"The Love The Christ Has Compels Us" - LOVE FOR JEHOVAH AND CHRIST MOVES US TO LOVE OTHERS -Conclusion

 How can elders show that they love Jehovah and Jesus?  An important way is by caring for the needs of Jesus' sheep. (Read 1 Peter 5:1, 2.) Jesus made that point clear to the apostle Peter. After denying Jesus three times, Peter  was likely desperate  to prove that he loved Jesus.  Following his resurrection, Jesus asked Peter: "Simon son of John, do yo love ne?"  We can be sure  that Peter would have done anything to prove his love for his Master. Jesus told Peter: "Shepherd my little sheep." (John 21:15-17)  And for the rest of his life, Peter tenderly cared for the Lord's sheep, proving that he had love for Jesus. 

Elders, during the Memorial season, how can you demonstrate that the importance of Jesus' words to Peter is not lost on  you?  You can show how much you love Jehovah and Jesus by regularly engaging in the shepherding work and by making a specific effort to help inactive ones return to Jehovah. (Ezekiel  34:11, 12) You can also take an interest in  Bible students and new ones who attend the Memorial, doing all you can to make these potential disciples feel welcome.

Next time: "The Love the Christ Has Compels Us" - LOVE OF CHRIST MOVES US TO BE COURAGEOUS

From the jw.org publications

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

 When we consider how much Jehovah and Jesus love us, we are moved to love them in return. (John 4:10, 19) We love them even more when we realize that Jesus died for us personally.  The apostle Paul acknowledged this and expressed his appreciation when he wrote to the Galatians, saying:  "The Son of God . . . loved  me and handed himself over for me." (Galatians 2:20) On the basis of the random, Jehovah has drawn you to him so that you can be his friend.  (John 6:44) Does it not warm your heart to know that Jehovah has seen something good in  you and that he paid the highest price so that you can be counted as his friend? Does it not strengthen your love for Jehovah and Jesus? We do well to ask ourselves, "What will that love compel me to do?'

Our love for God and Christ moves us to show love to others.  (Read Corinthians 5:14, 15; 6:1, 2.) One way we demonstrate our love is by having a zealous share in the preaching work.  We speak to everyone we meet. We do not discriminate against anyone because of his race, tribe, financial position, or social background.  In this way we are working in harmony with Jehovah's purpose "that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." - 1 TIMOTHY 2:4.

We also prove our love for God and Christ by showing love for our brothers and sisters.  (1 John 4:21) We take a personal interest in them and support them during their trials.  We comfort them when they have a lost loved one, visit them when they are sick, and do our best to encourage them when they are disheartened.  ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14) We keep praying for them, remembering that  "a righteous man's supplication has a powerful effect." - JAMES 5:16. 

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

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"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

From the jw.org publications

"The Love the Christ Has Compels Us

 "The Love the Christ Has Compels Us" . . . so that those who live should live no longer for themselves." - 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14, 15. 

WHEN we lose a loved one in death, we miss that person so much!  At first, we may feel nothing but pain when we think back to the days leading up to  his death, especially if our loved one suffered before dying.  With time, however, we begin to feel a measure of joy when we think of something he taught  us or something he did or said to encourage us or to make us smile. 

In a similar way, it saddens us to read about  Jesus' suffering and death. During the Memorial season, we especially take time to reflect  on the significance of his ransom sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25)  However, we find great joy in reflecting on all the things Jesus said and did while he was on earth.  We also find it stimulating to think about what he is doing now and what he will do for us  in the future. Mediating on these things and on his love for us can move us to  to show our appreciation in practical ways, as we will see in this article.

