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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because they love Jehovah just as we do. They rejoice when we are happy, comfort us when we are sad, and give us frank advice when we need it. As Proverbs 27:9 says, a good friend brings joy to the heart.

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.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is important for the husband and wife to continue strengthening their friendship, because if they do not, they could begin to feel lonely, frustrated, and even angry.

As Matthew 19:6 mentions, if they strengthen their friendship, they will become one flesh; that is, they will enjoy the closest relationship that can exist between two people.

We must never forget that marriage is a blessing from Jehovah, that he has united the couple, and that this union must be cherished.

In this article, we'll explore what will help a single Christian choose the right person to be their best friend for the rest of their life. We'll also look at what husbands and wives can do to further strengthen their friendship.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

What will help us find a good husband or wife is following the guidance of the Creator of marriage, Jehovah. He knows what is best for us, and the best guidance can be found in his Word, the Bible.

As Isaiah 48:17 says, Jehovah is the one who teaches us for our own good. He wants what is best for all of us.

Since Jehovah instituted marriage, he gives us guidelines for making it a happy marriage and, above all, for striving to do his will. In his Word, the Bible, we find principles that help us make a good decision when choosing the person with whom we want to spend the rest of our lives. It is also important that we keep these principles in mind and put them into practice.

According to Proverbs 18:22, if we focus on the first part of the verse, it says that finding a good mate is like finding treasure. But the second part shows that it also involves having Jehovah's approval. This illustrates the importance of choosing wisely the person with whom we will share the rest of our lives.

Proverbs 18:22 reminds us that choosing a mate is a decision that can affect the rest of our lives. Often, this decision is made when we are very young, so it is important to seek Jehovah's guidance. Furthermore, we cannot know what the future holds or what that person will truly be like. Therefore, without Jehovah's guidance, choosing a mate wisely is very difficult, almost impossible.

If we take into account Jehovah's principles and follow his commandments when choosing a mate, we will find much peace.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because baptism shows that a person has dedicated their life to Jehovah and wants to be his friend. In this way, they can share spiritual goals and strengthen their friendship with Jehovah together.

As Proverbs 19:14 says, a good mate is a blessing, a gift from Jehovah, and it would be impossible to see it this way if that person did not love Jehovah.

We may know of siblings who married non-Witnesses and fared well. However, it would be very unwise to assume that we would fare well too. It's like someone running a red light and getting away with it; we shouldn't do the same. These are not examples to follow. That's why the information so strongly emphasizes the importance of marrying or seeking marriage with people who have already been baptized.

When we get baptized, we become friends of Jehovah, as Psalm 25:14 shows. And when we love someone very much, we don’t want to hurt them. That’s why we don’t disregard Jehovah’s principles and standards to do whatever we want, because we know that we could damage the most important friendship we have—the one we have with Jehovah.

One thing to avoid is thinking, “I just couldn’t find anything better in the truth,” or believing that the person will eventually become a Christian. That would be a big mistake.

A wise husband or wife comes from Jehovah. So, in our decision to choose a mate, we should seek Jehovah’s blessing. In that way, as the paragraph says, we will show that we are respecting Jehovah’s standards.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We can ask ourselves how he treats his family, whether he treats them with kindness and respect. Also, how he socializes and what kind of friends he has, because this will give us a lot of insight into the person.

It's important to observe how they act when a disagreement arises. They say you only get to know people when things get tough. So, they might insist on being right or refuse to budge, but in the long run, that kind of partner wouldn't be a good thing to have.

The first question in the paragraph is how he treats his family. There's a saying that a good son will also be a good father and a good husband. Some people show a very kind and respectful attitude toward others, but they may behave differently with those they know better.

We should ask ourselves what his attitude is toward money: whether he is always talking about material things, about what he is going to get, or, on the contrary, whether he clearly loves Jehovah deeply and talks about spiritual things. Also, whether he is making an effort to put on his new personality.

