Stay Close to Jehovah - RESPOND TO GOD'S LOVE

To stay close to Jehovah, we need to realize just how much he loves us.  Think of all that Jehovah has done for us.  He has given us a beautiful earth and filled it with fascinating plants and animals.  He has also give us delicious food to eat and clean water to drink. Through the Bible, Jehovah has taught us his name and his wonderful qualities. Above all, he showed his love for us when he sent his beloved Son, Jesus to the earth to give his life for us.  (John 3:16)  And because of this sacrifice, we have a wonderful hope for the future.

Jehovah has provided the Messianic Kingdom, a heavenly government that soon end all suffering. The Kingdom will make the earth a paradise, where everyone will live in peace and happiness forever.  (Psalm 37:29)  Another way Jehovah has shown his love for us is by teaching us how to live in the best possible way now.  He also invites us to pray to him, and he is always ready to listen to our prayers. Jehovah has clearly shown his love for every one of us.

How should you respond to Jehovah's love?  Show him that you are thankful for all that he has done for you. Unfortunately, many today are ungrateful.  The same was true when Jesus was on earth. On one occasion, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one thanked him.  (Luke 17:12-17)  We want  to be like the man who thanked Jesus.  We always want to be thankful to Jehovah.

We also need to show our love for Jehovah.  Jesus told his disciples that they must love Jehovah with their whole heart, the whole soul, and their whole mind.  (Read Matthew 22:37.)  What does that mean? 

Is it enough just to say that we love Jehovah?  No.  If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, we will show our love for him by our actions.  (Matthew 7:16-20) The Bible clearly teaches that if we love God, we will obey his commandments.  Is that difficult? No, because Jehovah's commandments are not burdensome." - Read 1 JOHN 5:3.

When we obey Jehovah, we have a happy satisfying life.  (Isaiah 48:17, 18)  But will that help us to stay close to Jehovah? Let us see.

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - CONTINUE DRAWING NEAR TO JEHOVAH

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