Watchtower Study, Week of January 12-18, 2026, How to Maintain Joy in Caring for a Loved One, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, January 12-18, 2026, How to Maintain Joy While Caring for a Loved One, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“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.)

A brother from South Korea named Jin-yeol recounts: “My wife and I have been married for over 32 years. For the last five, I’ve been taking care of her because she has Parkinson’s disease and can barely move. I love her very much and enjoy caring for her. Every night we sleep holding hands, me in my bed and her next to me in a special bed.”

2 Are you caring for a loved one—perhaps a parent, a child, a friend, or your husband or wife? If so, you surely do it willingly because of your love for that person. And you also do it because you love Jehovah (1 Tim. 5:4, 8; Jas. 1:27). Even so, you undoubtedly face difficulties that others may not notice, or you may even feel that you are the only one suffering. Outwardly you may smile, but inwardly you may be very sad and weep when you are alone (Ps. 6:6). Although others may not know what you are going through, Jehovah does, and he understands your feelings (compare Exodus 3:7). Every tear you shed is precious to him, and he appreciates all the sacrifices you make to care for your loved one. (Ps. 56:8; 126:5). In fact, Jehovah considers himself indebted to you and promises to reward you. (it’s Proverbs 19:17).

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?

3 In the Bible, we find many accounts of men and women who had to care for others. For example, when Abraham and Sarah left Ur, their father, Terah, was about 200 years old. Despite his advanced age, he went with them. They traveled about 960 kilometers (600 miles) to reach Haran (Gen. 11:31, 32). No doubt Abraham and Sarah loved Terah very much, but it must have been difficult for them to care for him, especially while traveling. They were probably riding camels or donkeys, which must have been especially uncomfortable for Terah. So it's quite normal that Abraham and Sarah sometimes felt very tired, even exhausted. But surely Jehovah gave them the strength they needed. And he will do the same for you (Psalm 55:22).

4. What will we see in this article?

4 You will find it easier to continue caring for your loved one if you maintain a cheerful attitude (Prov. 15:13). Remember that happiness is a quality that does not depend on circumstances (Jas. 1:2, 3). How can you cultivate it? One way is by asking Jehovah to help you maintain a positive attitude. In this article, we'll explore more suggestions for maintaining a positive outlook. We'll also discuss what others can do to support those caring for a loved one. But first let's look at why it's essential for caregivers to maintain their joy and what things might steal it away.

WHY IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN JOY

5. Why is it important to maintain joy?

5 If caregivers lose their joy, they are more likely to tire (Prov. 24:10). And if they are tired, they may not be as kind or helpful as they would like. Let's look at some things that could steal their joy.

6. Why do some caregivers get burned out?

6 Caregivers can experience physical and emotional burnout. A sister named Leah explains: “Even on good days, caring for someone is incredibly emotionally draining. At the end of the day, I often feel like I don’t have an ounce of energy left. I don’t even have the strength to reply to a message.” Others find it difficult to find time to rest properly and disconnect, despite how much they need it. A sister named Inés says: “I can’t get enough sleep. Many nights I have to get up every two hours to take care of my mother-in-law. And my husband and I haven’t been able to take a vacation for years.” Some caregivers have to decline social invitations and even theocratic assignments because they can't leave their loved one alone for a moment. This may be why they feel isolated or trapped by their circumstances.

7. Why do some caregivers feel guilty or sad?

7 Caregivers may feel deeply guilty or sad. Jessica, who is also a sister, admits: “It frustrates me that I can’t do more. Sometimes I need time to rest, but when I do, I feel guilty and selfish.” Some caregivers struggle with remorse because they occasionally feel upset about their situation. Others fear they aren't doing enough. And some feel terrible because they lost their temper at some point and said something inappropriate to their loved one. (James 3:2). They may also be pained to see the person gradually losing the vigor and health that characterized them. A sister named Barbara says: “One of the things I find hardest to bear is seeing my dear friend deteriorate a little more each day.”

