Watchtower Study, Week of April 27 to May 3, 2026, How to Prepare for Difficulties After Baptism, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, April 27-May 3, 2026, How to Prepare for Difficulties After Baptism, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“May my steps remain in your paths” (Ps. 17:5).

1, 2. How can we prepare ourselves for the problems we may face in our Christian life? Give an example.

We know that in Satan's world, everyone will face problems. In fact, Jesus realistically warned his followers: “Stumbling blocks are bound to come.” (Matt. 18:7). So we can expect problems to arise in our Christian life, perhaps even with our brothers and sisters, and that is why it is wise to prepare ourselves beforehand.

2 Let's take an example. Jehovah’s organization regularly reminds us to be prepared for possible natural disasters. How do we do this? First, we find out what disasters might occur where we live. This is especially important if we are new to the area. Second, we make plans for how to respond to each type of disaster. (Prov. 21:5). Similarly, we can also think about the problems we might face in our Christian life and prepare ourselves now to know how to act in each situation. In this way, those problems will not affect us as much or damage our relationship with Jehovah. (Psalm 17:5). Let's analyze three possible difficulties and how to prepare for each of them.

IF A BROTHER OFFENDS HIM

3. What difficulties might we encounter in the congregation?

Do you remember how you felt the first time you attended a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Perhaps you noticed the love the brothers showed one another, and that convinced you that you had found the truth (John 13:35; Col. 3:12). That's what happened to Blanca. However, she says that after her baptism, something unexpected happened: “A sister treated me very badly. And on top of that, I saw that she used to criticize others. I didn't expect it, because I had been taught that Jehovah's Witnesses strive to be peaceful and show love.” It is true that the brothers do their best to develop Christian qualities, but they are still imperfect (Eph. 4:23, 24; 1 John 1:8). So it is likely that sooner or later someone will do or say something that hurts us. (James 3:8). Unfortunately, some have been so offended that they have stopped serving Jehovah.

4. What can we do to be ready now in case a brother offends us? (Ephesians 4:32).

4 What can you do now to be ready in case a brother hurts or offends you? Make it a habit to apply the counsel of Ephesians 4:32 (read it). If you do all you can to be kind and compassionate, you will surely avoid unnecessary problems with others. Set yourself the goal of generously forgiving those who hurt you. What will help him achieve it? Remember how often you ask Jehovah for forgiveness for your mistakes and how he always generously forgives you (Matt. 6:12). If you meditate on this with gratitude, it will be easier for you to forgive others.

5. If someone offends us, what Bible principle can help us? (Proverbs 19:11; see also the pictures.)

(See Proverbs 19:11). The Bible says that when someone offends us, insight can help us to curb our anger. A sister named Rima, who has been baptized for a few years, shares how this principle has helped her: “When the brothers do something that I find hurtful, I immediately remember Proverbs 19:11. I try to think about their circumstances and experiences and what might have led them to act that way. I also try to go out preaching with them so that I can get to know them better.” It is certainly good that from now on we try to get to know and understand our brothers and sisters better. In this way, if they ever offend us, it will be easier for us to forgive them.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A brother is offended by the way another brother speaks to him while they are doing maintenance work in the outdoor area of ​​a Kingdom Hall. 2. Later, the brother who was offended happily preaches from house to house with the other brother.

If we have a misunderstanding with a brother, let us try to preach with him. (See paragraph 5.)

6. What will help us to enjoy good friendships in the congregation?

6 What can you do to enjoy good friendships in the congregation? As you get to know the siblings, strive to focus on their good qualities. (compare with Proverbs 10:12; Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:2, 3). Let’s consider the case of a newly baptized brother named Mark. As he spent more time with the brothers, he began to notice their imperfections. What did he do to prevent this from causing him to stumble, that is, to drift away from Jehovah and his brothers? He explains: “I realized that I was making too much of minor mistakes, which were nothing compared to the terrible attitudes and actions one sees in the world. I understood that I needed to change my way of thinking and focus more on the good qualities of my brothers.” If you do the same, you will enjoy good friendships in the congregation.

