Are You Walking in God’s Name?

“All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.”​—Mic. 4:5.

1. Every intelligent person walks in the name of whom? Explain.

EVERY intelligent person walks in the name of some god. Yes, whether nations or individuals realize it or not, they serve some god. ‘How can that be?’ you may ask. Well, not everyone today serves a specific god by name, as did the ancients. But some persons idolize actors, politicians, sportsmen, even themselves. Why, their god may be their own belly! (Phil. 3:18, 19) Some directly worship Satan the Devil, whereas others serve him unwittingly, for “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) How true are the words recorded under divine inspiration by the Hebrew prophet Micah during the eighth century before the Common Era! He declared: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god.”​—Mic. 4:5.

2, 3. (a) In whose name do true Christians walk, and when particularly? (b) What attitude do they have? (Col. 3:23, 24)

² Just prior to those words, reference had been made to what would occur “in the final part of the days.” Then the mountain of Jehovah God’s house would be firmly established above all other mountains (denoting the exalted position of true worship). People would stream to it. They would ‘beat their swords into plowshares, their spears into pruning shears, and would not learn war anymore.’​—Mic. 4:1-4.

³ Those who stream to Jehovah’s house realize that “there is no God but one.” (1 Cor. 8:4) Hence, while ‘each people walks in the name of its god,’ the attitude of these true Christians is well expressed in Micah’s continuing words: “But we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Mic. 4:5) What does that expression mean to you? Are you walking in God’s name?

WHAT IT MEANS TO WALK IN A NAME

4. What is a name? Illustrate.

⁴ A name is a designation by which a person or thing is identified. The word “god” is a common name. On the other hand, a proper name distinguishes a person from all other individuals. “Jehovah” is a proper name. But the term “name” also means reputation or fame. So the ‘name of our God’ is the proper or personal name by which he is known, and there is a certain reputation associated with it.

5, 6. (a) In ancient times, what became associated with the name of a god? (b) What is meant by ‘walking in the name of a god’?

⁵ In ancient times, people customarily gave distinguishing names to their deities. For example, there were Tammuz, Artemis, Zeus, Baal and Marduk. Eventually, by their supposed acts, the various gods and goddesses developed a reputation; they gained fame. Such reputation and fame became associated with each deity’s name. For instance, Marduk was the reputed founder of Babylon.

⁶ To ‘walk in the name’ of a certain god means doing things approved or done by that god. It means acting in harmony with the reputation of that god and also recognizing the authority of that divinity. Actually, ‘walking in the name of a god’ means being dedicated to that god, having his name called on one and representing that god on earth. It means living in harmony with the traits of that god.

WALKING IN JEHOVAH’S NAME

7, 8. Walking in Jehovah’s name means more than doing what?

⁷ The true God has given himself a name. Christians are well aware that Jehovah is “the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps. 83:18) They are grateful that God has revealed to them his own personal name. But walking in the name of Jehovah involves much more than being able to speak his name. It means more than recognizing the divine name in Bible manuscripts.

⁸ Walking in the name of Jehovah does not mean merely saying that he is our God. Also, it involves more than attending Christian meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. And, naturally, preaching activity is not all that is connected with walking in Jehovah’s name.

9. Does walking in Jehovah’s name involve merely what we say about ourselves?

⁹ While these things are important, they alone do not prove that we truly are walking in the “name” of Jehovah. The determining factor is not merely what we say and claim about ourselves, but what we actually do with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength. (Luke 10:27; Jas. 1:22-27) The Christian apostle Paul asked this thought-provoking question: “Do you not know that if you keep presenting yourselves to anyone as slaves to obey him, you are slaves of him because you obey him, either of sin with death in view or of obedience with righteousness in view?” (Rom. 6:16) Those walking in God’s name are dedicated to him, and they really “slave for Jehovah,” serving him in faithfulness and obedience. (Rom. 12:11) Have you taken a firm stand among worshipers of Jehovah? Are you walking in God’s name?

DIVINE PERSONALITY AND DEEDS

10. How has our appreciation for Jehovah grown?

¹⁰ We may have been thrilled when we first learned that Almighty God has a name. Probably we were delighted when we originally saw the divine name Jehovah in the Bible. And how glad we were to know that God’s name appears thousands of times in the Holy Scriptures! But walking in the name of Jehovah was another matter. That did not begin suddenly. Our appreciation grew as we came to know more about the One who bears the name Jehovah.

