OUR YEARTEXT FOR 2025:

“Give Jehovah the glory due his name.”​—PS. 96:8.

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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

1. Many today focus on what?

HAVE you noticed that many today seem self-absorbed? For example, some go to great lengths on social media to draw attention to themselves and to their accomplishments. However, relatively few today give glory to Jehovah God. In this article, we will discuss what it means to give Jehovah glory and what should motivate us to do so. We will also learn how we can give God the glory he rightly deserves and how he himself will glorify his name in the near future.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GIVE JEHOVAH GLORY?

2. How did Jehovah reveal his glory at Mount Sinai? (See also picture.)

² What is glory? In the Bible, the word “glory” can refer to anything that makes someone impressive. Jehovah made an outstanding display of his glory shortly after the nation of Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt. Picture the scene: Millions of Israelites assemble at the base of Mount Sinai to meet their God. A dark cloud engulfs the mountain. Suddenly, a tremendous earthquake​—apparently coupled with volcanic activity—​shakes the ground beneath their feet while lightning, thunder, and the deafening sound of a horn fill the air. (Ex. 19:16-18; 24:17; Ps. 68:8) Imagine how impressed those Israelites were when Jehovah revealed this powerful display of his glory.

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3. What does it mean to give Jehovah glory?

³ But what about humans? Can we actually bring glory to Jehovah? Yes, we can. One way we give Jehovah glory is by telling others about his awesome power and his heartwarming qualities. We also glorify God when we give him credit for things we accomplish in his strength. (Isa. 26:12) King David was an outstanding example of one who gave glory to Jehovah. In a prayer that he offered in the presence of the congregation of Israel, David said to God: “Yours, O Jehovah, are the greatness and the mightiness and the beauty and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on the earth is yours.” After David concluded his prayer, “all the congregation praised Jehovah.”​—1 Chron. 29:11, 20.

4. How did Jesus give glory to Jehovah?

⁴ When Jesus was on earth, he glorified his Father by acknowledging Him as the Source of his miracles. (Mark 5:18-20) Jesus also brought glory to Jehovah by the way he spoke about his Father and the way he treated others. On one occasion, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. Among those listening was a woman who had been possessed by a demon for 18 years. The demon had caused her body to be bent double so that she was unable to straighten up. How distressing! Moved by compassion, Jesus approached the woman and addressed her tenderly, saying: “Woman, you are released from your weakness.” He then laid his hands on her, and instantly she stood up straight and “began to glorify God,” her health and dignity fully restored! (Luke 13:10-13) That woman had good reason to give Jehovah glory, and so do we.

WHAT MOTIVATES US TO GIVE JEHOVAH GLORY?

5. What reasons do we have to respect Jehovah?

⁵ We glorify Jehovah because we deeply respect him. We have many reasons to respect him. Jehovah is almighty; he has limitless power. (Ps. 96:4-7) His profound wisdom is clearly evident in the things he has made. He is the Source of our life and the Sustainer of it. (Rev. 4:11) He is loyal. (Rev. 15:4) Everything he does succeeds, and he always keeps his promises. (Josh. 23:14) No wonder the prophet Jeremiah said regarding Jehovah: “Among all the wise ones of the nations and among all their kingdoms, there is no one at all like you”! (Jer. 10:6, 7) Certainly, we have good reasons to respect our heavenly Father. But Jehovah does more than earn our respect​—he wins our love.

6. Why do we love Jehovah?

⁶ We glorify Jehovah because we dearly love him. Consider several qualities of Jehovah that make us love him. He is merciful and compassionate. (Ps. 103:13; Isa. 49:15) He is empathetic; when we feel hurt, he feels hurt. (Zech. 2:8) He makes it easy for us to draw close to him as a Friend. (Ps. 25:14; Acts 17:27) And he is humble; “he stoops down to look on heaven and earth, raising the lowly from the dust.” (Ps. 113:6, 7) How could anyone not want to glorify our great God?​—Ps. 86:12.

7. What special opportunity do we have?

⁷ We glorify Jehovah because we want others to know him. Many do not know the truth about Jehovah. Why? Because Satan has blinded their minds by spreading terrible lies about Him. (2 Cor. 4:4) Satan has convinced people that Jehovah is vengeful, uncaring, and the cause of much of the world’s suffering. But we know the truth about our God! We have the opportunity to set the record straight and thus bring him glory. (Isa. 43:10) Psalm 96 focuses on giving glory to Jehovah. As we discuss some of the inspired words in this psalm, think about ways in which you might give Jehovah the glory he so rightly deserves.

HOW CAN WE GIVE JEHOVAH THE GLORY HE DESERVES?

8. What is one way we can glorify Jehovah? (Psalm 96:1-3)

⁸ Read Psalm 96:1-3. We can glorify Jehovah by what we say about him. In these verses, Jehovah’s people are invited to “sing to Jehovah,” to “praise his name,” to “proclaim the good news of his salvation,” and to “declare his glory among the nations.” All these are ways in which we can glorify our heavenly Father. Faithful Jews and first-century Christians did not hesitate to tell others about all the good things Jehovah had done for them and to defend his reputation. (Dan. 3:16-18; Acts 4:29) How can we do the same?

9-10. What do you learn from Angelena’s experience? (See also picture.)

⁹ Consider the experience of Angelena,a a sister who lives in the United States. She courageously defended Jehovah’s reputation at the company where she works. As a new employee, Angelena was invited to a meeting where those who had recently joined the company were given the opportunity to tell their colleagues something about their background. Angelena prepared a slide show that reflected the joy she has as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, just before it was her turn to speak, a fellow worker introduced himself as someone who had been raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He began to mock our beliefs. Angelena says: “My heart was pounding. But I thought to myself: ‘Am I going to allow someone to lie about Jehovah? Or am I going to stand up for Him?’”

