“I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances” (PHILIPP. 4:11).
1. What does it mean to be content with what you have, but what doesn't it mean?
Being content with what you have means feeling happy and at peace by focusing on the good things you have, rather than being angry or bitter about what you don't have.
Being content with what we have doesn't mean settling or staying in our comfort zone. We can continue striving to improve and do more, for example, in our service to Jehovah. This way, we remain content even if we haven't yet received certain assignments or responsibilities we desire.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we focus on the good things we have and don't constantly think about what we lack or what we see others have, that's what will bring us happiness and peace.
The important and necessary thing is to strive to be content with what we have, but to continue striving in our service to Jehovah. We know that material things will remain here, but the essential thing is our faithful service to Jehovah, and in the new world, Jehovah will provide us with everything we need.
1 Timothy 3:1 speaks of the fact that it's good to have a desire for some responsibility, which is a very positive thing. But if circumstances prevent us from having an assignment we might desire, we should remain content, because the important thing is to serve Jehovah.
Romans 12:1 says that in this way we will render Jehovah a sacred service with our ability to reason. And thanks to this ability Jehovah has given us, we can make right decisions that please him. Therefore, we must consider not remaining in our comfort zone, but going beyond it and making a sacrifice for Jehovah.
2. Why is it so dangerous to be unhappy with the things we have?
Discontent with the things we have is dangerous because it can lead us to commit serious mistakes, such as overworking for unnecessary things or even stealing. Disappointment at not receiving some responsibility has led some to abandon Jehovah's service. Dissatisfaction can cause someone to justify wrong actions and lose control over their behavior, which dishonors Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If we're not happy with the things we have, we can start making very serious mistakes. We might start putting in a lot of overtime at work to buy things we don't really need because we don't value what we already have.
As the paragraph mentions, unfortunately, some brothers have gone so far as to steal money or other things they wished they had, even justifying it.
We must keep in mind Proverbs 30:9, which says that stealing is something Jehovah hates because it dishonors his name. This way, we will avoid making serious mistakes, such as stealing because we are dissatisfied with what we have.
We might ask ourselves: How could a dedicated servant of Jehovah even think of doing such a thing, or even commit it? Perhaps the problem is that, little by little, he became dissatisfied with his life. This can lead us to make decisions that lead us to sin.
Also, some brothers, feeling disappointed at not receiving a certain responsibility, have stopped serving Jehovah. In Galatians 6:9 we are told not to leave off doing what is right, because at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not grow weary. So we must be patient, and sooner or later that responsibility will come.
3. What reassurance does Philippians 4:11, 12 give us?
Philippians 4:11, 12 reassures us that it is possible to be content regardless of the circumstances. The example of the apostle Paul, who maintained his joy even in the most difficult situations, assures us that with Jehovah's help, we too can feel content with our lives, regardless of external conditions.
LET US BE GRATEFUL
4. Why does being thankful help us feel content? (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Being grateful helps us feel content because it allows us to focus on what we have and not on what we lack. When we value the necessities of life and what we can do in our service to Jehovah, we avoid comparing ourselves or desiring more than necessary. Furthermore, gratitude brings us closer to Jehovah and helps us experience “the peace of God, which is beyond human understanding.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The more grateful we are, the happier we will feel. Being grateful helps us feel God's peace.
Being thankful helps us feel content, because gratitude opens the heart, strengthens faith, and brings peace. When we give thanks, even in difficult times, we remember that God is with us and that we are not alone.
There's a saying that "thankfulness is a sign of good breeding," and it's true. In Jehovah's case, all of us should be very thankful, because if it weren't for Him, we would have nothing. So this gratitude brings us closer to Him and helps us experience what the apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:6, when he mentioned the peace of God, which is beyond what any human being can understand.
If we're realistic, we can't complain materially because we have everything we need for life. We have food, shelter, and even comforts, things that many people around the world don't have. For that alone, we should be grateful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 helps us understand that instead of thinking about why we don’t have something, why we don’t get a privilege, or why we don’t have certain things, we should think about the privileges we do have, how grateful we should be to be among Jehovah’s people, to be able to serve him, for Jehovah’s love for us, and for the material things we have, and be content with those.
There are two key words mentioned in the paragraph. It says: "Let's not obsess over what we don't have, be grateful, and don't constantly think about the privileges we don't have, but rather give the best with what we have."
