I've seen the responses on this site and it kind of saddens me because it seems like we can't get a break.
2007-10-24 21:05:26 · 16 answers · asked by bunnyrabbitstar 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Holy spirit and discernment.
It is true that Jehovah's Witnesses are not loved by everyone.
http://jw-media.org/newsroom/human_rights.htm
Some people hate Jehovah's Witnesses out of ignorance, or over some misunderstanding. A few may have had a bad personal experience with an individual who claimed to be a Jehovah's Witness, and prejudicially extended their animus to this entire Christian religion.
However, it seems that the majority of anti-Witness hatred is motivated by religious intolerance and bigotry. A few may even be motivated against their Christian worship by the unseen 'god of this system of things', Satan the Devil.
(2 Corinthians 4:4) the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers
Interestingly, such "hatred" should be expected by true Christians in this time of the end, and it actually helps identify Jehovah's Witnesses as Christ's true disciples:
(John 15:19) If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.
(Luke 6:22) Happy are you whenever men hate you, and whenever they exclude you and reproach you and cast out your name as wicked for the sake of the Son of man.
(1 Peter 4:4) Because you do not continue running with them in this course to the same low sink of debauchery, they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively of you.
(2 Timothy 4:3-5) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories. You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.
It seems signficant that the relatively small religion of Jehovah's Witnesses are the ones best known for their worldwide preaching work. Yet Jesus commanded that ALL who would call themselves "Christian" perform this public work:
(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20030301/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20020401/article_01.htm
2007-10-25 07:41:52 · answer #1 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Your faith has to be tested, and persecution is part of becoming a true Christian. If the world hated Jesus, it will hate us too.
The Anti-Jehovah's Witnesses on here are no different from the Pharisees. Its funny they believe anything from the apostate websites without looking up the information for themselves.. If they did so, they wouldn't bother quoting old Watchtower articles.
Christendom claims to be persecuted too, but they never been persecuted the way Jehovah's people have ever since the Lords day.
2007-10-24 21:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by VMO 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Adara ..You say..These evil fifthly ones will be gone forever soon enough..
That is such a loving , kind thing to say to God's people . Just because they don't believe the same as you do..Does not give you nor any other JW's or anyone the right to judge others this way. Your own comment should tell you something..
Get away from me you hypocrites..I never knew you..
Ring a bell?..
You seem to have LOVE for your fellow brothers only..This is not what Jesus teaches us.
Instead of being so hateful to others..You should show love to them..forgive them for they do not know. You should take the speck out of your own eye before taking the rafter out of another.
You should set the example Jesus would set..He would NOT say that. Its like you can't stand these people that question your beliefs. It looks as if you have judged and condemed them ..and that is not your job to do.
2007-10-25 02:04:42 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa... 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Persecution comes with religion. If you are a firm believer in a faith, persecution will surely and undoubtedly follow. There will always be people who aren't of your faith who will criticize, victimize, and slander your for it. It's just the way this hateful world works.
Disheartening as this may sound, consider the following as words of comfort:
Matthew 5:11
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
But do not fall victim to pride and become self-righteous. So heed these following words:
Matthew 5:44
"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"
Hope this helps. God bless.
2007-10-24 21:18:06 · answer #4 · answered by Curious J, Esq. 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is one of my favorite scriptures.
Rom 12:12 Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.
And we all know what Jesus had to go through. What helped Jesus?
Heb 12:2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus focused on the joy that was set before him.
We know what we will be enjoying real soon if we remain close to Jehovah.
Everlasting life in a beautiful paradise on this earth. No more death and sickness, no more pain and suffering.
We also pray to Jehovah. We pray for Jehovah's Holy Spirit.
Jehovah always gets us through if we rely upon Him.
2007-10-25 08:04:26 · answer #5 · answered by Jason W 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It's saddening, but we must continue to find the lost sheep WHO WANT TO BE FOUND. You cannot force the truth onto someone who is unwilling. This is why at Armageddon 90% of the world's population will be annihalated because most have their own wicked, immoral agendas and want no truth, or detest living their lives according to truthful Bible and Godly standards.
The new one they came up with (non-believers, atheists, & blasphemers) is "I am pretty weary of those who want the end of the world so badly". When I read that at first I was shocked, then realized the mentality of these wicked ones. They don't have even ENOUGH SENSE TO REALIZE that there are those of us who long to live in a world free from crime, liars, wickedness, evil, a world free from satan's influence; we want to live on a paradise earth free from sin an death.
Do you think it is that they like the world the way it is and they do not desire an end to the wickedness in the world? The earth will stand till times indefinite, but upon Jesus' second coming he will destroy all wickedness in the earth, but the earth will remain standing.
Don't worry, questioner, there are those of us who are intelligent enough to realize that we long to see the end to this present evil system of things and long to live on a paradise earth free from the blasphemers, liars, ridiculers, hatemongers, criminals, and anyone else committing acts of immorality.