11. What was Moses told about Jehovah’s qualities?

¹¹ As time passed, we came to appreciate Jehovah’s qualities, his personality. For instance, we gained such insight when meditating on this description of God at Exodus 34:6, 7:

“Jehovah went passing by before [Moses’] face and declaring: ‘Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment.’”

12. How did Moses describe Jehovah in song?

¹² Years later, Moses was divinely inspired to compose a song. In it he said:

“I shall declare the name of Jehovah. Do you attribute greatness to our God! The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.”​—Deut. 32:3, 4.

13. What qualities have we come to associate with God that move us to love and trust him?

¹³ Those walking in Jehovah’s name have learned also that love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control are fruits of God’s holy spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) These are therefore qualities that originate with Jehovah. Now we associate them with his holy name, and they move us to love and trust the God in whose name we are walking.

14. (a) How can those walking in Jehovah’s name be sure that God can accomplish his purpose and vindicate his name? (b) Describe how Jehovah’s superiority over the gods of Egypt became well known among the nations, as related in Joshua 2:10, 11 and 1 Samuel 4:8.

¹⁴ Moreover, true Christians have come to know of Jehovah’s purpose to uphold his universal sovereignty and vindicate his name by means of the heavenly kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. (Luke 11:2; Rev. 11:16-18) Moreover, godly persons realize that Jehovah is able to accomplish his purpose and to vindicate his holy name. Why? Because Jehovah has a record of mighty deeds. He is not like the worthless gods of the nations that can do nothing good for those walking in their name. (Ps. 115:1-8) Note how Jehovah was described in song after his miraculously delivering the people of Israel at the Red Sea:

“Who among the gods is like you, O Jehovah? Who is like you, proving yourself mighty in holiness? The One to be feared with songs of praise, the One doing marvels. You stretched out your right hand, the earth proceeded to swallow them up. When Pharaoh’s horses with his war chariots and his cavalrymen went into the sea, then Jehovah brought back the waters of the sea upon them, while the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea.”​—Ex. 15:11, 12, 19.

15. How is it that those walking in Jehovah’s name know him as the God of reliable prophecies?

¹⁵ Those who walk in Jehovah’s name also recognize him as the God of reliable prophecies. Jehovah’s forecasts of future events are recorded over his own name. It is as though he has put his signature to them as a guarantee of their authenticity. We can depend on such prophecies. For instance, Jehovah prophetically promised to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and to give them a particular land. This was accomplished. (Ex. 3:6-17; 14:19-31) Many years later, King Solomon of Israel could say: “Blessed be Jehovah, who has given a resting-place to his people Israel according to all that he has promised. There has not failed one word of all his good promise that he has promised by means of Moses his servant.”​—1 Ki. 8:56; see also Joshua 21:45.

16. What have those walking in Jehovah’s name learned about God’s love for mankind?

¹⁶ Furthermore, those walking in Jehovah’s name have learned about God’s purpose to cleanse the whole human family of sin by means of the expiatory power of the sacrifice of his dear Son, Jesus Christ, so that justice might be satisfied. They are happy to see that justice is associated with the divine name, as is love for mankind. “God loved the world so much,” said Jesus, “that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”​—John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:22; 1 John 4:10.

RESPECT FOR THE DIVINE NAME

17. How has Jehovah shown that he is self-respecting?

¹⁷ The name of such a loving God merits our interest and respect. Jehovah himself is keenly interested in his name, but not selfishly so. He is self-respecting and never has done a single thing that has downgraded or disgraced his holy name. His acts have always associated his name with truth, justice and righteousness. God’s deeds have clothed the divine name with honor, glory, splendor and dignity. With good reason, then, aged David could bless Jehovah and say: “Yours, O Jehovah, are the greatness and the mightiness and the beauty and the excellency and the dignity.” (1 Chron. 29:11) How vital that those dedicated to Jehovah today show proper respect for the divine name!

18. As regards Jehovah’s laws, moral standards and provisions for salvation, how can we show that we are walking in his name?

¹⁸ Persons walking in Jehovah’s name recognize him as their Statute-Giver, Judge and King. (Isa. 33:22) Since he is the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah God certainly has the right to make and enforce laws, establish moral standards and make provisions for the everlasting benefit of all his intelligent creatures. And consider this: Our showing respect for Jehovah’s laws, our having regard for the moral standards of God, our expressing appreciation for his provisions for our well-being and everlasting salvation​—all these give evidence that we are walking in Jehovah’s name.

