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Our Twenty-Year Project—Being ParentsThe Watchtower—1977 | April 15
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not given them proper direction from God’s Word.
Our children are well adjusted emotionally, and I believe a reason for this is that we do so many things with them. For instance, each year we have a big party on our wedding anniversary, with gifts for all four of us. We stack these on the piano days in advance, and enjoy a special meal together. It is not just our anniversary, but it was because of our wedding that the children came along—so it is their party too.
Our children have found pleasure in many activities not enjoyed by others, such as preparing and delivering Bible talks. When Cindy was about ten she gave a student talk before a large group at our circuit assembly. My wife made her a costume and Cindy presented the information as if she were a little first-century girl explaining a Bible point to another little girl who lived at the same time. Also, both children have been thrilled to participate in our larger district assembly programs.
We feel that we have enjoyed satisfying, full lives. We have watched our children develop, rejoicing at the growth of their abilities as fine young teachers of the Bible truths we hold so dear. Now, with two more capable adults serving Jehovah in our family, we look forward to further joys and privileges in the service of our God.
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Why Show Confidence in Others?The Watchtower—1977 | April 15
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Why Show Confidence in Others?
OUR showing confidence in others is really an expression of love. The Bible tells us that love “believes all things.” (1 Cor. 13:7) Not that love is gullible, but love for Christian brothers will prevent our being unduly suspicious, concluding the worst about them. Yes, unless there is clear evidence to the contrary, love moves us to trust others. Even when fellow believers disappoint us in some way, we will not be quick to assume that their motives are bad.
But does not even God on occasion distrust his servants? We do find that Eliphaz the Temanite attributed a distrustful disposition to the Creator, saying: “Look! In his servants he has no faith, and his messengers he charges with faultiness.” (Job 4:18) Eliphaz acknowledged the source of that statement to have been a “spirit.” (Job 4:15) The fact that Jehovah God later reproved Eliphaz and his companions for having spoken untruth proves that this “spirit” was wicked, demonic. So Eliphaz was merely repeating a demon-inspired lie.—Job 42:7.
In actuality, Jehovah, as a God of love, is the foremost example in showing confidence in his intelligent creatures. (1 John 4:8) He evidently gives his spirit sons considerable freedom in carrying out their duties. He at times allows them to express their views on handling a particular assignment and then grants approval for them to follow through accordingly. An example of this is the account at 1 Kings 22:20-22,
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