For one, I cannot wait for the day when I can walk up to my neighbors and say "Hey, please bring the family on over as I'm making a wonderful apple cinnamon pie and I'd love to share what I've made with you all", without that neighbor looking at me going "Oh my gosh?? She is a weirdo. I don't even know her".
Do you know what I mean? A world I can live in amongst other lovers of God's and his Heavenly Kingdom where no other manmade governments will ever put an end to. It'll be wonderful! Keep thinking of the good things, questioner, and we must continue to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!
These evil, filthy ones will be gone for good soon enough!
Love you!
2007-10-24 21:24:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Well among other things, the knowledge that, as far as we are concerned we are striving to follow the Bible.
As for the responses on here, at times they are sickening, one person claimed we are active Nazi's. That disgusted me.
More often than not however, the rude responses on here are so pathetic. Example, someone asked about Why there are
"No" windows on ALL Kingdom Halls, which presuposes a false assumption. One of the answerers explained it's because we are afraid to be seen by the public. It made me laugh.
2007-10-25 07:06:28 · answer #7 · answered by Ish Var Lan Salinger 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
There are a few ways but they all involve relying fully on the God you serve. Firstly, you must expect persecution and not shy away from it. Did not Christ our Lord and Redeemer plainly state - if they have hated me they will hate you also?
At John 8:25, Jesus asked this question: "Why am I even speaking to you at all?" Who was he talking to? In John chapter 8, among those in the crowd were the religious leaders. It was to them that Jesus addressed this rhetorical question. Jesus was the greatest teacher that ever lived; the most prolific of speakers. He knew the truth forwards and backwards, relying heavily upon the Hebrew Scriptures. Yet he could not "catch a break" with these scribes and Pharisees.
At John 14:18, Christ plainly told his followers that if the world had hated him, it would hate his followers too. Again in verse 20 he says: "Bear in mind the word I said to you. A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me they will persecute you." Verse 21: "But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know him that sent me."
At Luke 22:31, Christ told Peter: "Satan has DEMANDED to have you men to sift as wheat." We are no different. Satan demands to sift every professed Christian and that includes Jehovah's Witnesses. How far does this go?
At Acts 5:27-42 the account mentions at verse 40 that the disciples were flogged. Flogged! Do you remember the tool used to flog people? A flagrum. Do you remember its description? A leather whip comprised of various strips, of varying lengths. In some strips were tied iron balls; in others sharp bits of metal and sheep bone. When the whip hit the body, the iron balls would cause deep contusions. The metal and bone would cut into the skin, the subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle. Eventually there would be ribbons of bleeding, quivering flesh. What was the attitude of these ones who had been flogged? Verse 41 says they went their way rejoicing! Why? Because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of Christ.
Look upon your persecution the way these disciples did. Look to your God to deliver you every inch of every step of the way. Remember the words of others in response to your question. As JR said, above, your faith HAS to be tested. And it will get much worse. Use this time to strengthen your relationship with Jehovah. Use this time to learn to rely upon him. Use each event of persecution as an opportunity to shore up your faith; an opportunity to see where you have a weakness - with a view to strengthening it. Remember Peter's words about the tested quality of our faith. Let it be refined. Let Jehovah do the work on you. Let him mold and shape you. According to Hebrews 10:36: You [we] have need of endurance in order that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise." Endurance? Yes.
James 1:4: "Let endurance have its work complete that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything." So then, may the Sovereign Lord God Jehovah of Armies bless you; may he bless every effort you put forth and may He be with the spirit you show.
Hannah J Paul
2007-10-25 02:16:02 · answer #8 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
This week's Service Meeting has a part that helps answer this question.
Go on walking as children of light. Based on Eph 5:8,9.
This part includes interviews from those who have faced and overcame major obstacles in order to to gain and maintain a fine relationship with Jehovah.
It also includes what helps them reamain steadfast.
My meeting is tonight.
As long as Satan is around we won't get a break. That's why we have meeting parts like this one. To encourage us to be strong and continue making spiritual progress.
2007-10-25 07:58:23 · answer #9 · answered by Greg 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It's ALL "Worth While" when HONEST HEARTED (Discerning) individuals Wade Through All the Negativity Here Against Us(JW's); and FINALLY Learn the the FACT that Jehovah's CHRISTIAN Witnesses Have "the TRUTH" ! ! !
There's Just (2 MANY) "Examples" of BELOVED Individuals that FINALLY Become Jehovah's CHRISTIAN Witnesses (BECAUSE) of the "Yahoo Answers" FORUM ! ! !; But ONE of "MY" RECENT "All Time" (FAVORITES) was when "Little Lamb" FINALLY Became a Witness (DESPITE) all the (EXTREME EFFORTS) of "Shallow &Small MINDed" Apostates 2 Discourage HEr ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. KEEP UP the "VERY Good" Work (BELOVED) "Sister" ! ! !
LL
2007-10-25 08:22:41 · answer #10 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