In Philippians 4:6, 7, we are encouraged not to be anxious about anything, but to be thankful. This will also enable us to be at peace, content with what we have, and will be a protection for our hearts.
Regardless of our personal circumstances, where we live, and what we have materially, we should be content because we serve Jehovah. Only then, no matter what we have, can we be content, happy, and consider what more we can do to serve Jehovah.
5. What reasons did the Israelites have for gratitude? (See also the image.)
The Israelites had many reasons to be thankful, for Jehovah had done great things for them. He freed them from slavery in Egypt through ten plagues, allowed them to leave with riches such as silver, gold, and clothing, parted the Red Sea so they could escape Pharaoh's army, and fed them daily with manna in the wilderness. However, they complained because they did not appreciate all these blessings or show gratitude for what Jehovah had already done for them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The Israelites had seen firsthand Jehovah's desire to care for them. They had witnessed Jehovah's power both in the Ten Plagues and at the Red Sea. Furthermore, by his power, he ensured that they lacked nothing but clothing and food, and they even went so far as to rob the Egyptians of gold and silver. So they had more than enough reason to see that Jehovah loved them, wanted to care for them, and to be thankful.
What would have happened if Jehovah hadn't used his power to divert the waters? They probably all would have died, because the Egyptians were after them. So that was already a very powerful reason for them to be thankful.
In the case of the Israelites, it seems they had magnified the few things they had in Egypt. They remembered them with great appreciation, even though they were very few compared to the suffering they had endured. However, all the blessings, miracles, and great things that Jehovah had done seemed little to them. In the end, verse 5 reveals the key to what had happened: they were not grateful for what they had. Therefore, we must focus on the positive things we have, not minimize them, and focus on the good things.
We can see in the image how, despite being in the desert, the people of Israel had everything: food, clothing, shoes, and nothing was missing. That, in itself, was a miracle, considering everything they had experienced before. But how ungrateful they were to not realize all that Jehovah provided for them.
Something that will help us become grateful people is to surround ourselves with grateful people, because gratitude is contagious, but so is discontent. Therefore, we must be very careful in this regard.
In the image on the left, a happy girl is shown gathering manna with her parents. Many people look on in disbelief, as this attitude doesn't mean they're enjoying or being grateful for what Jehovah is giving them. Simply being grateful for what you have makes you happy, compared to those who aren't grateful and are even more discontented.
ILLUSTRATION
Several Israelites complain to Moses about the manna they are collecting, while others around them continue collecting and watch them.
Why were the Israelites unhappy? (See paragraph 5.)
6. What will help us to be grateful?
To be grateful, we must consciously and consistently cultivate gratitude. We can do this in three ways:
1. Thinking every day about the good things we enjoy and even writing some of them down.
2. Thanking others and Jehovah for what they do for us.
3. Surrounding ourselves with grateful people, since gratitude is contagious.
If we put these actions into practice, we will be less likely to feel bitter about what we don't have.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It will help us to think and remember daily the good things we enjoy, and even write some of them down.
It will help us to thank both people and Jehovah frequently for what they do for us.
It will help us to associate with grateful people, since their good example helps us maintain a positive attitude.
If we think about the good things we enjoy, give thanks to Jehovah and others, and associate with thankful people, we will be less likely to be bitter about what we don't have, and we will be able to maintain a happy heart.
It will help us to be grateful to always be content with what we have. If we look for opportunities to be grateful, we'll be less likely to be bitter about what we don't have.
We are advised to take a little time each day to think about what good things we have and what we can thank Jehovah for. We can even try writing them down on paper, for example, writing down three things in the morning for which we are grateful. This will surely help us have a much better day.
We must not forget to thank Jehovah every day for everything we have, because all the good things we possess come from him.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-2, we read that one of the characteristics of people in the last days is that they would be ungrateful, and it's true that this is what we generally see in the world. But how happy we are to be with brothers and sisters who normally have this attitude of gratitude.
The paragraph mentions that gratitude is contagious. Therefore, it tells us that if we spend time each day thinking about the good things we have, it will make us always grateful for something. In this way, we will also help those around us to be grateful.
Speaking of joy being contagious, and of gratitude, in the image we saw a happy family while others complained, and there were many watching. So, perhaps each of us can ask ourselves: What am I transmitting? Am I the one transmitting that negative spirit of complaint, or am I the grateful and positive person who spreads joy?
