Watchtower Study: What Will You Do to Show Your Appreciation for the Rescue? Week of March 23-29, 2026, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, What Will You Do to Show Your Appreciation for the Rescue? March 23-29, 2026, Comments and Responses.

“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.

If someone were to rescue us, as seen in the image, and save our lives, even if they also saved other people, that wouldn't diminish the importance of what they did for us. So we would surely always be very grateful and would never take it for granted.

It should motivate us to do something to show that we appreciate the rescue and that we don't take it for granted.

In Proverbs 8:30-31, we see that Jesus rejoiced greatly over the inhabited earth and had a special affection for humankind. Therefore, when he sacrificed himself for us, he was motivated by love. We shouldn't think that he was obligated to do it or that it was simply his duty. It's like the case of a firefighter: if they save our lives, we wouldn't say, "Well, it's their job, it's what they have to do." This motivates us to do something to show our deep gratitude for the rescue.

Jesus' sacrifice is the greatest expression of love. This compels us to make decisions that reflect his teachings. Why? Because his love was so great that he gave his life for us, and that moves us to respond with gratitude, obedience, and sincere love.

The love that Jesus has for us is beautifully reflected in Proverbs 8:30, 31, where it mentions that he was with Jehovah when he created all things. It says that he felt happy, but more importantly, he had a special affection for human beings, and he abundantly demonstrated how much he loves mankind.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The paragraph makes a very good comparison. It talks about three people in different places, in different cities, who want to reach the same destination; therefore, their routes will be different. Similarly, there are three types of people mentioned in the article: 1) baptized Christians, 2) Bible students, and 3) sheep who have strayed from the flock. For these three groups, the route will not be the same when it comes to showing gratitude for the rescue.

Because we Christians who are studying the Bible are grateful for the ransom and want to know Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ, more deeply, because of the hope we have in them.

This article is very personal for each of us because, although we may all fall into one of these three groups, each of us must demonstrate for ourselves where we stand and how we feel grateful for the rescue. So, while it's true that we will identify with one of the groups, each of us must reflect on how to do so wholeheartedly.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah notices the effort that Bible students make to learn about him and is happy about it.

Jehovah wants to see the efforts and motives with which the student seeks to know him and learn about him. He also wants to see how they apply his teachings and whether they do so with a desire to live in harmony with his principles.

The paragraph is very interesting because we don't want any student to take this precious gift for granted. The ransom makes it possible for all of us to be good friends of Jehovah. As the apostle Paul wrote, through Jesus' death we were reconciled, and we are saved through his life. So we all have this great privilege: the opportunity to become friends with Jehovah again, and we don't want to stop appreciating it.

The fact that someone is studying the Bible is already an indication that Jehovah wants him to be his friend. This is shown in John 6:44, which says that no one can come to the Father unless he draws him. Furthermore, in Acts 13:48 we can see that Jehovah perceives in these people a right disposition and attitude toward his standards.

At Romans 5:10, 11, Jehovah tells us that we were reconciled to him. The Greek verb used here means “to change” or “to exchange”; that is, it refers to our having gone from a relationship of enmity with Jehovah to a relationship of friendship. How wonderful it is to be able to regain that harmony and become friends with Jehovah again thanks to Jesus’ ransom!

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Bible students follow the counsel of Philippians 3:16 when, no matter how far they have progressed, they continue to walk correctly on that path. This should make them realize that they should not let anything hinder them from continuing on the path that leads to life.

Bible students should continue to make spiritual progress and, in this way, show Jehovah and Jesus Christ that they are grateful for the great love they have for them and that they want to remain part of their congregation.

Something that helps students, especially new ones, is what Jesus said. They should remember that they have begun a journey that, to some extent, may have difficulties; at times it may be winding or present obstacles. Even so, they must always keep their eyes on the future, because Jesus himself said that whoever puts a hand to the plow and looks back at what they have left behind will not be able to move forward with confidence.

