WHEN YOU DOUBT THAT YOUR PAST DECISIONS WERE WISE

 Later in life, some could think back and wonder whether they made the right decisions. Perhaps they decided to give up a promising career or a successful business in order to serve Jehovah fully. Now time has passed, perhaps even decades. They may see acquaintances who pursued secular interests and who now enjoy apparent financial security. As a result, they may wonder: 'were the sacrifices I made for Jehovah worth it? Or did they cause me to miss other opportunities? 

If similar questions bother you, consider how the writer of Psalm 73 felt. He saw others enjoying what looked like a healthy prosperous, and stress-free life. (Psalm 73:3-5, 12) As he observed them and their apparent success, he felt that his efforts to serve Jehovah were pointless. He was "troubles all day long" by this discouraging thought. (Psalm 73:13,14) How did he deal with his troubled feelings? 

Next time: WHEN YOU DOUBT THAT YOUR PAST DECISIONS WERE WISE - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

WHEN YOU DOUBT THAT JEHOVAH IS INTERESTED IN YOU

 Have you ever wondered, 'Does Jehovah really notice me?' If you feel insignificant, the thought of becoming friends with the Creator of the universe could seem unrealistic, way beyond your reach.  A similar thought may have occurred to King David. He marveled that Jehovah was even aware of mere humans and asked: "O Jehovah, what is man that you should notice him, the son of mortal man that you should pay attention to him?"  (Psalm 144:3) Where can you turn to answer this question?

From the Bible, we learn that Jehovah notices those who seem unimportant to others. For example, Jehovah sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his eight sons to meet Samuel but did not include David, the youngest. Yet, it was David whom Jehovah chose. (Read 1 Samel 16:6, 7, 10-12.) Jehovah saw who David really was on the inside- a young man who valued spiritual things. 

Think about how Jehovah has already shown that he notices you. He offers to give you advice tailored to fit your needs. (Psalm 32:8) How can he do that unless he knows you well? (Psalm 139:1) When you apply Jehovah's advice and see how it helps you, you will become convinced that Jehovah is interested in you. (1 Chronicles 28:9; Acts 17:26, 27) Jehovah takes note of your efforts. He sees your inner qualities and is moved to reach out to you. He wants you to respond to his offer to be your Friend. -1 JOHN 4:19.

Next time: WHEN YOU DOUBT THAT YOUR DECISIONS WERE WISE

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO RESOLVE YOUR DOUBTS -Conclusion

 As we read God's Word, we "hear" Jehovah speaking to us. But to get his thoughts on a specific question requires effort on our part. We need to focus on our Bible reading on the topic that concerns us. We can do research on that subject, using the extensive study tools that Jehovah's organization provides. (Proverbs 2:3-6) We can pray that Jehovah will guide our research and help us to find his thoughts on our question. Then we can look on our Bible principles and practical information that apply to our situation. We may also benefit by considering Bible account of those who faced a similar situation. 

We also "hear" Jehovah speaking to us at our meetings. If we regularly attend meetings, we could hear something in a talk or in a comment from someone in audience that is just what we need to overcome our doubts. (Proverbs 27:17) Let us now consider how to resolve some specific doubts. 

Next time: WHEN YOU DOUBT THAT JEHOVAH IS INTERESTED IN YOU

From the jw.org publications

HOW TO RESOLVE YOUR DOUBTS

 One way we can resolve our doubts is by turning to God's Word to find answers to our questions. If we do so, we will be strengthened, grow spiritually, and be better equipped to "stand firm in the faith." - 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13. 

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Note that the Bible urges us to "make sure of all things." How can we do this? We can make sur that what we believe is true by comparing it with what the Bible says. For example, consider the case of the young person who wonders whether he has any value in God's eyes. Should he simply accept that thought is true? No, he should "make sure of all things" by getting Jehovah's thoughts on the matter.

Next time: HOW TO RESOLVE YOUR DOUBTS - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

How to Overcome Doubts

 "Make sure of all things." - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:21.

PEOPLE of all ages have doubts at times. For example, imagine a young Witness who wonders if Jehovah is really interested in him. He may be unsure about being baptized. Or think that a middle-aged brother who is in his youth chose to pursue Kingdom interest rather than a career in this world. With the family budge now stretched to the limit, he may have second thoughts. Picture an elderly sister with limited strength and energy. She may feel discouraged because she can no longer do what she once did. Have you ever asked yourself such questions as: 'Does Jehovah really notice me? Have the sacrifices that I have made for Jehovah been worth it? Am I still useful to Jehovah?

If we leave questions like these unanswered, they can adversely affect our worship. In this article, we will consider how focusing on Bible principles will help us if we doubt (1) that Jehovah is interested in us, (2) that our past decisions were sound, or (3) that we are still useful to Jehovah.

