A Scriptural Consideration Entry

“Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men.“—Romans 12:17 (NWT)

The picnic table outside the office was always crowded this time of year. Mark set down his lunch next to Lisa and Ryan, the usual crew who liked getting fresh air instead of sitting in the breakroom.

“Wait—you don’t celebrate birthdays?” Lisa said, half-laughing as she opened her soda.

Ryan looked up too, curious but not critical. “Is that like… a religious thing?” he asked.

Mark smiled, feeling that familiar tightness in his chest. These moments could go either way, but today, it didn’t feel hostile. Just honest curiosity.

“Yeah,” Mark said, keeping his voice light, “it’s because of what the Bible shows. It’s not that I don’t celebrate people—I just try to do it a little differently.”

Lisa nodded slowly, still thinking.

“Huh,” Ryan said. “Never thought of it like that. That’s actually kinda cool.”

The conversation drifted after that—weekend plans, the new bakery opening up downtown.

Nothing tense. No awkward silence. Just a seed planted, maybe so small that no one noticed except Jehovah.

It’s easy to see questions about our faith as a test or a trap. But Romans 12:17 reminds us: “Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men.”

Sometimes people aren’t looking for a debate—they’re looking for reassurance.

Are you normal? Are you happy? Can I trust you?

When we respond gently, with kindness instead of defensiveness (1 Peter 3:15), we reflect something powerful.

Not just our own patience—but Jehovah’s.

And maybe, just maybe, a simple conversation over sandwiches and soda becomes something far bigger later on.

Jehovah doesn’t just call us to defend truth. He calls us to live it—with warmth, courage, and respect.

—Watchtower September 2023, p. 17, ¶10-11