¹⁰ When her colleague concluded, Angelena said a quick, silent prayer. She then addressed him kindly, saying: “My background is similar to yours. I too was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I continue to be one to this day.” The tension was palpable; yet, Angelena maintained her composure as she shared heartwarming images from spiritual events she had attended and as she tactfully defended her beliefs. (1 Pet. 3:15) What was the result? By the time Angelena concluded her presentation, the man’s attitude had softened. He even acknowledged that he had fond memories of growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Angelena says: “Jehovah deserves to be defended. It is an honor to speak up for his name.” We too have the honor of praising Jehovah and glorifying him even when others dishonor him.

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11. How have true worshippers throughout history followed the principle found at Psalm 96:8?

¹¹ Read Psalm 96:8. We can glorify Jehovah with our valuable things. True worshippers have always honored Jehovah in that way. (Prov. 3:9) For example, the Israelites contributed toward building and maintaining the temple. (2 Ki. 12:4, 5; 1 Chron. 29:3-9) Caring disciples of Christ ministered to him and his apostles “from their belongings.” (Luke 8:1-3) First-century Christians also contributed relief aid for their spiritual brothers and sisters. (Acts 11:27-29) Today we too can glorify Jehovah by means of our voluntary donations.

12. How can our donations bring glory to Jehovah? (See also picture.)

¹² Consider just one experience that shows how our donations bring glory to Jehovah. A 2020 report described the effects of a prolonged drought in Zimbabwe. Millions were left on the brink of starvation, including a sister named Prisca. Despite the drought, Prisca continued her routine of preaching each Wednesday and Friday, even during plowing season. Her neighbors ridiculed her for going in the ministry instead of working in her fields, saying, “You are going to starve.” Prisca would confidently reply, “Jehovah has never failed his servants.” Not long after that, she benefited from relief supplies from our organization. Those relief supplies were made available thanks to our donations. Prisca’s neighbors were impressed, and they told her, “God has never failed you, so we want to learn more about him.” Seven of her neighbors began attending congregation meetings.

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13. How can our conduct bring glory to Jehovah? (Psalm 96:9)

¹³ Read Psalm 96:9. We can glorify Jehovah by our conduct. The priests who served at Jehovah’s temple needed to be physically clean. (Ex. 40:30-32) Yet, even more important than physical cleanliness is clean conduct. (Ps. 24:3, 4; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16) We need to work hard to strip off “the old personality”​—unclean attitudes and practices—​and to clothe ourselves with “the new personality”​—a way of thinking and acting that reflects Jehovah’s glorious qualities. (Col. 3:9, 10) With Jehovah’s help, even the most immoral and violent individuals can change and put on the new personality.

14. What do you learn from Jack’s experience? (See also picture.)

¹⁴ Consider the experience of Jack, a violent and dangerous man who was nicknamed The Demon. Because of his crimes, Jack was sentenced to death. However, while waiting for the sentence to be carried out, Jack agreed to a Bible study with a brother who visited the prison where Jack was incarcerated. Despite his background, Jack stripped off his old personality and in time qualified for baptism. Jack changed so much that on the day he was to be executed, some of the prison guards had tears in their eyes as they said goodbye. A sergeant who worked at the prison said: “Jack was once the worst inmate in this place. Now he’s one of the best.” The week following Jack’s execution, the brothers who returned to conduct the weekly meeting at the prison met an inmate who was attending the meeting for the first time. What moved him to attend? He was impressed with Jack’s changed conduct and wanted to know what he needed to do to worship Jehovah. Clearly, our conduct can bring glory to our heavenly Father!​—1 Pet. 2:12.

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HOW WILL JEHOVAH GLORIFY HIS NAME IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

15. How will Jehovah completely glorify his name in the near future? (Psalm 96:10-13)

¹⁵ Read Psalm 96:10-13. These final verses of Psalm 96 describe Jehovah as a righteous Judge and King. How will Jehovah glorify his name in the near future? By means of his judgments. Soon he will execute Babylon the Great for bringing reproach on his holy name. (Rev. 17:5, 16; 19:1, 2) Some who witness the destruction of Babylon the Great might join us in true worship. Finally, at Armageddon, Jehovah will destroy Satan’s entire system, eliminating all those who oppose him and blaspheme his name but saving all those who love and obey him and who are proud to give him glory. (Mark 8:38; 2 Thess. 1:6-10) After the final test that follows Christ’s Thousand Year Reign, Jehovah will have completely sanctified his name. (Rev. 20:7-10) At that time, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.”​—Hab. 2:14.

16. What are you determined to do? (See also picture.)

¹⁶ How thrilling it will be when everyone alive will be giving Jehovah the glory due his name! But until that day arrives, we can do our part by glorifying our God at every opportunity. To emphasize this important issue, the Governing Body has chosen Psalm 96:8 as our yeartext for 2025: “Give Jehovah the glory due his name.”

1. What is one reason why Jehovah created the marriage arrangement?

JEHOVAH is “the happy God,” and he wants us to be happy too. (1 Tim. 1:11) He has given us many gifts to help us enjoy life. (Jas. 1:17) One of those gifts is marriage. When a man and a woman get married, they vow to love, respect, and cherish each other. Maintaining a close bond can bring them real joy.​—Prov. 5:18.

2. What is the state of many marriages today?

² Sadly, many married couples in today’s world forget the promises they made on their wedding day. As a result, they are not happy. A recent report from the World Health Organization indicates that many husbands physically, verbally, or emotionally abuse their wife. A husband who does this might treat his wife respectfully in front of others but then mistreat her at home. Many marriages are also strained when a husband views pornography.