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

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Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - OBSERVING THE MEMORIAL DESPITE CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES

 Family opposition.  For some, the biggest challenge to observing the  Memorial is family opposition.  Consider the example of a Bible student named Sue.  In 2021, on the day before the Memorial, Sue told her Bible teacher that because of opposition  at home, she would not be able to attend the Memorial.  Her  Bible teacher read Luke22:44.  Then she explained to her when we experience difficulties, we should follow Jesus' example by turning to Jehovah in prayer and by putting our complete trust in Him.  The next day, Sue prepared  the emblems and watched the special  Morning Worship program on jw.org .  That evening, while alone in her room,  she connected to the Memorial by phone.  Afterward, Sue wrote to her Bible teacher: "You encouraged me so  much yesterday.  I did everything I could to attend the Memorial, and Jehovah really did the rest.  I cannot express how happy ad thankful I am!"  Do you think that Jehovah can help you if you face a similar situation?

Jehovah greatly appreciates our efforts to commemorate Jesus' death. We can be sure that he will bless  us when we show appreciation for what he has done for us.  (Read Romans 8:31, 32) Let us, then, be determined to attend the Memorial this year and do what we can to increase our share in spiritual activities during the Memorial season.

Next time" The Love the Christ Has Compels Us"

From the jw.org publications

Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - OBSERVING THE MEMORIAL DESPITE CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES

 Jesus foretold that during the last days, we would face all sorts of difficult circumstances-family opposition, persecution, wars., pestilences, and much more.  (Matthew 10:36; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:10, 11) At times, these conditions make it difficult to commemorate Jesus' death. What have our brothers and sisters done to overcome such challenges, and how has Jesus helped them?

Imprisonment.  Our brothers who are in prison for their faith do what they can to commemorate Jesus' death.  Consider Artem's example.  During the 2020 Memorial season, he was confined to a 17-sq meter (183 -sq- ft) cell that contained up to five prisoners at a time.  Despite being imprisoned he was able to collect some items to use as Memorial emblems, and he planned to give the Memorial talk for his own benefit.  But his cellmates smoked and cursed a lot. What did he do? He asked them if they could refrain from cursing and smoking for just one hour.  To Artem's surprise, h is cellmates agreed not to smoke or swear during the Memorial. Artem says, I offered to tell them about the Memorial." Although they said that they did not want to hear about the event, after seeing and hearing Artem observe the Memorial, they asked him all about it. 

COVID -19 pandemic.  When this pandemic struck, Jehovah's people could not attend the Memorial in person.  But that did not prevent them from observing the Memorial.  Congregations with access to the Internet held the Memorial by videoconference.  But what of the millions who  had no access to the Internet? In some countries, arrangements were made to broadcast  the talk on television or on the radio.  In addition, branches recorded  the talk in over 500 languages so that even those in remote areas could observe the Memorial. And faithful brothers arranged for the recordings to be delivered to those who needed them.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - OBSERVING THE MEMORIAL DESPITE CHALLENGING  CIRCUMSTANCES

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Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - INVITING OTHERS TO THE MEMORIAL -Conclusion

 We also invited those who are not longer serving Jehovah. We do so to remind them that God still loves them.  Many respond to our invitation, and we are overjoyed to see them.  Attending the Memorial reminds them of how much they enjoyed serving Jehovah in the past.  Consider Monica's example.  She was reactivated as a publisher during the COVID-19 pandemic.  After attending the Memorial in 2021, she said:  "This Memorial has been very special for me.  For the first time in 20 years, I've  been able to witness to people and invite them to the Memorial.  I really put my heart into it because I  am so grateful for what Jehovah and Jesus have done for me." (Psalm 103:1-4) Whether people respond positively to our invitation or  not, we diligently invite others to the Memorial knowing that Jehovah appreciates our efforts.

Jehovah has richly blessed our efforts to invite people to the Memorial.  In 1921, despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a record attendance of 21,367, 603.  That is almost two and a half  times the number of Jehovah's Witnesses in the world!  Of course, Jehovah is not concerned about  mere numbers.  He is interested in individuals.  (Luke 15:7; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4) We are convinced that Jehovah uses our invitation work to help us find honesthearted people. - Read Haggai 2:7.