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

8 Caregivers may feel that what they do is not valued. Why? Because they are rarely thanked or congratulated for their efforts and sacrifices. But we all know that a few words of gratitude can do a lot of good (1 Thess. 5:18). For example, a sister named Melissa says: “Sometimes I get so frustrated that I burst into tears. But when the people I care for tell me, ‘Thank you for everything you do for me,’ I feel a boost of encouragement. That helps me get up the next day ready and eager to continue caring for them.” And a brother named Ahmadu explains the effect that expressions of appreciation have on him. He and his wife are caring for their young niece, who suffers from epileptic seizures. He says: “Although she may not fully understand all the sacrifices we make to care for her, my heart overflows with joy when she thanks us or scribbles ‘I love you all’ on a piece of paper.”

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAINTAINING JOY

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

9 Sea modesto (Prov. 11:2). None of us have unlimited strength and time. So you'll have to figure out what you can and can't do, and sometimes you'll have to say no to things. And there's nothing wrong with that; it's just being humble. If others offer to lend a hand, gladly accept their help. A brother named Jay explains: “It’s impossible to do everything we’d like. To avoid losing our joy, we have to know our limits and not try to go beyond them.”

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

10 Try to see beyond the obvious (read Proverbs 19:11). Insight will help you understand why your loved one does or says certain things, and thus remain calm in tense situations. Some chronic illnesses can cause a person to do things they have never done before (Eccl. 7:7). For example, someone who is kind and gentle may become irritable or argumentative. They might become demanding, critical, or difficult to please. On the other hand, it may be helpful to do some research on the illness of the person you are caring for. The more you know about it, the easier it will be for you to understand that the cause of their behavior is not the person, but their illness (Prov. 14:29).

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

11 Make time to strengthen your friendship with Jehovah. At times you will need to set aside some activities to attend to “more important” matters, such as strengthening your relationship with Jehovah. (Phil. 1:10). King David was very busy, but he showed that worshipping Jehovah was the most important thing in his life (read Psalm 132:4, 5). Likewise, even if you are very busy, it is important to set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray. A sister named Elisha says: “I manage to maintain my joy by praying and meditating on the comforting words of some psalms. Prayer has been my lifeline. I turn to Jehovah throughout the day for help in staying calm.”

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

12. Set aside time to take care of your health. Because you are very busy taking care of your loved one, you may be neglecting your diet because you don't have time to go shopping for healthy food and cook nutritious meals. But remember that good nutrition and exercise are essential for both physical and mental health. So make the most of the little time you have by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly (Eph. 5:15, 16). Also, make sure you get enough rest. (Ecclesiastes 4:6). According to some studies, sleep helps eliminate toxins from the brain. The article “The Impact of Sleep on Stress,” published by the American medical institution Banner Health, states that getting enough sleep can also reduce anxiety and improve the ability to process stress. On the other hand, it's good that he finds time to do activities he enjoys. (Eccl. 8:15). A sister who cares for a loved one explains something that helps her maintain her joy: “When the weather is nice, I go outside to enjoy the sunshine. And at least once a month I meet up with a friend to spend a fun day together.”

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

13 Do not lose your sense of humor (read Proverbs 17:22; Eccl. 3:1, 4). Laughter is good for the body and mind. Of course, when caring for someone, things often don't go as planned. But if you can find the humor in even stressful situations, you'll find it easier to cope. And if you and your loved one laugh together, you'll feel closer.

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

14 Talk to a trusted friend. Even if you try hard not to lose your joy, there will be times when you feel overwhelmed by the situation and need to confide in a good friend, someone who won't judge you or be shocked by what you tell them. (Prov. 17:17). He will listen to you patiently and speak words of comfort, just what you need to maintain your joy (Prov. 12:25).