3. What factors can contribute to a husband’s abusive behavior?

³ What can cause some husbands to be abusive? They may have been raised by a violent father, so they think that abusive behavior is normal. Others are influenced by the culture around them, which may promote the wrong idea that “a real man” must use force to show his wife who is the boss. Other men were not taught to control their emotions, including their anger. Some men have developed a warped view of women and sex because of regularly viewing pornography. Additionally, reports indicate that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these problems. Of course, none of these factors justify a husband’s abusive behavior.

4. What do Christian husbands need to guard against, and why?

⁴ Christian husbands need to guard against adopting an improper view of women.a Why? One reason is that a person’s thoughts often lead to actions. The apostle Paul warned anointed Christians in Rome to “stop being molded by this system of things.” (Rom. 12:1, 2) When Paul wrote to the Romans, the congregation had evidently been in existence for some time. Yet, Paul’s words imply that some in the congregation were still being influenced by the customs and thinking of the world. That is why he exhorted them to change their thinking and behavior. That counsel certainly applies to Christian husbands today. Sadly, some of them have been influenced by the thinking of the world and have even abused their wife.b How does Jehovah expect a husband to treat his wife? We find the answer in the theme scripture for this article.

5. According to 1 Peter 3:7, how should a husband treat his wife?

⁵ Read 1 Peter 3:7. Jehovah commands husbands to honor their wife. Honor refers to the way we treat someone whom we respect. A husband who honors his wife will treat her in a kind and loving way. In this article, we will consider how a husband can show honor to his wife. But first, let us discuss the kind of conduct that dishonors wives.

REJECT CONDUCT THAT DISHONORS YOUR WIFE

6. How does Jehovah feel about men who physically abuse their wife? (Colossians 3:19)

⁶ Being physically abusive. Jehovah hates anyone who is violent. (Ps. 11:5) He specifically condemns husbands who abuse their wife. (Mal. 2:16; read Colossians 3:19.) According to our theme scripture, 1 Peter 3:7, if a husband does not treat his wife well, his relationship with God will be affected. Jehovah may not even listen to his prayers.

7. According to Ephesians 4:31, 32, what type of speech must husbands avoid? (See also “Expression Explained.”)

⁷ Being verbally abusive. Some husbands abuse their wife with angry words and hurtful speech. But Jehovah hates “anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech.”c (Read Ephesians 4:31, 32.) He hears everything. The way a husband speaks to his wife, even in the privacy of their home, matters to Jehovah. A husband who speaks harshly to his wife damages not only his marriage but also his friendship with God.​—Jas. 1:26.

8. How does Jehovah feel about pornography, and why?

⁸ Viewing pornography. How does Jehovah feel about pornography? He hates it. So a husband who views unclean images damages his relationship with Jehovah and degrades his wife.d Jehovah expects a husband to remain loyal to his wife not only in actions but also in thoughts. Jesus said that a man who looks at another woman in a passionate way has already committed adultery “in his heart.”e​—Matt. 5:28, 29.

9. Why does Jehovah hate it when a husband is sexually demeaning toward his wife?

⁹ Being sexually demeaning. Some husbands pressure their wife to engage in sexual acts that are demeaning and that make her feel unclean or unloved. Jehovah hates such cold and thoughtless behavior. He expects a husband to love and cherish his wife and to respect her feelings. (Eph. 5:28, 29) What if a Christian husband is already demeaning or abusive toward his wife or views pornography? How can he change his thinking and actions?

HOW TO OVERCOME DISHONORABLE CONDUCT

10. How can husbands benefit from Jesus’ example?

¹⁰ What can help a husband to overcome abusive and demeaning behavior? He can strive to imitate Jesus. Although Jesus never married, the way he treated his disciples is a model for how a husband should treat his wife. (Eph. 5:25) For example, consider what husbands can learn from the way Jesus treated his apostles and from the way he spoke to them.

11. How did Jesus treat his apostles?

¹¹ Jesus treated his apostles in a kind and dignified way. He was never harsh or domineering. Although he was their Lord and Master, Jesus did not feel the need to prove his authority over them through displays of power. Instead, he humbly served them. (John 13:12-17) He told his disciples: “Learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves.” (Matt. 11:28-30) Note that Jesus was mild-tempered. A mild person is not weak. Rather, he has the inner strength to show restraint. When provoked, he remains calm and in control of his emotions.

12. How did Jesus speak to others?

¹² Jesus used his words to comfort and refresh others. He did not speak harshly to his followers. (Luke 8:47, 48) Even when opposers insulted him and tried to provoke him, “he did not insult in return.” (1 Pet. 2:21-23) At times, Jesus even chose to remain silent rather than reply harshly. (Matt. 27:12-14) What an excellent example for Christian husbands!

13. As stated at Matthew 19:4-6, how can a husband “stick to his wife”? (See also picture.)

¹³ Jesus instructed husbands to remain loyal to their wife. He quoted his Father, who said that a husband should “stick to his wife.” (Read Matthew 19:4-6.) The Greek verb used in that passage for “stick to” literally means “to glue.” Therefore, the marital bond between a husband and a wife should be so strong that it is as if they were glued together. Their bond cannot be broken without damaging both of them. A husband who develops such a bond with his wife will reject all forms of pornography. He will immediately turn away from “looking at what is worthless.” (Ps. 119:37) In effect, he makes a contract with his eyes not to look passionately at any woman other than his wife.​—Job 31:1.

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14. What steps should an abusive husband take to repair his relationship with Jehovah and with his wife?