IF YOU START TO MISS WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND

7. What might lead us to miss the things we left behind?

7 When you learned the truth and left Satan's world behind, you must have felt a great sense of relief. So you may find it hard to believe that anyone could ever miss that world. However, life's problems might cause one to remember—or even miss—some of the things one left behind to serve Jehovah. (compare with Numbers 11:4-6). For example, some brothers have given up jobs that gave them a lot of prestige but took up almost all of their time. Others may have seen close friends drift away from them when they began to study the Bible. And there are those who have overcome an addiction that Jehovah hates but that gave them a certain pleasure. How sad Jehovah would be if a Christian turned away from him by returning to his old ways! What can you do now to ensure that never happens to you?

8. What do we learn from Abraham and Sarah?

8 In the Bible we find examples of faithful servants who may have come to miss what they had left behind. For example, Abraham and Sarah, in obedience to Jehovah, left the prosperous, fortified city of Ur and went to live in tents (Heb. 11:8, 9). They probably did remember the comforts they had in Ur at some point. However, if they had continued to dwell on what they had left behind, they might have been tempted to return. Instead of dwelling on what their life was like before, they focused on the future. (Heb. 11:15, 16).

9. How did the apostle Paul view the things he gave up? (Philippians 3:7, 8, 13).

9 The apostle Paul also gave up many things to serve Jehovah. Before becoming a Christian, he was a student of a highly respected Jewish law teacher named Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Paul had everything going for him to become a prominent Jewish religious leader (Gal. 1:13, 14). However, when he accepted the good news, he left it all behind. Was his life easy from then on? No. In fact, the Jews themselves hated him, beat him, and threw him in prison (2 Cor. 11:23-26). Had he focused on those difficulties, he might have concluded that his life as a Jew was better than his life as a Christian. But he didn't. Instead, he focused on the immense privilege of being a follower of Jesus and the wonderful reward he would receive in the future. Paul had no doubt that those blessings far outweighed the sacrifices he had made. (see Philippians 3:7, 8, 13).

10. What things should we meditate on frequently? (Mark 10:29, 30; see also the pictures.)

10 What is the lesson? If you find yourself thinking about the things you left behind, also remember why you gave them up. (Ecl. 7:10). Think of how many blessings you enjoy because you stand in the truth. For example, you have a close friendship with the Sovereign of the universe (Prov. 3:32). You also have a large spiritual family who love you very much (read Mark 10:29, 30). And what a wonderful future awaits you! (Is. 65:21-23). If you frequently meditate on all the good things you have because of serving Jehovah, you will be less likely to miss what you gave up.

ILLUSTRATION

Instead of dwelling nostalgically on the things we have left behind, let us enjoy the valuable ministry that Jehovah has entrusted to us. (See paragraph 10.)

11. What do you learn from Rosemary?

11 Let's look at the case of Rosemary, who was baptized when she was over 50 years old. She says: “At first, I really missed celebrating Christmas. For me, it was an opportunity to be with my family and give them presents. I loved seeing the children around the Christmas tree opening their gifts with such excitement.” What helped her stop longing for all of that? Rosemary explains: “I came up with a way to replace Christmas. Every year on a different day, I gather the family together, give them presents, and tell them why I love them so much.” But there was something else she found difficult. She adds: “When I learned the truth, my lifelong friends abandoned me. Sometimes I missed them and felt lonely.” What did she do? She started making plans with several sisters to preach. She says: “I made new friends whom I love and value.” How can Rosemary's example help you? If you miss something that made you happy before you knew the truth, why not try replacing it with something that also brings you joy and that Jehovah likes? (Phil. 4:8, 9). Don't forget: with Jehovah, you always gain much more than you lose.

IF OTHERS FORSAKE JEHOVAH

12. What situation might prove particularly difficult?

12 When you became a Witness, you surely felt happy to leave this morally corrupt world and enter a spiritual oasis (Isa. 65:14). But perhaps from time to time he will hear that a brother has sinned seriously or has even been removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:13). Consider what a sister named Samar relates: “I had just been baptized when an elder committed a serious sin and was removed from the congregation. That tested my faith. I could not believe that an elder could sin against Jehovah and the congregation.” Of course, we must always trust that our brothers and sisters love Jehovah and want to be faithful to him (1 Cor. 13:4, 7). But we are also realistic: every year some are removed from the congregation. And it is especially difficult if it is a friend, a relative, or someone we deeply respect.