Another thing that helps Bible students is what Matthew 7:14 says: that few find the way, but it is the one that leads to paradise. Therefore, they must continue studying and striving.

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.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Several suggestions are given, including researching and asking Jehovah for his help in understanding. Furthermore, as Deuteronomy 30:11-14 states, Jehovah knows we are imperfect, so he does not ask the impossible of us; rather, he asks us to obey his standards, and he promises to help us.

Putting what they learn into practice will strengthen Bible students, help them to make changes more easily, and strengthen their relationship with Jehovah.

The picture accompanying this paragraph shows a student reviewing information about quitting smoking. He has this habit and is now learning that Jehovah dislikes it. The paragraph explains that what will motivate this change is love for Jehovah. So, at times, when faced with great obstacles, growing love for Jehovah is what will help us see that what he asks is beneficial.

We have seen in Deuteronomy 30:11-14 that Jehovah makes it clear that his commandments are not impossible, and the image in this paragraph also helps us to see that, at times, they may seem so. It shows a student who has a bad habit and is learning that he must break it to gain Jehovah's favor, which may lead him to think that it is impossible.

Bible students should remember that Jehovah will never ask us to do the impossible. His standards are like a protective fence: they do not limit us, but rather safeguard us. Therefore, persevering and praying to Jehovah will give us the strength to abandon anything that harms our friendship with him.

As the paragraph states, it may not be a major change, but rather some Bible teaching that they find difficult to accept. In such cases, they can ask Jehovah to help them understand it, as the book of Psalms says, to unify our hearts.

Bible students can research the subject, but if they still find it difficult, the paragraph suggests that, while continuing to study the Bible, they might set the matter aside for a while. Then, later, when they have a closer relationship with Jehovah and a better understanding of other things, they may find it easier.

The text of 1 John 5:3 mentions that Jehovah’s commandments are not a burden, they are not burdensome. It also includes an asterisk with a very good suggestion, not only for students but for all of us. The booklet Enjoy Life indicates that applying the suggestions in the “Resolve to Do This” box, which appears at the end of each lesson, can help us continue to progress. In this way, we can continue to make spiritual progress.

As we have seen, Jehovah is not overly demanding of his servants, so he is not overly demanding of students either. Therefore, it is best that students not be too demanding of themselves, because that could cause them to become discouraged and give up.

Instead of becoming discouraged, the students could focus on the things they have already seen, on how Jehovah has been with them, such as what he has done for everyone through the ransom. That will help them to be convinced that, even in the midst of difficulties, Jehovah will be with them.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

James 4:8 says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” This reminds young people that they must choose to become friends with Jehovah and value the ransom.

Young people whose parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses can reflect on the fact that one of the most personal relationships we have is the one we have with Jehovah. So, considering that the ransom makes it possible to have a personal relationship with him gives us an opportunity, especially during the Memorial season, to reflect on what it means for us and what personal goals we can set for ourselves.

The young person may feel that Jehovah has brought his family together as if they were a “family package,” but in reality, Jehovah draws each person individually. This is clearly reflected in the reference to the value of experiencing things for oneself, just as each young person can experience their own relationship with Jehovah.

The article makes an interesting point because it uses a very clear phrase: you can't think of your friendship with Jehovah as having a phone and expecting your parents to pay the bill. The responsibility for our salvation is personal. No one can study the Bible for us, nor can anyone pray for us.

The suggestion to pause and reflect on what we believe and why is interesting. This is something we can do now, especially during the Memorial season: reflect on the redemption, why Jesus gave his life for us, and why we are convinced of it.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Baptized Christians have demonstrated faith in the ransom in various ways, but one of them is that, before getting baptized, they took the necessary steps, which surely involved making changes in their lives to draw closer to Jehovah and obey his standards.

Baptized Christians also preach following Jesus’ example. They have dedicated themselves to Jehovah and have been publicly baptized, which shows that they want to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. And, as 2 Timothy 3:12 says, that will mean that they may face some kind of opposition.

