Watchtower Study, “Article 18”, Week of June 29 to July 5, 2026, Continue to Strengthen Your Friendship as a Marriage, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 18”, June 29-July 5, 2026, Continue to Strengthen Your Friendship as a Marriage, Answers.

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (PROV. 18:24).

1. Why are good friends a gift from Jehovah?

Good friends are a gift from Jehovah, for they reflect many of the qualities he himself demonstrates toward us. James 1:17 reminds us that every good gift comes from Jehovah, and among those gifts are sincere friendships.

A true friend rejoices when we do well, supports us in difficult times, and has the courage to give us honest advice when we need it. Furthermore, as Proverbs 27:9 says, sweet friendship brings joy to the heart.

This makes us appreciate how valuable the people Jehovah places in our lives are for our spiritual strength. In the congregation, we enjoy many such friendships, and each one can help us to remain steadfast and happy as we serve Jehovah.

2. Why is it important for husband and wife to continue strengthening their friendship? (Matthew 19:6).

Matthew 19:6 shows that when two people marry, Jehovah considers them one flesh. That is why it is so important that their friendship continues to grow stronger over time. If they neglect that relationship, they could begin to feel distant, lonely, or misunderstood.

On the other hand, when they make an effort to get to know each other better, communicate, and spend time together, their union becomes stronger and more enjoyable. This leads us to believe that marriage doesn't automatically remain strong; it needs constant attention.

Just as we nurture our friendship with Jehovah through regular spiritual activities, husbands and wives should also nurture their friendship with each other. When they do, they enjoy a closer relationship, better support each other in facing challenges, and find greater happiness in daily life.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIEND FOR LIFE

3, 4. What will help us find a good husband or wife? (Proverbs 18:22).

To find a good husband or wife, we need to follow Jehovah’s guidance and base our decision on the principles in his Word. These paragraphs remind us that important decisions require reflection and careful analysis.

Proverbs 18:22 highlights the value of finding a good mate, while Isaiah 48:17, 18 shows that Jehovah always teaches us what is best for us. This suggests that we should not be guided solely by feelings or fleeting impressions. Rather, it is wise to calmly evaluate the spiritual and personal qualities of the person we are interested in.

In our congregation, we see many examples of happy marriages formed under Jehovah's guidance. When we trust in his direction, we are more likely to make a decision that will benefit us throughout our lives.

5. Why is it important that the person we choose be a baptized Witness?

It is important to choose a baptized Witness, because marriage is much more likely to be happy when both partners are friends of Jehovah. Psalm 25:14 shows that Jehovah maintains a special friendship with those who are faithful to him. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 7:39 encourages marriage only in the Lord.

When two people share the same beliefs, values, and spiritual goals, they can support each other in serving Jehovah. This leads us to believe that love for Jehovah should be a more important factor than any personal attraction.

It also avoids many problems that often arise in marriages where one spouse does not share the faith of the other, as 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns. Following this counsel demonstrates trust in Jehovah’s wisdom and respect for his standards.

6, 7. What questions should you ask yourself if you are interested in someone?

If we're interested in someone, we should look at much more than their appearance or a pleasant personality. The paragraphs suggest analyzing how they treat their family, what kind of friends they have, how they react to disagreements, and what their attitude is toward money.

It is also important to ask ourselves whether he or she truly loves Jehovah, whether they are striving to put on the new personality mentioned at Colossians 3:9, 10, and whether they will help us draw closer to God. This leads us to realize that the goal is not simply to find a partner, but a lifelong spiritual companion.

In the congregation, the strongest marriages are usually made up of people who share spiritual goals and want to help each other to serve Jehovah better each day.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Before thinking about marrying someone, we should ask ourselves how they treat others, what qualities they demonstrate, and above all, whether they truly love Jehovah.

Colossians 3:9, 10 highlights the importance of putting on our new personality. It is also worthwhile to consider whether we share spiritual goals and whether we can help each other to serve Jehovah better throughout our lives.

8, 9. What will help someone decide whether or not to marry a person? (See also the picture.)

Something that can be very helpful is finding out what the person is really like and listening to the opinions of those who know them well. The paragraphs show the example of a sister who spoke with friends, fellow service members, and elders to learn more about the qualities of the brother she was dating. This allowed her to have a more complete and objective view.

It's also helpful to tactfully ask if there are any past or present matters that should be known before making such an important decision. This reminds us that prudence is a sign of wisdom, not distrust.

Furthermore, if mature siblings express serious concerns, it is wise to listen to them with humility. A decision made with complete information can prevent many future problems and contribute to a happier and more stable marriage.

ILLUSTRATION

A couple enjoying a pleasant conversation during a social gathering with friends.

During courtship, try to find out what the person is really like. (See paragraphs 8 and 9).

SPEND TIME TOGETHER

10. Why is it good for husbands and wives to make time to be together?

Making time together helps husbands and wives strengthen both their friendship and their marriage. When they share quality time, they can talk about their day, express their feelings, listen to each other, and show affection.

These moments allow them to get to know each other better and stay emotionally connected. This leads us to believe that shared time is not a luxury, but a necessity within marriage.

Amid daily responsibilities, work, and routine activities, it's easy to let your relationship take a backseat. However, when a couple sets aside time to talk, enjoy activities together, and support each other, they build precious memories and strengthen the special bond that Jehovah wants between them.

11. What can endanger the friendship between husband and wife?

The friendship between husband and wife can be threatened when they remain separated for long periods of time without a truly justified need.

