DAILY TEXT, Saturday, April 11, 2026. Take care so that you do not lose what you have worked for and so that you may receive a full reward (2 John 8).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Take care so that you do not lose what you have worked for and so that you may receive a full reward (2 John 8).

Jehovah created us with a very special ability: we are happier when we give than when we receive. We feel good when we can help our brothers and sisters, and we like to be thanked. But whether they thank us or not, we can be happy because we have done the right thing. No matter what we give, let us always remember what 2 Chronicles 25:9 says: “Jehovah is able to give you much more.” No one can give as much as Jehovah gives! And nothing makes us happier than being rewarded by him. Surely, it is worth our effort to always imitate the generosity of our heavenly Father. w24.09 31 pars. 20, 21

What will help us to focus on imitating Jehovah? (Luke 14:12-14)

Another thing that will help you focus on imitating Jehovah is applying the principle found at Luke 14:12-14 (read it). Of course, there is nothing wrong with being hospitable or generous to those who can repay us. But what if we realize that we have been giving because perhaps deep down we expect to receive something in return? In that case, let us try applying Jesus’ counsel: be generous to someone we know will not be able to repay us. If we do, we will be happy because we will be imitating Jehovah. Furthermore, if we do not expect anything in return, we will always give cheerfully even if we are not thanked.

What will help us not to think badly of others?

Do not think badly of others (1 Cor. 13:7). If we do something for someone and they don't say anything back, we might wonder, “Does he really not appreciate it, or did he simply forget to thank me?” Or there may be other reasons why the person didn't react as we expected. Perhaps he is very grateful but finds it difficult to express his feelings. Maybe he is embarrassed to be helped by others, especially if he used to be able to do things for others but can no longer. In any case, love will motivate us to give our brothers and sisters the benefit of the doubt and to continue giving cheerfully (Eph. 4:2).

Why is it good for us to be patient?

Be patient. King Solomon said something very wise about generosity: “Cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days you will find it again” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). These words teach us that it is possible for some people to thank us “after many days.” Let’s look at a case that demonstrates this.

Many years ago, the wife of a circuit overseer wrote a kind note to a newly baptized sister, encouraging her to remain faithful. About eight years later, the sister replied in a letter, saying, “I am writing because I had to tell you how much you have helped me for years without your knowing.” She also said, “Your note was very loving, but what touched my heart was the Bible text, and I have never forgotten it.”

After telling him about some of the difficulties she had faced, she added: “At times I felt like giving up on everything: the truth, my responsibilities—everything. But that Bible verse you wrote kept resonating within me and helped me to keep going. In those eight years, nothing had such a profound effect on me.” Imagine how happy the circuit overseer’s wife must have been to receive that letter! If we have done something for someone, we too may receive expressions of appreciation “after many days.”

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