Watchtower Study, Week of March 23-29, 2026, What will you do to show your appreciation for the ransom? Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, March 23-29, 2026, What will you do to show your appreciation for the rescue? Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“The love of Christ compels us” (2 COR. 5:14).

1, 2. What should we be moved to do when we think about Jesus’ sacrifice, and why? (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; see also the picture.)

Imagine you've just been rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building. Wouldn't you feel indebted to the person who saved your life? Even if you weren't the only one he saved, he would surely want to tell you that he will always be grateful for what you did for him, that he will never take it for granted.

2 As explained in the preceding article, we need someone to rescue us from the effects of inherited sin. And that is what Jehovah did by giving his Son as a sacrifice. That ransom 1) makes it possible for our sins to be forgiven, 2) gives us the hope of becoming perfect in the future, and 3) enables us to be reconciled to God. Thanks to that, we have the opportunity to live forever in Jehovah’s new world. Without a doubt, by giving his life for us, Jesus demonstrated the great love he has for us, a love he felt long before coming to earth (Prov. 8:30, 31). Speaking of that love, the apostle Paul wrote: “The love of the Christ compels us.” (Read 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15). What does that mean? Thinking about Jesus' love should motivate us to do something to show that we appreciate his rescue and that we don't take it for granted.

ILLUSTRATION

The man from the previous article being freed by a rescuer from the rubble of the collapsed building.

We are indebted to the one who rescues us, whether from a collapsed building or from inherited sin. (See paragraphs 1 and 2.)

3. Why are there different ways to show that we are grateful for the rescue?

3. How will you show your gratitude for the rescue? Your answer to this question may differ from others. Consider the following example. Let’s say there are three people who want to travel to the same place, but each one is in a different city. So they will take different routes. Similarly, the “route” you take to show your appreciation for the ransom will depend on where you are right now in your friendship with Jehovah. Therefore, this article is addressed to three groups of people: 1) Bible students, 2) baptized Christians, and 3) sheep who have strayed from the flock.

BIBLE STUDENTS

4. In what sense does Jehovah examine the hearts of Bible students?

4 Are you studying the Bible? That indicates that Jehovah wants you to be his friend and is helping you to draw closer to him (John 6:44; Acts 13:48). The Bible says that God “examines hearts.” This means that he notices the efforts you make to learn about him and is pleased to see the changes you are making to live according to his standards. (Prov. 17:3; 27:11). The ransom makes it possible for you to be a good friend of Jehovah (Rom. 5:10, 11). Wouldn't you never want to take that for granted?

5. How can Bible students follow the counsel found at Philippians 3:16?

5 How can you show that you appreciate the ransom? One way is by following the advice the apostle Paul gave to the Philippians: “No matter how much progress we have made, let us continue to walk correctly along that same path.” (Phil. 3:16). In other words, continue to progress spiritually as you already are; don't let anything stop you from walking the path that leads to life. (Matt. 7:14; Luke 9:62).

6. What can Bible students do if they find it difficult to make a change? (Deuteronomy 30:11-14; see also the picture.)

6 Do you find it difficult to accept a Bible teaching that you have just learned? Research the subject and ask Jehovah to help you understand it better (Psalm 86:11). If you still find it difficult to accept, you can put the matter aside for a while, but do not stop studying the Bible. What if what he finds difficult is stopping doing something that the Bible condemns? Well, remember that Jehovah knows we are imperfect and does not ask the impossible of us. You can obey his standards (read Deuteronomy 30:11-14). And he promises to help you. (Is. 41:10, 13; 1 Cor. 10:13). So don't give up. Instead of dwelling on what you're struggling to overcome, focus on all the good things Jehovah has done for you, including the ransom.  As your love for Jehovah grows, you will see that “his commandments are not a burden.”(1 John 5:3).

ILLUSTRATION

A man is reading lesson 40 of the book "Enjoy Life." On his desk are a pack of cigarettes and an ashtray full of cigarette butts.

Jehovah never asks the impossible of us. He will help us to obey his standards. (See paragraph 6.)

