TEXT FOR THE YEAR 2026: “Blessed are those who recognize their spiritual needs” (MAT. 5:3).
1. What basic needs did Jehovah create us with? (Matthew 5:3).
Jehovah created us with very clear physical needs, such as food, clothing and a place to live, because he knows that without them life becomes very difficult.
But Jesus explained something even deeper: we also have spiritual needs. At Matthew 5:3 he said that happy are those who recognize them, that is, those who admit that they need Jehovah’s guidance and help.
This makes us realize that it's not enough to just look good on the outside. If we neglect our spiritual side, sooner or later we'll notice it in our mood and our decisions.
In our congregation, we observe that those who nurture their spirituality tend to be more balanced and confident. Acknowledging our spiritual needs is not a weakness; it is a sign of humility.
2. What example helps us understand what it means to recognize our spiritual needs?
The example of the beggar helps us a lot to understand what Jesus meant. A beggar knows he cannot get ahead alone. He is aware of his need and, therefore, asks for help.
Similarly, those who recognize their spiritual needs know that without Jehovah’s help, their spiritual condition would be desperate. This leads us to question whether we view spirituality as optional or as vital to our lives.
In daily life, when someone believes they don't need advice or guidance, they often make avoidable mistakes. In contrast, a humble Christian eagerly seeks the spiritual gifts that Jehovah offers.
3. What will we see in this article?
In this article we will analyze very valuable examples that help us understand how to satisfy our spiritual needs.
First, we will consider the case of the Phoenician woman, who demonstrated three essential qualities: humility, persistence, and faith. Then we will examine the example of three faithful servants of Jehovah: Peter, Paul, and David. Each of them teaches us a different lesson related to food, clothing, and spiritual shelter.
This makes us realize that Jehovah not only tells us what to do, but also teaches us through real-life examples of imperfect people like ourselves. In the congregation, these accounts help us to examine ourselves honestly and to strengthen our faith. It is comforting to see that Jehovah has always cared for those who recognize their spiritual needs.
AN EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY, PERSISTENCE, AND FAITH
4. What did the Phoenician woman want Jesus to do for her?
The Phoenician woman, as we see in Matthew 15:21-28, came to Jesus because her daughter was suffering greatly, cruelly possessed by a demon. She didn't go out of curiosity or self-interest, but because she recognized that her daughter needed urgent help. She approached Jesus, knelt down, and begged him to intervene.
This makes us think about how we react when we face serious problems. Who do we turn to first? This woman, although not Jewish, was certain that Jesus could help her. Her attitude shows that recognizing our spiritual needs involves approaching Jehovah with respect and urgency.
5. What qualities did the Phoenician woman demonstrate, and what did Jesus do? (See also the image.)
The Phoenician woman demonstrated humility, persistence, and extraordinary faith. She wasn't offended when Jesus used an illustration that might have made her feel rejected. Instead, she continued to plead respectfully. This makes us think about how we react when we feel a correction or a situation isn't easy to accept. She persisted because she had a deep faith in Jesus, and that faith was rewarded.
Seeing the greatness of her faith, Jesus cast out the demon that tormented her daughter, even though he had initially said his mission was for Israel. In the congregation, we learn that Jehovah highly values humility and perseverance. This scene touches us because it shows that Jehovah never overlooks anyone who approaches him with sincere faith.
ILLUSTRATION
A Phoenician woman is on her knees asking Jesus for help, while he is sitting at a table eating with three of his disciples.
The Phoenician woman demonstrated humility, persistence, and faith, and thus obtained the help she needed. (See paragraph 5.)
6. What do we learn from the story of the Phoenician woman?
From the account of the Phoenician woman, we learn that to satisfy our spiritual needs, we need to be humble, persistent, and have strong faith. Only a humble person recognizes their need for spiritual help and earnestly asks Jehovah for it.
Furthermore, this account reminds us of the importance of having faith in Jesus Christ and in the organization that Jehovah is using today to direct his servants, as mentioned at Matthew 24:45-47. This makes us consider whether we fully trust in the way Jehovah cares for us spiritually.
In daily life and in the congregation, we see that those who trust in Jehovah receive the nourishment and guidance they need. It is very comforting to know that Jehovah and his Son are happy to meet the spiritual needs of those who approach them in faith.
LET US BE LIKE PETER: LET US ALWAYS BE WELL-NOURISHED SPIRITUALLY
7. What task did Peter receive, but what else did he have to do? (Hebrews 5:14-6:1).
Peter received a very important responsibility: to feed Jesus’ sheep spiritually. He faithfully fulfilled that task, and Jehovah even used him to write part of the Bible.