In 1 Corinthians 11:3 we see that single women have a perfect head, Jesus. Therefore, if they ever decide to marry, they should keep in mind that when choosing a partner, they shouldn't just be very good friends, but that the person they choose will be their head. Although he will surely have many wonderful qualities, he will be imperfect, and they must be willing to accept his authority as their head.

It's important to see what kind of spiritual goals they have, because one person might love preaching and pioneering, while the other is simply content with a more passive life. So, if that difference exists, it's necessary to make sure that their spiritual goals, such as pioneering, also align.

Finding the answer to so many questions doesn't happen overnight; it requires time and effort. That's why Jehovah advises prospective spouses to use courtship to get to know each other well. Although we will never fully know each other, we can at least get to know the other person in general terms, so that the relationship isn't one without a clear future from the start.

It's interesting that, after this whole list of questions, the paragraph includes Colossians 3:10, which says, “Do not lie to one another.” So this stage of courtship should be a time when both parties are transparent, without pretense, and honest with each other and with themselves.

It's interesting that all these questions serve a dual purpose: they help us find someone, but it wouldn't make much sense to look for these qualities in another person if we don't possess them ourselves. Therefore, they also help us determine if we're ready or what goals we could set for ourselves before looking for someone to marry.

Before starting a relationship, the questions are clear: Does he/she deeply love Jehovah? Is he/she working hard to put on his/her new personality? Will he/she help me to serve Jehovah? Do we have the same spiritual goals? In the case of someone who does not serve Jehovah, the answer to these questions would be no.

Before starting a relationship, the questions are clear: Does he/she deeply love Jehovah? Is he/she working hard to put on his/her new personality? Will he/she help me to serve Jehovah? Do we have the same spiritual goals? In the case of someone who does not serve Jehovah, the answer to these questions would be no.

The question is whether a wife would be willing to accept her husband's authority despite his imperfections. The same applies in reverse, because it is a relationship between imperfect people. Disagreements sometimes don't stem from one person being right and the other wrong, but simply from differing viewpoints. The key is how these disagreements are handled: whether they escalate into arguments or lead to consensus. One might think that marriage is very complicated, and that's why we need Jehovah.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It might be helpful to ask older siblings what kind of reputation that sibling has, or even ask their friends what kind of reputation they have. Then, once you have that information, take action.

If any sibling or relative says anything about him, take it very seriously, because later he might say, "I warned you." To avoid hearing that, it's best to take seriously what they're saying and the comments they make about him.

In the article “Get to Know Each Other Well,” two points stand out. One is that compatibility isn't about people being the same, but about being able to adapt to each other's differences. Therefore, during courtship, it's important to assess whether you're capable of adapting to the other person. It's also important to be aware of any health problems, financial difficulties, or past traumas the person you're eventually going to marry may have, because these can also affect the marriage.

Another suggestion mentioned in the article is to schedule study time together, because this way you can immediately establish that habit if you later get married, and you'll be able to see each other's spirituality. Furthermore, you'll be able to discuss many important topics that might not have come up naturally in everyday conversations.

The Bible encourages us to verify everything, and that's precisely what Sarah did in the paragraph. She asked several people for their opinions, and that's something worthwhile to do. To truly know someone, you need multiple perspectives, so don't be afraid to ask. In this way, you can get to know the person better, since their friendships and the kinds of relationships they maintain reveal a lot about them.

Another suggestion in the article was to plan activities that allow you to observe how the other person behaves in different situations and with a wide variety of people. In other words, how they behave with those they like and those they don't like as much.

The Watchtower mentions a very practical and beautiful suggestion from a married couple in the United States. From the time they started dating, they studied publications about courtship, marriage, and family life, and thanks to that, they were able to talk about many important topics that would not have come up naturally.

The article discusses the importance of addressing important issues from the beginning, before strong feelings develop. It's true that at the start of a relationship, when we're getting to know each other, we tend to focus only on the positive aspects. That's why we're advised to speak openly and honestly, ask questions, and truly listen—not just to what we want to hear or see in that moment, depending on the situation.

