A Scriptural Consideration Entry

A crowded hallway. A sharp comment. A student scoffs, “You still believe in God? That’s ridiculous.” Another adds, almost offhandedly, that Jehovah’s Witnesses are “outdated,” especially on moral stuff. In moments like these, you might just freeze up. Or maybe your instinct is to fire back. But what if, instead of reacting, we respond—with mildness?

Paul told Titus to remind the congregation to be peaceable and considerate, showing “all mildness toward all men.” That wouldn’t have been easy back then, either. They lived in a time when people didn’t hold back their opinions, not that they do now. But Christians stood out—not because they were loud, but because they were calm. Gentle. Steady.

Today, it might be a classmate who questions our beliefs—maybe suggesting we should “update” our views on homosexuality. That can sting. It’s tempting to feel like we’ve been put on trial. But instead of going on the defensive, we can say plainly—and kindly—that we respect everyone’s right to make personal decisions. (1 Peter 2:17) And maybe, in time, we can share how the Bible’s moral guidance has protected us from heartache. We don’t have to “win” anything; our tone says more than our answers sometimes. (Isaiah 1:18)

Even if someone says they don’t believe in God, we shouldn’t assume they’ve studied the subject. Maybe they just heard it from someone else—or it’s just what “smart people” are supposed to say, right? So instead of shutting the conversation down, maybe we could offer something from jw.org—just a thought, not a debate. Who knows? It might stick.

“Be reasonable…” It’s not flashy. But in Jehovah’s eyes, it’s powerful. The quiet confidence. The way we talk. The way we treat others. All of it adds up.

And Jehovah notices.

Watchtower, September 2023, pp. 17–18, paragraphs 12–13