¹⁴ A husband who physically or verbally abuses his wife needs to take additional steps to repair his relationship with Jehovah and with his wife. What are these steps? First, he recognizes that he has a serious problem. Nothing is hidden from Jehovah’s sight. (Ps. 44:21; Eccl. 12:14; Heb. 4:13) Second, he stops abusing his wife and changes his behavior. (Prov. 28:13) Third, he apologizes to his wife and to Jehovah and seeks their forgiveness. (Acts 3:19) He should also beg Jehovah for both the desire to change and the help to control his thoughts, speech, and actions. (Ps. 51:10-12; 2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 2:13) Fourth, he acts in harmony with his prayers by learning to hate all forms of violence and abusive speech. (Ps. 97:10) Fifth, he seeks immediate help from loving shepherds in the congregation. (Jas. 5:14-16) Sixth, he develops a plan that will help him to avoid all such behavior in the future. A husband who views pornography should follow these same steps. Jehovah will bless his efforts to change his behavior. (Ps. 37:5) But it is not enough for a husband to reject dishonorable conduct. He also needs to learn to show honor to his wife. How can he do that?

HOW TO HONOR YOUR WIFE

15. How can a husband show affection for his wife?

¹⁵ Show affection. Some happily married brothers make it a habit to do something every day to show their wife how much they love her. (1 John 3:18) A husband may show tender affection for his wife in small ways, such as by holding her hand or giving her a warm embrace. He may send her a text message and tell her “I miss you” or ask “How is your day going?” From time to time, he may express his love for her by writing some well-chosen words on a card. When a husband does these things, he honors his wife and strengthens their marriage.

16. Why should a husband praise his wife?

¹⁶ Express appreciation. A husband who honors his wife builds her up and encourages her. One way he does this is by remembering to show appreciation for all that she does to support him. (Col. 3:15) When a husband sincerely praises his wife, he warms her heart. She will feel secure, loved, and honored.​—Prov. 31:28.

17. How can a husband show respect for his wife?

¹⁷ Be kind and respectful. A husband who loves his wife values and cherishes her. He views her as a priceless gift from Jehovah. (Prov. 18:22; 31:10) As a result, he treats her kindly and respectfully, even during the more intimate and private aspects of marriage. He will not pressure her to engage in sexual acts that make her feel uncomfortable, that are demeaning, or that bother her conscience.f He too will strive to maintain a clean conscience before Jehovah.​—Acts 24:16.

18. What should husbands be determined to do? (See also the box “Four Ways to Be a Respectful Husband.”)

¹⁸ Husbands, you can be sure that Jehovah sees and appreciates your efforts to honor your wife in all aspects of your life. Be determined to honor her by avoiding dishonorable conduct and by being kind, respectful, and affectionate to her. In doing so, you show her that you love and value her. Honor your wife, and you will protect your most important relationship​—your friendship with Jehovah.​—Ps. 25:14.

1. What challenge do we all face?

EVERY DAY we need to make decisions. Some are relatively easy to make, such as what to have for breakfast or when to go to bed. Other matters are more difficult to decide. They may affect our health, our happiness, our loved ones, or our worship. We want our decisions to benefit us and our family. Above all, we hope that our decisions will please Jehovah.​—Rom. 12:1, 2.

2. What steps will help you make wise decisions?

² You are more likely to make a wise decision if you (1) get the facts, (2) consider Jehovah’s thinking on the matter, and (3) weigh the options. This article will discuss those steps, and it will also help us see how we can train our powers of discernment.​—Prov. 2:11.

GET THE FACTS

3. Illustrate why you need to get the facts before you make a decision.

³ The first step toward making a good decision is to get the facts. Why is this important? Imagine that a patient consults a doctor regarding a serious medical problem. Would the doctor make a decision about a course of treatment without first examining the patient or asking him questions? Certainly not. You too will make better decisions if you first consider the facts that have a bearing on the situation at hand. How can you do that?

4. In harmony with Proverbs 18:13, how can you make sure that you know the facts? (See also picture.)

⁴ You can often get the facts by asking questions. Suppose you are invited to a social gathering. Should you attend? If you are not acquainted with the host or the arrangements, you will need to ask him such questions as: “Where and when will the gathering be held? How large will it be? Who will supervise it? Who will attend? What activities are planned? Will alcoholic drinks be served?” The answers to these questions will help you to make a wise decision.​—Read Proverbs 18:13.

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5. What should you do once you have the facts?

⁵ Next, facts in hand, look carefully at the full picture. For example, what if you learn that individuals who have no regard for Bible principles will attend the gathering or that alcoholic beverages will be served without supervision? Do you see the potential for this gathering to turn into a wild party? (1 Pet. 4:3) On the other hand, what if the timing of the gathering conflicts with your scheduled congregation meeting or field ministry? When you have seen the whole picture, you will be well on your way to making a good decision. But there is another step that you should take. You know how you see the situation; but how does Jehovah feel about it?​—Prov. 2:6.

CONSIDER WHAT JEHOVAH THINKS

6. According to James 1:5, why should we pray for Jehovah’s help?

⁶ Ask Jehovah to help you understand his thinking. Jehovah promises to give us the wisdom to discern whether a certain path will please him. He gives such wisdom “generously to all and without reproaching.”​—Read James 1:5.

7. How can you acquire Jehovah’s thinking? Illustrate.

⁷ Once you have prayed for Jehovah’s direction, pay careful attention to his answer. To illustrate: If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions. Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation. For example, when deciding whether to attend the social gathering mentioned earlier, you might consider what the Bible says about wild parties, bad associations, and the need to put Kingdom interests ahead of your personal preferences.​—Matt. 6:33; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33.

8. What can you do if you need help to find the information you are looking for? (See also picture.)

⁸ Still, at times you may need help to find the information you are looking for. You might get input from an experienced brother or sister. However, you will also benefit from doing your own research. There is a wealth of information in our study tools, such as the Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scriptures for Christian Living. Remember the goal: to make a decision that will please Jehovah.