7. What can young people who have parents who are Witnesses meditate on?

7 Are your parents Witnesses and are they teaching you the truth? Then you are also a Bible student. Children are their parents' most important students. Now, young man, remember that the Bible says: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8; 1 Chron. 28:9). If you take the first step and draw near to Jehovah, he will draw near to you. Jehovah doesn't focus on you because your family members are Witnesses, but because he wants you to be his friend. What makes it possible for you to have such a close and personal relationship with God? Redemption, something you should never take for granted (Rom. 5:1, 2). Before going to the Memorial, why not take some time to meditate on what Jesus’ death means to you? Thinking about it can motivate you to set a spiritual goal and strive to achieve it, whatever it may be. In this way, you will show Jehovah how grateful you are that he gave his Son to redeem you.

BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS

8. How have baptized Christians demonstrated that they have faith in the ransom?

8 If you are baptized, you have already demonstrated that you have faith in the ransom in various ways. For example, he took steps to draw closer to Jehovah and obey his standards. He has followed Jesus’ command to preach and make disciples. He dedicated himself to Jehovah and was baptized. Perhaps he has even faced opposition from others for serving God. (2 Tim. 3:12). His endurance and faith show that he loves Jehovah and is grateful for the ransom. (Heb. 12:2, 3).

9. Why should baptized Christians be careful?

9 Now, we baptized Christians must be careful. Why? Because over time we may begin to take the rescue for granted. Consider what happened to the Christians in Ephesus. Although Jesus commended them for their endurance, he told the congregation: “I have this against you: You have lost the love you had at first.” (Rev. 2:3, 4) These words of Jesus show that a Christian’s worship can gradually become mechanical. That person may be praying, attending meetings, and preaching, but on autopilot, just out of routine. Love no longer motivates them. What can we do if we feel that our love for Jehovah is not as strong as it once was?

10. How can we follow the counsel of 1 Timothy 4:13, 15?

10 The apostle Paul told Timothy to reflect on his worship of Jehovah and devote himself fully to it. (Read 1 Timothy 4:13, 15). How can we follow that counsel? Reflecting on ways to bring our worship of Jehovah to life and maintain our enthusiasm (Rom. 12:11; see study note “May the Spirit fill you with fervor”). For example, we could pay more attention in meetings and prepare better for them. Or perhaps we can get more out of our personal study time by finding moments to be alone and meditate without distractions. If we keep doing all these things, the gratitude we feel for the ransom and for all that Jehovah has given us will become stronger, just as a fire burns stronger when we feed it. In addition, in the weeks leading up to the Memorial we can meditate on the good things we have because we are Jehovah's Witnesses. That will undoubtedly help us to value the ransom more, which is what allows us to be friends of Jehovah.

11, 12. If we lose our enthusiasm for a time, does that mean that Jehovah is not giving us his spirit? (See also the picture.)

11 Let us not be discouraged if for a time we do not have the enthusiasm we think we should have. Nor should we think that Jehovah is no longer giving us his holy spirit. Let us remember what the apostle Paul wrote about his own ministry: “Even if I do it against my will, it is still the responsibility that has been entrusted to me.” (1 Cor. 9:17). What did he mean?

12 As we see, Paul sometimes didn't feel like preaching. But, despite how he felt at those times, he was determined to keep preaching. Let's do the same. Let us resolve to do what is right even if we lack motivation. Let us ask Jehovah to give us “both the desire and the strength to act.” (Phil. 2:13). Let us keep busy with spiritual activities. We can be sure that doing all of this will help us to rekindle our love for Jehovah and regain our enthusiasm.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister with a downcast expression pushes her baby's stroller. She is preaching with another sister, who has her arm around her.

Let us keep busy with spiritual activities even if we feel discouraged for a time. (See paragraphs 11 and 12.)

13. How can we continue to examine ourselves to see if we are “firm in the faith”?

13 In 2 Corinthians 13:5 we read: “Continue to examine yourselves to see whether you are standing firm in the faith. Continue to test what you yourselves are.” To apply that counsel, we could occasionally ask ourselves questions like these: “Is the Kingdom first in my life? Does the entertainment I choose show that I hate what is wrong? Do I promote peace and unity among brothers?” (Psalm 97:10; Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 4:2, 3). The Memorial season is a good time to think about these things. When we meditate on what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us, we are moved to show that we are grateful and that we do not live for ourselves, but for Christ.