19. (a) What action has Jehovah promised, and why? (b) We look ahead, then, to the fulfillment of what prayer?

¹⁹ Certainly, those truly walking in Jehovah’s name eagerly await the time when God will act in the best interests of all lovers of righteousness and will take action against those who profane his name. (Ezek. 20:9; 39:7) Indeed, lovers of Jehovah are looking ahead to the fulfillment of the Model Prayer taught by Jesus Christ: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matt. 6:9, 10) Further, persons walking in Jehovah’s name also look forward to the day when everyone alive will respect God’s most holy name.

A UNIQUE PRIVILEGE

20. In contrast with the religionists of Christendom, how do Jehovah’s people ‘walk in his name’?

²⁰ A great responsibility rests on those walking in Jehovah’s name. To walk in his name necessitates our being unreservedly dedicated to him. It requires living in harmony with God’s name, being representatives of everything for which Jehovah’s name stands. Yes, it means representing the divine name before all the world in a correct manner. Obviously, walking in Jehovah’s name does not allow for despising that name, fighting against it, keeping it out of Bible translations and trying to hide that name, as the religionists of Christendom have done or attempted to do. Rather, walking in the name of our God means honoring the name Jehovah, fighting for it spiritually, giving that divine name its proper place in the Holy Scriptures and declaring that holy name boldly.​—Ps. 9:1, 2.

21, 22. Who alone represent the divine name today, and what is their unique privilege before mankind?

²¹ Jehovah God had a people for his name in the first century of the Common Era. Those anointed disciples of Jesus Christ upheld the name and sovereignty of Jehovah. Appropriately, at the council of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem in about 49 C.E., the disciple James declared: “Men, brothers, hear me. Symeon [the apostle Peter] has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.” (Acts 15:13, 14) Comparably, Jehovah has his name-people today. They do not belong to Christendom’s religions, but constitute a remnant of Jesus’ anointed followers. Associated with this remnant is a “great crowd” who have the hope of life eternal on earth. (John 10:14-16; Rev. 7:4-9) Among all the religious groups now found on earth, these witnesses of Jehovah alone represent the divine name.

²² Theirs is a unique privilege and position before all the world of mankind. In the eighth century B.C.E., through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah God challenged all the gods of the nations to produce their witnesses, so that these might testify regarding the deity of those gods. All those false gods failed to produce witnesses. But note what the true God said to his name-people: “‘You are my witnesses,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘even my servant whom I have chosen.’” (Isa. 43:8-10) Today Jehovah’s Witnesses gladly bear the divine name. They consider it a grand privilege to represent the Universal Sovereign and to acquaint mankind with him, witnessing about this true God and his purposes. Compared with this marvelous privilege, everything else becomes of relatively little importance.

BOLDLY WITNESSING

23. In walking with God, what did Enoch do, and what blessing did he experience?

²³ Often great courage is required for one to walk in Jehovah’s name as his witness. But doing so results in rich blessings. For example, “Enoch kept walking with the true God,” boldly declaring a strong message. (Gen. 5:24) “Look!” said Enoch, “Jehovah came with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him.” (Jude 14, 15) Jehovah “took” that bold witness, cutting short his life and thus not permitting his opposers to kill him. He was “transferred” so that he apparently did not experience the pangs of death.​—Heb. 11:5; compare John 3:13.

24. How and why was Noah’s faithfulness rewarded?

²⁴ Noah also “walked with the true God.” This faithful man witnessed about God’s purpose to destroy the wicked in an earthwide deluge. Noah’s faithfulness was rewarded, indeed, for it resulted in preservation for himself and seven others through the global flood.​—Gen. 6:9; 7:6, 7; 8:16; 2 Pet. 2:5.

25. Jehovah’s Witnesses declare what kind of message today?

²⁵ Those men were among the early witnesses of Jehovah. (Heb. 11:4-7; 12:1) They were not afraid to honor the divine name and make it known far and wide. Jehovah’s Christian witnesses of today have the same attitude. Fearlessly, they declare God’s message of judgment. But they also preach the “good news” of a righteous new order near at hand. They yearn for the complete fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise to bring about “new heavens and a new earth” wherein righteousness will dwell. (2 Pet. 3:8-13) What joy then will prevail! No longer will anyone be walking in the name of some other god. Rather, all intelligent creation will walk in the name of Jehovah God forever.

“Walk Worthily of Jehovah”

“We . . . have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah.”​—Col. 1:9, 10.

1. (a) What splendid relationship may we enjoy with Jehovah? (b) What, then, should be our attitude toward his commandments? (Ps. 119:47, 48)

JEHOVAH GOD is the best friend anyone can have. Because the patriarch “‘Abraham put faith in Jehovah, . . . it was counted to him as righteousness,’ and he came to be called ‘Jehovah’s friend.’” (Jas. 2:23) What a splendid relationship! But Jehovah desires that all persons possessing such faith walk in his name as his friends. Of course, if individuals are to please God and enjoy a friendly relationship with him, they must heed the words of the Congregator, who declared centuries ago: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.”​—Eccl. 12:13.

2. What is needed to “walk worthily of Jehovah”?

² Accurate knowledge is vital in order to be God’s friend, to keep his commandments and to walk in his name. Appropriately, therefore, the Christian apostle Paul told fellow believers at Colossae: “We . . . have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God.”​—Col. 1:9, 10.

ALERT TO OUR RESPONSIBILITY

3. How must we live if we are to walk worthily in Jehovah’s name?

³ Friendship with another human cannot be maintained if we misrepresent that individual in some way. Accordingly, if we wish to have Jehovah as our friend, we must realize that walking worthily in his name involves living in harmony with all that it represents. This requires earnest and regular study of the Holy Scriptures, as well as personal application of what they say. When people see us, they associate us with our God; and, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is vital that we represent God properly, acting in harmony with his Word.

4. As regards representing the divine name, what responsibility do Jehovah’s Witnesses have?

⁴ Witnesses of Jehovah also realize that walking worthily in his name involves every aspect of their lives. They have a responsibility to represent the divine name before mankind in a worthy manner. Certainly, they are not like those of Christendom today who refrain from using the name Jehovah out of fear that it will offend someone. Jehovah wants his name to be made known throughout the earth. (Ex. 9:16) And it is indeed a privilege to inform people that Jehovah is the Most High God.

5. What is the Christian’s attitude toward political affairs, and why?

⁵ But the Christian’s obligation involves more than merely speaking the name of God. Jehovah, our most cherished Friend, is the great King of the entire universe. His name is attached to his kingdom with Jesus Christ as Messianic Ruler under God. Surely, then, those walking worthily in Jehovah’s name must advocate that kingdom. Hence, they do not have any part in the political affairs of this world. Rather, they stand in the same position as that of Jesus Christ, who declared: “My kingdom is no part of this world.”​—John 18:36.

6. What view of sin is possessed by those walking worthily in Jehovah’s name?

⁶ The world itself is steeped in unrighteousness. Therefore, those who would walk worthily in Jehovah’s name as his friends must shun this world and everything that is evil in it. They have the same view of sin as that possessed by Jehovah God, who “is righteous in all his ways and loyal in all his works.” (Ps. 145:17) Christians know that if they were to steal, to commit adultery or otherwise violate God’s law, the name of Jehovah would be reproached on that account. Never would we want that to happen! Rather, we desire that our conduct bring glory to God, even as the apostle Peter wrote: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection.”​—1 Pet. 2:12; Rom. 2:21-24.

“IMITATORS OF GOD”

7. How is it possible to imitate God?

⁷ A person’s friends can have either a good or a bad effect on him, because one may be inclined to imitate the ways of one’s associates. Well, those walking worthily in Jehovah’s name as his friends can be certain that intimacy with God will always have a good effect on them. Trying to imitate Jehovah is highly beneficial. The apostle Paul urged: “Become imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Eph. 5:1) A person, though imperfect, can imitate God by accepting the guidance provided in Jehovah’s Word and by yielding to the influence of God’s holy spirit, or active force.

8. What should Christians cultivate? How?

⁸ Surely, Christian witnesses of Jehovah desire to cultivate and demonstrate the fruitage of God’s holy spirit​—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22, 23) As God’s servants manifest these fruits, other people will be moved to think of these qualities when Jehovah God is brought to mind. Of course, this requires that true Christians display the fruits of God’s spirit everywhere, before all persons. So a servant of Jehovah can profitably ask: Do I actually do this at home, at work, at school, when driving an automobile, during recreational activities, and so forth? All of this is included in walking worthily in Jehovah’s name. And surely these fruits of the spirit should be displayed toward our brothers and sisters in the faith. Then all of us can rejoice in being among Jehovah’s people.​—Ps. 144:15.