As we know, we live in a world where the term "moral principles" is practically nonexistent in the dictionary. One of the characteristics that most catches people's attention when they see Jehovah's Witnesses is that we always smile. They find this shocking and ask us why we are happy. When we explain a little about what we do, they finally agree with us.
One of the consequences of being thankful is that if you get up in the morning and give thanks for the day ahead, you start the day with joy. You read the Bible, you go to meetings, which is like renewing yourself. Then, you know exactly what you have to do: smile and thank Jehovah for all he has given us.
7. What helped Aci feel happier?
According to the paragraphs, Aci felt happier when she stopped comparing her circumstances with those of others and began to think about the blessings she received every day. By focusing on the good things she enjoyed as part of God's organization and giving thanks to Jehovah, she regained her happiness.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This teaches us that if we feel dissatisfied with the circumstances we have encountered, focusing on the blessings we receive from being part of God's organization and giving thanks to Jehovah will allow us to feel happier.
She says it helped her greatly to think about all the blessings she received every day and all the joy she enjoyed as a part of the organization. So, we too can imitate this attitude and put into practice what Galatians 6:4 says: not to compare ourselves with others, but to examine our own actions and rejoice in what we have.
This sister, besides being aware of the blessings she received each day, quickly thanked Jehovah, and that helped her regain her happiness. So we, in addition to striving to recognize the blessings we enjoy each day, must not forget to thank Jehovah.
We can say that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite all the circumstances, we were a happy people because we remained united, attended meetings, and preached. All of this was a way of giving thanks to Jehovah, because we are a people led by him. That's why this sister reasoned positively, as we can too.
If we have a troubled life or are going through difficult circumstances, and we begin the morning by thanking Jehovah for everything—for the light of day, for the air we breathe—we realize that Jehovah is watching over us every second. Then, if we focus on everything we have—our brothers and sisters, the meetings, the knowledge we have of the future—there is virtually no time left to think about problems or dwell on anything else.
Let's see the formula this sister used. First, she replaced her negative thoughts with grateful ones. Then she meditated and reflected on the good things she had, and finally, she prayed to Jehovah and thanked him. So it's a good formula we can all use to feel happier.
LET US BE HUMBLE
8. What happened to Baruch?
Baruch, the prophet Jeremiah's secretary, became dissatisfied with his circumstances and began to focus too much on himself and what he wanted to do. Jehovah, through Jeremiah, corrected him, telling him to stop seeking "great things" for himself. By accepting the correction and changing his attitude, Baruch regained his spiritual balance and maintained Jehovah's approval.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Baruch became discouraged by the difficulties of his assignment and began to desire greater things for himself, losing sight of what Jehovah wanted him to do. Then, Jehovah corrected him through Jeremiah, advising him to stop seeking “great things” for himself. By humbly accepting the correction, Baruch learned to be content with his circumstances and was able to maintain Jehovah’s approval.
Baruch had the difficult assignment of helping the prophet Jeremiah deliver a message of condemnation to the Israelites. However, he began to think too much about himself and what he wanted to do, which led him, as we read in Jeremiah 45:5, to seek great things for himself, ultimately losing sight of the most important thing: what Jehovah wanted him to do.
Baruch's case is striking, but what is most striking is that he accepted the advice, because sometimes we can have a wrong point of view and we must accept advice to rectify it and thus be happy.
This could perhaps happen to us as well. Perhaps, in the congregation, we receive an assignment and at first see all the positive aspects, but as time goes on, we may begin to focus on the negative aspects of the assignment. However, we must not forget that we must do what Jehovah wants. So remembering Baruch's example will help us greatly.
Verse 5 says he was seeking great things for himself. So, he was thinking about what he wanted, and that's really what Satan intended with Eve from the beginning: to ultimately focus on personal matters, rather than on Jehovah, who is the most important thing.
9. What does 1 Corinthians 4:6, 7 teach us? (See also the images.)
1 Corinthians 4:6, 7 teaches us that we should not feel superior or deserving of the assignments or responsibilities we have, since everything we possess—our talents, abilities, and privileges—are gifts Jehovah has given us out of his undeserved kindness. Recognizing this helps us maintain a humble and grateful attitude, avoiding discontent when others receive responsibilities we desire.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It teaches us not to be proud, because, as the questions in 1 Corinthians 4:7 clearly state: Who makes you different from others? What do you have that you did not receive? Why do you boast as if you had not received? So, all the privileges and services we may have are not earned or deserved; they are a gift from Jehovah.
