Brothers, you demonstrate that you are “hospitable” when you do good things for others, including those outside your circle of close friends. (1 Pet. 4:9) One reference work describes a hospitable man this way: “The door of his house​—and of his heart—​must be open to strangers.” Ask yourself, ‘What is my reputation when it comes to welcoming visitors?’ (Heb. 13:2, 16) A hospitable man shares what he can with visitors, including lowly ones of little means and hardworking servants, such as circuit overseers and visiting speakers.​—Gen. 18:2-8; Prov. 3:27; Acts 16:15; Rom. 12:13. w24.11 21 ¶6

In the parable of the virgins, Jesus spoke of ten virgins who went out to meet a bridegroom. (Matt. 25:1-4) They all hoped to accompany the bridegroom to his marriage feast. Jesus described five of them as “discreet” and the other five as “foolish.” The discreet virgins were prepared to wait for the bridegroom as long as needed, even if he arrived late at night. Thus, they brought oil lamps to provide light in the dark. They even brought extra oil in case the bridegroom should delay. So they were prepared to keep their lamps burning. (Matt. 25:6-10) When the bridegroom arrived, the discreet virgins went in with him to the wedding feast. In like manner, anointed Christians who have proved ready by remaining vigilant and faithful until the coming of Christ will be judged worthy of joining the Bridegroom, Jesus, in his heavenly Kingdom.​—Rev. 7:1-3. w24.09 21 ¶6

We are moved to keep zealously preaching by considering what is being accomplished worldwide today. Each year, millions of interested ones attend the Memorial and study the Bible with us. Hundreds of thousands get baptized and join us in the preaching work. We do not know how many may yet respond to our preaching work, but we do know that Jehovah is gathering a great crowd who will survive the coming great tribulation. (Rev. 7:9, 14) The Master of the harvest continues to see potential in the field, so we have good reason to keep preaching. (Luke 10:2) Jesus’ disciples have always been identified by their zealous preaching. When people witnessed the outspokenness of the apostles, “they began to realize that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) As people observe us in the ministry, may they see that we too have been influenced by Jesus’ zealous example. w25.03 18 ¶15; 19 ¶17-18