Why We Need the Ransom - THE RANSOM PROVIDES FORGIVENESS

 We need the ransom in order to be forgiven of our sins. Every imperfect human commits sins, whether in word or in deed. (Read Ecclesiastes 7:20.) Some sins are especially serious. For example, the crimes of adultery and of murder were punishable by death under the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 20:10; Numbers 35:30, 31) Many sins, of course, are not as serious as that; nevertheless, they are still sins. For example, the psalmist David said; "I will guard my step to avoid sinning with my tongue." (Psalm 39:1) Yes, at times, even our speech can be sinful. - JAMES 3:2. 

Think about your past words and actions. Have you said things to others that you wish you could take back? Have you made mistakes that you regret? No doubt, your answer to both questions is yes. The Bible states: "If we make the statement, "We have no sin," we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us." - 1 JOHN 1:8. 

The ransom provides a sound basis for Jehovah to forgive our sins. (Ephesians 1:7) However, this does not mean that Jehovah simply overlooks our offenses, as if they do not matter to him. Sin does matte to Jehovah. (Isaiah 59:2) His perfect justice requires that there be a basis for forgiveness. 

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Why We Need the Ransom

 Paul did not end his comments about sin on a negative note. After asking: "Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?" he answered his own question emphatically: "Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25) Paul was referring to Jesus' ransom sacrifice. That ransom can rescue us by ((1) forgiveness of our sins. (2) healing from our sinful condition, and (3) reconciliation with our Creator. As we consider these points, we will grow in our love for Jehovah, "the God who gives hope." (Romans 15:13) We will also grow in our appreciation for Jesus by means of whom we have our release by ransom." - COLOSSIANS 1:14. 

Next time: Why We Need the Ransom - THE RANSOM PROVIDES FORGIVENESS

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Why We Need the Ransom

 "Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?"  - ROMANS 7:24.

IMAGINE the scene. A building collapses. trapping a man in the rubble. He is alive, but he cannot remove himself from the wreckage. All he can do is cry out for help and hope that he can be rescued. 

Each one of us is in a comparable situation. In what way? When Adam rebelled against his Creator, he became a sinner. Later, he passed on his sinful condition to his children. As a result, the entire human race became trapped in the rubble of inherited sin, and we cannot remove ourselves from its effects. The apostle Paul well described our sinful condition in his letter to the Romans. (Read Romans 7:22-24.) He begged to be rescued "from the body undergoing this death. "Paul was trapped by inherited sin, which unavoidable leads to death. (Romans 6:23) We are in that same predicament. We need to be rescued. 

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"You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Conclusion

 Do not reject sincere words of commendation from those who know you and love you. Keep in mind that Jehovah may be using them to help you appreciate that you have  his approval. Eliana, mentioned earlier, says: "Little by little, I am learning to accept in my heart the kind words from others. It is a struggle, but I know this is what Jehovah want me to do." Eliana has benefited from the love efforts of elders. She is now serving as a pioneer and  as a remote volunteer for Bethel.

Jesus kindly reminds us that we matter very much to our heavenly Father. (Luke 12:24) So we can be confident that Jehovah sees us as precious. May we never forget this! And may we do our best to help others to see how precious they are in God's eyes! 

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"You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

 See Jehovah as a Father who loves you. He wants to help you. not find fault with you. (Psalm 130:3; Matthew 7:11; Luke 12:6, 7) Meditating on that has helped many with feelings of low self-worth. For example, consider Eliana, a sister from Spain who felt rejected and useless after years of verbal abuse from her husband. She says:  "Whenever I feel useless, I try to imagine Jehovah carrying me in his arms and giving me love and protection. (Psalm 28:9) Lauren, a sister from South Africa, reminds herself, "If Jehovah kindly drew me to him with cords of love, has kept me close to him all these years, and has even me to teach others, then he surely considers me to be valuable and useful. - HOSEA 11:4. 

Be convinced that you have Jehovah's approval. (Read Psalm 5:12.) David likened Jehovah's approval to a "large shield" that protects righteous people. Knowing you have Jehovah's approval and support can protect you from becoming consumed with self-doubt.  How can you know that you have Jehovah's approval? As we have seen, Jehovah gives you the assurance by means of his Word. In addition, he uses elders, close friends, and others to remind you that you are precious in his eyes. How shoudl  you respond to such encouragement? 

Next time: "You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

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"You Are Precious to Me "!- HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US

 Remember that Jehovah does not see you the way the world does. (Read 1 Samuel 16:7.) He does not assess your worth based on your personal appearance, social statues, or secular education. (Isaiah 55:8, 9) So instead of measuring you value according to the world's standards, evaluate your worth based on Jehovah's standards. You might read Bible accounts that show how Jehovah valued those who at times doubled their worth, such as Elijah, Naomi, and Hannah. You might also want to write down experiences you've had that confirm Jehovah truly loves you and values you. Additionally, you can review information on the subject of self-worth found in our publications. 

Recognize that Jehovah makes you valuable in Jehovah's eyes. At one point, possible when he was in his late 90's, the prophet Daniel felt "extremely weary" and disheartened. (Daniel 9:20, 21) How did Jehovah encourage him? God sent the angel Gabriel to remind Daniel that he was "someone very precious" and that his prayers had been heard. (Read Daniel 9:23.) What made Daniel so precious to God? Among other qualities, it was his love for righteousness and his faithfulness.  (Ezekiel 14:14) Jehovah preserved that account in his Word for our comfort. (Romans 15:4) Jehovah also listens to your prayers and values you for your love what is right and your faithful service to him. - MICAH 6:8, ftns.; HEBREWS 6:10. 

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"You Are Precious to Me"! -HOW JESUS HELPED PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THEIR VALUE - Conclusion

 After Lidia learned the truth, personal prayer and study as well as the kind words and actions of fellow Christians helped her to understand that she is precious in Jehovah's eyes.vShe says: "My husband often tells me how much he loves me. Time and time again, he reminds me of my good qualities.bOther dear Friends have done the same." Can you think of someone who needs help to understand hownext tome precious he or she is in Jehovah's eyes? 

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"You Are Precious to Me"!-HOW JESUS HELPED PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THEIR VALUE -Continue

 As may have been the case with Mary Magdalene, many today struggle with feelings of rejection. Lidia, a sister from Spain, says that before she was born, her mother was thinking of getting an abortion. Even as a toddler, Lidia remembers how her mother neglected her and verbally abused her. She says: "My goal in life was to be accepted and loved by others. I feared I would never deserve that love because my mother had convinced me that I was a bad person." 

Next time: "YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO ME"? - Conclusion

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"You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW JESUS HELPED PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THEIR VALUE - Continue

Jesus invited Mary Magdalene to  accompany him on his preaching tours. As a result, she continued to benefit when she heard him teaching others. Jesus also appeared to her on the very day he was resurrected. She was one of the first disciples he spoke to on that day. Jesus even assigned her to inform him apostles that he had been resurrected.Wjay wonderful indications that she was truly precious to Jehovah.! - John 20:11-18. 

"You Are Very Precious to Me"! - HOW JESUS HELPED PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THEIR VALUE - Continue

 Consider how Jesus helped another individual Mary Magdalene. She was possessed by seven demons! (Luke 8:2) She probably acted in strange ways because being demonic influence and, as a result, was avoided by others. During that wretched period of her life, she must have felt rejected, insecure and helpless. Jesus likely expelled the demons that afflicted her, and she became his devoted disciple. In what other way did Jesus help Mary Magdalene to understand how precious she was to God?

Next time: "You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW JESUS HELPED PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THEIR VALUE -Continue

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