9. Prayer plays what part herein?

⁹ Earnest prayer to Jehovah for his holy spirit and aid in cultivating and demonstrating its fruitage in life will be rewarded. (Luke 11:13; Rom. 5:5) Now please consider briefly certain benefits of these fruits of the spirit. It will be evident that they have a favorable effect, not only on persons displaying these qualities, but on fellow worshipers of Jehovah and others.

10. (a) How important is love among Christians? Explain. (b) According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, what is love like?

¹⁰ Love is the first of these fruits mentioned by Paul. “God is love,” wrote the apostle John. (1 John 4:8) Hence, a godly person who manifests love is imitating Jehovah in that respect. Furthermore, “by this all will know that you are my disciples,” said Jesus Christ, “if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) The love among Christians attracts attention now, even as it did in former days. Citing what worldly persons said of the early Christians, Tertullian wrote: “‘Look,’ they say, ‘how they love one another . . . and how they are ready to die for each other.’” Moreover, love is “a perfect bond of union” within the Christian congregation. (Col. 3:14) And no wonder! Love is long-suffering and kind. It does not brag, get puffed up, behave indecently, look for its own interests, become provoked, keep account of injury, or rejoice over unrighteousness. Rather, it rejoices with the truth and bears, believes, hopes and endures all things. Truly, “love never fails.”​—1 Cor. 13:4-8.

11. What is joy, and why should we be joyful?

¹¹ Joy, another fruit of God’s spirit, is said to be “deeper-rooted than delight, more radiant or demonstrative than gladness.” The pleasant, joyful countenance of a Kingdom proclaimer has brightened the face of many a listener. And is there not good reason to be joyful if we are walking worthily in Jehovah’s name? Yes, indeed, for we are declaring “the glorious good news of the happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) Moreover, we have joyful prospects, a sound hope of future blessings, if we continue walking worthily in Jehovah’s name. Think of that when confronted with life’s problems. Endeavor to spread joy among your Christian associates too, for persons dedicated to God are expected to ‘serve Jehovah with rejoicing and joy of heart.’​—Deut. 28:46, 47.

12. Of what benefit is peace among Christians?

¹² Peace, another fruit of the spirit, is an outstanding quality of Jehovah. He is “the God of peace.” (Heb. 13:20) True Christians “pursue peace with all people.” (Heb. 12:14) To illustrate: At the Divine Will International Assembly in 1958, Jehovah’s Witnesses resolved: “THAT, figuratively speaking, we have beaten our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning shears and, although of so many nationalities, we will not lift up sword against one another because we are Christian brothers and members of the one family of God, neither will we learn to war against one another any more, but we will walk in God’s paths in peace, unity and brotherly love.” Jehovah’s people have lived up to that resolution, and the peace existing among them attracts lovers of peace to true Christianity. (Isa. 2:2-4) Furthermore, ‘Jehovah blesses his people with peace.’ (Ps. 29:11) They are not anxious over anything, but they prayerfully make their petitions known to God. As a result, ‘the peace of God that excels all thought guards their hearts and mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.’​—Phil. 4:6, 7.

13. Long-suffering involves what, and how is it beneficial?

¹³ Long-suffering, another of the spirit’s fruits, does not mean merely “suffering long.” It involves slowness to anger and is patient endurance of provocation or wrong, linked with the refusal to abandon hope for improvement in a disturbed relationship. Jehovah is “slow to anger,” or is long-suffering. (Ex. 34:6) God’s patience allows persons time to repent and escape destruction. (2 Pet. 3:8-18) While God is exercising long-suffering, he is gathering “a people for his name” and, through them, is magnifying himself earth wide. (Acts 15:14; Rom. 9:22-24) Jehovah’s name-people strive to “be long-suffering toward all.” (1 Thess. 5:14) Not only does this promote good relations with fellow believers. Long-suffering enables Christians patiently to help others to learn about Jehovah, with a view to their doing his will and gaining everlasting life. (1 Tim. 4:16; Heb. 6:11-15) Also, by walking worthily of Jehovah in this way, God’s people have the satisfaction of pleasing him now, with eternal blessings as their prospect.

14. What is kindness, and what effect does it have?

¹⁴ Kindness also is a fruit of God’s spirit. It involves being actively interested in the welfare of others. Jehovah is even “kind toward the unthankful and wicked,” encouraging them to repent. (Luke 6:35; Rom. 2:4) Accordingly, as “imitators of God,” Christians are to clothe themselves with kindness. (Eph. 5:1; Col. 3:12) They follow Scriptural counsel to “become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another” as God by Christ forgave them. (Eph. 4:32) Kindness begets kindness, and it has attractive force. So, it benefits the one showing it, the one receiving it and the one drawn to God’s people because of seeing kindness at work among them.