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

15 Imagine what you will do together in Paradise. Remember that when Jehovah created humans, his purpose did not include caring for the sick and elderly. That is a temporary task (2 Cor. 4:16-18). In the future, we will have “the life that is really life” (1 Tim. 6:19). If you and your loved one talk about what you will do together in Paradise, you will both feel comforted. (Isaiah 33:24; 65:21) A sister named Heather relates: “I often tell those I care for that soon we will sew together, run together, and ride bikes together. We will bake bread and cook delicious meals for our resurrected loved ones. And we always thank Jehovah for our hope.”

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR CAREGIVERS

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

16 Let's help caregivers get time to rest. We can offer to look after the person they are caring for. This will give the caregiver time to clear their mind and attend to their personal matters. (Gal. 6:2) Some brothers have arranged weekly rotations. Natalya, a sister who is caring for her husband, who is unable to walk, says: “A brother from the congregation comes to our home once or twice a week to spend time with him. They preach, talk, and even watch movies. My husband really appreciates the time they spend together, and I take advantage of it to rest or do things I enjoy, like going for a walk.” In some cases, we could even offer to take care of the person for a night so that their caregiver can get a good night's sleep.

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?

17 Let's help the caregivers during the meetings. Caregivers may not be able to fully concentrate on what's said at meetings and assemblies because they're busy caring for their loved one. So we can offer to sit with the person they're caring for during one of these meetings or part of them. If the person is unable to leave their home, we could offer to go there and connect to the meeting with them so that the caregiver can attend in person.

18. What else can we do for caregivers?

18 Let us encourage the caregivers and pray for them. The elders should regularly shepherd these brothers and sisters. (Prov. 27:23). And it's good that all of us, regardless of the circumstances, make it a habit to say words of encouragement and affection to them. We can also ask Jehovah to continue strengthening them and helping them to maintain their joy. (2 Cor. 1:11).

19. What do we expect to happen soon?

19 Soon Jehovah will dry up all tears of sorrow. Sickness and death will be no more (Rev. 21:3, 4). “The lame one will climb up like a deer” (Isa. 35:5, 6). “The things of the past will not be remembered,” including the ailments of old age and the pain of caring for a sick loved one. (Isaiah 65:17) Until the day comes when Jehovah fulfills his wonderful promises, we know that he will always be by our side. If we keep asking him for strength, Jehovah will help us to “endure all things with patience and happiness.” (Colossians 1:11)

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What things could steal the joy from caregivers?

Some caregivers struggle with guilt because they occasionally feel frustrated by their situation. Others fear they aren't doing enough. And some feel terrible because they've lost their temper and said something inappropriate to their loved one. They may also be pained to see their loved one gradually losing their former vigor and health.

What can caregivers do to maintain joy?

Talk to a trusted friend. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed by the situation and need to vent to a good friend, someone who won't judge you or be shocked by what you tell them.

Imagine what they will do together in Paradise. Remember that in the future, "life that is truly life" awaits us.

Don't lose your sense of humor. Laughter is good for the body and mind, and if you and your loved one laugh together, you'll feel closer.

Make time to take care of your health. You may be neglecting your diet because you don't have time to go shopping for healthy food and cook nutritious meals.

Make time to strengthen your friendship with Jehovah. Even if you are very busy, it is important to set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray.

Try to look beyond the obvious. This will help you understand why your loved one does or says certain things and thus remain calm in tense situations.

Be modest. If others offer to lend a hand, gladly accept their help.

What can we do for caregivers?

We can offer to sit with the person they are caring for during one of these meetings, or for part of it. If the person is unable to leave their home, we could offer to go there and join the meeting with them, so the caregiver can attend in person.

Let us encourage the caregivers and pray for them. The elders should regularly shepherd these brothers and sisters. In addition, it is good for all of us, regardless of our circumstances, to make it a habit to speak words of encouragement and affection to them. We can also ask Jehovah to continue strengthening them and helping them to maintain their joy.