that he has difficulty accepting some teaching, let's not try to pressure him, but let's allow time for the truth to reach his heart. (John 16:12; Col. 2:6, 7). The Bible compares false teachings to a stronghold that must be torn down (read 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5; see the study note “Tearing Down Strongly Entrenched Things”). In order for a person to be able to break down deeply held beliefs, we first have to help them make Jehovah their refuge. (Ps. 91:9).

ILLUSTRATION

The man in the previous image is studying the book "Enjoy Life" with two brothers. In the background, on a shelf, two military medals can be seen.

Let us allow time for the truth to reach the heart. (See paragraph 13).

IF THE PERSON ATTENDS A MEETING

14. How should we treat those who come to our meetings?

14 Jehovah wants us to be impartial and to treat with love all people who come to our meetings, regardless of their culture, economic status, or place of origin. (James 2:1-4, 9). Let's look at some practical ways to do this.

15, 16. What can we do to make new people feel comfortable?

15 Some people attend a meeting simply out of curiosity or because someone who lives in another area has encouraged them to go. So, if we see someone new come in, let's go over and welcome them. Let's be friendly, but without overwhelming them. We can invite him to sit with us. Let's get him a Bible and publications, or share ours with him. Let's think of other ways to make him feel comfortable. For example, a man who went to a Kingdom Hall remembers being nervous because he felt the clothing was too informal. To reassure him, the brother who greeted him told him not to worry, that Jehovah's Witnesses are ordinary people. That man eventually got baptized and never forgot the brother's reaction. However, although we show personal interest in those who come to our meetings, we must be very careful not to intrude on their private affairs. (1 Ped. 4:15).

16 What else can we do to make people feel welcome? For example, we should be respectful if we say anything about non-Witnesses or their beliefs in our conversations, comments, and contributions at the meeting. Let's not say anything that could offend visitors and make them not want to return. (Tito 2:8; 3:2). For example, it would not be right to belittle the beliefs of others (2 Cor. 6:3). Brothers who are giving public talks should be very careful about this. They should also show consideration for visitors by explaining words and concepts that we often use and that they may not understand.

17. What should our goal be if we find someone who has “the right attitude”?

17 Each day the preaching becomes more urgent and we continue to find people who have “the right attitude to gain eternal life” (Acts 13:48). So, if we preach to someone willing to accept the message, let's not hesitate to offer them a Bible study and invite them to our meetings. In this way, we will help them begin walking on "the path that leads to life." (Matt. 7:14).

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What can we do during the first conversation if we see that the person has "the right attitude"?

If during our first conversation we see that the person has "the right attitude," we want to help them immediately begin walking the path that leads to life. There's no need to wait: during that first conversation, the best thing to do is offer them a Bible course and invite them to attend our meetings.

If we start teaching someone the Bible, what suggestions can we apply from the very first lesson?

We can imitate Jesus by teaching with patience and understanding. Let's avoid asking the student questions that might make them uncomfortable. If we notice that they are having trouble understanding a point, let's continue with the lesson and return to it later. And if we see that they are finding it difficult to accept a certain teaching, let's not pressure them; rather, let's give them time for the truth to sink into their heart.

What can we do to make people who come to our meetings feel comfortable?

We can welcome him and be friendly, but without overwhelming him. We can also invite him to sit with us and help him get a Bible and publications, or share ours with him.

Although we show personal interest in those who attend our meetings, we must be very careful not to intrude on their private affairs. Furthermore, we must be respectful when speaking about non-Witnesses or their beliefs in our conversations, comments, and interventions during the meeting.