If a couple decides not to get married after getting to know each other well, it doesn't necessarily mean the relationship has failed, but rather that it has fulfilled its purpose. This shows that, contrary to what we might think—"it didn't work"—it actually did work.

During the dating phase, you're getting to know each other. When someone receives warnings about something that isn't right—for example, if friends mention something worrying—they should take it seriously and not dismiss it as "minor details." It's important to consider it seriously.

The image shows a couple at a social gathering in a beautiful setting. The other guests are giving them space to talk and get to know each other better. It's true that in such a pleasant and sheltered environment, it's easy to behave well. However, it's important to consider how this person will be in a church setting, with their family, at work, or when someone disagrees with them. Therefore, it's best to ask questions and make sure you get to know the person well.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Husbands and wives should strengthen their friendship and marriage by making time for each other, even when they are very busy. This allows them to talk about their day, share their deepest thoughts and feelings, and show affection. They can also simply do fun things together.

It's not enough to just be physically together; they also need to converse, talk, get to know each other better, and strengthen that friendship, just as they would with a friend.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This often happens when husbands and wives spend a lot of time apart. For example, we know of people living in poorer countries who separate to go to another country to improve their material situation, but this means the marriage is separated for long periods, which can cause serious damage.

If the husband and wife are good friends, they will prefer to be together, not apart. Although the paragraph indicates that, in many cases, being apart can be financially beneficial, it also poses a significant risk to their friendship.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Sometimes, busy schedules, difficulties, and other commitments prevent a married couple from spending time together. So, it's a good idea to schedule time together, for example, by dedicating a specific day, some afternoons, or whatever time is possible. This will help to strengthen and bring the marriage closer together.

Katie says they sometimes put their phones away so they aren't distracted. So, it's not just about being physically together, but about using that quality time to talk and express themselves, which is much easier without phones to distract them.

Miriam, from France, says that they start each day by reading and discussing a Bible passage, and they also look at how they can apply it throughout the day. Something very important, and something that married couples have experienced, is prayer. When they both express what they feel in their hearts to Jehovah, it is something very special. It is beautiful to see how they open their hearts and pray to Jehovah.

The attitude Katie mentions at the end of the paragraph is very important when she says they continue to learn new things from each other. It's interesting that Proverbs 27:17 appears there, which says that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. So, if they both have this same attitude and always remember the qualities they value in each other, their relationship will be much stronger.

Matthew 7:12 says that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Brother Damien said that it's good to take an interest in the things the other person likes. Everyone has their own tastes, and you could enjoy them 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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Philippians 1:10 says that we must make sure of the more important things. So, our relationship with Jehovah is first in our lives; then comes marriage, and then everything else: family, friends, and any responsibilities we may have, because above marriage, the only thing that comes first is Jehovah.

Genesis 2:24 mentions that when Jehovah instituted marriage, he said: “A man will leave his father and his mother.” And Adam and Eve had neither a father nor a mother. However, Jehovah already knew that, in the future, failing to put the family in its proper place could lead to marital conflicts.

In the picture, we see the newlyweds. And now, as a married couple, they've made a lovely plan to go camping, perhaps for a weekend. Married couples have responsibilities to attend to, but they've made time to spend together. They're clearly enjoying this time, and it's helping to strengthen their friendship.

In the picture, we see that this time there's no one else around. That doesn't mean they aren't making plans with the family. But it's also worth noting that they're hardly using their phones. They've even bought a double chair. It's interesting because it brings them even closer together and gives them a space for two, allowing them to spend some time together or a pleasant weekend with a good conversation.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The paragraph gives us the example that when a work of art is damaged, its owners invest significant resources and money in restoring it, as it holds great value for them, and this process can even take years. Similarly, when a marriage experiences difficulties, it also requires a restoration process that demands time, effort, and dedication from both partners to overcome those challenges.

Malachi 2:16 says that Jehovah hates divorce. So, when we get married, divorce is not part of Jehovah's purpose. He gives us guidelines so that we can resolve problems and move forward in marriage, because it is a union and a commitment we made to Jehovah. In this way, we show him that we love him, we strive to apply what he teaches us, and we give him honor and glory by working hard to maintain the marriage.