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9. How can we be sure that our decision will please Jehovah? (Ephesians 5:17)

⁹ How can we be sure that our decision will please Jehovah? First of all, we need to get to know him well. “Knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding,” the Bible says. (Prov. 9:10) Yes, true understanding comes from knowing Jehovah’s qualities, his purpose, and what he loves or hates. Ask yourself, ‘Knowing what I do about Jehovah, what decision can I make that will please him?’​—Read Ephesians 5:17.

10. Why are Bible principles more important than family tradition or local culture?

¹⁰ In order to please Jehovah, we must at times disappoint those who are close to us. For example, some well-meaning parents may insist that their adult daughter marry a man who is financially well-off​—or one who can pay them a large dowry—​even though he is not spiritually strong. True, they want their daughter to be cared for materially, but who will help her to progress as a spiritual person? How does Jehovah view the matter? We find the answer at Matthew 6:33. There, Christians are urged to keep “seeking first the Kingdom.” Although we honor our parents and respect the people in our community, our main concern is to make Jehovah happy.

WEIGH THE OPTIONS

11. What quality discussed at Philippians 1:9, 10 will help you to weigh your options?

¹¹ Once you have considered the Bible principles involved in your decision, you need to evaluate your options. (Read Philippians 1:9, 10; see study note on “full discernment.”) The quality of discernment will enable you to perceive the potential outcome of each option. Sometimes the decision can be easily made. But not all decisions are that straightforward. Discernment will help you to make wise decisions even in complex situations.

12-13. How can discernment help you make a wise decision regarding secular employment?

¹² Consider this scenario. You are looking for a job to support your family. Two jobs are available. You review all the facts, taking note of the type of work, the schedule, the travel time, and so on. In both cases, the work itself is Scripturally acceptable. Perhaps you favor one option because you prefer the type of work or because the salary is higher. There are other factors, though, to consider before making a decision.

¹³ For example, would either job conflict with your congregation meeting schedule? Would either job cut into the time you need to care for your family’s emotional and spiritual needs? Asking such questions will help you to put “the more important things”​—your worship and your family’s needs—​ahead of material advantages. Then you can reach a decision that Jehovah will bless.

14. How will using discernment and showing love help us to avoid stumbling others?

¹⁴ Discernment also moves us to consider how our decision might affect other people so that we can avoid “stumbling others.” (Phil. 1:10) This is important when we make personal decisions in such areas as dress and grooming. For example, we may prefer a particular style of clothing or grooming. But what if others inside or outside the congregation would be offended by it? Discernment will help us to respect their feelings. Love will motivate us to seek the advantage of “the other person” and to be modest. (1 Cor. 10:23, 24, 32; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10) We will then make a decision that reflects our love and respect for others.

15. What planning is needed before implementing a major decision?

¹⁵ If you are making a major decision, think about what it would take to implement it. Jesus taught us to “calculate the expense.” (Luke 14:28) So consider the amount of time, resources, and effort that you would need to invest to make the decision work. In some cases, you might consult your family to determine what each member would need to do to support the decision. Why is this kind of planning valuable? It may reveal that your decision needs some adjustments or that a different option is more practical. And when you involve your family members and listen to their input, they will more readily work with you to make the decision succeed.​—Prov. 15:22.

MAKE A DECISION THAT WILL SUCCEED

16. What steps will help you to make a decision that will succeed? (See also the box “How to Make Wise Decisions.”)

¹⁶ If you have followed the steps outlined above, you are ready to make a wise decision. You have obtained the facts and examined the principles that will help you make a decision that is pleasing to Jehovah. Now you can ask Jehovah to help you make your decision succeed.

17. What is the key to making good decisions?

¹⁷ Even if you have made many successful decisions in the past, remember that the key to making good decisions is to rely, not on your own intelligence or experience, but on the wisdom from Jehovah. He alone can give you true knowledge, understanding, and discernment​—the building blocks of wisdom. (Prov. 2:1-5) Jehovah can help you to make decisions that please him.​—Ps. 23:2, 3.

1. How do we benefit from attending the annual Memorial of Christ’s death?

SURELY you agree that the ransom is a priceless gift! (2 Cor. 9:15) Because Jesus sacrificed his human life, you can have a close friendship with Jehovah God. You can also have the prospect of everlasting life. How fitting it is that we show gratitude for the ransom and for Jehovah, who was moved by love to provide it! (Rom. 5:8) To help us remain grateful and never take the ransom for granted, Jesus instituted the annual Memorial of his death.​—Luke 22:19, 20.

2. What will be discussed in this article?

² This year, the Memorial will be observed on Saturday, April 12, 2025. No doubt all of us are planning to attend. We will benefit greatly if we take time during the Memorial season to meditatea on what Jehovah and his Son have done for us. In this article, we will discuss what the ransom teaches us about Jehovah and his Son. In the following article, we will be helped to understand how we can benefit from that ransom and how we can show our gratitude for it.

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH

3. How could the death of one man lead to the redemption of millions of people? (See also picture.)

³ The ransom teaches us about Jehovah’s justice. (Deut. 32:4) How so? Consider: From disobedient Adam, we inherited sin that leads to death. (Rom. 5:12) To set us free from sin and death, Jehovah arranged for Jesus to provide the ransom. But how could the sacrifice of one perfect human redeem millions of people? The apostle Paul explains: “Just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person [Jesus] many will be made righteous.” (Rom. 5:19; 1 Tim. 2:6) In other words, it took one disobedient perfect man to cause us to become enslaved to sin and death. Therefore, it took one obedient perfect man to set us free.

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4. Why did Jehovah not simply allow righthearted members of Adam’s offspring to live forever?

⁴ Did Jesus really have to die in order to save us? Couldn’t Jehovah have simply decided to allow righthearted members of Adam’s offspring to live forever? To imperfect humans, that would seem to be the kind and reasonable thing to do. But it does not take into account Jehovah’s perfect justice. Because Jehovah is just, he would never choose to ignore Adam’s glaring act of disobedience.

