"The Love the Christ Has Compels Us" - GRATITUDE MOVES US TO FOLLOW JESUS

We feel grateful  when reflect on Jesus' life and death. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus taught people about the blessings that God's Kingdom would bring. We deeply appreciate these Kingdom truths.  We are thankful for the ransom  because it opens the way for us to enjoy a close friendship with Jehovah and Jesus.  Those who exercise faith in Jesus also  have the hope of living forever and of seeing their dead loved ones again.  (John 5:28, 29; Romans 6:23) We have not done anything to deserve these blessings, nor can we every repay God and Christ for what they have done for us.  (Romans 5:8, 20, 21) But we can show them the depth of our gratitude. How? 

Consider the example of a Jewish woman named Mary Magdalene.  She was in wretched condition, tormented by seven demons. She must have felt that there no way out. So imagine how thankful she was when Jesus freed her from the influence of those demons!  Her gratitude moved her to become his follower and to use her time, energy, and belongings to support him in the ministry.  (Luke 8:1-3) Although Mary deeply appreciated what did for her personally, she may not have  grasped the his greatest gift was yet to come.  He would give his life in behalf of humankind, "so that everyone exercising faith in him" could enjoy everlasting life.  (John 19:25) After Jesus died, Mary and two other women brought spices to the tomb for his burial.  (Mark 16:1, 2)  Mary's loyalty was richly rewarded. She had the joy of meeting the resurrected Jesus and of speaking with him-a privilege that most disciples did not have. - JOHN 20:11-18.

We too can show our gratitude for al that Jehovah and Jesus have done for us by using our time, energy, and financial resources  to advance the Kingdom work. For example, we can make ourselves available to help with constructing buildings for pure worship. 

Next time: "The Love the Christ Has Compels Us" - LOVE FOR JEHOVAH AND JESUS MOVES US TO LOVE OTHERS

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