“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.)
Jesus’ sacrifice should move us to always be grateful for what Jehovah and Jesus did for us and, above all, to never take it for granted. Through the ransom, forgiveness of our sins becomes possible, we have the hope of becoming perfect in the future, and we can be reconciled to God.
That is why the apostle Paul wrote, “The love of Christ compels us.” This means that the love Jesus has shown us compels us to demonstrate through our actions how grateful we are for our redemption and not to take it for granted.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Just as we would feel grateful and indebted to a person who rescued us from the rubble of a building, the gratitude we feel for Jesus' sacrifice compels us to do something to show how grateful we are for the rescue.
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?
Because, just as if three people want to travel to the same place, but each one is in a different city and has to take a different route, the route that each one takes to show that he appreciates the rescue will depend on where his friendship with Jehovah lies.
Therefore, the path that each of these three groups—the Bible students, the baptized Christians, and the sheep who have strayed from the flock—takes to show their gratitude for the rescue will be different.
BIBLE STUDENTS
4. In what sense does Jehovah examine the hearts of Bible students?
Jehovah examines the hearts of Bible students by noticing their efforts to learn about him and rejoicing in their changes to live in harmony with his standards. Furthermore, Jehovah wants them to be his friends and is helping them draw closer to him. Through the ransom, we have the opportunity to be good friends with Jehovah, and this is something we should never take for granted.
5. How can Bible students follow the counsel found at Philippians 3:16?
Bible students can follow the counsel found at Philippians 3:16 by continuing to progress spiritually, just as they are already doing. Furthermore, they should not allow anything to hinder them from continuing on the path that leads to life.
In this way, they follow the advice that the apostle Paul gave to the Philippians, which says: “No matter how far we have come, let us keep walking correctly along that same path,” and they show that they are grateful for the rescue.
6. What can Bible students do if they find it difficult to make a change? (Deuteronomy 30:11-14; see also the picture.)
If Bible students find it difficult to make a change, they can research the matter further and ask Jehovah to help them understand it better. If they still struggle to accept it, they can set the matter aside for a while, but they should not stop studying the Bible.
If they find it difficult to stop doing something the Bible condemns, they should remember that Jehovah knows we are imperfect and does not ask the impossible of us. They can obey his standards and trust that Jehovah will help them.
Instead of focusing on what they struggle to overcome, they should focus on the good things Jehovah has done for them, especially the ransom. As their love for Jehovah grows, they will see that “his commandments are not a burden.”
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?
Young people whose parents are Jehovah's Witnesses can meditate on what the Bible says: “Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.” If they take the first step and draw close to Jehovah, he will draw close to them, because he wants them to be his friends personally and not just because their family members are Witnesses.
Before the Memorial, they can also meditate on what Jesus’ death means to them personally. Thinking about the value of the ransom can motivate them to set spiritual goals and strive to reach them, thus showing their appreciation to Jehovah for the ransom.
BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS
8. How have baptized Christians demonstrated that they have faith in the ransom?
Baptized Christians have demonstrated their faith in the ransom by taking the necessary steps to draw close to Jehovah and obey his standards. Furthermore, they have followed Jesus’ command to preach and make disciples, and have dedicated themselves to Jehovah and been baptized. This dedication to serving God may have provoked opposition from others, but their faith and endurance demonstrate their love for Jehovah and their gratitude for the ransom.
9. Why should baptized Christians be careful?
Baptized Christians must be careful because, in time, we could begin to take the ransom for granted. As happened with the Christians in Ephesus, whom Jesus commended for their endurance but also told: “I have this against you: You have lost the love you had at first,” their worship could gradually become mechanical, performed only out of routine and no longer motivated by love for Jehovah. We must be careful and avoid letting that happen to us.
10. How can we follow the counsel of 1 Timothy 4:13, 15?
We can follow the counsel at 1 Timothy 4:13, 15 by reflecting on our worship of Jehovah and devoting ourselves to it wholeheartedly. This involves finding ways to make our worship vibrant and maintain our enthusiasm, such as by preparing better for meetings, paying closer attention, and taking advantage of personal study without distractions. In this way, we strengthen our gratitude for the ransom and for all that Jehovah has given us.
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.)
No, if we lose our enthusiasm for a time, it doesn't mean that Jehovah isn't giving us his holy spirit. Just as Paul sometimes lacked the desire to preach but was still determined to continue, we can ask Jehovah for "both the desire and the strength to act."
If we keep active in spiritual activities and ask Jehovah for help, we can be sure that 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”?
We can continue to examine ourselves to see if we are “firm in the faith” by asking ourselves, from time to time, questions like these: Is the Kingdom first in our lives? Does the entertainment we choose show that we hate what is wrong? And do we promote peace and unity among our brothers and sisters? By reflecting on these things, especially during the Memorial, we strengthen our desire to live for Christ and not for ourselves, and we are moved to show our gratitude to Jehovah.
THE SHEEP THAT HAVE STRAYED
14. Why have some Christians drifted away from the congregation?
Some Christians have drifted away from the congregation because they have felt overwhelmed by “life’s worries.” Others may have stumbled because of something a fellow believer said or did, and still others may have committed a serious sin and have not dared to ask for help.
15. How does Jehovah view Christians who have strayed? (Ezekiel 34:11, 12, 16).
Jehovah views straying Christians as lost sheep whom he lovingly seeks. He has not forgotten them, but feeds them, cares for them, and helps them return to him, because he still sees something good in them and wants them to rejoin his spiritual family.
16. What can help lost sheep return to Jehovah? (See also the picture.)
Lost sheep can find comfort in remembering that Jehovah wants them back and is willing to guide them and help them cope with worries, heal hurt feelings, and find relief with a clean conscience. They can also accept the help of the elders, who are “like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rainstorm,” and the elders will lovingly assist them. In addition, taking concrete steps, such as attending a meeting or speaking with an elder, can help them return to Jehovah.
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?
We can use the days leading up to the Memorial to reflect on the great love that Jehovah and Jesus have shown us through the ransom. This should move us not to take it for granted and to show our appreciation by living, not for ourselves, but for Christ.
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 continuing to make spiritual progress and not allowing anything to hinder them from staying on the path to life. They also show it by striving to make changes, asking Jehovah for help, and trusting that he will help them obey his standards. In addition, they can meditate on the value of the ransom and set spiritual goals that strengthen their friendship with Jehovah.
Baptized Christians.
Baptized Christians can show their appreciation for the ransom by keeping their love for Jehovah alive and preventing their worship from becoming routine or mechanical. They can also do so by reflecting on their worship and devoting themselves fully to it, preparing well for meetings, and making good use of their personal study.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
They show their gratitude by remaining active in spiritual activities, even when they lack motivation, asking Jehovah to give them the desire and strength to act. Furthermore, they sincerely examine themselves to make sure that the Kingdom remains first in their lives and thus continue living for Christ.
The sheep that have strayed.
Sheep that have strayed can show their appreciation for the rescue by taking steps to return to Jehovah. This includes reflecting on his love for them, accepting the help of the elders, and taking concrete actions, such as attending meetings or speaking with an elder. In these ways, they demonstrate their desire to return and their gratitude for the rescue.
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