5. Why can we be sure that Jehovah will always do what is right?

⁵ What, though, if Jehovah had not provided a ransom but had set justice aside by allowing Adam’s imperfect sons and daughters to live forever? People would likely wonder if God might disregard justice in other matters as well. For example, might he fail to keep some of his promises? We need not worry about such a possibility. The fact that Jehovah carried out justice even at great cost to himself​—sacrificing his own dear Son—​assures us that he will always do what is right.

6. What is one way that the ransom reveals Jehovah’s love? (1 John 4:9, 10)

⁶ While the ransom helps us to understand that Jehovah is just, it especially helps us to grasp the depth of his love. (John 3:16; read 1 John 4:9, 10.) The teaching of the ransom reveals that Jehovah wants us not only to have endless life but also to be part of his family. Consider: When Adam sinned, Jehovah expelled him from His family of worshippers. As a result, all of us have been born outside of God’s family. But on the basis of the ransom, Jehovah forgives our sins and will eventually bring into his family all mankind who exercise faith and who are obedient. Even now we can have a warm relationship with Jehovah and with our fellow worshippers. Truly, we are recipients of Jehovah’s tender love!​—Rom. 5:10, 11.

7. How does Jesus’ suffering help us understand how much Jehovah loves us?

⁷ We can better understand how much Jehovah loves us if we consider what the ransom cost him. Satan claims that no servant of God will remain loyal to Him when it is hard to do so. To refute that charge, Jehovah allowed Jesus to suffer before he died. (Job 2:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:21) As Jehovah looked on, Jesus was mocked by religious opposers, whipped raw by soldiers, and nailed to a stake. Then Jehovah watched as his dear Son was left to suffer a painful death. (Matt. 27:28-31, 39) Jehovah had the power to stop the process at any given point. For example, when opposers said: “Let [God] now rescue him if He wants him,” Jehovah could have done just that. (Matt. 27:42, 43) However, if God had stepped in, no ransom would have been paid and we would have been left without hope. So Jehovah permitted his Son to endure suffering until he drew his last breath.

8. Did Jehovah feel pain when he saw his Son suffer? Explain. (See also picture.)

⁸ Let us not think that because God is almighty, he does not have feelings! We are made in his image, created with the ability to feel, so it stands to reason that Jehovah has feelings. The Bible describes him as feeling “hurt” and “grieved.” (Ps. 78:40, 41) Consider, too, the experience of Abraham and Isaac. You will recall that Abraham was commanded to offer up his only son in sacrifice. (Gen. 22:9-12; Heb. 11:17-19) We can only imagine the range of emotions Abraham felt as he prepared to end Isaac’s life with a quick stroke of a knife. How much more grieved Jehovah must have felt as he observed his Son being cruelly tortured to death by ungodly men!​—See on jw.org the video Imitate Their Faith​—Abraham, Part 2.

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9. What does Romans 8:32, 38, 39 help you to understand about the depth of Jehovah’s love for you and your fellow worshippers?

⁹ The ransom teaches us that no one loves us as much as Jehovah does​—not even our dearest relative or best friend. (Read Romans 8:32, 38, 39.) No doubt Jehovah loves us more than we love ourselves. Do you want to live forever? Not as much as Jehovah wants you to. Do you want to have your sins forgiven? Not as much as Jehovah wants to forgive them. All he asks is that we accept his gracious gift by exercising faith and being obedient. The ransom is truly a profound expression of God’s love. And in the new world, we will learn even more about Jehovah’s love.​—Eccl. 3:11.

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JESUS

10. (a) What especially grieved Jesus about his execution? (b) In what ways did Jesus vindicate Jehovah’s name? (See also the box “Jesus’ Integrity Vindicated Jehovah’s Name.”)

¹⁰ Jesus cares deeply about his Father’s reputation. (John 14:31) Jesus was grieved that his being charged with blasphemy and sedition could bring reproach on his Father’s name. That is why he prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me.” (Matt. 26:39) By keeping his integrity to Jehovah until death, Jesus ultimately vindicated the name of his Father.

11. How did Jesus show deep love for people? (John 13:1)

¹¹ The ransom also teaches us that Jesus cares deeply for people, especially for his disciples. (Prov. 8:31; read John 13:1.) For example, Jesus knew that some aspects of his earthly ministry would be very challenging, in particular his painful death. Yet, in carrying out his assignment on earth, he did not simply go through the motions. Instead, Jesus put his whole heart into preaching, teaching, and ministering to others. Even on the day of his death, Jesus took time to wash the feet of his apostles and give them many parting words of comfort and instruction. (John 13:12-15) Then while he was on the stake, Jesus took a few moments to give hope to a dying criminal and to arrange for his own mother’s care. (Luke 23:42, 43; John 19:26, 27) Thus Jesus’ deep love was expressed not only through his death but also through his entire life course on earth.

12. In what sense is Jesus continuing to make sacrifices in our behalf?

¹² While Christ died “once for all time,” he is still making sacrifices for us. (Rom. 6:10) How so? He continues to expend time and effort as he puts the ransom benefits to work in our behalf. Consider what he is busy doing. He serves as our King, High Priest, and head of the congregation. (1 Cor. 15:25; Eph. 5:23; Heb. 2:17) He is in charge of the work of gathering the anointed and the great crowd, a task that will be completed before the great tribulation ends.b (Matt. 25:32; Mark 13:27) He also sees to it that his faithful servants are well-fed spiritually during these last days. (Matt. 24:45) And throughout his Millennial Reign, he will continue to serve our interests. Jehovah truly gave his Son for us!

