Watchtower Study, Why We Are Happy Even Though They Hate Us, Week of June 1-7, 2026, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, Why We Are Happy Even Though They Hate Us, June 1-7, 2026, Comments and Responses.

“Blessed are you when [...] people hate you” (LUKE 6:22).

1. What surprising words did Jesus say?

The surprising words Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount were: “Blessed are you when people hate you.” These words surely surprised those who heard them, because no one likes to be hated.

WHY DO PEOPLE HATE US?

2, 3. a) What is one reason why true Christians are persecuted? (John 16:2, 3).

One reason true Christians are persecuted is because we worship Jehovah. The one behind all the hatred toward God’s people is Satan, “the god of this system.” He blinds people’s minds so they cannot learn the truth about Jehovah and influences them to turn against those who know and love God.

Speaking of those who would persecute and even kill some of his followers, Jesus said: “They have not come to know either the Father or me,” as recorded at John 16:2, 3.

2, 3.b) What effect does knowing this have on our way of seeing the opposition?

Understanding that they have been deceived by Satan helps us not to hate them. Recognizing that the cause of the persecution is Satan and his demons, who never rest in their fight against pure worship, helps us understand that our true enemy is Satan, not the people he has deceived.

4. What do the examples of Jesus and Stephen teach us? (See also the image).

The examples of Jesus and Stephen teach us that Christians do not hate those who persecute us; on the contrary, we pray for them and desire that they come to know the truth.

They both asked God to forgive those who were hurting them, because they understood that many of those people did not know what they were doing or were influenced by others.

Furthermore, their examples show that some people who oppose God's servants today can change, repent, and come to serve Jehovah, as was the case with Saul of Tarsus, who, after becoming a Christian, deeply regretted the terrible things he had done because of his ignorance.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother with bruises on his face prays in his prison cell while a guard watches over him.

Just as Jesus and the disciple Stephen did, we can pray for those who persecute us. (See paragraph 4.)

5. What do you learn from Cesar's experience?

From Caesar's experience, we learn that we should never lose hope or stop praying for those who oppose the truth. His mother's efforts to be a good wife and mother, along with Caesar's heartfelt prayer to Jehovah, helped his father change his attitude, accept Bible study, and finally get baptized.

This experience also teaches us that some people can have their hearts softened by our Christian conduct and respectful way of speaking. In this way, Jehovah helps them to draw closer to him.

6. According to Mark 13:13, what is another reason why people hate us?

According to Mark 13:13, another reason why people hate us is because we support Jesus and acknowledge his authority as Jehovah’s chosen ruler. Many people trust human rulers and reject Jesus’ authority as King of God’s Kingdom, so they oppose those who acknowledge and support that authority.

7, 8. Why are some of Jehovah’s servants ridiculed? (John 15:18-20; see also the pictures.)

Some of Jehovah’s servants are ridiculed because they reject the thinking, acting, and speaking ways of Satan’s world. Jesus explained that people would hate his followers because they are “no part of the world.” Since they are no part of the world and strive to live in harmony with Bible principles, many people mock them.

However, good conduct and a firm adherence to God's standards can cause some people to change their attitude. This happened with Ignatius, whose teacher initially mocked him, but later he became interested in biblical teachings, began to study the Bible, and was eventually baptized.

ILLUSTRATION

Ignacio's school scene: 1. Ignacio sits, looking respectfully and calmly at his teacher, while the teacher mocks him in front of the other students. 2. Then, the teacher listens attentively to what Ignacio says.

Regardless of our age, we can all be courageous and stand up for our faith. (See paragraph 8).

9, 10. a) For what other reason are we different from Satan's world?

We are different from Satan's world because we are neutral in all matters related to politics and wars. Although we obey the laws of the land, we do not participate in political affairs or support any human candidate or government, for our loyalty is to Jehovah and his Kingdom, ruled by Christ.

9, 10. b) What do we learn from the example of the apostle Paul?

We learn that we must continue preaching the good news regardless of the circumstances, even when we face opposition or restrictions. Paul used his time under house arrest and in prison to share the good news with anyone willing to listen. His example teaches us to view every situation as an opportunity Jehovah gives us to find honesthearted people.

