Monday, December 2
Let your words always be gracious.—Col. 4:6.
We cannot please Jehovah if we are untruthful. (Prov. 6:16, 17) Although many people today consider lying to be a normal part of speech, we stick to Jehovah’s view on the matter. (Ps. 15:1, 2) Of course, we avoid telling outright lies, but we also avoid deliberately giving the wrong impression to others. We should also avoid spreading harmful gossip. (Prov. 25:23; 2 Thess. 3:11) If you see that a conversation is turning into harmful gossip, steer the discussion toward something positive. Since we live in a world where bad speech is rampant, we must work hard to ensure that our speech pleases Jehovah. He will bless our sincere efforts to use our speech in a positive way in the ministry, at the meetings, and in our daily conversations. When the influence of this ungodly system of things finally comes to an end, it will be much easier to honor Jehovah with our speech.—Jude 15. w22.04 9 ¶18-20
Tuesday, December 3
We love, because he first loved us.—1 John 4:19.
When we consider how much Jehovah and Jesus love us, we are moved to love them in return. (1 John 4:10) We love them even more when we realize that Jesus died for us personally. The apostle Paul acknowledged this and expressed his appreciation when he wrote to the Galatians, saying: “The Son of God . . . loved me and handed himself over for me.” (Gal. 2:20) On the basis of the ransom, Jehovah has drawn you to him so that you can be his friend. (John 6:44) Does it not warm your heart to know that Jehovah has seen something good in you and that he paid the highest price so that you can be counted as his friend? Does it not strengthen your love for Jehovah and Jesus? We do well to ask ourselves, ‘What will that love compel me to do?’ Our love for God and Christ moves us to show love to others.—2 Cor. 5:14, 15; 6:1, 2. w23.01 28 ¶6-7
Wednesday, December 4
I will change the language of the peoples to a pure language.—Zeph. 3:9.
The Bible plays a vital role in Jehovah’s purpose to have his worshippers “serve him shoulder to shoulder.” Jehovah had many parts of the Scriptures written in such a way that they would be understood only by humble readers. (Luke 10:21) People everywhere read the Bible. But only the humble truly understand and apply what it says. (2 Cor. 3:15, 16) We discern Jehovah’s wisdom in the Bible. Jehovah uses the Scriptures not only to teach us as a group but also to instruct and comfort us as individuals. All of us can sense Jehovah’s personal interest in us as we read his Word. (Isa. 30:21) How often have you turned to the Scriptures and read a verse that seemed written just for you? Yet, the Bible appeals to millions of people. How can it contain such up-to-date information that is tailored to your personal needs? This is possible only because the Bible is the work of a uniquely wise Author.—2 Tim. 3:16, 17. w23.02 4-5 ¶8-10