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“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (PS. 147:3).
1. How does Jehovah view his servants?
Psalm 37:18 highlights Jehovah's closeness to his servants, reminding us that he knows our circumstances deeply. Jehovah observes not only our actions, but also our motivations and emotions, especially valuing our efforts to remain faithful in difficult times.
Jehovah is proud of us because he knows what it costs to maintain integrity in this world, and he wants to give us the necessary support through his word, his holy spirit, and his organization.
2. What does Jehovah do for the brokenhearted, and what do we need to do to benefit from all his care?
Psalm 147:3 emphasizes that Jehovah acts as an expert healer, tending to the emotional wounds of his servants. This loving care includes the comfort we get from reading the Bible, the help of the congregation, and the Holy Spirit, who can bring us inner peace.
Jehovah teaches us the way we should go, but it is our responsibility to follow him. This includes applying Bible principles, seeking his guidance through prayer, and being receptive to the support he gives us through others in the congregation.
JEHOVAH ASSURES US THAT WE ARE WORTH A LOT
3. Why do some people have low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is often the result of derogatory treatment and a lack of love in the family or social environment. As Helen's example shows, hurtful words, verbal or physical violence, can cause lasting emotional damage.
In this imperfect system, many people are constantly criticized, making them feel worthless. Jehovah knows us deeply and considers us precious, which strengthens our spiritual and emotional self-esteem.
4. What does Jehovah assure us in Psalm 34:18?
This psalm emphasizes Jehovah’s closeness to those who are emotionally wounded, highlighting his willingness to save and restore us. This loving care is in line with John 6:44, which underscores that Jehovah chose us for deep, personal reasons, based on what he saw in our hearts. Even when others belittle us or treat us badly, Jehovah reminds us of our true worth.
Jehovah not only watches our struggles, but acts to help us. Through his word, his promises, and the support of the congregation, he gives us the comfort we need to face discouragement.
5. What do we learn from the way Jesus treated people who suffered contempt from others?
Jesus disdained or marginalized. In the case of the woman who touched his cloak, Jesus not only healed her physically, but restored dignity and confidence by highlighting her faith. Similarly, by calling Matthew, a tax collector despised by society, Jesus demonstrated that he values people beyond social stigmas. Jehovah, through Jesus, encourages us and helps us to see ourselves as he sees us, valuable and worthy of his love.
According to John 14:9, Jesus perfectly reflected his father's feelings, which assures us that Jehovah also notices our positive qualities and treats us with compassion and tenderness.
6. What can we do if we feel worthless?
When we face thoughts of worthlessness, God's Word provides us with tools to combat them. Psalm 94:19 assures us that Jehovah gives us comfort when we are distressed.
Psalm 103:13, 14 highlights that he understands our limitations and treats us with fatherly love. If we have been victims of abuse, it is essential to remember that it is not our fault, as confirmed by 1 Peter 3:12, which shows that Jehovah is watching and will hold wrongdoers accountable. Furthermore, asking Jehovah for help, as Sandra did, allows us to see ourselves from his perspective, since he sees us as people with value and good qualities.
An Israelite holds a sparrow in his hands.
You are worth a lot to Jehovah
The following scriptures clearly demonstrate how much Jehovah values you:
Psalm 56:8. Jehovah notices every tear you shed when you are sad. He cares deeply about how you feel.
Luke 12:6, 7. Even a sparrow is precious to Jehovah. So imagine how much you are valuable to him. He loves you so much that he cares deeply about you and knows you in every detail.
1 John 3:19, 20. If your heart tells you that you are worthless, remember that Jehovah “is greater” than your heart and that He considers you very valuable.
7. How can we use what we have experienced in the past to serve Jehovah?
Jehovah uses our past experiences as a way to enrich our ability to help others. Helen is a prime example. Although she felt despised and worthless for years, by drawing closer to Jehovah she found her place in the congregation and the satisfaction of feeling useful.
So when we face and overcome challenges, we can reflect Jehovah’s love by helping others in similar situations. This not only strengthens our faith, but also allows us to show how Jehovah values and uses each of his servants, regardless of their past.
JEHOVAH WANTS US TO ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS
8. What does Jehovah assure us in Isaiah 1:18?
Jesus' sacrifice is a manifestation of Jehovah's deep love for us, who desires to forgive us completely and restore our relationship with Him. Isaiah 1:18 is a direct invitation to resolve any guilt or emotional burden that our sins may have caused.
Even though some mistakes weigh heavily on our conscience, Jehovah not only forgives, but also forgets. Psalm 103:12 reinforces this idea by stating that our sins are far from us, like the distance between East and West. This knowledge should motivate us to accept his forgiveness and to move forward with faith and gratitude, always remembering that the rescue is proof of his unconditional love.
9. Why is it good for us to focus on the present and the future, and not on the past?
Focusing on the present and future rather than the past is key to moving forward spiritually and emotionally.
The apostle Paul is an excellent example. Although he regretted persecuting Christians, he accepted Jehovah's forgiveness. He did not allow himself to be paralyzed by past mistakes, nor did he become caught up in the achievements of Judaism.
Instead, he devoted himself to preaching with enthusiasm and to focusing on Jehovah's future promises. Following Paul's example, we should avoid dwelling on past mistakes that we cannot change. What we can do is focus on honoring Jehovah in our present circumstances and on the wonderful Hope that he has given us.
10. What can we do if we have hurt other people?
If we have caused harm to other people, the first thing we should do is sincerely apologize. The apology must be from the heart, acknowledging the pain caused and showing genuine remorse.
It is also essential to ask Jehovah to help us and those affected. Jehovah, in his love and compassion, can guide us so that we can move forward and restore peace.
By asking for help, we are acknowledging his ability to heal both the victims and the perpetrators in profound ways. This also enables us to live at peace with Jehovah and with others.
11. What do we learn from Jonah's example? (See also the image.)
Jonah's example is a clear reminder of Jehovah's patience and mercy. After fleeing from the mission Jehovah had given him, Jonah was corrected, and instead of rejecting him, Jehovah gave him another opportunity to fulfill his task. This shows that even if we make mistakes, Jehovah does not abandon us if we repent and correct our path.
Instead of getting caught up in regret over what we did wrong, we should learn from our shortcomings and continue to serve Jehovah with a willing heart.
ILLUSTRATION
The prophet Jonah stands on the seashore, looking up at the sky. He is soaked. When Jehovah caused the great fish to let Jonah go, he again told him to go to Nineveh to tell his message. (See paragraph 11.)
JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT
12. How does Jehovah give us peace when we suffer misfortune or go through a traumatic situation? (Philippians 4:6, 7)
The comfort Jehovah gives us in times of trouble is indescribable. Philippians 4:6,7 assures us that when we present our concerns to Him in prayer, He gives us a peace that is beyond our ability to understand.
Ron and Carol, faced with the tragic loss of their son, experienced immense pain. Jehovah provided them with comfort through his Holy Spirit, guiding them to find serenity in the midst of the emotional storm. This shows us that, no matter how difficult the trials are, we can count on Jehovah's closeness to overcome them. The key is constant prayer and trust that He listens to us.
13. How can the holy spirit help us to continue serving Jehovah faithfully? (Ephesians 3:16)
When we face overwhelming trials, it is easy to feel like we cannot go on, but Jehovah's Holy Spirit gives us the strength to overcome obstacles. Ephesians 3:16 assures us that Jehovah strengthens our inner being with his spirit, giving us the power necessary to continue serving him faithfully, even in times of distress.
Flora, who went through a devastating trial due to her husband's infidelity, experienced divine comfort and strength. Although at first she thought she would not be able to overcome the situation, she asked Jehovah to help her move forward, and the holy spirit enabled her to remain firm in her faith. Jehovah healed her emotional wounds and strengthened her will to continue on her path.