15. Goodness denotes what, and how can it be developed?

¹⁵ Goodness, another fruit of the spirit, denotes moral excellence or virtue. “Good and upright is Jehovah.” (Ps. 25:8) As an aid in developing goodness, Christians do well to ask God prayerfully: “Teach me goodness, sensibleness and knowledge themselves, for in your commandments I have exercised faith.” (Ps. 119:66) Also, goodness is developed by obeying Jehovah’s commands. There is satisfaction in knowing that one is imitating Jehovah by practicing goodness toward fellow believers and all others. Such goodness may draw persons to true Christianity.​—Gal. 6:10.

16. (a) How is faith defined? (b) Our displaying this fruit of the spirit may have what effect on others?

¹⁶ Faith, the seventh-listed fruit of the spirit, is vitally important to those desiring to “walk worthily of Jehovah.” It is impossible to maintain friendship with Jehovah and to please God without this quality. (Heb. 11:6) “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” (Heb. 11:1) It is not just baseless hope, but is a well-founded expectation. Furthermore, faith is the evidence needed for conviction regarding unseen realities. For instance, created things such as the sun, the moon and the stars prove to the thinking person that God the Creator exists. (Rom. 1:20-23; Heb. 11:3) When an individual displays faith in Jehovah, he is setting a fine example for fellow Christians. Their faith may be strengthened by observing his implicit faith in Jehovah. And such active faith may also move unbelievers to begin placing confidence in Jehovah God.

17. What is mildness, and what results when imitators of Jehovah display it?

¹⁷ Mildness, another fruit of the spirit, might be defined as gentleness, graciousness, with strength behind it. Jesus Christ said: “I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29) Jehovah, who has provided for approach to himself through Christ, is mild, not harsh and cruel. So, those seeking to walk worthily in God’s name have no reason to be fearful of approaching him in prayer. (Heb. 4:16; 1 John 4:17, 18) As imitators of Jehovah and his Son, Christians display mildness in their dealings with all people, and this is beneficial indeed. Among other things, “the quiet and mild spirit” of a Christian wife may be a factor in winning an unbelieving mate over to the true faith. (1 Pet. 3:1-4) Then, too, mildness promotes pleasant relations among people even when difficulties arise, for “an answer, when mild, turns away rage.”​—Prov. 15:1.

18. Self-control involves what, and what effect may it have?

¹⁸ Self-control, the last-mentioned fruit of the spirit, involves restraining one’s person, speech and actions. Jehovah “kept exercising self-control” until the right time came for him to punish the Babylonian desolators of Jerusalem. (Isa. 42:14, 15) As “imitators of God,” Christians strive to exercise self-control in all things and can confidently pray to Jehovah for aid in cultivating this quality. (1 Cor. 9:25) Self-control is a blessing to the person practicing it and to all those associating with him. Like other fruits of the spirit, this quality may also attract observers to Christianity.

WHAT GOD ASKS

19. How much does Jehovah ask of us?

¹⁹ Those having Jehovah’s name upon them can please God if they seek his aid in cultivating the fruits of the spirit. Certainly, if we truly look to Jehovah for guidance and feel deeply our responsibility before him, he will strengthen us to walk in his way. Said Paul: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.” (Phil. 4:13) In his loving-kindness, Jehovah aids us greatly and asks relatively little. “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good,” wrote Micah. “And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”​—Mic. 6:8.

20. Why may we be confident of Jehovah’s protection and aid?

²⁰ By exercising justice, loving kindness and by being modest in walking with Jehovah, we are not left unprotected in this hostile system of things. No, for we can be confident that Jehovah God will protect and aid us as his people and will deliver us into his promised new order, if we continue walking worthily of him. As the prophet Samuel once declared: “Jehovah will not desert his people for the sake of his great name, because Jehovah has taken it upon himself to make you his people.”​—1 Sam. 12:22.

21. What prospect lies before those now walking worthily in Jehovah’s name?

²¹ If we take seriously our responsibility before God, truly walking worthily in Jehovah’s name, he will be with us as our friend. Surely, if we continue to acquire and apply knowledge of his inspired Word, Jehovah will not abandon us. As his Witnesses, we have declared that we are going to “walk in the name of Jehovah our God.” (Mic. 4:5) May we live up to that decision. By doing so, we will have the marvelous prospect of walking worthily of Jehovah throughout eternity.