NEVER STOP LEARNING

13. How can meditation help you keep learning about the love that God and Christ have for us?

¹³ You can keep learning about the love that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus have for us if you continue to meditate on it. Perhaps during this year’s Memorial season, you can carefully read one or more of the Gospels. Do not try to cover too much material at one time. Instead, slow down and look for additional reasons why we should love Jehovah and Jesus. And by all means, share what you learn with others.

14. In harmony with Psalm 119:97 and footnote, how can research help us keep learning about the ransom as well as other teachings? (See also picture.)

¹⁴ If you have been in the truth for many years, you might wonder if it is possible to discover new insights on such familiar subjects as God’s justice, his love, and the ransom. The truth is that there is no end to what we can learn about these and other topics. So, what can you do? Take full advantage of the wealth of information that can be found in our publications. When you find a passage that you do not fully understand, do research. Then throughout the day, meditate on what you have discovered and what it tells you about Jehovah, his Son, and their love for you.​—Read Psalm 119:97 and footnote.

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15. Why should we keep seeking Bible gems?

¹⁵ Do not be discouraged if you do not find something new or exciting every time you sit down to read or to do research. In a sense, you are like a person who pans for gold. Patiently, prospectors spend hours or days before finding even the smallest nugget of gold. Yet, they persist because every bit of gold is valuable to them. Of how much greater value is every gem of Bible truth! (Ps. 119:127; Prov. 8:10) So be patient and stick to your Bible reading schedule.​—Ps. 1:2.

16. How may we imitate Jehovah and Jesus?

¹⁶ As you study, look for ways to put what you learn into practice. For example, imitate Jehovah’s justice by treating others impartially. Imitate Jesus’ love for his Father and for others by being willing to suffer for Jehovah’s name and by expending yourself in behalf of your fellow Christians. Also, imitate Jesus by witnessing to others so that they too have the opportunity to accept Jehovah’s priceless gift.

17. What will we consider in the next article?

¹⁷ The more we understand and appreciate the ransom, the more we will love Jehovah and his Son. In turn, they will respond with increased love for us. (John 14:21; Jas. 4:8) So let us use Jehovah’s provisions to keep learning about the ransom. The following article will consider some ways that we can benefit from the ransom and that we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love.

1. What can we do to make Jehovah happy?

IMAGINE giving someone you love a special gift that is both beautiful and practical. How disappointed you would be if that person simply put it in storage and gave it no further thought! On the other hand, you would surely be pleased if he or she put your gift to good use and expressed appreciation for it. What is the point? Jehovah has given his Son in our behalf. How happy Jehovah must be when we show gratitude for that precious gift and for his love, which moved him to provide the ransom!​—John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.

2. What will we discuss in this article?

² As time passes, however, we could begin to take the gift of the ransom for granted. It would be like putting God’s gift in storage. We are happy to have it, but we keep it out of sight. To prevent that from happening, we must regularly renew our gratitude for what God and Christ have done for us. This article can help us do that. We will discuss how we benefit from the ransom now and how we can benefit from it in the future. We will also consider how we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love, especially during this Memorial season.

HOW WE BENEFIT NOW

3. What is one way that we benefit from the ransom right now?

³ We are already benefiting from Christ’s ransom sacrifice. For example, on the basis of the ransom, Jehovah forgives our sins. He is not obligated to forgive us. But he wants to. The grateful psalmist sang: “For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive.”​—Ps. 86:5; 103:3, 10-13.

4. For whom did Jehovah provide the ransom? (Luke 5:32; 1 Timothy 1:15)

⁴ Some may feel unworthy of Jehovah’s forgiveness. Actually, we are all unworthy. The apostle Paul understood that he was “not worthy of being called an apostle.” And yet, he added: “By God’s undeserved kindness I am what I am.” (1 Cor. 15:9, 10) When we repent of our sins, Jehovah forgives us. Why? Not because we deserve it, but because he loves us. If you are disturbed by feelings of unworthiness, remember that Jehovah provided the ransom, not for sinless people, but for repentant sinners.​—Read Luke 5:32; 1 Timothy 1:15.

5. Can any of us rightly feel entitled to receive Jehovah’s mercy? Explain.

⁵ None of us should feel that we are entitled to receive Jehovah’s mercy even if we have spent many years in his service. Of course, Jehovah appreciates our record of faithfulness. (Heb. 6:10) He gave us his Son as a free gift, not as payment for services rendered. If we were to claim that we have earned mercy or that we are entitled to special consideration, we would, in effect, be saying that Christ died for nothing.​—Compare Galatians 2:21.

6. Why did Paul work hard in Jehovah’s service?

⁶ Paul knew that he could not earn God’s favor. Why, then, did he work so hard in Jehovah’s service? Not to prove himself deserving, but to show appreciation for Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. (Eph. 3:7) Like Paul, we continue to serve zealously, not to earn Jehovah’s mercy, but to show appreciation for it.

7. What is another way we benefit from the ransom right now? (Romans 5:1; James 2:23)

⁷ Another way that we benefit from the ransom right now is that we can have a close, personal relationship with Jehovah.a As mentioned in the preceding article, when we were born, we did not have a relationship with God. But because of the ransom, we can enjoy “peace with God” and can therefore draw close to him.​—Read Romans 5:1; James 2:23.

8. Why should we be grateful to Jehovah for the privilege of prayer?

⁸ Consider just one aspect of our relationship with Jehovah​—the privilege of prayer. Jehovah hears not only the public prayers of his people when they are gathered together but also the private prayers of each one of us. Prayer can calm our heart and give us peace of mind, but it is far more than just good therapy. It can deepen our friendship with God. (Ps. 65:2; Jas. 4:8; 1 John 5:14) While on earth, Jesus prayed frequently because he knew that Jehovah was listening and that prayer would keep his relationship with his Father strong. (Luke 5:16) How grateful we are that, on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can be Jehovah’s friends and even speak to Him in prayer!

