Watchtower Study, Week of December 2-8, 2024, The More We Give, the Happier We Will Be, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, December 2-8, 2024, The More We Give, the Happier We Will Be, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Answer

Celeste: Extra Points

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (ACTS 20:35).

1, 2. Why is it good that Jehovah created us with the capacity to feel more happiness when giving than when receiving?

JEHOVAH created us in such a way that we are happier when we give than when we receive. (Acts 20:35) Sure, when someone gives us a gift, we feel good. But we feel even happier when we do things for others. And it really benefits us that Jehovah made us this way . Why?

2 For Jehovah has placed the key to greater happiness in our hands. If we look for more opportunities to do things for others, we will enjoy greater joy. Are we not fearfully made? —Ps. 139:14.

3. Why does the Bible say that Jehovah is the “happy God”?

3 The Bible says that those who give are happy, so it’s no surprise that Jehovah is the “happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) He was the first to give, and no one gives more than he does. As the apostle Paul said, “In him we have life and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) In fact, “every good gift and every perfect gift” comes from Jehovah. (James 1:17)

4. What will help us to be happier?

4 What can we do if we want to be even happier in our giving? As we will see in this article, we can imitate Jehovah’s generosity. (Eph. 5:1) We will also consider what we can do if we feel that others do not appreciate what we do for them. All of this will help us to continue giving without losing our joy and to be even happier.

LET US IMITATE JEHOVAH'S GENEROSITY

5. What material things does Jehovah give us?

5 Let’s look at some of the ways Jehovah shows that he is generous. For example, he gives us material things. We may not always have luxuries, but he makes sure that most of us have the necessities, such as food, clothing, and a place to live. (Ps. 4:8; Matt. 6:31-33; 1 Tim. 6:6-8) And he doesn’t do this out of a simple sense of obligation. So why does he do this?

6. What does Matthew 6:25, 26 teach us?

6 Jehovah provides for our physical needs because he loves us. Consider Jesus’ words found at Matthew 6:25, 26 (read it). In these verses, Jesus used the birds of the sky as an example. He said: “They neither sow nor reap nor store away in barns.” But then he added: “Your heavenly Father feeds them.” Then he asked: “And are you not of more value than they?” The lesson he wanted to teach is that Jehovah values ​​his servants much more than animals. If Jehovah cares for them, we are sure that he will also care for us. Because Jehovah is our Father and loves us, he provides us with what we need. (Ps. 145:16; Matt. 6:32)

7. What is one way we can imitate Jehovah’s generosity? (See also images.)

7 Like Jehovah, we love others, so we give them what we can in a material sense. For example, do you know a brother or sister who needs food or clothing? Jehovah can use you to help meet that need. Jehovah’s servants are especially known for being generous when an emergency situation arises. Consider what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brothers and sisters shared food, clothing, and other basic necessities with those in need. Many were also generous, donating to the global work so that relief efforts could be organized around the world. They all applied what Hebrews 13:16 says: “Do not forget to do good or to share what you have with others, for such sacrifices are well pleasing to God.”

ILLUSTRATION 

Series of images of brothers and sisters being generous and happy. 1. A sister puts money into a contribution box. 2. A sister holds a basket full of fruits and vegetables. 3. A brother hands out bottles of water. We can all imitate Jehovah's generosity. (See paragraph 7.)

8. What can we do because Jehovah gives us strength? (Philippians 2:13)

Jehovah gives us strength. He has unlimited power, and he loves to share it with his faithful servants . (Read Philippians 2:13.) Have you ever asked him for strength to resist a temptation, endure a difficult trial, or simply get through the day ? When Jehovah responded by giving you strength, you surely felt like the apostle Paul, who wrote: “I have strength for all things through him who gives me power.”—Philippians 4:13.

9. How can we copy Jehovah’s generosity? (See also image.)

9 Unlike Jehovah, we do not have the power to give strength to others as he does. Still, we can copy his generosity by using our energy to help others. For example, if a brother is elderly or sick, we can run errands for him or help him with chores around the house. If our circumstances permit, we could offer to help clean and maintain the Kingdom Hall. By using our strength to do these things, we can be a great help to our brothers.

ILLUSTRATION 

A family picks up an older brother to take him to a congregation meeting. His teenage son helps the brother into the car. We can use our strength to help others. (See paragraph 9.)

10. How can we use words to give strength to others?

10 Let us not forget that words have power, and we can use them to give strength to others. Do you know someone who could use a word of appreciation or comfort ? If so, why not take the initiative? You could visit, call, or send a card or message. Your words do not have to be elaborate, but they should come from the heart. Simple, sincere words may be just what someone needs to stay faithful for another day or to restore a little spirit . (Prov. 12:25; Eph. 4:29)

11. What does Jehovah do with his wisdom?Books of Jehovah

11 Jehovah gives us wisdom. The disciple James wrote: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him continually ask God for it.” He added: “For he gives generously to all and without finding fault.” (James 1:5; footnote) As this verse indicates, Jehovah does not keep his wisdom to himself; rather, he shares it generously with others. And he does so “without finding fault” or “without finding fault”—that is, he never makes us feel bad for admitting that we need his guidance. On the contrary, he encourages us to ask him for it. (Prov. 2:1–6)

12. What opportunities do we have to share what we know?

12 What about us? Can we imitate Jehovah and share what we know ? (Ps. 32:8) Yes, we can! We have many opportunities to do so. For example, we teach new ones to preach. The elders patiently help ministerial servants and other baptized brothers and sisters with their duties in the congregation. And many brothers and sisters with experience in construction and maintenance help train others to do work at Kingdom Halls and other facilities.

13. How can we follow Jehovah’s example in training others?

13 In training others, we should follow Jehovah’s example . As we have seen, he gives his wisdom generously. We too share what we know with those who are learning. We do not hold back any of our knowledge or experience for fear that the student will eventually take “our place.” Nor do we think, “Let him learn for himself—no one taught me either!” Among Jehovah’s people, this attitude would be totally out of place. Not only do we generously share our knowledge, but we also give ourselves completely to the task of teaching . —1 Thess. 2:8. We trust that “they will then be qualified to teach others.” —2 Tim. 2:1, 2. In a sense, we are like another link in a chain of generosity that makes everyone happier.

IF WE THINK THAT WHAT WE DO IS NOT VALUED

14. What usually happens when we do something for others?

14 Often when we do something for others, especially our brothers and sisters, they show they appreciate it by thanking us. They may express their gratitude by writing us a note or in some other way. (Col. 3:15) These signs of appreciation make us feel happier.

15. What should we remember when we are not thanked for what we do?

15 Now, let's be realistic and admit that not everyone may thank us for what we do. We may give our time, energy, or resources to help someone and then feel that the person doesn't appreciate it at all. If so, what can help us to keep from losing our joy or becoming bitter? Let's remember what the theme text, Acts 20:35, says. The happiness we feel when we give does not depend on the reaction of others; it is up to us to continue giving with joy even if we feel that what we do is not appreciated. Let's look at some ideas that can help us.

16. What should we focus on?

16 Focus on the fact that you are imitating Jehovah when you give. He gives good things to people whether they appreciate it or not. (Matt. 5:43-48) Jehovah promises his servants that if they give “without expecting anything in return,” “they will have a great reward.” (Luke 6:35) So don’t be disappointed if others don’t always thank you. Remember that Jehovah will always reward you for the good things you do for others and for “giving cheerfully.”—2 Cor. 9:7; Prov. 19:17.

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

17 Another thing that will help you focus on imitating Jehovah is to apply 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 return a favor. But what if you find that you have been giving because perhaps deep down you are hoping to get something in return? In that case, let us try to apply Jesus’ advice: be generous to someone who we know will not be able to return the favor. If we do so, we will be happy because we are imitating Jehovah. Also, if we do not expect anything in return, we will always give with joy even if we are not thanked.

18. What will help us not to think badly of others?

18 Don’t think ill of others (1 Cor. 13:7). If we do something for someone and they don’t say anything, we might wonder, “Do they really not appreciate it, or did they just forget to thank me?” Or there may be other reasons why the person didn’t respond the way we expected. They may be very grateful but have trouble expressing their feelings. They may be embarrassed when others help them, especially if they were able to do things for others in the past but can’t anymore. 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)

19, 20. Why is it good for us to be patient? (See also images.)

19 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” (Eccl. 11:1). These words teach us that some people may thank us “after many days.” Let’s look at a case in point.

20 Many years ago, the wife of a circuit overseer wrote a nice note to a newly baptized sister, encouraging her to remain faithful. About eight years later, the sister wrote back in a letter. She said, “I am writing because I needed to tell you how much you have helped me for years without your knowing it.” She also said, “Your note was very sweet, but it was the scripture that touched my heart, and I have never forgotten it.” After telling her about some of the difficulties she had been through, she added, “At times I felt like I wanted to give up on everything—the truth, responsibilities—everything. But that scripture you wrote resonated with me and kept me going. Nothing had such an effect on me in those eight years.” Imagine how happy the circuit overseer’s wife was to receive that letter! If we have done something for someone, we may also receive appreciation “many days later.”

ILLUSTRATION 

Series of images: 1. A circuit overseer's wife writes a letter. 2. A sister then reads the letter with gratitude. 3. The sister is doing housework and is overcome by fatigue. 4. The sister is cooking while talking on the telephone. Her two young daughters are sitting in the kitchen dining room. 5. Years later, the overseer's wife happily reads a letter of thanks from the other sister. A person may thank us long after we have done something for him or her. (See paragraph 20.) 

21. Why do you think it is worthwhile to continue striving to imitate Jehovah’s generosity?

21 As we have seen, 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. It is certainly worth our effort to always imitate the generosity of our heavenly Father.

HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?

Why do we want to strive to give of ourselves to others?

Because we are happy and thus imitate Jehovah's generosity, we are laying up treasures in heaven, that is, our reward will be great.

In what ways can we imitate Jehovah’s generosity?

Sharing food and clothing with someone who needs it, sometimes we have things that we don't use and we could share them with someone.  

Using our words to encourage, comfort, and express appreciation to others. And also sharing knowledge and experience with those who are willing to learn.

Why can we give with joy even if we are not always thanked?

We know that our blessing and reward comes from Jehovah and his son Christ, since they are watching us.

Acts 20:35. The happiness we feel when giving does not depend on the reaction of others. It is in our hands to continue giving with joy even if it seems to us that what we do is not valued.