Since we have all gone through many trials since our baptism, we have had to develop the quality of endurance and acquire a strong faith, so that nothing separates us from Jehovah's love.

Following Jesus' example, he shows the relationship between hope, happiness, and endurance. We could summarize it like this: hope produces happiness, and happiness, in turn, produces endurance.

Hebrews 12:2 speaks of how we fix our gaze on Jesus, who, for the joy set before him, was willing to endure anything. The point is that, as Christians, we are called to demonstrate that endurance and faith. This not only shows Jehovah how much we love him, but also allows those who are studying to see that example in us. Therefore, thinking about and meditating on Jesus’ ransom helps us, draws us closer to Jehovah, and motivates us.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because, over time, we can take the rescue for granted, and the same thing could happen to us as happened to the Christians in Ephesus: although Jesus congratulated them for their endurance in the congregation, he also told them that he had something against them, since they had lost the love they had at the beginning.

As the paragraph states, we must be careful, because our faith could become mechanical. Therefore, we must pray to Jehovah to continue giving us strength so that we can keep moving forward and not become stagnant, since that would be dangerous for us, because our spiritual life is at stake.

The conclusion is that enduring is not always synonymous with having the right motivation. We must remember that Satan's challenge lies not in what we do, but in why we do it. This raises a personal question: Am I motivated by routine or by love for Jehovah?

As the paragraph states, this is not something that happens overnight; it is a gradual process. That is, a Christian, upon being baptized, feels enthusiastic: he is happy, has studied a great deal, and has had a Bible teacher who has given him lessons every week. But, as time goes on, maintaining that personal study that makes us reflect and deepen our relationship with Jehovah sometimes becomes more difficult. Little by little, it is neglected, and we may find ourselves in the situation where, suddenly, we are doing it mechanically.

We might ask ourselves: How can I personally know if I've fallen into that routine and lost the initial love? We can reflect on our prayers: What are they like? Do we speak directly to Jehovah with our hearts on our sleeves? We can also consider whether we get bored at the meetings, whether everything seems monotonous, or whether we no longer feel the motivation and enthusiasm we once had. If so, then perhaps we can work on it.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

As we read at 1 Timothy 4:15, we can reflect on how to bring our worship of Jehovah to life and maintain our zeal in practical ways. This involves paying closer attention at meetings, preparing ourselves better, making better use of our personal study, and meditating without distractions. If we follow all these guidelines and counsel, our gratitude for the ransom and for all that Jehovah has given us will be strengthened.

Romans 12:11 tells us that the Spirit should fill us with fervor, and the footnote explains that this fervor comes from the word that literally means “to boil.” When we boil something at home, we count the minutes it needs to boil; we don’t take it off the heat and say, “Well, it will cook with the residual heat.” No, we want to keep feeding that fire so that it cooks properly. In the same way, we cannot expect that, with the residual heat of what we have done throughout our spiritual life, we can “boil” in this way. Therefore, we must keep feeding that fire so that it never diminishes.

In 1 Timothy 4:13, 15 there are two interesting expressions. One is “keep applying yourself,” which the footnote explains as giving our full attention to the activity. Then, in verse 15, it says “devote yourself fully to them,” meaning to be immersed and absorbed in that activity. Therefore, when we are in meetings or doing spiritual things, it is very good to truly enjoy it and keep our mind and heart focused so that we truly experience it.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

No, because even Paul himself often didn't feel like preaching, but despite how he felt at those times, he was willing to do what was right. Therefore, let us ask Jehovah for the same: that he give us the strength to do what is right.

Jehovah understands that we can sometimes feel a little discouraged. As you can see in the picture, these sisters are preaching, and one of them seems to be struggling; it was probably difficult to get out that morning with a small child and leave other things undone, but there she is. The other sister says to her: “That’s great, it’s good to see you here.”

