When Jehovah spoke to him, Jeremiah showed diffidence. He replied to God: “Alas, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah! Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy.” (Jer 1:6) From this remark of his, and comparing his boldness and firmness during his prophetic ministry, it can be seen that such unusual strength was not a thing inherent in Jeremiah, but actually came from full reliance on Jehovah. Truly Jehovah was with him “like a terrible mighty one,” and it was Jehovah who made Jeremiah “a fortified city and an iron pillar and copper walls against all the land.” (Jer 20:11; 1:18, 19) Jeremiah’s reputation for courage and boldness was such that some during Jesus’ earthly ministry took him to be Jeremiah returned to life.​—Mt 16:13, 14.

Courage, Endurance, Love. Jeremiah’s courage and endurance were matched by his love for his people. He had scathing denunciations and fearful judgments to proclaim, especially to the priests, prophets, and rulers and to those who took “the popular course” and had developed “an enduring unfaithfulness.” (Jer 8:5, 6) Yet he appreciated that his commission was also “to build and to plant.” (Jer 1:10) He wept over the calamity that was to come to Jerusalem. (Jer 8:21, 22; 9:1) The book of Lamentations is an evidence of his love and concern for Jehovah’s name and people. In spite of cowardly, vacillating King Zedekiah’s treacherousness toward him, Jeremiah pleaded with him to obey the voice of Jehovah and continue living. (Jer 38:4, 5, 19-23) Furthermore, Jeremiah had no self-righteous attitude but included himself when acknowledging the wickedness of the nation. (Jer 14:20, 21) After his release by Nebuzaradan, he hesitated to leave those being taken into Babylonian exile, perhaps feeling that he should share their lot or desiring to serve their spiritual interests further.​—Jer 40:5.

At times in his long career Jeremiah became discouraged and required Jehovah’s assurance, but even in adversity he did not forsake calling on Jehovah for help.​—Jer 20.