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“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (PS. 147:3).
1. How does Jehovah view his servants?
Jehovah is well aware of our joys and sorrows. He is proud of us when we strive to serve him, even in difficult times, and he desires to comfort us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Psalm 37:18 shows that Jehovah “knows well” the difficulties of his servants and their efforts to remain faithful. His knowledge is not passive; He acts to support and reward us.
Knowing that Jehovah looks at our efforts and not at our perfect achievements gives us comfort and motivation to continue, especially when we face trials.
2. What does Jehovah do for the brokenhearted, and what do we need to do to benefit from all his care?
Jehovah binds up the emotional wounds of those who are broken. To receive his help, we must apply his counsel in our daily lives.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Psalm 147:3 assures us that Jehovah not only recognizes our pain, but acts as a loving physician who tenderly cares for our emotional wounds.
Just as a doctor requires us to follow his treatment, we must follow Jehovah's loving instructions for emotional healing. This includes reading and meditating on the Bible.
JEHOVAH ASSURES US THAT WE ARE WORTH A LOT
3. Why do some people have low self-esteem?
Many people have been mistreated, criticized or devalued, which makes it difficult for them to believe they have value.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
1 John 4:8 reminds us that Jehovah is love. Even though the world lacks love, Jehovah gives us the true love we need to heal our self-esteem.
Recognizing that the cruel treatment we have received does not reflect our worth before Jehovah can be the first step toward improving our self-esteem and accepting his love.
4. What does Jehovah assure us in Psalm 34:18?
Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted and helps the discouraged.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Psalm 34:18 shows that Jehovah is not only aware of our suffering, but he reaches out to provide comfort and support.
Jehovah’s nearness assures us that we are not alone. He is always ready to listen and help us, no matter how discouraged we may feel.
5. What do we learn from the way Jesus treated people who suffered contempt from others?
Jesus showed compassion and appreciation for those who were despised, reflecting Jehovah's loving attitude.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Mark 5:25-34 highlights how Jesus comforted and valued a woman who had suffered from illness for years. This shows that Jehovah also values and cares for those who have faith in Him.
Like Jesus, we can imitate Jehovah by showing compassion and support to those facing contempt or suffering.
6. What can we do if we feel worthless?
Meditating on scriptures that show how much Jehovah values us can help us overcome these feelings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Psalm 103:13, 14 reminds us that Jehovah knows our limitations and treats us with love, like an understanding father who cares for his children.
Talking to Jehovah in prayer and asking Him to help us see ourselves as He sees us can strengthen our confidence and self-esteem.
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?
Our past experiences can help us understand and support others facing similar difficulties.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
1 Corinthians 3:9 shows that we are Jehovah’s “fellow workers.” He can use our experiences to help others, especially in the preaching work.
The difficulties of the past do not define us. Rather, Jehovah can transform them into tools for our growth and service to others.
JEHOVAH WANTS US TO ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS
8. What does Jehovah assure us in Isaiah 1:18?
Jehovah promises to completely forgive our sins if we come to Him in repentance.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Isaiah 1:18 assures us that Jehovah can make our sins, even serious ones, as clean as snow.
Jehovah’s forgiveness gives us a solid foundation to put past mistakes behind us and focus on a bright future.
9. Why is it good for us to focus on the present and the future, and not on the past?
We cannot change the past, but we can honor Jehovah in the present and work toward the future He promises us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Philippians 3:13-15 shows how Paul left his past mistakes behind and focused on achieving spiritual goals.
Focusing on the present helps us make the most of each day and draw closer to Jehovah, which gives us peace and hope.
10. What can we do if we have hurt other people?
We must sincerely apologize and try to repair the damage caused.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
2 Corinthians 7:11 highlights that genuine repentance includes a desire to correct wrongs and restore peace.
Praying to Jehovah to help those we have hurt can contribute to reconciliation and our inner peace.
11. What do we learn from Jonah's example? (See also the image.)
We can learn from our mistakes and allow Jehovah to continue using us in his service.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jonah 3:1-3 shows how Jehovah gave the prophet a second chance, and Jonah obeyed this time, showing that he learned his lesson.
Even if we make mistakes, Jehovah gives us opportunities to correct them and move forward in his service.
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)
Jehovah comforts us and gives us peace through his holy spirit and prayer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Explaining a Bible text: Philippians 4:6, 7 assures that by trusting in Jehovah through prayer, we can receive a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Complementary idea: By opening our hearts to Jehovah in constant prayer, we strengthen our relationship with Him and experience His direct support.