HOW WE CAN BENEFIT IN THE FUTURE

9. How will the ransom benefit faithful worshippers in the future?

⁹ How will Jehovah’s faithful worshippers benefit from the ransom in the future? They will be granted everlasting life. Many people think that this is impossible because humans have been dying for thousands of years. But Jehovah’s original purpose was for humans to live forever. If Adam had not sinned, no one would think of endless life as being too good to be true. And while everlasting life might seem extraordinary at this time, so is the price that Jehovah paid to restore this prospect to us​—the gift of his own dear Son.​—Rom. 8:32.

10. What do the anointed and the other sheep look forward to?

¹⁰ Although everlasting life is a future benefit, Jehovah wants us to anticipate it right now. The anointed look forward to a purposeful life in heaven as they rule over the earth with Christ. (Rev. 20:6) The other sheep count on living on a paradise earth free from pain and sorrow. (Rev. 21:3, 4) Are you one of the other sheep with the prospect of endless life on earth? That reward is no mere consolation prize! It is everything humans were designed for. Life on earth will make us supremely happy.

11-12. What are some of the blessings in Paradise that we can anticipate? (See also pictures.)

¹¹ Imagine what life will be like for you on the Paradise earth. You will have no worries about sickness or death. (Isa. 25:8; 33:24) Jehovah will fully satisfy every proper desire you have. What fields of interest might you pursue? Physics? Chemistry? Music? Art? No doubt, there will be a need for architects, builders, and farmers. Surely, there will also be a need for support and maintenance services, such as preparing food, making tools, and caring for the beautiful landscape. (Isa. 35:1; 65:21) With eternity ahead, you will have time to explore any skill you can think of.

¹² What a joy it will be to welcome resurrected ones back to life! (Acts 24:15) Imagine, too, how you will enjoy learning more about Jehovah by examining his numerous works of creation. (Ps. 104:24; Isa. 11:9) Best of all, how thrilling it will be to worship Jehovah without the slightest feeling of guilt! Would you trade these future blessings for “the temporary enjoyment of sin”? (Heb. 11:25) Certainly not! These blessings are worth any sacrifice we must make now. Remember, the Paradise earth will not always be a future hope. It will eventually become the present reality. None of this would be possible if Jehovah had not loved us enough to provide the gift of his Son!

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RESPOND TO JEHOVAH’S LOVE

13. How can we respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love? (2 Corinthians 6:1)

¹³ How can we respond appreciatively to Jehovah for having provided the ransom? By giving his work priority in our life. (Matt. 6:33) After all, Jesus died “so that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.” (2 Cor. 5:15) We certainly do not want to miss the purpose of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness.​—Read 2 Corinthians 6:1.

14. How can we exercise faith in Jehovah’s direction?

¹⁴ We can also respond to Jehovah’s love by exercising faith in his direction. How? When we have decisions to make, such as how much secular education we need or what type of employment we should accept, we must consider what Jehovah would want us to do. (1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:7) When we put our faith into action, a wonderful thing happens​—our faith in and friendship with Jehovah grow even stronger. Our hope is reinforced.​—Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 2:21, 22.

15. How can we demonstrate our appreciation during the Memorial season?

¹⁵ There is still another way that we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love. It is by using this Memorial season to show Jehovah how grateful we are for the ransom. In addition to planning to be present for the Memorial, we can invite others to attend. (1 Tim. 2:4) Explain to those whom you invite what will take place at the Memorial. You will find it helpful to show them on jw.org the videos Why Did Jesus Die? and Remember Jesus’ Death. Elders should be sure to invite inactive ones. Imagine the joy both in heaven and on earth if some of Jehovah’s lost sheep are moved to return to his flock! (Luke 15:4-7) At the Memorial, let us make it a point to greet not only one another but especially those who are new or who have not attended in a long time. We want to make them feel welcome!​—Rom. 12:13.

16. Why should we consider expanding our ministry during the Memorial season?

¹⁶ Can you increase your spiritual activities during the Memorial season? Doing so is a fine way to express appreciation for all that God and Christ have done for us. The more we engage in Jehovah’s service, the more we will experience his support and, as a result, our confidence in him will grow stronger. (1 Cor. 3:9) Also, be sure to keep up with the Memorial Bible reading as listed in Examining the Scriptures Daily or in the chart found in the midweek meeting workbook. You may even choose to use those Bible passages as the basis for a study project.

17. What pleases Jehovah? (See also the box “Ways to Respond to Jehovah’s Love.”)

¹⁷ Of course, your circumstances may not permit you to do everything suggested in this article. Remember, though, Jehovah does not look at how much you give in comparison with what others give; he sees what is in your heart. He is pleased when he observes your heartfelt gratitude for his precious gift, the ransom.​—1 Sam. 16:7; Mark 12:41-44.

18. Why are we grateful to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ?

¹⁸ It is only because of the ransom that we have forgiveness of our sins, a friendship with Jehovah, and the prospect of everlasting life. May we always show our gratitude for Jehovah’s love, which moved him to make these blessings available to us. (1 John 4:19) May we also demonstrate our appreciation for Jesus, who loved us so much that he gave his human life in our behalf!​—John 15:13.

Perhaps, like many of us, you find it hard to remember what you study. Yet, have you noticed how Jesus’ illustrations come readily to mind? You can visualize them in your mind’s eye, and that helps you to remember them. Likewise, you can remember more of what you study by creating visual images. How might you do that? By drawing pictures as you learn.

People who draw pictures of new things learned often remember them better. They find that this method works not only with individual words but also with abstract ideas and concepts. Their pictures are not works of art​—just simple, brief sketches. And evidence shows that older people can especially benefit from this technique.

The next time you study, you may want to try drawing some pictures of what you have learned. You might be surprised at how much you remember!