Sometimes we may not get the response we'd like from people in our territory, but we still have a wonderful time with our brothers and sisters. We might feel a little discouraged, but our love for Jehovah and Jesus motivates us to keep going, just as Paul did. Even if we sometimes lack enthusiasm, we persevere, trusting that we are doing the right thing.

It's not so much how we feel at any given moment in our lives that matters, but what we decide to do in response to those feelings and how we choose to deal with them. Therefore, if we persevere even when we don't feel like it, Jehovah assures us that he will provide us with the strength to act.

The important thing in those moments of discouragement, which we can all experience, is to keep busy. Surely, as the picture shows, it must have been very difficult for the sister to go out in the ministry and she must have made a great effort, but keeping busy with these activities is the means that Jehovah can use to help us, encourage us, and enable us to act afterward with the right motivation.

There will be times when we don't feel well; however, we can control what we do. Therefore, it's very positive to know that we can exert control over our actions. Even though we can't control how we feel, this helps us maintain peace of mind.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We should ask ourselves some questions, such as those mentioned in the paragraph: whether the Kingdom takes first place in our lives; whether, by our conduct, we show that we hate what is bad; and whether we promote peace among the brothers and in the congregation, as indicated at Ephesians 4:2-3, which says that we should bear with one another and maintain unity and peace.

We must never forget that what motivates us to serve Jehovah is love. The Watchtower article mentioned in the footnote explains the difference between the scribes and Pharisees and the true servants of Jesus Christ. Jesus always emphasized that we should do things out of love. The religious leaders focused too much on the letter of the law, but neglected aspects such as mercy and treating others with kindness.

The Watchtower article mentioned in the footnote indicates that imperfect humans tend to judge people by their actions rather than by who they are, and that we act the same way toward ourselves. Therefore, in our spiritual lives, we should not be preoccupied with what we do, but rather with how we truly feel about Jehovah.

The Memorial season is a good time to ask ourselves some questions about our spirituality. We can compare these questions to a visit to the eye doctor: sometimes we think we see well, but upon examination, we realize our vision isn't clear. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we occasionally need that "checkup" to adjust our perspective. By asking ourselves these questions, we can notice changes in our spiritual life and "calibrate" our vision again to see clearly and strengthen our faith.

The Watchtower article mentioned in the footnote points out that the love we feel for Jehovah and Jesus Christ is key because we experience it personally, something that directly affects us. As the apostle Paul said: “Christ loved me and gave himself up for me.” If we act on that feeling, our actions will come from the heart and will not be something we do out of obligation.

Ephesians 4:3 says: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This means being proactive in this regard. Sometimes, without realizing it, we can act in ways that negatively affect the harmony of the congregation. For example, a critical attitude, gossip, or idle talk, even though they may seem insignificant, can disturb the peace within the congregation.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Some have felt overwhelmed by life's worries, which are many these days. Others may have stumbled because of something they saw, heard, or that a brother or sister said to them. There are also those who have committed a serious sin and don't feel strong enough to confess it.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is truly heartening to know that, for Jehovah, no stray sheep is a lost cause. This is clearly reflected in Matthew 18:14, where we are assured that God, like a loving shepherd, does not want any of his sheep to be lost, but searches for them, feeds them, and helps them return to him. He rejoices greatly when one of his sheep finally returns to the path.

The paragraph is beautiful: the fact that someone is reading this article shows that their heart still loves Jehovah and that, therefore, Jehovah loves them too. Even though we may not always see it, Jehovah still recognizes the beautiful reason why he drew us to him and longs, with great enthusiasm and intensity, for us to return to his spiritual family.

Ezekiel 34:16 speaks of the lost, the straying, the wounded, and the weak. Jehovah understands the circumstances of each one, understands how they feel, and desires that they return to him.

Jehovah cares deeply for all his servants who have served for years or their entire lives. Even those who are not currently serving him, he continues to love. This is a great encouragement for inactive brothers and sisters, since Jehovah, even though they are away, continues to think about them.

