Watchtower Study, Continue to Strengthen Your Friendship as a Marriage, Week of June 29 to July 5, 2026, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, Continue to Strengthen Your Friendship as a Marriage, June 29-July 5, 2026, Comments and Responses.

“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 because they love him and they love us too. That love moves them to rejoice when we are happy, to comfort us when we are sad, and to give us frank advice when we need it. They are loyal, trustworthy, and they bring joy to our hearts.

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

It is important for husband and wife to continue strengthening their friendship because, if they neglect it, they risk becoming lonely, frustrated, and even angry. On the other hand, if they strive to keep their friendship growing, they will enjoy a closer relationship, thus fulfilling the principle in Matthew 19:6 that the two become “one flesh.”

HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIEND FOR LIFE

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

What will help us find a good husband or wife is following Jehovah’s guidance. He created marriage and knows what is best for us. He wants us to find a good husband or wife and provides us with principles found in his Word, which can help us find a suitable partner.

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

It is important that the person we choose be a baptized Witness because, by being baptized, we become friends of God. If we choose someone who is already a friend of Jehovah, we show that we respect his standards and we can see our husband or wife as a blessing from him. Furthermore, we will avoid the problems of being unequally yoked with someone who does not share our faith.

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

If we are interested in someone, we should ask ourselves how they treat their family, whether they are considerate and respectful, what kind of friends they have, and how they act when disagreements arise.

We must also analyze whether he is willing to give in when appropriate, what his attitude is toward money, and above all, whether he deeply loves Jehovah and strives to put on “the new personality.”

In addition, we should ask ourselves if that person will help us to serve Jehovah more, if they have the same spiritual goals, and if we could become best friends.

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

What will help someone decide whether or not to marry a person is to use the courtship period to get to know them better. It's also helpful to ask for the opinions of older siblings and people who know the person well to find out what they think of their reputation and qualities. Furthermore, if mature friends express concerns or have significant doubts about the person, it's wise to take them seriously before making a marriage decision.

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?

It's good for husbands and wives to make time for each other because it strengthens their friendship and marriage. Making time together, even when they're very busy, allows them to talk about their day, share their deepest thoughts and feelings, show affection, and simply enjoy doing things together.

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

What can jeopardize the friendship between husband and wife is spending long periods apart. While temporary separation is sometimes necessary, prolonged estrangement can weaken their friendship and seriously damage the marriage. Even if such a decision brings financial benefits, like accepting a job abroad, it can be very dangerous for the marriage.

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

Some couples make sure to spend time together doing activities as a couple, setting aside time in their schedules to be with each other, showing interest in their spouse's interests, and avoiding distractions like phone use. They also prioritize spiritual activities such as reading the Bible, praying, and preaching together.

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?”).

Apart from Jehovah, nothing and no one should take precedence over the well-being and happiness of our husband or wife. We should dedicate quality time to them, even amidst our many responsibilities, because this strengthens our friendship, our marriage, and, above all, our spiritual relationship with Jehovah.

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 any problems that arise in their marriage because, due to its imperfection, difficulties and disagreements are to be expected. However, marriage is very precious to Jehovah, and when both partners work to strengthen their bond and remain united, they demonstrate love and respect for each other and for Jehovah.

An example is a valuable work of art that is damaged. Its owners invest time, effort, and resources to restore it because it has great value. Similarly, even if a marriage goes through serious problems, it can be restored if both spouses strive to resolve them and remain united.

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”).

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, what can help a marriage experiencing serious problems is striving to demonstrate the qualities of true love. Instead of considering separation, each partner should ask themselves what they can do to strengthen their friendship and repair the relationship.

In addition, they should ask for Jehovah’s guidance, seek help from the organization’s publications and videos, consult with elders and other mature brothers, and rely on Jehovah, who is the strongest thread of the “triple cord” of Christian marriage.

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 considering marriage can find happiness by carefully choosing a lifelong friend and companion, guided by Jehovah. Meanwhile, married couples can find happiness by nurturing their friendship, working hard to resolve marital problems, and always relying on Jehovah's help. In this way, they can enjoy life with their beloved husband or wife.

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?

A single Christian can choose a good lifelong best friend if he follows Jehovah’s guidance and applies the principles in his Word. He should also make sure that the person is a baptized Witness who deeply loves Jehovah, has good Christian qualities, and shares his spiritual goals.

What can husbands and wives do to strengthen their friendship?

Husbands and wives can strengthen their friendship by making time together, even when they are very busy. This time allows them to talk about their day, share their thoughts and feelings, show affection, and enjoy activities together. Furthermore, they should try not to spend long periods apart, as prolonged distance can weaken their friendship and affect their marriage.

What can help a marriage stay together despite problems?

What can help a marriage stay together despite problems is striving to strengthen their friendship and resolve disagreements, rather than thinking about separating. They should also demonstrate the love described at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, focus on what each can do to repair the relationship, and seek Jehovah’s guidance.

In addition, they should seek help from the organization's publications and videos, consult with elders and other mature brothers, and always rely on Jehovah, who is the strongest thread of the "triple cord" of Christian marriage.