13. How can we prepare ourselves so that our faith will not be affected if someone very close to us leaves Jehovah?

13 How can you prepare so that your faith will not be affected if someone very close to you leaves Jehovah? Do not neglect to strengthen your own relationship with Jehovah (James 4:8). Do not let your faith depend on whether others are faithful or not. It is true that we study the Bible and pray as a family and as a congregation, but each of us must do our own prayers and personal Bible reading. (Ps. 1:2; 62:8).

14. What do we learn from the apostle Peter? (John 6:66-68).

14 The example of the apostle Peter can also help us. On one occasion, many disciples stopped following Jesus because they did not understand what he said. Perhaps Peter did not understand Jesus’ words either, but let us remember what his response was (read John 6:66-68). Although some abandoned Jesus, Peter did not because he knew that Jesus taught the truth. In the same way, although some may leave Jehovah's organization, we do not because we know that we learn the truth there. We value the truth very much, and therefore we are faithful to Jehovah. Samar, mentioned in paragraph 12, says: “I always remind myself that a person’s bad actions do not represent the congregation or the organization; nor do they represent Jehovah’s qualities.”

15. What do you learn from Emily?

15 Let’s consider Emily’s case. Just one week after her baptism, her mother abandoned the family and was expelled from the congregation. Emily says: “I never thought my mom was capable of doing something like that. This has been the hardest thing that has ever happened to me. I miss her so much!” What has helped Emily? She explains: “I’m not alone. I have the support of my dad and the brothers and sisters in the congregation, who have been like family to me. We are all struggling with something.” That is why it is important that we remain united and encourage one another” (1 Pet. 5:9). So don’t wait until you are going through problems to make good friends in the congregation. Make an effort now to get to know your siblings better. That way, no matter what happens, you're less likely to feel alone.

16. What should we not forget? (See also the image).

16 On the other hand, do not forget that Jehovah disciplines those he loves (Heb. 12:6). He wants all those who have been removed from the congregation to return. (2 Ped. 3:9). Therefore, if a friend or relative has been removed from the congregation, he can be sure that the elders will do everything in their power to help him return to Jehovah. (2 Tim. 2:24, 25).

ILLUSTRATION

Two elders visit a man who was removed from the congregation. One of the elders is holding an open Bible, and the other is showing the man a lesson from the booklet “Jehovah Wants You to Return.”

If someone close to us is removed from the congregation, let us remember that the elders want to help him return to Jehovah. (See paragraph 16.)

17. What can we be sure of?

17 We have discussed some of the challenges you may face after your baptism. Although some may seem significant, there is no need to worry. There are many things you can do to prepare beforehand. And never forget that you have Jehovah, who can give you the best possible help. He has already supported you in the past and will continue to do so in the future (1 Pet. 5:10). He will always give you the strength and endurance to face any difficulty. Take advantage of Jehovah's help and nothing will be able to separate you from him. (Ps. 119:165; Rom. 8:38, 39).

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR DIFFICULTIES LIKE THESE?

A brother offends us.

We can apply the advice of Ephesians 4:32. If we do all in our power to be kind and compassionate, we will surely avoid unnecessary problems with others.

Furthermore, let us set ourselves the goal of generously forgiving those who hurt us. Let us remember how often we ask Jehovah for forgiveness for our mistakes and how he always generously forgives us. If we meditate on this with gratitude, it will become easier for us to forgive others.

Let us also keep in mind the principle of Proverbs 19:11, which says that when someone offends us, insight can help us to restrain our anger.

We begin to miss what we left behind.

We can think about how many blessings we enjoy because we are in the truth. For example, we have a close friendship with the Sovereign of the universe. We also have a large spiritual family who loves us very much, in addition to the wonderful future that awaits us. If we frequently meditate on all the good things we have because of serving Jehovah, we will be less likely to miss what we have given up.

Someone is removed from the congregation.

Let us not neglect to strengthen our own relationship with Jehovah. Let us not allow our faith to depend on the faithfulness of others. It is true that we study the Bible and pray as a family and as a congregation, but each of us must offer our own prayers and personal Bible reading.