Jehovah personalizes his care; he does not treat all sheep the same. As we have discussed, there are various reasons why a sheep might stray, and so Jehovah applies different “cures” to each one. This may include strengthening those who feel weak or caring for sheep that have been hurt, perhaps by a comment from a brother. Knowing that Jehovah sees each lost sheep individually is very encouraging for those who want to return.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Knowing that Jehovah is the one who most wants us to return is very encouraging. As Isaiah 1:18 says: “Come, let us settle things between us.” He is the one who first extends his hand. Even if our sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as snow. Jehovah loves us and has provided many ways for us to return and be healed.

There are also the elderly, who are always ready to help whenever needed. As Isaiah 32:2 says, they are a refuge from the wind and the storm.

Jehovah knows these are difficult situations and he won't ask for a huge effort; he simply asks for small steps, and he will help you move forward. Perhaps it will be attending a meeting, calling one of the elders to gradually rebuild your relationship with Jehovah, or asking someone to help you study the Bible. Whatever small step you take, we can be sure that Jehovah will bless you and help you keep going.

They may have mixed feelings about what will happen, how they will be treated, or how they will be received, but Jehovah is there to guide them. He will not abandon them and will do all he can to make them feel calm, comfortable, and at ease again in the congregation. He undoubtedly does this by preparing the elders to handle these matters with love, so that brothers and sisters who have strayed from the truth will feel welcome and know that this is their home, and that they can return whenever they wish.

Regarding the image, perhaps this brother is recalling mistakes he made in the past. When he thinks of Jehovah, he imagines him as someone just and righteous. However, the Bible describes him as the God of second chances, willing to welcome anyone who approaches him and restore things to their rightful place.

Taking the steps this person needs to take isn't easy. However, we can also help them take those steps. If we know a brother or sister who has been inactive for a while and we see them somewhere, we can give them a warm greeting, a hug, and always remind them that they are welcome to return to the congregation. That might be the motivation they need to decide to take those steps.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In the days leading up to the Memorial, we have the privilege and the opportunity to reflect on the great love that Jehovah and his Son have shown us. That love should move us to show our appreciation. Furthermore, we have the Memorial Bible reading, which includes the passages with their references, through which we can relive these important events that occurred 1993 years ago on this same date.

Although some may not find all this a great effort, we can be sure that Jehovah will bless us, either now or in the future. We are certain of it.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

One way Bible students can show their appreciation for the ransom is by following the counsel Paul gave to the Philippians. No matter how far they have come, they should keep moving forward on the right path. And if at any time they feel they cannot, they should remember the words at Deuteronomy 30:11, where Jehovah assures us that what he asks of us is possible and that we can accomplish it.

They show their appreciation for the ransom when they do not allow anything or anyone to distance them from knowing Jehovah deeply and when they make the necessary changes to obey him. Furthermore, by meditating on the value of the ransom, they can 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.

As Romans 3:24 says, the ransom is a gift that Jehovah gives us out of undeserved kindness and because he loves us. When we meditate on this, we feel more love for Jehovah and, therefore, we do not serve him out of routine, but everything we do is truly out of love.

After a few years, we can become stuck on autopilot. It is important to examine our situation and begin to put our spiritual life in order, so that love may once again be our motivation, even after many years of serving Jehovah.

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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The first thing straying sheep need to understand is that Jehovah has not forgotten them, that he loves them and wants them to return to the flock. One of the steps those who wish to return to Jehovah's organization can take is to speak with an elder, express their desire to rejoin the congregation, and ask what steps they should take.

Perhaps, having been Witnesses for a long time, they find it difficult to return because they think about all they used to do: preaching, commenting, and sharing with the brothers and sisters. But Jehovah is not asking for that. What he asks for are small steps. We cannot climb a mountain in one leap; we must advance step by step. For example, attending a meeting or talking to an elder, making a phone call; in this way, their love for Jehovah and their relationship with him will be gradually restored.