Watchtower Study, How to Maintain Joy While Caring for a Loved One, Week of January 12-18, 2026, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, How to Maintain Joy While Caring for a Loved One, January 12-18, 2026, Comments and Responses.

“Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

1, 2. How does Jehovah view your efforts to care for a loved one? (Proverbs 19:17; see also the pictures.)

Jehovah deeply values ​​the efforts of those who lovingly care for a loved one. He sees every sacrifice they make, even if others don't notice. He knows their weariness, their sadness, and even the tears they shed in private. For Jehovah, tenderly caring for a family member or someone in need is like lending him a favor, and so he feels indebted to those who act in this way. Moreover, he promises to reward these efforts, because every act of love and every sacrifice is precious to him.

ILLUSTRATION

Images of caregivers in different circumstances. 1. A sister feeds her elderly mother, who is bedridden. 2. A sister puts shoes on her husband, who is in a wheelchair. 3. A sister puts a special helmet on her young son, who is going to play soccer with his father. 4. A brother has gone to his elderly father's house to visit him and pray with him.

Are you caring for a loved one? (See paragraph 2).

3. Why must it have been difficult for Abraham and Sarah to take care of Terah?

It must have been difficult for Abraham and Sarah to care for Terah because he was very old and the journey they undertook was long and demanding. Terah was around 200 years old, and traveling some 960 kilometers on camels or donkeys must have been especially uncomfortable and exhausting for him. Furthermore, the constant care he required during the journey surely demanded a great deal of physical and emotional effort from Abraham and Sarah, so it was understandable that they sometimes felt very tired or even exhausted.

4. What will we see in this article?

This article will offer practical suggestions for caregivers to maintain their joy while caring for a loved one. It will also explore how others can support caregivers and explain why it's essential for caregivers to stay positive, as well as what factors might rob them of that joy.

WHY IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN JOY

5. Why is it important to maintain joy?

It's important to maintain a positive attitude because if caregivers lose their joy, they are more likely to become exhausted. When they are tired, they may not be as kind or able to help the person they are caring for as much as they would like. Maintaining a positive attitude will give them the strength they need to continue caring with love and to keep a positive outlook.

6. Why do some caregivers get burned out?

Some caregivers experience burnout because constant caregiving can exhaust them both physically and emotionally. The daily strain, lack of adequate rest, and inability to disconnect can eventually leave them drained. Furthermore, many are unable to accept social invitations or participate in certain activities because they cannot leave their loved one alone, which can lead to feelings of isolation or being trapped by their circumstances.

7. Why do some caregivers feel guilty or sad?

Some caregivers feel guilty or sad because they think they aren't doing enough or because they need a break, and this makes them feel selfish. They may also experience remorse when they feel upset about their situation or when they lose their temper and say something inappropriate. In addition, it may be painful for them to see their loved one gradually losing strength and health.

8. How have some caregivers felt when they have been thanked for their help?

Some caregivers have felt greatly encouraged, strengthened, and filled with joy when they have been thanked for their help. These expressions of gratitude have served as a boost of encouragement, helping them to carry on with renewed strength, motivation, and a desire to continue providing loving care, despite the challenges.

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAINTAINING JOY

9. In what ways do caregivers demonstrate that they are modest?

Caregivers demonstrate humility when they acknowledge that their strength and time are limited. This leads them to determine what they can and cannot do, to say no to some things without feeling bad, and to gladly accept help from others when it is offered. In this way, they recognize their limitations and avoid becoming overwhelmed.

10. Why do caregivers need to have discernment? (Proverbs 19:11).

Caregivers need to be perceptive enough to see beyond the obvious and understand why their loved one acts or speaks in a certain way. This allows them to remain calm in tense situations and avoid taking personally behaviors that may actually be a consequence of their loved one's illness. By understanding that the problem is not the person, but their condition, they will find it easier to understand why their loved one does or says certain things.

11. What important things should caregivers make time for every day? (Psalm 132:4, 5)

Caregivers should set aside time each day to strengthen their friendship with Jehovah. This includes reading the Bible, praying, and meditating on Jehovah’s words. Putting worship of God first gives them strength and helps them maintain a joyful outlook, just as King David did. Even though he was very busy, he showed that worshiping Jehovah was the most important thing in his life.

