LIVING AS CHRISTIANS, Week of June 1-7, 2026, Be Courageous Like Jeremiah! Analysis and Answers.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS, June 1-7, 2026, Be Courageous Like Jeremiah! Analysis and Answers.

Be brave like Jeremiah! (6 mins.) Discussion with the audience.

Play the video Learn from Jehovah's Friends: Jeremiah. Then ask:

What did Jeremiah do to become a friend of Jehovah? (Jer 1:6-8).

He overcame his fears: Although at first he felt very young and afraid to talk to people, he even said, “I’m just a boy.” However, he trusted in Jehovah’s promises of protection, who assured him that he would be with him to save him. That trust gave him courage and enabled him to overcome his fears.

He preached with courage: Although it was not easy, she faithfully communicated the words that Jehovah had entrusted her to convey, because she loved him deeply. Therefore, she warned the people with firmness and courage.

The opposition held firm: He never stopped speaking about Jehovah, even when people rejected him, mocked him, or tried to stop him. He stood firm and continued proclaiming the message.

He remained loyal: He remained faithful to Jehovah and obeyed his commands throughout his assignment, proving himself to be a true friend of God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jeremiah became a friend of Jehovah because he trusted in him and was willing to obey him. When Jehovah gave him the assignment to speak in his name, Jeremiah felt afraid and thought he was too young to do it. However, instead of making excuses and giving up, he listened to Jehovah and accepted his help. In time, he showed that he trusted Jehovah more than his own fears, and that strengthened his friendship with him.

Jeremiah was honest about how he felt. He did not hide his worries but expressed them to Jehovah. This teaches us that we can do the same when we feel nervous or insecure, because Jehovah understands our feelings and can give us the help we need.

Jeremiah did not let fear decide for him. Although he knew the task would be difficult, he pressed on because he trusted in Jehovah’s promises. This reminds us that when Jehovah asks something of us, he always gives us the strength and guidance needed to accomplish it.

Who do you want to talk to about Jehovah?

To all who want to listen, whether friends, colleagues, teachers, family members, or neighbors. In this way, we can feel the same joy that Jeremiah felt when speaking about Jehovah and help others draw closer to Him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

I would like to share information about Jehovah with those around me, such as family, friends, classmates, or coworkers. Many people are going through problems, worries, or uncertainties, and I believe that getting to know Jehovah can give them hope and peace. Just as someone took the time to teach me about Jehovah, I too would like to help others get to know him.

Sometimes we think we need to give a very detailed explanation, but often a simple question or a kind comment can spark someone's interest. That encourages me to take advantage of the opportunities that arise in everyday conversations.

When I think about the benefits I have received from learning about Jehovah and applying his counsel, I feel a desire to share those truths with others so that they too can enjoy that same help and happiness.

What would you say to help him become a friend of Jehovah?

I might say to a friend, "When I'm sad or worried, I really like to pray to God, because I know He listens to me like a true friend."

I would offer practical advice. For example, I might say, “I found some really good advice in the Bible that helped me solve a problem with my parents or friends. Would you like me to show it to you?”

A very simple thing I could do is show him the animations on our website, jw.org. I could ask him, “Have you seen the videos of Caleb and Sofia? They cover school topics and situations that happen to all of us, and they teach some really nice lessons. Would you like to watch them?”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

I would tell him that Jehovah is a loving God who cares about each one of us and wants us to have a close friendship with him. I would also explain that we can draw close to Jehovah through prayer, reading the Bible, and learning more about his personality.

Furthermore, I would tell him that becoming a friend of Jehovah is a process that is achieved little by little, as we get to know him better and put into practice what we learn.

I would share a Bible account with him, such as the one about Jeremiah, to show him that Jehovah helps those who trust in him. That can help him see that Jehovah not only helped his servants in the past, but also helps us today.

I would also explain that no one needs to be perfect to draw close to Jehovah. He values ​​our sincere efforts and is pleased when we take small steps to get to know him better. Knowing this can be very encouraging to someone who thinks they could never be a friend of God.

