HOW WE BENEFIT NOW

 None of us should feel that we are entitled to receive Jehovah's mercy even if we have spent many years in his service. Of course, Jehovah appreciates our record of faithfulness. (Hebrews 6:10) He gave us his Son as a free gift, not as payment for services rendered. If we were to claim that we have earned mercy or that we are entitled to special consideration, we would, in effect, be saying that Christ died for nothing. - Compare GALATIANS 2:21. 

Paul knew that he could not earn God's favor. Why, then, did he work so hard in Jehovah's service? Not to prove himself deserving, but to show appreciation for Jehovah's undeserved kindness.  (Ephesians 3:7) Like Paul, we continue to serve zealously, not to earn Jehovah's mercy, but to show appreciation for it. 

Next time: HOW WE BENEFIT NOW - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications