Give Back To Jehovah

Because we recognize Jehovah as the Giver of every good gift, our hearts are stirred to express appreciation for the blessings we receive. How can we do that? One way is by helping others to enjoy these same blessings. (Matthew 28:19) In over 230 lands, Jehovah's Witnesses are busy to do just that. As they do so, they expend their limited personal resources - time, energy and material possessions- to assist others to "come to an accurate knowledge of truth." - Timothy 2:4.

Consider the pioneers living in Glendale, California U.S.A. Every Saturday morning, they travel about 65 miles round-trip to visit a federal detention center. Even though they can spend no more than a few hours on each visit with the prisoners, they are not discouraged. One of them says: " It is so rewarding to serve in this unque territory. We are doing it with much joy. We have so many interested ones that it is hard to keep up. Presently, we are studying with five people, and four others have requested a Bible study."

Zealous Christian ministers are happy to offer their services free of charge to perform this lifesaving work. They reflect the attitude of Jesus, who said: " You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:8) Millions around the world are engaged in similar unselfish service, and as a result, crowds of honesthearted ones are responding and are becoming disciples. In the past five years alone, nearly 1.7 million have dedicated their lives to Jehovah. Caring for the needs of this ongoing expansion requires the production of Bibles and Bible-based publications as well as the building of new Kingdom Halls and other meeting places. Where does the money to supply these needs come from? Entirely from voluntary donations.

Because of the poor economic conditions in some parts of the world, many struggle to provide the bare necessities of life for their families. According to the magazine New Scientist, one billion people spend at least 70 percent of their household income on food. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters are in that situation. Without help from fellow believers, they simply could not afford such things as Christian publications or suitable Kingdom Halls.

Of course, that does not mean that such ones are content to let others carry their load. But they need assistance. Moses, when encouraging the Israelites to make material contributions as a way of thanking Jehovah for their blessings, said: " The gift of each one's hand should be in proportion to the blessing of Jehovah your God that he has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:17) Hence, when Jesus saw a widow contribute "two small coins of very little value" in the temple, he praised her to his disciples. She did what she could. (Luke 21:2, 3) Similarly, Christians in poorer circumstances do what they can. And if there is a deficiency, it can be supplied by contributions from fellow Christians who are not so materially poor. - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.

When we give back to God in such ways, it is important that we have the right motive. (2 Corinthians 8:12) Paul said: " Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver ." (2 Corinthians 9:7) By giving freely from the heart, we both support the theocratic expansions that is now taking place and increase our own joy. - Acts 20:35.

Sharing in the preaching work and making voluntary contributions are two ways that we can give to Jehovah in return for the blessings he has given us. And how encouraging it is to know that Jehovah wishes to bestow his blessing upon many more sincere ones, who presently may not know him! (2 Peter 3:9) Let us, therefore, continue to use our resources in God's service so as to find honest-hearted ones and assist them to develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation. That way, we will have the joy of helping them to "taste and see that Jehovah is good." - Psalm 34:8.