13. How can the holy spirit help us to continue serving Jehovah faithfully? (Ephesians 3:16)
The Holy Spirit gives us strength to overcome trials and remain faithful to Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Explaining a biblical text: Ephesians 3:16 shows that the Holy Spirit strengthens our “inner man,” helping us endure any challenge.
Complementary idea: Asking for the Holy Spirit daily not only strengthens us, but helps us develop qualities such as patience and faith.
14. What can we do to receive the spirit of God?
To receive God's spirit, we must ask for it in prayer and participate in spiritual activities such as reading the Bible, attending meetings, and preaching.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Philippians 4:8, 9 encourages us to think about pure, righteous, and virtuous things and to put into practice what we learn. This fills our minds with thoughts of Jehovah and prepares us to receive his holy spirit.
Meditating on Bible stories like that of Joseph teaches us how Jehovah’s spirit helped his servants endure trials, giving us encouragement to stay close to Jehovah.
JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH OUR BROTHERS
15. Who can give us comfort, and in what ways? (See also the image.)
Our spiritual family can comfort us by listening, supporting us with their presence, sharing Scripture, praying with us, or helping us in practical ways, such as bringing us food.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Romans 15:4 reminds us that the Scriptures give us comfort and hope. Brothers and sisters can encourage us by sharing Bible passages that strengthen our faith in difficult times.
The company of mature and trustworthy friends is also a gift from Jehovah. Even small gestures such as a visit or a conversation can show Jehovah's love and lift our spirits.
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?
We should ask our brothers for help and express what we feel or need, since they may not know how to help us if we do not do so.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Proverbs 17:17 teaches us that a true friend loves at all times. By confiding in mature and sincere brothers, we can receive the emotional and spiritual support we need.
Talking with older men or mature sisters can be comforting and helpful. They can help strengthen our faith and offer biblically based perspectives that encourage us.
17. What things can prevent us from receiving encouragement, and how can we fight against them?
Isolation, mistrust, or bad experiences can prevent us from receiving encouragement. We should strive to be with our brothers and sisters and trust them, knowing that Jehovah is happy when we seek support.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
James 3:2 reminds us that everyone makes mistakes. Even though brothers may say something out of line, it is important to appreciate the love and good intention behind their efforts to encourage us.
Even when we are sad, spending time with our brothers can strengthen us. As we make an effort to be with them, we can see how Jehovah uses the congregation to encourage and support us.
JEHOVAH'S PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE COMFORT US
18. What wonderful future awaits us, and what can we do now?
Jehovah promises to heal us physically and emotionally in the new world. In the meantime, we can take advantage of the provisions he gives us now, such as his Word, holy spirit, and the support of the congregation.
Revelation 21:3, 4 assures us that Jehovah will eliminate all suffering in the future. This reminder fills us with hope and motivates us to keep our relationship with him strong now.
Knowing that Jehovah loves us very much (1 Peter 5:7) encourages us to trust in his loving support and to take advantage of all the provisions he gives us to comfort and strengthen us.
WHAT WOULD YOU RESPOND?
How does Jehovah help us when we feel worthless?
Jehovah assures us that we are valuable to him through his Word, holy spirit, and the support of our brothers.
1 Peter 5:7 invites us to cast our anxieties on Jehovah because he cares for us. This assurance helps us understand our value in his eyes.
Jehovah also comforts us through Bible stories that show how he valued servants who felt unworthy, like David or Peter, and gave them strength to continue on.
How does Jehovah help us when we feel bad about some past sin?
Jehovah forgives us when we sincerely repent and trust in his mercy, as the Scriptures show.
Isaiah 1:18 assures us that even though our sins are like scarlet, Jehovah can make them whiter than snow. This promise fills us with hope and helps us put the past behind us.
Jehovah offers us his holy spirit, which strengthens us to avoid making the same mistakes and to move forward with confidence in our friendship with him.
How does Jehovah use our brothers to comfort us?
Jehovah uses our spiritual family to encourage us with comforting words, scriptures, prayers, and acts of kindness.
Colossians 4:11 mentions that brothers can be a source of great comfort. This shows that Jehovah cares for us by using the congregation as a means to strengthen us.
In addition, brothers can help us by reminding us how Jehovah sees things, which can change our perspective and renew our confidence in his love.
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