Marriage can have problems and misunderstandings, but we shouldn't let time pass without resolving them. Just like with a painting, if it gets damaged, it's best not to leave it unrepaired for too long, because the repair could make things worse. The same should apply to marriage: both husband and wife should strive to resolve problems as they arise. The Bible says not to let the sun go down while you are still angry, so we should keep in mind this principle that Jehovah gives to both husbands and wives.

The article begins by mentioning that courtship is a time to assess whether a relationship can develop into a lifelong marriage. Therefore, when difficulties arise during marriage, the focus should be on resolving them, not ending the 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”).

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It's helpful for each person to ask themselves: What can I do to strengthen the friendship and restore the relationship? In the world, the tendency to solve problems is often to separate or divorce, but that's not the biblical principle. The biblical principle shows that we should cultivate qualities like love, empathy, and others that help us strengthen our marriage.

We must show love and ask ourselves how we can improve in those aspects of our personality that might bother our partner most. In this way, we put biblical principles first.

The text said that love believes all things, meaning it believes that problems can be solved, that it endures all things, and that it will not fail. And we demonstrate this when we see the door as an entrance to the heart, instead of an exit from the relationship.

The paragraph mentions that if problems arise, we should not rush to separate; rather, we should seek Jehovah's guidance, consult information in publications, watch videos, and ask mature brothers for advice. In this way, we can restore our marriage.

The picture shows a married couple who, despite their problems and the emotional weight of their conversation, have their Bibles open. They are likely reviewing Bible principles that can help them, as well as the family guidebook. In this way, they continue to strengthen their marriage like a three-stranded cord, keeping Jehovah in mind and striving to make him the center of their relationship.

Since Jehovah is the strongest rope in this three-stranded rope, it is wise to base our decisions on him and his principles. If we have been married for many years, we might think we already know how to solve our marital problems. But again, it is wise to seek Jehovah’s help through the Bible, publications, or even the counsel of the elders.

The images in this article are very realistic. First, we saw the courtship stage, and then the happiness of being married, enjoying a camping trip. But now a situation has arisen that can also occur in marriage: a serious problem, a disagreement, or some other difficulty. In the background, you can even see a photograph of the wedding or a happy moment, but that doesn't prevent problems from arising.

We have many suggestions that the organization has provided us. For example, the booklet Your Family Can Be Happy or the series Secrets to a Happy Marriage, made up of six very helpful videos that can be of great assistance to us.

The box states that information from the organization can help married couples strengthen and even rebuild their friendship. Sometimes, a marriage is so damaged that the spouses are no longer friends; the friendship has broken down. But even in such difficult cases, Jehovah, through his organization, has provided information and principles that, if applied diligently and consistently, can help rebuild a 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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Anyone considering marriage should carefully choose their lifelong partner. And those already married should continue to strengthen their friendship with their spouse and with Jehovah, which is paramount. Furthermore, they should strive to resolve any problems that arise within the marriage and always seek Jehovah's guidance.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 tells us: “Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you under the sun, all your empty days. For that is your lot in life because of the hard work at which you toil under the sun.”

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Follow the advice given by Jehovah, the Creator of marriage. First, choose as your mate a dedicated, baptized Christian who loves Jehovah. Then, be honest with each other, discuss important matters, and observe how your future mate behaves with others, in difficult situations, and with his family.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Throughout this article, we have seen that Jehovah has given us guidelines for strengthening marriages. These include the importance of studying together, preaching together, and spending time together. All of these greatly strengthen the marriage relationship and help husbands and wives to strive to be together as much as possible.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Always seek Jehovah’s guidance and see how Bible principles can help resolve differences. It is also important to take advantage of the resources the organization provides, such as brochures, videos, and articles. At all times, we must put Jehovah at the center of our marriage so that problems can be resolved.

As one line in the paragraph says: “Instead of looking for a way out of your marriage, look for a way to get back into your husband’s or wife’s heart.”