Although circumstances sometimes force a temporary separation, the article shows that living apart for a long time can weaken the emotional closeness that marriage needs.

This makes us think that economic or material benefits should never make us lose sight of what is most important: the relationship that Jehovah has entrusted to us.

When a couple spends too much time apart, feelings of loneliness, misunderstanding, or disconnection can arise. In our congregation, we see that the strongest marriages are often those that strive to stay close and share everyday experiences.

12, 13. a) What have some married couples done to make sure they spend time together? (See also the picture.)

These couples' examples show that spending time together requires intention and organization. Some try to participate in most of their activities together, while others set aside specific time in their schedules to be together, just as they do with other important commitments.

They've also learned to take an interest in each other's hobbies and even to enjoy activities that previously held no appeal. Some reduce distractions, such as excessive phone use, to better focus on their spouse. This leads us to believe that a strong friendship doesn't arise by chance. It's built through conscious choices.

In daily life, small details, such as talking without interruptions, sharing an activity, or simply dedicating exclusive attention to each other, can greatly strengthen the marital relationship.

12, 13. b) How important should we be to our relationship with our husband or wife? (See the box “What place does he or she hold in our life?”).

Our relationship with our husband or wife should occupy a very important place in our lives. The box reminds us that Jehovah always comes first, but our spouse comes second.

Genesis 2:24 shows that they both become one flesh, and Ephesians 5:28, 29 emphasizes that we should care for our spouse with the same concern that we have for ourselves.

This makes us think that no activity, responsibility, or human relationship should displace our husband or wife from the place that Jehovah has given them.

While we greatly value our family, friends, and fellow believers in the congregation, we must protect the well-being and happiness of our spouse. When we respect the order established by Jehovah, we contribute to the stability, peace, and happiness of our marriage.

ILLUSTRATION

The couple in the previous picture, now married and spending time together at a campsite.

Strengthen your friendship by spending time together regularly. (See paragraphs 12 and 13.)

STAY UNITED DESPITE THE PROBLEMS

14, 15. Why should husbands and wives strive to resolve problems that arise in their marriage? Give an example.

Husbands and wives should strive to resolve problems, because marriage is a very precious institution to Jehovah. As 1 Corinthians 7:28 indicates, marriages will face difficulties because of human imperfection, but that does not mean they are destined to fail.

The article compares marriage to a valuable work of art that has been damaged. When a valuable piece deteriorates, its owners do everything possible to restore it because they recognize its worth. Similarly, when problems arise in a marriage, the goal should not be to abandon the relationship, but rather to work to strengthen and repair it.

This makes us think that every effort to resolve a disagreement, improve communication, or forgive demonstrates love both for our spouse and for Jehovah, who was the Creator of marriage.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Problems are inevitable because we are all imperfect, as 1 Corinthians 7:28 indicates. However, marriage is very precious to Jehovah. Just as a damaged work of art can be restored, husbands and wives should strive to repair their relationship when difficulties arise. Such effort demonstrates love for their mate and respect for Jehovah, who instituted marriage.

16. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, what can help a marriage that is experiencing serious problems? (See also the picture and the box “Aids to Strengthen Your Friendship”).

When a marriage is going through serious problems, one of the best ways to help is to apply the qualities of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Instead of focusing on each other's mistakes or looking for a quick fix, each spouse can ask themselves what personal changes they can make to strengthen the relationship.

The paragraph also highlights the importance of seeking Jehovah’s help through prayer, Bible study, and the use of spiritual publications. In addition, elders and other mature brothers can provide valuable support.

This leads us to believe that a strong marriage is not based solely on feelings, but on decisions guided by Bible principles. When both partners allow Jehovah to be a part of their relationship, the threefold cord of Ecclesiastes 4:12 becomes much stronger in the face of any difficulty.

ILLUSTRATION

The same couple is at home having an emotional conversation. She is tearfully expressing her feelings to him, and he is listening calmly, his hand on her shoulder. Right in front of them is a table with an open Bible and the pamphlet "Your Family Can Be Happy."

Stay united despite the problems. (See paragraph 16).

17. How can those who are thinking about getting married and those who are already married be happy?

Those who are thinking about getting married can increase their chances of being happy if they carefully choose their life partner and are guided by Jehovah's principles.

On the other hand, those who are already married can strengthen their happiness by cultivating their friendship, dedicating time to each other, and striving to resolve any problems that arise.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages us to enjoy life with our beloved husband or wife. This suggests that marital happiness is not a matter of luck, but rather the result of constant effort and applying divine counsel.

In our congregation, we see couples who have stayed together for many years because they have trusted in Jehovah at every stage of their lives. That same help is available to all who want to honor Jehovah in their marriage.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What will help a single Christian choose the right person to be their best friend for the rest of their life?

This will help you follow Jehovah's guidance and carefully analyze a person's spiritual qualities. Baptism alone is not enough; a person must also demonstrate love for Jehovah, a good Christian personality, and compatible spiritual goals.

Dating should be used to get to know the other person well and to confirm that both can help each other to stay close to Jehovah.

What can husbands and wives do to strengthen their friendship?

They can regularly set aside time to be together, talk, share activities, show interest in each other's tastes, and engage in spiritual activities together, such as reading the Bible, praying, and participating in preaching. When they cherish these moments, their friendship grows stronger and their marriage becomes more solid.

What can help a marriage stay together despite problems?

It can help them to apply the qualities of Christian love described at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, to seek Jehovah’s help through prayer, and to rely on the spiritual resources he provides. When they both strive to resolve problems instead of giving up, they strengthen their friendship and keep their marriage together.