Saturday, May 10

[Be] ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.—1 Pet. 3:15.

Parents can effectively teach their children how to respond mildly when their beliefs are challenged. (Jas. 3:13) Some parents have practice sessions during family worship. They consider topics that might come up at school, discuss and demonstrate how to give an answer, and teach their children how to speak in a mild, appealing way. Practice sessions can help Christians to present convincing arguments and to convince themselves that they have sound reasons for their beliefs. The “Young People Ask” series on jw.org includes worksheets for teenagers. Those are designed to help young ones to reinforce their beliefs and to prepare answers in their own words. By studying this series as a family, we all can learn how to defend our faith in a mild, appealing way. w23.09 17 ¶10; 18 ¶15-16

May 5-11

Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook—2025 | May

MAY 5-11

PROVERBS 12

Song 101 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

1. Hard Work Is Rewarding

(10 min.)

Do not waste time pursuing worthless things (Pr 12:11)

Work hard, and be diligent (Pr 12:24; w16.06 30 ¶6)

You will be rewarded for your hard work (Pr 12:14)

Collage: A brother working diligently as a pipe fitter and in spiritual activities. 1. He walks with his tools. 2. He uses a wrench to work on a large pipe. 3. He attends a congregation meeting with his family. Both he and his young daughter raise their hands to comment. 4. He uses a tract to witness to a man at a service station.

TIP: Hard work can be satisfying when we focus on how it benefits others.—Ac 20:35; w15 2/1 5 ¶4-6.

2. Spiritual Gems

(10 min.)

Pr 12:16—How can the principle in this verse help a person to build resilience to face adversity? (ijwyp article 95 ¶10-11)

Your answer
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

Your answer

3. Bible Reading

(4 min.) Pr 12:1-20 (th study 5)

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

4. Starting a Conversation

(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)

5. Starting a Conversation

(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 5 point 4)

6. Following Up

(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Show our website to a person who has children. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)

7. Explaining Your Beliefs

(3 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq article 3—Theme: Do You Believe That You Have the One True Religion? (lmd lesson 4 point 3)

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

Song 21

8. Facing Economic Uncertainty With Jehovah’s Help

(15 min.) Discussion.

Are you worried about finding a job, losing your job, or not being able to make ends meet now or when you are older? This world’s economic system is fragile. However, Jehovah assures us that if we put him first, he will always care for our needs—even if we experience a drastic change in our economic situation.—Ps 46:1-3; 127:2; Mt 6:31-33.

A scene from the video “Jehovah Has Never Let Us Down.” Brother Alvarado holds his wife’s hand as he prays with his family.

Play the VIDEO Jehovah Has Never Let Us Down. Then ask the audience:

What do you learn from Brother Alvarado’s experience?

Your answer

Read 1 Timothy 5:8. Then ask the audience:

How does this verse strengthen your faith that Jehovah will always care for the needs of his family of worshippers?

Your answer

Consider a few Bible principles that can help you to cope with economic uncertainty:

Keep your life simple. Reduce unnecessary debt and expenses.—Mt 6:22
Make decisions about work and education that allow you to put spiritual things first.—Php 1:9-11
Be humble and adaptable. If you find yourself unemployed, be open to other types of work—even humble jobs—that could help you to provide for the needs of your family.—Pr 14:23
Be willing to share what you have with others, even if you do not have much.—Heb 13:16