But Peter understood something very valuable: he too needed to continue feeding himself spiritually. That is why he carefully studied the letters of the apostle Paul, even though he recognized that there were things difficult to understand.
This leads us to believe that no one ever reaches a point where they no longer need to learn. In the congregation, even those with responsibilities continue to study with humility.
Peter trusted that Jehovah would help him understand solid food, as mentioned at Hebrews 5:14 and 6:1. His example encourages us not to settle for just the basics, but to keep growing spiritually with patience and faith.
8. What did Peter do when he received new instructions from Jehovah?
Peter demonstrated his faith by obeying new instructions from Jehovah, even when they were difficult for him to accept. The vision he received in Joppa went against what he had learned as a Jew, and at first he reacted strongly, saying that he could not do it.
But Jehovah helped him to understand that this was a new spiritual enlightenment. Peter did not cling to his former way of thinking; he adjusted his viewpoint and acted immediately. This makes us think about how we react when there are adjustments in our Bible understanding.
In the congregation, humbly accepting Jehovah’s guidance keeps us spiritually well-nourished. Because of his obedience, Peter had the joy of seeing people of other nations accept the truth.
9. What two benefits do we gain from developing a strong desire for solid spiritual food?
Developing a strong desire for solid spiritual food brings great benefits. First, it enables us to know Jehovah better, which strengthens our love and respect for him, as Romans 11:33 and Revelation 4:11 express.
Secondly, we feel more motivated to tell others about how wonderful our Heavenly Father is. This makes us realize that in-depth study is not only for personal benefit but also to help others.
Furthermore, Peter’s example teaches us that accepting adjustments in our understanding of the Bible is essential for remaining spiritually well-nourished. In the congregation, those who maintain this humble attitude continue to be useful and happy in Jehovah’s service. It is very comforting to know that Jehovah blesses those who sincerely desire spiritual growth.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
When we develop a strong desire for solid spiritual food, we reap at least two benefits. First, we come to know Jehovah better, which makes us love and respect him more. Second, that knowledge moves us to speak enthusiastically to others about him.
Furthermore, as we learn from Peter's example, accepting adjustments in Bible understanding keeps us spiritually well-fed and useful in Jehovah's service.
LET US BE LIKE PAUL: LET US ALWAYS BE WELL-CLOTHED SPIRITUALLY
10. What does it mean to be well clothed spiritually? (Colossians 3:8-10).
Being well clothed spiritually involves taking off the old personality and putting on the new one, as the apostle Paul explains in Colossians 3:8-10.
It's not just about changing certain external actions, but about transforming our way of thinking and feeling. This requires constant effort.
Paul himself is a good example, because before he met Christ, although he was religious, he was spiritually ill-dressed: he lacked accurate knowledge and was dominated by pride.
This makes us realize that simply serving Jehovah does not automatically mean we have the personality he expects. In the congregation, we learn that dressing well spiritually is a daily process. Jehovah gives us the appropriate spiritual clothing, but he expects us to make the conscious effort to put it on each day.
11. What flaw in his old personality did Pablo struggle against?
Before becoming a Christian, Paul had an explosive temper and was full of anger. The Bible says he even wanted to kill Jesus' followers. Although he changed after learning the truth, he continued to struggle with that flaw in his old personality.
His disagreement with Bernabé shows that, in a moment of tension, his temper resurfaced. This suggests that, even if we have been living in the truth for some time, our flaws can reappear if we let our guard down.
In daily life and in the congregation, we all face similar struggles. What is valuable about Paul’s example is that he did not give up; he humbly continued to strive to control his temper and maintain Jehovah’s approval, which is very encouraging to us.
12. How did Pablo manage to get rid of his old personality?
Paul was able to shed his old personality because he did not rely on his own strength. He recognized that he needed Jehovah’s help and depended on “the strength that God gives,” as mentioned at 1 Peter 4:11.
Even so, he sometimes became discouraged when he saw that he was still struggling with imperfections, something he himself expressed in Romans 7:21-25. At those times he remembered all the good that Jehovah had done for him, and that gave him the strength to keep going.
This helps us realize that discouragement does not mean failure. In the congregation, we learn that Jehovah values sincere effort, even when we make mistakes. It is very comforting to know that Jehovah understands our struggles and gives us strength to keep changing.
13. How can we imitate Paul?
We can imitate Paul by making a continuous effort to put off our old personality and put on our new one. It doesn't matter whether we have been serving Jehovah for a short time or a long time; we all need to keep changing our way of thinking and acting, as Romans 12:1, 2 says.