14. What can we do to receive the spirit of God?
Receiving Jehovah's holy spirit requires both our request and our willingness to live according to his will. First, we must ask Jehovah to give us his spirit, but we must also actively participate in spiritual activities that help us receive it. Attending congregation meetings and participating in the preaching work are important ways to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit.
It is also essential to read the Bible every day and meditate on its teachings, focusing especially on the examples of people who went through difficult trials, like Joseph. Despite the situations he suffered, Joseph never allowed his friendship with Jehovah to be affected.
JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH OUR BROTHERS
15. Who can give us comfort, and in what ways? (See also the image.)
The comfort Jehovah offers does not always come directly from Him, but often comes through our spiritual family. Our brothers and sisters can be a source of great comfort, as Colossians 4:11 mentions. They comfort us in many ways, starting with the simple act of listening with empathy, which helps us feel understood.
Moreover, their very presence can be a great encouragement, as the closeness of those who understand us gives us security. They also encourage us with Scripture, allowing us to focus on Jehovah’s promises, or offer prayers that connect us more deeply with Him.
ILLUSTRATION
Two elderly people visit a sister in the hospital. They have their Bibles open as they talk to her. Mature, trusted friends are a great support and comfort. (See paragraph 15.)
16. What might we need to do to receive help from others?
When we are going through difficult times, we may need help from our spiritual family, but sometimes it can be difficult to ask for it. The brothers and sisters around us love us and want to help us, but they don't always know exactly what we need, especially if we haven't talked to them about our situation.
For this reason, in order to receive help, it may be necessary to take the step of asking for it. If we find ourselves going through a bad emotional time, it is highly recommended to seek out trusted, mature friends with whom we can talk openly. By sharing with them how we feel, we will also give them the opportunity to know how they can support us.
17. What things can prevent us from receiving encouragement, and how can we fight against them?
One of the biggest obstacles to receiving encouragement during difficult times is the tendency to isolate ourselves. Sadness or emotional pain can make us feel like we don't want to be with anyone, and we fear that others won't understand us or that they might say something inappropriate. However, rejecting support from siblings can cause us to miss out on the opportunity to receive the comfort and help we need.
Gavin, a senior struggling with depression, admits that although many times the last thing he wanted to do was interact with others, making the effort to be with friends has helped him feel better.
Meanwhile, Amy, a sister who has faced difficult situations, shares that although it has been difficult for her to trust people, she is learning to do so, which makes her happy and also pleases Jehovah.
Their example shows us that, even though it may be difficult, the effort to maintain contact with our spiritual family can be essential to overcome sadness.
JEHOVAH'S PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE COMFORT US
18. What wonderful future awaits us, and what can we do now?
The future that Jehovah promises us is truly wonderful. In the new world, He will remove everything that causes us pain and suffering, both physically and emotionally, and we will not remember the things that have hurt us. This comfort is one of the reasons why we can keep our hope alive, despite the trials we face.
Jehovah, in his love and kindness, is already healing our wounds in the present, providing us with comfort and relief through his word, Holy Spirit, and the support of our brothers in faith. We must take advantage of these blessings to find the peace we need, while we wait for the fulfillment of his promises.
WHAT WOULD YOU RESPOND?
How does Jehovah help us when we feel worthless?
Jehovah reminds us that he loves us deeply, and through his Word, his Holy Spirit, and the support of our spiritual family, he helps us overcome feelings of worthlessness. He shows us that we are valuable and that we can always count on his support.
How does Jehovah help us when we feel bad about some past sin?
Jehovah forgives us when we sincerely repent, just as he did with the apostle Paul. He encourages us to focus on the present and the future, trusting in his forgiveness and his purpose for our lives, without getting caught up in the past.
How does Jehovah use our brothers to comfort us?
Jehovah uses our brothers and sisters in the faith to comfort us, whether by listening to us with empathy, praying with us, or reminding us of God's promises. They encourage us and help us stay balanced and calm when we face difficulties.
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