WHY WE CAN BE HAPPY WHEN THEY HATE US

11. Why is our faith strengthened by suffering persecution? Give an example.

Our faith is strengthened by suffering persecution because we see that what the Bible foretold is being fulfilled. Jehovah foretold that those who love and serve him would be hated by Satan and his symbolic offspring.

Furthermore, Jesus and other biblical writers spoke on many occasions about the hatred that God's servants would suffer. Therefore, when we face opposition or persecution, we are not surprised; on the contrary, we rejoice, because it confirms that we serve the true God.

One example is that of a sister who lived in a country where the ministry was restricted. Although her husband mistreated her and even burned her Bible and other publications, she remained faithful. Instead of weakening, her faith grew stronger because she understood that the persecution was foretold in the Bible. As she herself said: “Experiencing it firsthand convinced me that this is the true religion.”

12. What helped a brother endure persecution?

What helped one brother endure persecution was his constant prayer to Jehovah and his meditation on examples of faithful servants who remained loyal. The first thing he did each morning was pray, and throughout the day, when he faced difficulties, he spoke to Jehovah. Thanks to this, he was able to endure the persecution and experience the peace that Jesus promised his disciples.

13. What will help us overcome hatred?

What will help us overcome hatred is developing a deep love for Jehovah and for our brothers and sisters. Jesus demonstrated that love until his last breath: he loved his Father with all his heart and also his friends. If we imitate his example and strengthen our love for Jehovah and for our brothers and sisters, we too will be able to overcome hatred.

14. What helped Paul to be loyal when facing death?

What helped Paul to remain loyal in the face of death was his deep love for Jehovah. That love gave him courage, power, and strength to endure very difficult trials and remain faithful. Because of his love for God, Paul was able to act courageously and loyally in the face of death.

15. How are our brothers demonstrating that they feel a deep love for one another? (See also the picture.)

Our brothers and sisters are demonstrating their deep love for one another by supporting and encouraging those facing persecution, even risking their own lives for them. For example, in Russia, many brothers and sisters attend court hearings to accompany and strengthen those arrested for their faith. This support demonstrates their profound love for their brothers and sisters and strengthens those most in need.

ILLUSTRATION

Two female police officers escort a sister towards a patrol car while a group of brothers applaud her.

Even where our work is prohibited or restricted, our brothers are demonstrating that they feel a deep love for one another. (See paragraph 15.)

16. Why did the apostle Peter say that those who suffer opposition for serving God can be happy? (1 Peter 4:14).

The apostle Peter said that those who suffer opposition for serving God can be happy because that opposition demonstrates that they have Jehovah’s approval and that God’s spirit rests upon them. Therefore, even though the trials are difficult, they can rejoice in knowing that God considers them “worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.”

17. What did Jesus say to his disciples the night before his death?

The night before his death, Jesus told his disciples that whoever loves him will be loved by his Father, Jehovah, and also by him. Those words encourage us to eagerly await the day when love will finally reign and no one will hate us for serving Jehovah.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why do people hate followers of Jesus?

People hate followers of Jesus for three main reasons. First, because we worship Jehovah, and Satan, “the god of this system,” blinds people’s minds and influences them to oppose those who love God. Second, because we support Jesus and recognize his authority as King of God’s Kingdom, something many reject by putting their trust in human leaders. And third, because we reject Satan’s world, since we are not part of it and do not share his way of thinking, acting, and speaking.

In what sense is our love stronger than hate?

Our love is stronger than hate in that love for Jehovah and for our brothers can help us overcome hate and remain faithful despite opposition. Jesus demonstrated that love to his very last breath, loving his Father and his friends. If we imitate that example and develop the same kind of love, we will be able to resist hate.

Why can we be happy when we are hated?

We can be happy when we are hated because it shows that what the Bible foretold about God’s servants being persecuted is being fulfilled. Furthermore, we can be happy because love for Jehovah and for our brothers helps us to overcome hatred. We are also happy because opposition shows that we have God’s approval and that his spirit rests upon us.