Next time: HOW TO RESOLVE YOUR DOUBTS 

From the jw.org publications   

WHAT WE ARE DOING - Conclusion

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: The teens and young adults' section of jw.org has articles, videos, and worksheets that can help young ones to . . .

. get along with parents and siblings

. talk respectfully to parents about rules

. gain their parents' trust

(Search "Teens and Young adults "on jw.org) 

Use of this website jw.org is free of charge. No fee, subscription, or membership is required, and no personal information will be requested.

LEARN MORE

Joseph Ehrenbogen was violent and addicted to drugs when he got married. To learn how studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses improved his family life, search for the article "I learned to Respect Women and Myself" on jw.org.

Next time: How to Overcome Doubts

From the jw.org publications

WHAT WE ARE DOING - Continue

 FOR PARENTS: The article series Help for the Family can help parents train their children to . . . 

. be obedient

. assist with chores around the house

. say "please and thank you

(Search "Raising Children" and "Raising Teenagers" on jw.org)

See also the appendix, "Questions Parents Ask," in the book Question Young People Ask-Answers that Work, Volume 1. (Search "Questions " Parents Ask" on jw.org) 

Next time: WHAT WE ARE DOING - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

WHAT WE ARE DOING

 Jehovah's Witnesses encourage family members to treat one another with respect. often making it a theme of articles, books, brochures, and videos that we publish, which are made available free of charge. 

FOR MARRIED COUPLES:  The article series Help for the Family can help husbands and wives to . . .

. be good listeners

. end the silent treatment

. stop arguing

(Search "Help for the Family" on jw.org) 

Next time: WHAT WE ARE DOING -Continue

From the jw.org publications

WHAT YOU CAN DO

 Create a pan, together with your family. First, fix in your mind what you mean by "respect." Second, write down specific behaviors that are expected from everyone in the family as well as behaviors that should be avoided. Third, discuss the plan as a family so that your children-and you-have a common foundation on which to build. 

"The plans of the diligent surely lead to success." - PROVERBS 21:5.

 Set the example.  Do you criticize your family members for their faults, mock them for their opinions, or ignore or interrupt them when they are talking to you? 

Tip: Try to view respect as something that you owe your spouse and children, not something they need to earn. 

"In showing honor to one another, take the lead." - ROMANS 12:10. 

Disagree without being disagreeable. When expressing yourself, avoid sweeping assertions, such as "you always" or you "never."  Such harsh criticisms attack the character of your family member and can turn a mild disagreement into major conflict. 

"A mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - PROVERBS 15:1. 

Next time: WHAT WE ARE DOING

From the jw.org publications

 

What Has Happened to Respect for Family?/WHY RESPECT FOR FAMILY MATTERS

 Respect for family members creates a stable environment in which husbands, wives, and children feel secure.

. The book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage 

   Work says that when spouses have mutual respect, 

    they express fondness for each other "not just in 

    big ways but in little ways day in and day out." 

. Research shows that children who to respect others

   have greater self-esteem, enjoy a better relation-

   ship with their parents, and suffer fewer psychol-

   ogical problems.

Next time: WHAT YOU CAN DO

From the jw.org publications

WHAT WE ARE DOING - Conclusion

 When Ebola outbreaks began to devastate the population of West Africa (2014) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018), we educated people on how to prevent the spread of deadly disease. We sent representatives to speak to groups on the subject "Obedience Saves Lives." We provided handwashing stations at the entrance of each of our places of worship and stressed the importance of handwashing and other practical safeguards. 

In Sierra Leone, a radio announcement commended Jehovah's Witnesses for helping Witnesses and Non-Witnesses in the community to avoid the Ebola Virus.

LEARN MORE

Oscar Serpas is a former gang member who at one time showed little respect for his own life and the life of others. Learn how Jehovah's Witnesses helped him change. Search for the article "I Was Digging My Own Grave" on jw.org.

Next time: What Has Happened to Respect for Family? 

From the jw.org publications 

WHAT WE ARE DOING

 Jehovah's Witnesses promote a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Our Bible educational program has helped people to overcome addictions and destructive habits. 

We adhere to strict safety standards in our construction projects. Volunteers who help build our meeting places and other facilities that are used to further our Bible educational work are trained to avoid injury. Our buildings are inspected on a regular basis so that they conform to local laws. 

We provide humanitarian assistance.  During a recent 12-month period, we responded to some 200 life-threatening disasters worldwide and spent nearly 12 million dollars of donated funds to provide relief for victims. 

Next time:  WHAT WE ARE DOING - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

WHAT YOU CAN DO

 Protect your health. It's never too late to give up harmful practices such as smoking, vaping, overdrinking, or taking up recreational drugs. Such practices harm your life and show disrespect for the life of those innocent victims. 

"Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of the flesh." - 2 CORINTHIANS 7:1.

Be safety conscious. To prevent accidents, keep your home in good repair. Drive safely and keep your vehicle in good condition. Do not let others pressure you into activities that cause serious injury or death.

"If you build a new house, you must also make a parapet for your roof, so that you may not bring bloodguilt on your house because of someone falling from it." - Deuteronomy 22:8.

Be kind to others. Respect for life includes how we view people from all racial, national, social backgrounds. After all, prejudice and hatred are root causes of much of the world's violence and warfare.

"Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, as well as everything injurious. But become kind to one another. " EPHESIANS 4:31, 32. 

Next time: WHAT WE ARE DOING

From the jw.org publications

What Has Happened to Respect for Life?/WHY RESPECT FOR LIVE MATTERS

 Practices and actions that show respect for life can adversely affect the health and the safety of a community.

. Cigarette smoking not only causes cancer but also interferes with the body's ability to fight it. All told, about 90 percents of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to smoking or to exposure to secondhand smoke.

. Mass shootings cause emotional trauma for many each year. A Standford University report states: "Research indicates that even those who escape [school shootings] without any visible physical harm carry scars that could impair their lives for many years to come." 

People driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs make roads and even pedestrian walkways unsafe. When people show a callous regard for life, community members often become innocent victims. 

Next time: WHAT YOU CAN DO

From the jw.org publications 

What Has Happened to Respect for Others - WHAT WE ARE DOING

 In the communities in which they live, Jehovah's Witnesses promote respect for others.

We offer free Bible instruction to all people, but we do not force our beliefs or opinions on others. Rather, we try to apply the Bible's counsel by sharing our message "with a mild temper and deep respect." - 1 PETER 3:15; 2 TIMOTHY 2:24. 

We reject discrimination and welcome to our congregation meetings people from all backgrounds who want to learn what the Bible teaches. We strive to be tolerant and to "show proper respect to everyone. - 1 PETER 2:17, New International Version.

We respect the authority of the government under which we live. (Romans 13:1) We obey the law and pay taxes. And although we remain politically neutral, we respect the rights of others to make their own decisions on political matters. 

LEARN MORE

It is difficult to respect others when you have been taught to hate them. Learn how two men from opposing nations were able to learn to respect others. Search for the video Can Love Conquer Hatred? on jw.org. 

Next time: What Has Happened to Respect for Life?/WHY RESPECT FOR LIFE MATTERS 

From the jw.org publications

What Has Happened to Respect for Others/ WHAT YOU CAN DO

 Whether at school or at work, respect all people-even if you don't share their views. Identify things that you can agree on. That will help you to avoid becoming critical or judgmental. 

"Stop judging that you may not be judge also." -MATTHEW 7:1.

Treat others the way you would want to be treated. If you are considerate and fair with others, they will be more likely to return the favor.

"Treat others as you would them to treat you. - LUKE 6:31. (with respect, kindness and love as for a mother, sister, etc.)

Be Forgiving. Give others the benefit of the doubt by overlooking unkind words or actions. 

"The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is a beauty on his part to overlook an offense." - PROVERBS 19:11.

Next time: What Has Happened to Respect for Others?/WHAT WE ARE DOING

From the jw.org publications

What Has Happened to Respect for Others?/WHY RESPECT FOR OTHERS MATTERS

 Respect for defuses tension and keeps a bad situation from getting worse. 

. A Bible proverbs says: "A mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) Disrespectful speech and actions only add fuel to the fire, often with disastrous results.

. Jesus stated: "Out of the abundance of the heart the" mouth speaks."(Matthew 12:34) Disrespectful speech can reveal a deeper problem-how we truly feel about people who race, tribe, and nationality, or social background is different from our own.

In a recent survey of more than 32,000 respondents in 28 countries, 65 percent said that the lack of civility and mutual respect today is the worst they have ever seen. 

_________________________________________

Next time: WHY RESPECT FOR OTHERS MATTER-WHAT YOU CAN DO

From the jw.org publications

TAKE COMFORT IN THE PROMISES OF JEHOVAH'S HEALING

 We can confidently look to the future, knowing that Jehovah will soon heal us completely of all physical and emotional pain. (Revelation 21:3, 4) At that time, the hurtful things we have experienced will not "come up into the heart." (Isaiah 65:17) As we have seen, Jehovah 'binds up our wounds' even now. Take full advantage of Jehovah's loving provisions to bring you comfort and relief. Never doubt for a moment that "he cares for you." - 1 PETER 5:7. 

Next time: What Has Happened to Respect for Others?/WHY RESPECT FOR OTHERS MATTERS

From the jw.org publications