Ephesians 2:8-9 mentions that it is not due to our own merits, but rather a gift from God, so that no one has reason to boast. So, whatever we have, we must remember that it is all a gift from Jehovah.
If we all recognize what is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:7, it will help us maintain a humble and grateful attitude. This way, we will avoid discontent when others receive responsibilities we don't want or that aren't ours.
Romans 12:3 tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we should. Sometimes we don't receive a privilege or an appointment and think we don't deserve it. However, here it is made clear that everything comes from Jehovah's undeserved kindness, meaning we should be grateful for what we do to serve him.
If we have received these assignments, it is because Jehovah has seen them clearly, perceived qualities we do not see, and showed a positive attitude toward this challenge. He, in turn, has allowed us to have this privilege. This will help us maintain proper conduct and strive to give our best to Jehovah.
If we are being used in some way within the organization, we would do well to ask ourselves how we do these things. Do I recognize that it is out of undeserved kindness? Do I recognize that all the credit for the work we do is thanks to Jehovah?
Romans 12:3 mentions that everything is a result of undeserved kindness, and in verse 6 it points out that each of us has different gifts. That is, we are all different and each of us can do things differently than others, but it is all thanks to Jehovah's undeserved kindness. We must not allow ourselves to be carried away by pride.
In the image, we can see three different scenes: a brother working as a mechanic, a sister translating, and another brother speaking. This reflects that each of us has our own unique abilities, but it is thanks to Jehovah's undeserved kindness, not our own.
Jehovah mentions in Zephaniah 3:9 that they would be a people who would serve him wholeheartedly, but also shoulder to shoulder, so there is no rivalry among these people, no envy, or anything like what we see on a global scale. So we serve shoulder to shoulder and rejoice in the joys of our brothers. When we see how well all the brothers are doing, we should try to learn from them and support them, because that is what pleases Jehovah.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of brothers who have been given various responsibilities. 1. A brother inspects some ducts in an organization building. 2. A sister is interviewed by a brother at a circuit assembly in sign language. 3. A brother gives a talk at a congregation meeting.
Any talent we have is a gift Jehovah has given us out of his undeserved kindness. (See paragraph 9.)
10. What will help us to be humble?
Meditating on Jesus' example will help us to be humble. Despite having great authority as the Son of God, he performed humble tasks, such as washing his disciples' feet. He never thought he deserved a comfortable or luxurious life, but was content with what he had. His attitude teaches us that true humility consists in serving others willingly and being content with the blessings Jehovah gives us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It will help us meditate on the example of Jesus. He was the Son of God; however, he didn't think he deserved a life full of luxuries or comforts, nor did he think others should serve him. Quite the contrary: he served others, even washing his disciples' feet, a task usually performed by the humblest household slave, but he did it with pleasure.
If we remember what John 13:3-5 says, that Jesus was with the Father and would return to him, and that he had that degree of authority, it would be logical to think that the disciples were supposed to perform the act of washing his feet. However, he never thought that and set an example for them.
As Luke 9:58 says, Jesus didn't even have a place to lay his head. In other words, he was a humble person, and we should reflect and meditate on that example.
If we meditate on Jesus' example, it will help us to be humble. For example, John 13:15 says that he set a model for us: if he did it, we too should be humble and serve our brothers and sisters.
11. What has helped Dennis feel happier?
Dennis has found greater joy by striving to be humble like Jesus. When he experiences feelings of displeasure or pride, he studies humility, reviews related Bible passages, and listens to talks on the subject. In doing so, he reminds himself that everything he does is to glorify Jehovah, not to seek personal recognition. This attitude has helped him strengthen his friendship with Jehovah and maintain a content heart.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Dennis tells us that he struggles with humility because he might get upset when he sees someone receiving an assignment he wanted. However, he knows how to control himself, because when this happens to him, he studies the topic of humility and has some scriptures ready for quick reference. These help him realize that everything we do is to glorify Jehovah, not ourselves.
