“Be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1).
1. Why is it so impressive to think that Jehovah is humble?
It is truly impressive to think that Jehovah is humble, because he is the Almighty, the Sovereign of the universe, and yet he has not the slightest trace of pride. Normally, people in positions of power tend to be distant, authoritarian, or arrogant.
Jehovah, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. As Psalm 113:5-8 says, although he is far above all others, he takes notice of the humble and cares for them. His humility is reflected in his entire personality and in the loving way he treats his servants.
Furthermore, Jehovah does not demand humility from a cold or distant position; rather, he sets the example himself. Reflecting on this draws us closer to him and motivates us to imitate his beautiful way of being.
JEHOVAH IS ACCESSIBLE
2. What does Psalm 62:8 teach us about Jehovah? (See also the picture.)
This text teaches us that Jehovah is an accessible and approachable God. He himself invites us to pour out our hearts before him, without reservation or fear. This demonstrates great humility because, although he is the Almighty, he is genuinely interested in what we feel and think.
Unlike proud people, Jehovah does not create distance or intimidate. He listens attentively, like a loving father who listens to his children.
Furthermore, the fact that he recorded prayers in the Bible shows that he is pleased when we speak to him openly. Knowing that Jehovah listens to us gives us confidence to approach him at any time, even when we are distressed or confused.
ILLUSTRATION
A father patiently listens to his son, who is explaining that he accidentally broke a vase of flowers while playing with a toy airplane.
A father imitates Jehovah’s humility and listens to his son without getting angry because he broke a vase while playing. (See paragraph 2.)
3. Why are you sure that Jehovah wants you to pray to him always?
We are certain that Jehovah wants us to pray to him always, because he is compassionate and humble. The parable of the prodigal son helps us understand this very well. Jehovah is like that father who does not reject his son for his mistakes, but runs to meet him when he returns repentant.
Even when we feel unworthy or burdened with guilt, Jehovah wants to hear us. Lamentations 3:19, 20 shows that he pays special attention to those who are downcast.
Furthermore, Isaiah 57:15 says that he draws near to the humble to encourage them. He often uses the elderly or our brothers and sisters to comfort us. All of this shows that Jehovah wants us to keep praying to him and to feel close to him.
4. How did Jesus demonstrate that he was approachable?
Jesus demonstrated his approachability by perfectly imitating his Father's humility. During his ministry, people felt free to approach him and ask questions without fear of rejection or ridicule.
Even when they made mistakes, he didn't react harshly, but with patience and mercy. This made his disciples feel secure and learn with confidence. Furthermore, Jesus listened to the opinions of others and treated them with respect.
Thanks to that attitude, people were able to see Jehovah as he truly is: not a stern and distant God, but one who is close and understanding. Undoubtedly, Jesus' accessibility helped many to strengthen their faith and love for God.
5. Why does humility help us to be more approachable?
Humility helps us be more approachable because it eliminates attitudes that push others away, such as pride, envy, or resentment. When we are humble, it is easier to demonstrate qualities like patience, kindness, and forgiveness, which make others feel comfortable around us.
In particular, elders should strive to be accessible. By attending meetings in person and sharing in the preaching work with the brothers and sisters, they allow them to get to know each other better and feel comfortable approaching them when they need help.
But we can all apply this counsel. If we imitate Jehovah’s humility, we will be people whom others can approach with peace of mind and confidence.
JEHOVAH IS REASONABLE
6, 7. Mention an occasion when Jehovah granted the requests of his servants.
Jehovah has shown on many occasions that he is reasonable and humble in granting the requests of his servants. A clear example is the case of Miriam. Although Jehovah punished her with leprosy for speaking against Moses, he listened to Aaron's plea and Moses' prayer and decided to heal her.
Another example is that of King Hezekiah. Despite having told him that he was going to die, Jehovah heard his sincere plea and added 15 years to his life.
These accounts teach us that Jehovah is neither rigid nor inflexible. His humility moves him to show compassion and to respond with love when he sees a sincere heart seeking his help.
8. What examples demonstrate that Jesus is reasonable? (Mark 3:1-6).
Jesus demonstrated his reasonableness by putting people's needs above rigid traditions. For example, he healed on the Sabbath, even though religious leaders objected, because he knew that helping someone never goes against Jehovah's will. Jesus did not act out of rebellion, but out of love and compassion.
Furthermore, as head of the congregation, he continues to demonstrate reasonableness. When someone makes a serious mistake, he doesn't immediately dismiss them, but gives them time and opportunities to repent and change. This shows that Jesus perfectly imitates his Father's humility and teaches us to be balanced and considerate of others.
9. How can we imitate Jehovah and be reasonable? (See also the pictures.)
We can imitate Jehovah by being reasonable and developing a humble and balanced way of thinking. James 3:17 shows that God's wisdom is reasonable.
In a family, reasonable parents don't demand more than their children can give, as Jacob did when considering his young ones. They also avoid unfair comparisons.
In the congregation, the elders demonstrate reasonableness by supporting the decisions of the body, even if they do not exactly coincide with their personal opinion.
