How Can We Show That We Love Jehovah?

GRATITUDE FOR JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS

When you receive a gift, what do you do?  Most likely you show your appreciation in some way.  In addition, you will likely make good use of the gift, not taking it for granted.  "Every good gift and every perfect present is from above," wrote the disciple James,  "coming down from the Father of celestial lights, who does not  vary or change like the shifting shadows."  (James 1:17)  Jehovah unfailingly provides what we need to live and be happy. Does that not move us to want to love him in return? 

The Israelites lived under Jehovah's loving care for hundreds of years and were bountifully blessed by him, in both material and  in spiritual ways.  (Deuteronomy 4:7, 8) Their continuing to receive such blessings, however, was contingent on their obeying God's Law, which included regularly offering to Jehovah "the best of the first ripe fruits" of the land.  (Exodus 23:19)  The Israelites would thus demonstrate that they did not take for granted Jehovah's love and blessings. -Read Deuteronomy 8:7-11. 

What about us?  Though we are not required to offer literal sacrifices today, it is only proper that we show our love for God by honoring him with our  "valuable things."  (Proverbs 3:9) What are some ways we can do so?  Obviously, we can use our material things to support the Kingdom work locally and worldwide. This is certainly a fine way to express love for Jehovah, whether we have much or little materially.  (2 Corinthians 8:12)  There are, however, other ways to show Jehovah that we love him.

Recall Jesus' reminder to followers not to be anxious about food and clothing but to keep on seeking firs the Kingdom. He said that the Father knows what we really need.  (Matthew 6:31-33)  (Note: not what we think we need. He is talking about the mere basics: food, clothing, medical, rent/mortgage, utilities)   The degree to which we trust that promise is an indication of the depth of our love for Jehovah because love and trust go hand in hand.  We cannot truly love someone we do no trust. (Psalm 142:8) So we might ask ourselves:  'Do the goals I pursue and my way of life reflect that I truly love Jehovah? Do my actions day in and day out show that I trust his ability to care for my needs? 

A Christian named Mike  showed such love and trust. When he was young, Mike started to develop a strong desire to serve God in a foreign land. He got married and had two children, but that desire  never diminished.  Encouraged by the many articles and reports about serving where the need is greater, Mike and his family decided to simplify their life.  They sold their house and moved into an apartment.   Then Mike reduced the size of his janitorial business and learned how he could manage the business from overseas via the Internet.  The family made the move, and after serving for two happy years overseas, Mike said:  "We experienced the truthfulness of Jesus' words recorded at Matthew 6:33. 

Next time: How Can We Show That We Love Jehovah? - TAKE TO HEART THE TRUTH FROM GOD 

From the jw.org publications