Dennis says he's learned that everything we do is to glorify Jehovah and that it's He who allows us to participate in whatever assignment we have. If we keep this in mind, we'll surely maintain humility.
LET US MEDITATE ON OUR HOPE
12. What hope helps us be content with our present circumstances? (Isaiah 65:21-25)
The hope of the new world that Jehovah has promised helps us be content with our current circumstances. Isaiah 65:21-25 describes a future in which we will all have pleasant homes, satisfying jobs, and abundant, healthy food. We will also live in peace and without fear of harm. Meditating on this hope gives us comfort and motivates us to maintain a positive attitude as we await the fulfillment of Jehovah's promises.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One hope that helps us be content with our current circumstances is the hope of the new world Jehovah promises. Isaiah 65:21-25 describes a future in which Jehovah will eliminate all our problems. In this new world, we will have pleasant homes, satisfying jobs, and abundant, healthy food. We will also live in peace and without fear of harm happening to us or our loved ones. Meditating on this hope gives us comfort and strength to endure present difficulties.
Meditating on the wonderful future Jehovah God promises us, which we read about in Isaiah 65:21-25, helps us imagine that we will be able to enjoy many things we don't have today; for example, having our own home, a pleasant job, abundance and peace, as well as a harmonious environment with animals, something that is unthinkable right now.
A common suffering we hear from childless couples is the desire to have children. It's natural to want children, but this system makes it difficult. However, as Isaiah 65:23 says, children are not brought into the world to suffer. So, thinking that our children will be happy in the future should give us great confidence, as well as the desire to live and be happy.
Visualizing what we'll have in the future gives us the hope of not worrying about our circumstances more than necessary. We know they'll be eliminated, so focusing now on the rewards will give us peace of mind and the surest guarantee of being in that promising future.
13. In what situations is it especially important for us to think about our hope?
It is especially important to think about our hope when we face difficult or painful situations. For example, when we experience financial problems, illness, depression, injustice, or the loss of loved ones. In such moments, remembering Jehovah's promises—such as life in Paradise without suffering, sickness, or death—strengthens us, gives us comfort, and helps us maintain happiness. Knowing that current difficulties are temporary enables us to endure them with faith and confidence that Jehovah will soon remove all suffering.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It's especially important for us to think about our hope, because we are living in the last days and we all face challenges that are difficult to bear. But thanks be to Jehovah, who helps us endure every day by giving us the guidance, strength, and support we need.
In the worst times we live, this hope benefits us most. Sometimes we have to work hard to bring home the bread, or we suffer from illnesses like depression or other more serious ones, and in those circumstances, this hope helps us a lot.
We know that the circumstances we are experiencing now will not last forever. As 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, we must fix our eyes not on the things we see, but on the things we do not see, which are what Jehovah has promised us and with which he will remove all the suffering we are experiencing today. Of course, it requires effort, but always remembering that this is temporary can help us strengthen our hope.
14. How can we strengthen our hope?
We can strengthen our hope by frequently meditating on the future Jehovah has promised. As we imagine what life in Paradise will be like, our confidence in those promises becomes more real. Thinking about the new world helps us see current problems in a different light and appreciate more what Jehovah offers us. Although at first it may be difficult to focus on the future because of the difficulties, the more we reflect on hope, the stronger and clearer it will become, helping us maintain joy regardless of the circumstances.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The paragraph compares our hope to a pair of glasses that helps us better see what our future in Paradise will be like. Thus, if we are currently experiencing a problem or difficulty that is difficult for us, thinking about that future paradise helps us strengthen our hope that the problems will soon disappear.
We may have so many problems that we find them difficult to bear. But the more we meditate on the future Jehovah has promised, and the more we are steadfast and strive, the stronger and clearer our hope will become, helping us to be happy no matter what problems we face.
15. What does Christa's example teach you?
Christa's example teaches us that focusing on the hope Jehovah gives us can bring us peace and strength even in the midst of suffering. Despite her illness and constant pain, she maintains a positive attitude because she trusts in Jehovah's promises and the wonderful future of the new world. Her faith demonstrates that, even if current circumstances are difficult, hope in God's promises can help us endure trials with serenity and joy.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
She teaches us that, despite having a progressive illness that forces her to be in a wheelchair and suffer a lot of pain, when, for example, the doctor told her that her future was uncertain, she responded, "I have a wonderful future!" And she comments that what really helps her keep going is thinking that, in the new world, she'll be able to run and jump.