And we can all strive to understand other people's points of view, even if they differ from our own. In this way, as Philippians 4:5 says, others will be able to see that we are reasonable people.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We imitate Jehovah by being balanced and considerate. We do not demand more than others can give. We try to understand their situation and avoid imposing our opinion. In this way, we demonstrate the humility and reasonableness that Jehovah teaches us.
ILLUSTRATION
Pictures of a father happily preaching from house to house with his children. 1. He smiles as his son offers a man the brochure “Enjoy Life.” 2. Then, he smiles as his daughter gives a woman a jw.org contact card.
Parents are reasonable with their children by not demanding more of them in the preaching work than they can give. (See paragraph 9.)
JEHOVAH IS PATIENT
10. In what ways has Jehovah shown that he is patient?
Jehovah has shown his patience in many ways. In Noah’s day, he waited 120 years before bringing the Flood, giving people time to react. He was also patient with Abraham when Abraham asked him questions about Sodom and Gomorrah. Instead of rebuking him, he listened calmly and respectfully.
This shows that Jehovah is not easily irritated or impatient, as proud people often are. His humility enables him to listen and give time. These examples help us to see that Jehovah always acts with love and consideration, even when he has every right to act immediately.
11. According to 2 Peter 3:9, why is Jehovah being so patient today?
Jehovah is being patient today because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but rather for everyone to have the opportunity to repent. His patience is not weakness, but a demonstration of his deep love for people.
Thanks to that patience, millions have come to know and serve him. However, the Bible makes it clear that his patience has limits. Jehovah will not allow wickedness to continue forever.
As Habakkuk 2:3 says, his decision will be fulfilled at the exact time. In the meantime, his patience gives us time to preach and help others draw closer to him.
12. How does Jesus imitate Jehovah's patience?
Jesus has imitated Jehovah’s patience for thousands of years. He has seen how Satan spreads lies about God and how mankind suffers unjustly. Even so, he patiently waits for the time Jehovah has appointed to act.
Jesus is humble and acknowledges that it is his Father who decides when to intervene. Although he desires to put an end to the works of the Devil, he trusts completely in Jehovah's judgment. This teaches us that patience goes hand in hand with humility and trust in God.
13. In what situation did Jesus demonstrate that he was patient with his apostles, and why?
Jesus showed great patience with his apostles when they repeatedly argued about who was the greatest. Instead of losing his temper or harshly rebuking them, he lovingly corrected them and continued to trust them. He knew that in time they would change.
Jesus understood their weaknesses and gave them the time they needed to mature spiritually. This comforts us because we all make mistakes again and again. Knowing that our King is patient and humble encourages us to keep striving and not give up when we fail.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Jesus was patient when his apostles argued about who was first. He didn't despair, but trusted that they would change in time. This demonstrates his humility and his love.
14. What will help us to be more patient?
To be more patient, we need to develop the mind of Christ. This involves reading the Gospels, meditating on how Jesus thought and acted, and asking Jehovah for help in prayer. There are no shortcuts.
As we learn to see situations as Jesus did, we become more understanding and patient, both with ourselves and with others. Jehovah answers those heartfelt prayers and helps us to reflect his personality.
JEHOVAH DIGNIFIES THE HUMBLE
15. How has Jehovah fulfilled the words of Psalm 138:6?
Jehovah has fulfilled these words by focusing on humble people and giving them a special place. Throughout the Bible, we see examples such as Deborah, a faithful nurse; David, a young shepherd; and the humble shepherds who were the first to learn of Jesus' birth.
He also honored Simeon and Anna, two elderly people, by allowing them to see the Messiah. These accounts show that Jehovah is not impressed by position or prestige, but values a humble and faithful heart.
16. How did Jesus imitate his Father?
Jesus imitated his Father by dignifying the humble. He taught profound truths to simple people, healed the sick with tenderness, and restored their dignity. He even washed the feet of his apostles, showing that true leadership is servant-based.
Furthermore, he has honored us by allowing us to participate in preaching, a task of incalculable value. This demonstrates his trust in us and his appreciation for our work.
17. How can we imitate Jehovah? (See also the picture.)
We imitate Jehovah when we preach to all sorts of people without prejudice and when we treat our brothers with respect. Philippians 2:3 encourages us to consider others more important than ourselves.
By honoring one another, we reflect Jehovah’s humility and strengthen unity in the congregation. Jehovah is very pleased when he sees that humble spirit in us.
ILLUSTRATION
Two sisters give Bible lessons to a woman who is in jail.
We imitate Jehovah’s humility when we preach to all sorts of people. (See paragraph 17.)
18. Why do you want to imitate Jehovah’s humility?
We want to imitate Jehovah’s humility because it draws us closer to him and makes us better people. By being humble, we become more approachable, reasonable, and patient, and we treat others with dignity.
Jehovah greatly values these efforts and assures us that we are precious in his eyes. Without a doubt, imitating his humility brings us peace, happiness, and a stronger friendship with our heavenly Father.
HOW CAN HUMILITY HELP US IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS?
To be more accessible.
Humility helps us to listen, not to judge, and to create an atmosphere of trust so that others can approach us.
Be more reasonable.
It helps us to be more reasonable because it allows us to be balanced, flexible, and to consider the circumstances and feelings of others.
Be more patient.
It helps us to wait with love, trusting in Jehovah and treating others with understanding.
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