Description:

In the Kingdom Hall, one lesson often emphasized is the importance of “marrying in the Lord.” We are reminded time and again not to form romantic relationships with people who do not share our faith, particularly those from Christendom. The reason is simple — many of them are guided by the thinking of this world rather than by spiritual principles. This artwork, I Keep My Distance!, reflects a real-life experience I had with a young woman who attended a Christendom church and who once approached me, expressing interest in starting a relationship.

At first, I saw this as a wonderful opportunity — not for romance, but for witnessing. I thought perhaps Jehovah had opened a door for me to share the good news of the Kingdom. When I introduced the idea of studying the Bible together, she seemed receptive. I gave her a copy of the course book “Furahia Maisha Milele!” (Enjoy Life Forever), and she even promised to call me later to schedule our first study session. Unfortunately, that call never came.

Days passed, and each morning she would greet me warmly at her phone accessories shop, but it became clear her interest was fading. Whenever I mentioned the study, her enthusiasm would vanish. I asked if she could spare time early in the morning — perhaps at 4:00 a.m. — to read and discuss the Bible, but she declined. Her words revealed her priorities: “Money first, Bible stories later.” That statement said everything.

As I continued to observe her, I realized that materialism had a strong grip on her. She often made phone calls to other men — some of whom seemed wealthier — even when I was standing right there. It hurt to see, but it also confirmed that her interests were not spiritual. Eventually, she stopped showing any desire to continue our Bible study. That was when I made the difficult decision to step back completely — no more calls, no more visits to her shop.

After about two weeks, I tried to “flash” her using another phone number just to see her reaction. She called that number back the next morning, but I didn’t answer. I feared her intention might be to argue or insult me for cutting communication.

Still, I hold a simple principle close to my heart: if someone truly wants a relationship with me, they must first want a relationship with Jehovah. A Bible study comes before romance, and spiritual conversion must precede any thought of marriage. Only then could I marry her “in the Lord.”

For now, I choose to keep my distance — not out of bitterness, but out of faith. If she truly desires to know the truth, Jehovah will move her heart, and she will reach out again with sincerity. Until then, I pray that she comes to see the beauty of Bible truth and the peace that comes from living by Jehovah’s standards.

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