This makes us realize that we are not a lost cause if we ever take a step back. Instead of giving up, we continue to strive with Jehovah's help.
Furthermore, this paragraph reminds us of something important: we do not adapt our new personality to suit our own tastes. We are the ones who must adjust ourselves to what Jehovah expects, as mentioned at Ephesians 4:24.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We imitate Paul when we keep striving to put off our old personality and put on our new one. If we take a step backward, we don't give up or think we are a lost cause. Rather, we continue to trust in Jehovah's help and adjust our thinking and actions to what he expects of us.
LET US BE LIKE DAVID: LET US ALWAYS SEEK THE SHELTER OF JEHOVAH
14, 15. How does Jehovah protect his people today? (Psalm 27:5; see also the picture.)
Jehovah not only provides us with spiritual food and clothing; he also offers us shelter and protection. David trusted completely in that protection, and today Jehovah cares for his people in a very similar way. He makes sure that nothing destroys our faith, even when we face opposition, trials, or even persecution.
Texts such as Psalm 27:5 and Isaiah 54:17 remind us that no spiritual attack can cause us irreparable harm. This helps us realize that, although we live in an insecure world, we are well protected spiritually. In the congregation, Jehovah cares for us through the support of our brothers and sisters, spiritual shepherds, and the meetings where we receive encouragement and guidance.
ILLUSTRATION
A sister raises her hand during the Watchtower Study. Other brothers and sisters also raise their hands.
A sister seeks Jehovah's protection by attending a meeting with her brothers. (See paragraphs 14 and 15.)
16. In what ways did Jehovah protect David?
Jehovah protected David in various ways throughout his life. When David was obedient, Jehovah helped him to make good decisions that spared him from painful consequences, as can be seen from principles such as those at Proverbs 5:1, 2. But when he was disobedient, Jehovah did not protect him from the consequences of his actions, as seen at 2 Samuel 12:9, 10.
This helps us understand that Jehovah’s protection does not mean a complete absence of problems. However, when David suffered because of others, he took refuge in prayer, and Jehovah comforted him and assured him of his love, as Psalm 23 expresses. In our daily lives, this example helps us to trust that Jehovah sustains us emotionally, even in the most difficult times.
17. How can we imitate David?
We imitate David when we turn to Jehovah for important decisions and trust in his guidance. We also demonstrate this imitation when we accept that if we make bad decisions, Jehovah does not automatically spare us from the consequences, as Galatians 6:7, 8 points out. This makes us reflect on the importance of acting with spiritual responsibility.
Furthermore, when we face difficulties caused by others, we follow David’s example by taking refuge in prayer. Philippians 4:6, 7 assures us that Jehovah can protect our hearts and minds with his peace.
In the congregation, this confidence is reflected in brothers and sisters who, even when going through trials, remain calm and faithful. It is very comforting to know that Jehovah cares for our inner selves, even when he cannot immediately change external circumstances.
LET US NOT NEED TO SATISFY OUR SPIRITUAL NEEDS
18. What challenge do we face, and how can we continue to meet our spiritual needs? (See also the pictures.)
Today we face the challenge of living surrounded by people who ignore their spiritual needs or try to fill them in ways that displease Jehovah. The text for the year reminds us that true happiness lies in recognizing and attending to those needs.
This makes us realize that we cannot let our guard down. To remain spiritually strong, we need to regularly feed on God’s Word, put on our new personality each day, and seek the spiritual shelter that Jehovah offers us through prayer, the congregation, and meetings.
These practices help us maintain inner peace and strong faith in daily life. This paragraph conveys a very clear idea: Jehovah wants us to remain happy and spiritually protected in an increasingly difficult world.
ILLUSTRATION
Images: The sister in the previous image continues to meet her spiritual needs. 1. She studies an article in “The Watchtower.” 2. She goes to a couple’s home to bring them food. The husband is sitting in an armchair with his head bandaged and an IV in his arm to receive medication. 3. Two elders are shepherding the sister.
We must continue to satisfy our need for spiritual food, clothing, and shelter. (See paragraph 18.)
WHAT CAN WE DO TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FOLLOWING GIFTS FROM JEHOVAH?
Spiritual food
To benefit from that nourishment, we can regularly study God's Word, not settle for just the basics, and humbly accept adjustments in biblical understanding.
Spiritual clothing
To take advantage of that clothing, we can strive each day to take off the old personality and put on the new one, trusting in Jehovah's help and not giving up when we make mistakes.
Spiritual shelter
We can always seek refuge in Jehovah through prayer, meetings, and the support of the congregation, trusting that he protects our faith and our inner peace.
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