Friday, May 16
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.—1 John 4:21.
Just as a doctor is able to get some information about the health of our heart when checking our pulse, we can get some information about the strength of our love for God by checking our love for others. If we notice that our love for fellow believers has weakened somewhat, this may indicate that our love for God is also growing weak. But when we regularly show love for fellow believers, this signals that our love for God is strong. We should be concerned if our love for our brothers and sisters is growing weak. Why? Because it would mean that we are in spiritual danger. The apostle John makes that clear when he reminds us: “The one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20) What is the lesson for us? Jehovah is pleased with us only if we “love one another.”—1 John 4:7-9, 11. w23.11 8 ¶3; 9 ¶5-6
MAY 12-18
PROVERBS 13
Song 34 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Do Not Be Fooled by “the Lamp of the Wicked”
(10 min.)
The wicked have no future (Pr 13:9; it-2 196 ¶2-3)
Do not associate with those who make bad things seem good (Pr 13:20; w12 7/15 12 ¶3)
Jehovah blesses the righteous one (Pr 13:25; w04 7/15 31 ¶6)
The lives of those who pursue worldly desires are rarely as glamorous as they may seem. But those who do the will of Jehovah enjoy a truly rewarding way of life
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 13:24—What warning does this verse contain about misguided love? (it-2 276 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 13:1-17 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. After starting with a timely topic, share something from the Bible that seems more relevant to the person. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Invite the person to a meeting. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 9—Theme: Children Who Respect and Obey Their Parents Will Succeed. (th study 16)
Song 77
7. “The Light of the Righteous Shines Brightly”
(8 min.) Discussion.
God’s Word contains matchless knowledge and wisdom. When we rely on it to light our way, we enjoy lasting success and happiness. That is something the world just cannot offer.
Play the VIDEO The World Cannot Give You What It Does Not Have. Then ask the audience:
How does Sister Gainanshina’s experience highlight the superiority of “the light of the righteous” in comparison to “the lamp of the wicked”?—Pr 13:9
Never waste your time fantasizing about the things of this world or regretting the choices you have made that allow you to serve Jehovah. (1Jo 2:15-17) Instead, focus on the “excelling value of the knowledge” that you have gained.—Php 3:8.
8. Local Needs
(7 min.)
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 26 ¶9-17