  Next time: Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - OBSERVING THE MEMORIAL DESPITE CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES 

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Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - INVITING OTHERS TO THE MEMORIAL

 Jehovah's people have a long history of inviting others to the Memorial.  As early as 1881, brothers and sisters in the United States were invited to meet together in a private home in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, for that special occasion. Later, each congregation held its own Memorial.  In March 1940, publishers were told that they could invite anyone in their territory who showed interest.  In 1960, for the first time, Bethel provided congregations with printed invitations.  Since then, billions of Memorial invitations have been distributed. Why do we put forth such  much time and effort to invited others?

One reason why we invite others to observe the Memorial with us is that we want those who attend for the first time to learn the truth about what Jehovah and Jesus have done for all of us.  (Read John 3:16.) We hope   that what they see ad hear at the Memorial will move them to learn more and to become servants of Jehovah. But others will benefit as well. 

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - INVITING OTHERS TO THE MEMORIAL

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Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - REESTABLISHING THE PATTERN THAT JESUS SET

 In the late 19th century, a group of Bible students led by Charles Taze Russell began an intensive study of the Scriptures.  They wanted to know the truth about the value of Jesus' sacrifice and how his death should commemorated. By 1872, they had reached the Bible-based conclusion that Jesus did indeed provide a ransom for all mankind.  They did not keep their findings to themselves. Rather, they spread the word by means of books, newspapers, and magazines, and early on, in imitation of the first-century Christians, they began meeting just once a year to observe the Memorial.

Today we benefit from the research that those sincere Christian men undertook so long ago. How so?  With Jehovah's blessing, our eyes have been opened to the truth about Jesus' sacrifice and what it accomplishes.  (1 John 2:1, 2) We have also learned that the Bible holds out two hopes for humans who please God-immortal life in heaven  for some and everlasting life on earth for millions of others.  We draw closer to Jehovah as we consider how much he loves us and how much we personally benefit from Jesus' sacrifice. (1 Peter 3:18; 1  John 4:9) So like our faithful brothers of the past, we invite others to join us in observing the Memorial according the pattern Jesus set.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - INVITING OTHERS TO THE MEMORIAL

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Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - REESTABLISHING THE PATTERN THAT JESUS SET

 Each year at the Memorial, we listen to a Bible-based talk that gives clear answers to a number of questions. We learn why mankind needs a ransom and how the death of one man can atone for the sins of  many. We are reminded of what the bread and the wine represent and who should partake of them.  (Read Luke 22:19, 20.) And we meditate on the blessings that are in store for those who cherish the earthly hope.  (Isaiah 35:5, 6; 66:17m 21-23)  We should not take these truths for granted.  Billions of people do not understand them, and they do not appreciate just how valuable Jesus' sacrifice is.  They also do not observe the Memorial of his death according to the pattern he established. Why is that?

Soon after most of Jesus' apostles died, imitation Christians worked their way into the congregation.  (Matthew 13:24-27, 37-39)  They spoke "twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." (Acts 20:29, 30) One of the "twisted things " that imitation Christians eventually began teaching was that Jesus did not offer his body "once for all time to bear the sins of many," as the Bible says, but that his sacrifice must be repeated over and over again.  (Hebrews 9:27, 28) Today, many sincere people believe this false teaching.  They gather together in churches regularly-sometimes daily-to observe what has come to be called "The Sacrifice of the Mass.  Other religious organizations observe the death of Jesus less often, but most of their members have only a vague notion about what Jesus' sacrifice has accomplished. Some may wonder,  'Does Jesus' death really mean that my sins can be forgiven?' Why do they ask they question?  In some cases, they have been influenced by those who doubt that Jesus' sacrifice makes it possible the forgiveness of sins.  How have Jesus' true followers dealt with this issue?

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Our Efforts to Observe the Memorial - REESTABLISHING THE PATTERN THAT JESUS SET

From the jw.org publications