What this sister is doing is seeing the future from Jehovah's perspective, as if she were putting on glasses that allow her to clearly see the wonderful future in the new world. If we see it from our own perspective, we may encounter difficulties, but if we can see it as Jehovah sees it, then the burdens will be momentary and light, and what we contemplate of the future will give us comfort now to endure in the time in which we live.
“THOSE WHO FEAR HIM LACK NOTHING”
16. Why did David say that “nothing is lacking to those who fear” Jehovah?
David said that “those who fear Jehovah lack nothing” because he knew from experience that God always provides what his servants truly need, even when they are going through difficulties. Although he faced loss, betrayal, and danger, David remained content because he fully trusted that Jehovah would never abandon him and would always give him what he needed to carry on. In the same way, we can feel content and at peace knowing that Jehovah cares for us at all times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because David knew that, although Jehovah doesn't prevent us from suffering problems, he always gives us what we truly need. As Psalm 145:16 says, "You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing." And David could say this because he had been betrayed and persecuted for years; so he knew from his own experience that Jehovah never abandons those who fear him.
17. Why do you want to learn to be content regardless of your circumstances?
I want to learn to be content regardless of my circumstances because I know it pleases Jehovah and allows me to enjoy his peace. By being grateful, humble, and keeping my hope alive, I can face any situation with a positive attitude.
Furthermore, learning to be content with what I have helps me to appreciate Jehovah’s blessings more deeply and to trust Him completely, just as the apostle Paul expressed it in Philippians 4:11: “I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because Jehovah wants us to live happy lives, and we want to please him. So meditating on our hope will help us achieve this.
We have also seen how important it is to be grateful and humble, and above all, to be positive, because constantly complaining will not solve our problems; on the contrary, we will likely make them worse. We will cease to be happy and will not be able to serve Jehovah properly.
Since we are living in the last days, it is more necessary than ever to endure. But if we keep in mind that the new world will soon be here, it helps us persevere, despite problems, difficulties, or illnesses, because we have our eyes set on the blessings we will receive.
HOW DO THESE THINGS HELP US BE HAPPY WITH THE LIFE WE HAVE?
Be grateful.
Being thankful helps us be content with the life we have because it teaches us to focus on the blessings Jehovah gives us instead of thinking about what we lack. When we value the things we enjoy each day and thank Jehovah for them, we feel greater peace and joy.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Gratitude prevents us from complaining about the things we don't have, as happened to the Israelites in the desert. Furthermore, by cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we strengthen our relationship with Jehovah and learn to live content with what we have, regardless of the circumstances.
Gratitude brings us closer to Jehovah. It's a form of worship. Every time we give thanks, we acknowledge that all good things come from Him.
Being grateful will help us avoid obsessing over what we don't have. If we focus on giving Jehovah our best, this will bring us greater happiness. He also gives us good advice: choosing grateful people as friends will help a lot.
Be humble.
Being humble helps us be content with the life we have because it teaches us to accept our circumstances and value the opportunities Jehovah gives us, rather than seeking “great things” for ourselves, as Baruch did.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Humility helps us remember that everything we have—our talents, assignments, and responsibilities—comes from Jehovah’s undeserved kindness.
By imitating Jesus' example, who served humbly without seeking honor or comfort, we learn to focus on serving Jehovah with joy. Being humble strengthens our friendship with Jehovah and allows us to be content with the blessings He gives us.
Being humble will help us remember that everything we are and have is thanks to Jehovah's undeserved kindness
Meditate on our hope.
Meditating on our hope helps us be content with the life we have because it allows us to see beyond current problems and focus on Jehovah's promises. When we reflect on the future He offers us—a world without pain, sickness, or injustice—we find comfort and strength to endure present circumstances.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This hope frees us from frustration and bitterness and gives us peace and joy even in the midst of difficulties. Keeping our eyes on the hope of the new world helps us maintain a positive attitude and accept our current circumstances with the assurance that Jehovah will soon end our suffering.
Hope focuses us and makes us see things from the right perspective. And the right perspective is that we are in this temporary system, that everything that harms us has an expiration date, and that where we will be happy, have what we want, or do what we like, will be in the new world. This will help us be content with what we have now and not feel frustrated.
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