Watchtower Study, Week of June 29 to July 5, 2026, Continue Strengthening Your Friendship as a Marriage, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, June 29-July 5, 2026, Continue to Strengthen Your Friendship as a Marriage, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“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 (James 1:17). They love him and they love us too. They rejoice when we are happy, comfort us when we are sad, and give us honest advice when we need it. They are loyal and trustworthy. Without a doubt, such friends “gladden the heart” (Prov. 27:9).

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

2 Husbands and wives should strive to be best friends. They should not neglect their friendship, but continue to strengthen it at all times. Otherwise, they might start to feel lonely, frustrated, and even angry. On the other hand, if they make an effort to nurture their friendship, they will enjoy the closest relationship that can exist between two people. (Read Matthew 19:6). In this article, we will see what a husband and wife can do to further strengthen their friendship. But first, we will consider what will help a single Christian choose wisely the person who will be their best friend for the rest of their life.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIEND FOR LIFE

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

3 Big decisions can affect the rest of our lives for better or for worse, so we should think carefully before making them. We need to thoroughly analyze the potential pros and cons.

 4 One of the most important decisions is choosing who we will marry, because that person will be our friend for the rest of our life. Since Jehovah created marriage, it makes sense to follow his guidance when making that decision. He wants us to find a good husband or wife and always knows what is best for us. (see Proverbs 18:22; Isa. 48:17, 18). The principles we find in His Word can help a Christian find a suitable person for him.

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

5 When we get baptized, we become friends of God (Psalm 25:14). Therefore, if you want to get married, you should choose someone who is already a friend of Jehovah. (1 Cor. 7:39). In this way, he will show that he respects Jehovah's standards and will be able to see his husband or wife as a blessing from him. (Prov. 19:14). It will also save them the problems of being “unequally yoked with non-believers.” (2 Cor. 6:14). It would be foolish to date someone who is not a Witness, perhaps because you haven't found anyone suitable among Jehovah's people. It would also be wrong to try to justify oneself by thinking that with time one might accept the truth.

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

6 However, don't think that just any baptized person will be suitable for you. If you're interested in someone, ask yourself: “How does he treat his family? Is he considerate and respectful? What kind of friends does he have? How does he act when a disagreement arises? Does he insist on having his own way, or is he willing to compromise when no biblical principle is violated? What is his attitude toward money?”

7 It is also good to ask yourself: “Does he clearly love Jehovah deeply? Is he making an effort to put on ‘the new personality’? Will he help me to serve Jehovah more? Do we have the same spiritual goals? Do I see the possibility of each of us becoming the other’s best friend?” (Col. 3:9, 10). The sister must wonder if he can be, in addition to being her best friend, a good head of the family. (1 Cor. 11:3). And the brother must ask himself if she will be willing to accept his authority as head despite his imperfections. Of course, it takes time to answer these questions. So use the courtship period to get to know the person well.

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

8 During courtship, something that will help you make a good decision is trying to find out what the person is really like. Ask others what they think of his reputation and qualities. For example, is he known for being humble, kind, and reasonable? Sarah, a sister from French Guiana who married a brother named Daniel, says: “I asked several people for their opinions about Daniel. I spoke with his pioneer partner with whom he lived, with an elder in his congregation, with mutual friends, and with sisters in his congregation.” You could also tactfully ask the person if there is anything about their past or present that you should know, as there are certain things that could later cause serious problems in the marriage.

9 If you have serious doubts about the person, or if mature friends mention something that worries them, take it seriously. That will help you decide whether or not to marry them. Next, we will analyze how those who are already married can strengthen their friendship.

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?

10 Husband and wife strengthen their friendship and marriage by making time to be together even when they are very busy. This allows them to talk about what happened during the day, share their deepest thoughts and feelings, show affection, and simply do fun things together.

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

11 If the husband and wife are good friends, they will prefer to be together rather than apart. Of course, there may be times when they can't be together temporarily. But being apart from each other for long periods of time can be dangerous. For example, some people have accepted a job abroad and have had to be away from their families for long periods. While this decision may bring financial benefits, it can also cause serious damage to the marriage.

12, 13. (a) What have some married couples done to make sure they spend time together? (See also the picture.) (b) How important should we place our relationship with our husband or wife? (See the box “What Place Does He or She Hold in Our Life?”.)

12 Let's look at what some married couples have done to ensure they spend time together regularly. Leah, from Guam, says: “My husband and I love doing a wide variety of things together. We rarely participate in social activities without each other.” Roxanne, from the United States, adds: “We are getting busier and busier, so we had to include time to be together in our schedule, just like we do with other important matters.” (compare with Amos 3:3). A brother from France named Damien explains: “We’ve seen that it’s good to take an interest in the things the other person likes to do, and over time we’ve come to enjoy them too.” (Matt. 7:12). And Katie, also from the United States, says: “Sometimes we put our phones away so they don’t distract us.”

13 Above all, spend time together in spiritual activities. Myriam, from France, says: “We start the day by reading the Bible and then we discuss what we liked and what we can apply in our lives. Those moments are very special.” She adds: “I also love that we pray together because that way I can hear how much my husband loves Jehovah.” Katie, mentioned earlier, explains: “What we enjoy doing most together is preaching. We bond a lot by hearing each other talk about Jehovah, and we keep learning new things from one another.” (Prov. 27:17).

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.

14 Because of imperfection, marriages will go through problems. The Bible realistically states that married couples “will have difficulties in life” (1 Cor. 7:28). A study note on this verse explains that this expression “refers to the problems and difficulties that those who marry often face.” Even in the strongest marriages, disagreements will arise. When these problems appear, the husband and wife must strive to stay united and resolve them.  Because?

15 Let's think about a work of art or a famous building. If it suffers any damage, its owners will most likely decide to restore it. They might dedicate enormous amounts of money and other resources to the restoration, which could last for years. Why do they do it? Because that work of art has great value to them. Likewise, all marriages are precious. And, just as a damaged work of art can be restored, a marriage going through serious problems can be saved. The process of “restoration” will certainly require time and effort, but Jehovah will be pleased to see the husband and wife working hard to strengthen their bond and remain united. (Mal. 2:16). In this way they demonstrate love and respect not only for each other, but also for Jehovah, who created 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”).

16 If problems arise in your marriage, don't rush to separate from your partner. (1 Cor. 7:10, 11). Rather, ask yourself: “Can I do more to strengthen our friendship?” Review what the Bible says about showing love and consider whether you can improve in any of the areas mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (read it). 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. Focus on what you can do to repair your relationship. Ask Jehovah for guidance. Look for information in publications and videos, and consult with elders and other mature brothers. Remember that a Christian marriage is like “a three-stranded rope” and that Jehovah is the strongest strand. So, if you both rely on him, your marriage will not easily break. (Ecl. 4:12).

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?

17 Jehovah wants all his servants to be happy, including those who are thinking about getting married and those who are already married. If you are single and want to get married, choose your friend and life partner carefully. And if you are married, continue to strengthen your friendship with your spouse. Strive to resolve any problems that arise in your marriage, always relying on Jehovah's help. If you do this, you will enjoy life with your beloved husband or wife (Eccl. 9:9).

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?

Since Jehovah created marriage, it makes sense to follow his guidance when making that decision. He wants us to find a good husband or wife and always knows what is best for us. The principles found in his Word can help a Christian find a suitable partner.

What can husbands and wives do to strengthen their friendship?

Husband and wife strengthen their friendship and marriage by making time for each other, even when they are very busy. If husband and wife are good friends, they will prefer to be together rather than apart.

What can help a marriage stay together despite problems?

Something that can help a marriage stay together despite problems is to ask for Jehovah's guidance, look for information in the organization's publications and videos, and consult with elders or other mature brothers who can provide help and support.

They should also remember that Christian marriage is like “a three-stranded rope” and that Jehovah is the strongest strand. So, if they both rely on him, their marriage will not easily break.