“Ready to present a defense [...] with gentleness and deep respect” (9 mins.) Discussion with the audience.

Read 1 Peter 3:15. Then ask:

What other qualities do we need when explaining our beliefs?

Mildness: This quality allows us to explain our beliefs gently, patiently, and never aggressively. We can demonstrate it by letting the other person finish speaking before responding, thus showing that we value their point of view, even if we don't share it.

Respect and reverence: We must show respect for others and reverence for God's message. We can demonstrate this quality by avoiding hurtful words or a tone of intellectual superiority, and by focusing on sharing our faith rather than trying to win an argument.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In addition to courage, we need gentleness and deep respect, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15. We also need humility, patience, and love for others. These qualities help us express our beliefs in a kind and considerate way. When we listen attentively and respond calmly, we demonstrate that we not only know the Bible's teachings but also strive to apply them in our lives.

Calmness is very important because it helps us remain calm when someone doesn't share our beliefs or asks difficult questions. Instead of reacting impulsively, we can respond calmly and reasonably, which leaves a better impression.

Humility is also essential. It helps us remember that we are sharing a message from Jehovah, not our own ideas. Furthermore, it enables us to listen to the other person’s point of view and show genuine interest in their feelings and concerns.

Why are these qualities important?

Because these qualities can determine whether people will listen to the message or reject it immediately. If used well, they can achieve the following:

Breaking down prejudices: Kindness or gentleness can disarm the hostility of those who have a bad image of religion.

Reflect the qualities of Jesus: A peaceful attitude imitates the personality of Jesus and gives credibility to what we preach.

Open minds: People are generally more willing to reason when they do not feel attacked or judged.

Protect dignity: Respect recognizes the person's free will to accept or reject the message.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

These qualities are important because our goal is not to win an argument, but to help people get to know Jehovah. The way we speak can greatly influence how others receive the message. When we show respect, kindness, and patience, we reflect the qualities of Jehovah and Jesus. This makes people feel more comfortable and more willing to listen to what we have to say.

When someone questions or even criticizes our beliefs, responding respectfully demonstrates Christian maturity and self-control. This can have a far greater positive impact than any argument we could present.

These qualities also help people remember not only the message, but also how they were treated. Even if someone doesn't accept our beliefs at that moment, they may be motivated to learn more in the future by seeing our kind and respectful attitude.

Play the video “The result of true righteousness will be peace.” Then ask:

Based on what we saw in the video, what can help us tactfully explain what we believe about homosexuality?

Differentiating between the practice and the person: The key point is to make it clear that we don't reject people—we're not homophobic—but rather that we choose to guide our lives by the moral standards of Scripture. This is how Olivia explained it to her teacher and classmates.

Maintain a peaceful and calm demeanor: When discussing this topic with others, integrity is demonstrated by maintaining self-control, speaking tactfully, and responding kindly, without judging or attacking those who think differently.

Biblical morality is a personal choice: We do not seek to impose our values ​​on those who do not share our faith, but we claim the same right and freedom to decide what principles will govern our own conduct.

Focus on the Creator's standards: We can explain that our position is not based on personal or social prejudices, but on voluntary respect for God's original design for family and marriage, as Sister Irene explained to her co-worker, Martha.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Based on what we saw in the video, one way to tactfully explain our beliefs about homosexuality is to remember that we should treat all people with respect and dignity. Instead of being critical or argumentative, we can focus on calmly explaining that our beliefs are based on Bible teachings and that we strive to follow Jehovah’s standards because we trust they are for our benefit.

The video taught us that it is important to distinguish between the person and their choices. Jehovah loves people, and we too should show them love and respect, even if we do not share the same ideas or lifestyles.

It also helps us remember that our goal is not to judge anyone, but to give a good witness. If we speak kindly and tactfully, the other person is more likely to understand that our beliefs stem from our love for Jehovah and his standards.

When someone asks us about this topic, we can first listen to their point of view and then respond respectfully. This shows genuine interest in the person and makes the conversation more pleasant and productive.