Oetim morals

17/05/2026

14/05/2026

If you hear negative stories regarding the organization or the brothers who are taking the lead, remember how God’s enemies treated Jesus and the first-century disciples.

Today,
Jehovah’s people are being persecuted and maligned exactly as the Bible foretold. (Matt. 5:11, 12)

False stories will not mislead us if we recognize their source and take immediate action.
What action should we take?
Reject false stories.

The apostle Paul gave clear instructions on what to do if we are exposed to false stories.
He told Timothy to “command certain ones not to . . . pay attention to false stories” and to “reject irreverent false stories.” (1 Tim. 1:3, 4)

We reject false stories because we recognize the source of the information.
We hold to the “wholesome words” of truth.—2 Tim. 1:13. w24.04 11 ¶16; 13 ¶17

11/05/2026

Isaiah 60:1 reads: “Arise, O woman, shed light, for your light has come. The glory of Jehovah shines on you.”

The context shows that the “woman” was Zion, or Jerusalem, the capital of Judah at that time.a (Isa. 60:14; 62:1, 2)
The city stands for the entire nation.

Isaiah’s words raise two questions: First, when and how did Jerusalem “arise” and shed spiritual light? Second, are Isaiah’s words having a greater fulfillment in our time?

When and how did Jerusalem “arise” and shed spiritual light? Jerusalem and its temple lay in ruins while the Jews were in exile in Babylon for 70 years.

But after Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians, Israelites from all over the Babylonian Empire were free to return to their homeland and restore true worship. (Ezra 1:1-4)

Beginning in 537 B.C.E., a faithful remnant from all 12 tribes did so. (Isa. 60:4) They began to offer sacrifices to Jehovah, to celebrate the festivals, and to rebuild the temple. (Ezra 3:1-4, 7-11; 6:16-22)

Once again, Jehovah’s glory started to shine on Jerusalem—that is, God’s restored people. They, in turn, became a source of enlightenment to the nations, which were in spiritual darkness.

09/05/2026

We can glorify Jehovah by what we say about him.
Jehovah’s people are invited to “sing to Jehovah,” to “praise his name,” to “proclaim the good news of his salvation,” and to “declare his glory among the nations.” (Ps. 96:1-3)

All these are ways in which we can glorify our heavenly Father. (Acts 4:29)
We can also glorify Jehovah with our valuable things.

True worshippers have always honored Jehovah in that way. (Prov. 3:9)
For example,
the Israelites contributed toward building and maintaining the temple. (2 Ki. 12:4, 5; 1 Chron. 29:3-9)

Caring disciples of Christ ministered to him and his apostles “from their belongings.” (Luke 8:1-3)
First-century Christians also contributed relief aid for their spiritual brothers and sisters. (Acts 11:27-29)

Today we too can glorify Jehovah by means of our voluntary donations. w25.01 4 ¶8; 5 ¶11