Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life

DO NOT KEEP WORRYING

If we try to get rich in this world, it will bring us a lot of worries. (Matthew 6:19)  Jesus said that those who always worry about  money will find it difficult to keep God's Kingdom first in their lives. (Matthew 13:18, 19, 22) Also, some people worry all the time about bad things that might happen to them. But if we keep worrying, we might become sick or even start to lose faith in Jehovah. Instead, we must trust that Jehovah will help us.  The Bible says that "anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but  a good word cheers it up." (Proverbs 12:25)  So if you are worried about something, talk to someone who serves Jehovah and who knows you well. A parent, your husband or wife, or a good friend can encourage you to trust in Jehovah and help you feel less worried. 

Jehovah understands how we feel  better than anyone else and can help us feel calmer when we are worried. Paul wrote:  "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7)  So when you are worried, think of the help that Jehovah gives you to keep your friendship with him strong, such as the help from your brothers and sisters, the elders, the faithful slave, the angels, and Jesus. 

As we have learned, we imitate Jehovah when we use our ability to understand  how other people feel.  (1 Timothy 1:11; 1 John 4:8)  We will be happy when we  show love and kindness to others, when we think about the results of what we do, and when we avoid always worrying.  Let us imagine  what life will be like under Kingdom  rule and do our best to imitate Jehovah. -Romans 12:12.

Next time: Why Disfellowshipping  Is a Loving Provision

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015