12. Why do caregivers need to set aside time to take care of their health?

Caregivers need to make time for their own health because good nutrition, exercise, and rest are essential for their physical and mental well-being. Neglecting these aspects can lead to increased fatigue, anxiety, or stress, making it difficult to continue providing care with joy. Furthermore, getting enough sleep and engaging in enjoyable activities helps reduce stress, restore energy, and maintain balance so they can continue caring for their loved one.

13. Why is laughter good? (Proverbs 17:22).

Laughter is good because it benefits both the body and the mind. Having a sense of humor helps relieve stress, cope better with difficult situations, and maintain a positive attitude. Furthermore, when caregivers and their loved ones laugh together, it strengthens their bond and makes them feel closer.

14. Why is it good to talk to a trusted friend?

It's good to talk to a trusted friend because it allows you to vent without being judged, receive understanding, and find comfort. A friend who listens patiently can ease the emotional burden, offer encouragement, and help you find joy again when the situation feels overwhelming.

15. What are the benefits of talking about life in Paradise?

Talking about life in Paradise has many benefits, as it comforts and encourages both the caregiver and their loved one. Remembering that current suffering and limitations are temporary strengthens hope, helps to better endure difficulties, and allows one to focus on a future filled with health, enjoyable activities, and "true life."

Furthermore, talking about these promises draws us closer to Jehovah, fills us with gratitude, and helps us to cope with these temporary tasks, since when Jehovah created humans, his purpose did not include us having to care for the sick or the elderly.

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR CAREGIVERS

16. What can we do if there is a caregiver in our congregation? (See also the picture.)

If there is a caregiver in our congregation, we can help by giving them time to rest. This includes offering to care for the person they are caring for, arranging shifts with other members to support them, spending time with the person being cared for, or even helping out one night so the caregiver can get a good night's sleep. In this way, we share their burden, allow them to attend to personal matters, and demonstrate our love and Christian support.

ILLUSTRATION

Two sisters are visiting an older sister, and the caregiver waves a smiling goodbye as she walks towards the exit.

What can we do if there is a caregiver in our congregation? (See paragraph 16.)

17. How can we help caregivers during meetings?

We can support caregivers during meetings by offering to attend to the person they are caring for, either by sitting with them for the entire meeting or for part of it. This allows the caregiver to focus more effectively. Additionally, if the person is unable to leave home, we can offer our assistance and join the meeting with them, giving the caregiver the opportunity to participate in person.

18. What else can we do for caregivers?

In addition to practical help, we can encourage caregivers and pray for them. Elders should shepherd them regularly, and all of us can offer them words of encouragement and affection. It is also very valuable to ask Jehovah in prayer to strengthen them and help them maintain a cheerful disposition as they care for their loved one.

19. What do we expect to happen soon?

We hope that very soon Jehovah will completely eliminate pain, sickness, and death. He will dry all tears, restore health, and make the limitations of the past a thing of the past. Until that day arrives, we trust that Jehovah will continue to be by our side and will give us the strength we need to endure with patience and joy.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What things could steal the joy from caregivers?

Caregivers can have their joy stolen by various circumstances. These include physical and emotional exhaustion, caused by constant caregiving, lack of rest, and the inability to disconnect.

Also feelings of guilt or sadness, such as thinking they are not doing enough, feeling selfish for needing rest, losing their temper at some point, or seeing their loved one gradually losing strength and health over time.

Furthermore, the lack of recognition and gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices can make them feel that their work is not valued, which affects their mood and happiness.

What can caregivers do to maintain joy?

Caregivers can maintain a positive outlook by being humble, recognizing their limitations, saying no when necessary, and accepting help from others. They also need the insight to see beyond the obvious and understand that certain behaviors in their loved one are due to the illness.

In addition, it is essential that they make time to strengthen their friendship with Jehovah through Bible reading and daily prayer. Taking care of their health is also key: eating well, exercising, getting enough rest, and setting aside time for activities they enjoy.

They shouldn't lose their sense of humor, as laughter helps relieve stress and strengthens emotional bonds. Talking to a trusted friend allows them to vent and receive encouragement.

Finally, imagining and talking about life in Paradise fills them with hope and comfort, reminding them that current difficulties are temporary.

What can we do for caregivers?

We can help them have time to rest by offering to care for the person they are looking after, even organizing shifts or helping out one night so they can sleep well.

Supporting them during meetings, sitting with the person they are caring for, or helping at home so that the caregiver can attend and concentrate better.

In addition, encourage them with kind words and pray for them, asking Jehovah to strengthen them and help them to maintain their joy.