Since 1935, however, they have been joined by Kingdom proclaimers of another and larger “fold.” These “other sheep” have become united with the remaining anointed “sheep” as “one flock” under the “one shepherd,” “the Son of David,” in a superlative bond of loving unity​—like that existing between Jonathan and David.​—Luke 12:32; John 10:16; Ezekiel 37:24.

14. What paralleled Saul’s attempts to kill David, and Jonathan’s lovingly identifying himself with David?

¹⁴ Even as this Jonathan group was beginning to multiply into a great crowd, World War II burst forth, so that both the anointed and their companions were severely tested. Those were years of vicious persecution, often instigated by the clergy. This paralleled Saul’s attempts to slay the anointed David and, later, Jonathan when the latter lovingly identified himself with David. What intense love the David and Jonathan classes showed toward each other during that period! Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 25:35-40 often had a literal fulfillment.a

In the face of persecution, they present a united front, encouraging one another in an international bond of love such as the world has never before seen. As neutrals in time of war, they do not shed the blood of their fellow believers in other nations. (Micah 4:3, 5) Thus they demonstrate that they are the group that Jesus referred to when he said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) As a global brotherhood, Jehovah’s Witnesses have ‘clothed themselves with love, the perfect bond of union,’ a bond that transcends all racial, tribal, and national barriers.​—Colossians 3:14.

Showing “Intense Love”

18. (a) What parallel is there today in Jonathan’s love for David, and how is this evidenced? (b) What has resulted worldwide from the uncompromising stand of the David class?

¹⁸ Recall that “Jonathan’s very soul became bound up with the soul of David, and Jonathan began to love him as his own soul.” What a remarkable parallel there has been in these “last days”! (2 Timothy 3:1, 14) Throughout the senseless turmoil of this violent age, there has been one group, Jehovah’s Witnesses, that has maintained a loving global unity. As Christian neutrals, they have honored their Creator as Sovereign Lord of all mankind. (Psalm 100:3) Oh, the modern-day Rephaim​—political kinsmen of “Goliath”—​may keep taunting spiritual Israel. (2 Samuel 21:21, 22) And the modern-day Saul​—Christendom’s clergy—​may continue to make trouble for the David and Jonathan classes. (1 Samuel 20:32, 33) But “to Jehovah belongs the battle.” As Sovereign Lord, he will gain the final victory for his loyal servants. Observing the uncompromising stand of the David class, millions​—in all lands—​of the Jonathan group, even including former persecutors, have joined them under Christ’s ‘banner of love.’b​—1 Samuel 17:47; Song of Solomon 2:4.

19, 20. (a) What are some of the highlights of the activity of the Witnesses as indicated by the chart on pages 4-7? (b) What was the growth rate of the Witnesses during the decade of 1979-88? (c) Why can it be said that the Witnesses are a people truly united worldwide, and what question therefore arises?

¹⁹ You can review the expanding activity of these millions of Witnesses by consulting the chart on pages 4-7 of this magazine. During the decade of 1979-88, the number of preachers of the good news of God’s established Kingdom has increased from 2,186,075 to 3,592,654, a 64.3-percent growth. Worldwide, these are a people truly united in sharing one common belief, one common service to God, and one consistent devotion to the moral principles of the Bible. It is to this close-knit international group that Jesus’ words apply today: “If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.”​—John 15:10; compare 1 Corinthians 1:10.

²⁰ Though they preach in upwards of 200 different tongues, these witnesses of Jehovah speak the “pure language” of truth as they serve God “shoulder to shoulder.” In this, they imitate the loving example of David and Jonathan. (Zephaniah 3:9; 1 Samuel 20:17; Proverbs 18:24) If you are not already united with God’s people, would you not like to be part of the modern-day Jonathan class? You can make that your goal, and Jehovah’s Witnesses will show intense love in helping you to reach it.