THE SHEEP THAT HAVE STRAYED

14. Why have some Christians drifted away from the congregation?

14 Some Christians have drifted away from the congregation after having spent months or even years faithfully serving Jehovah. Because? Perhaps they felt overwhelmed by “the cares of life” (Luke 21:34). Others may have stumbled because of something a brother said or did (James 3:2). And still others may have committed a serious sin and are afraid to ask for help. If you have strayed from the flock, for whatever reason, what can you do? What will the rescue drive you to do?

15. How does Jehovah view Christians who have strayed? (Ezekiel 34:11, 12, 16).

15 Reflect on how Jehovah views those who have strayed. He hasn't forgotten them; rather, he sees them as lost sheep he is searching for. Moreover, he feeds them and helps them return to him. (Read Ezekiel 34:11, 12, 16.) Is He doing the same for you? Of course! The fact that you are reading this article shows that your heart still loves Jehovah. Remember that he saw something good in you and that is why he brought you to the truth. Well, he still sees something good in you and that's why he wants you to return to his spiritual family.

16. What can help lost sheep return to Jehovah? (See also the picture.)

16 The brochure Jehovah Wants You to Return says these encouraging words: “Jehovah will guide you on the way back. He will help you cope with your worries, heal your hurt feelings, and find relief in a clear conscience. When you achieve this, you will most likely want to serve Jehovah with the congregation again.”  Also, remember that the elderly want to help you. They are “like a shelter from the wind, a shelter from the rainstorm.” (Isaiah 32:2). How about considering what steps you can take to make things right with Jehovah? (Isaiah 1:18; 1 Peter 2:25). For example, could you attend a meeting at the Kingdom Hall? Why not speak to one of the elders and tell him that you want to return to Jehovah? He may be able to arrange for someone to give you a Bible study for a while.  You can be sure that Jehovah will bless everything you do to show that you deeply appreciate the ransom.

ILLUSTRATION

An older brother, holding a Bible, stands looking at a Kingdom Hall a few feet away. He watches the brothers and sisters greeting each other warmly.

Ask yourself: “What steps can I take to make things right with Jehovah?” (See paragraph 16.)

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

17, 18. How can we make the most of the days leading up to the Commemoration?

17 Jesus said that God “gave up his only-begotten Son so that no one proving to have faith in him should be destroyed but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The ransom is the means that Jehovah uses to free us from the effects of sin and death. Never take it for granted (Rom. 3:23, 24; 2 Cor. 6:1). In the days leading up to the Memorial, we have the opportunity to reflect on the great love that Jehovah and Jesus showed us, a love that should move us to show our appreciation.

18 What will your gratitude for the rescue motivate you to do? Perhaps your answer will be different from someone else's. You can be certain that Jehovah will bless all your efforts and those of his servants around the world, who no longer live “for themselves, but for him who died for them and was resurrected.” (2 Cor. 5:15).

HOW CAN THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF PEOPLE SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION FOR THE RESCUE?

Bible Students.

Bible students can show their appreciation for the ransom by staying on the right path, no matter how far they are progressing. In other words, they continue to make spiritual progress, just as they are already doing, and they do not let anything hinder them from staying on the road to life. If they find it difficult to accept a Bible teaching they have just learned, they can research the subject and ask Jehovah to help them understand it better.

Baptized Christians.

Baptized Christians can show their appreciation for the ransom by being careful not to take it for granted over time. To do this, they can reflect on ways to revitalize their worship of Jehovah and maintain their zeal. Nor should they become discouraged if, for a time, they do not feel the zeal they believe they should have.

Furthermore, they should continue to examine themselves to see if they are firm in the faith, as 2 Corinthians 13:5 says. To do this, they can ask themselves questions such as these: “Is the Kingdom first in my life? Does the entertainment I choose show that I hate what is wrong? Do I promote peace and unity among the brothers?”

The sheep that have strayed.

Sheep that have strayed can show their appreciation for being rescued by remembering that Jehovah will help them cope with worries, heal hurt feelings, and find relief in a clear conscience. When they do, they will most likely want to serve Jehovah with the congregation again.

They could attend a meeting at the Kingdom Hall, speak with one of the elders, and tell him that they want to return to Jehovah. He might make arrangements for someone to give them a Bible study for a while. In that way, they can be sure that Jehovah will bless all they do to show their deep gratitude for the ransom.