Watchtower Study for the Week of December 7-13, 2026

Reasons and Suggestions for Showing Appreciation

1. What does John’s experience teach us? (See also the pictures.)

Answer 1: John’s experience teaches us that being grateful helps us to be happy despite problems. He was 95 years old, had very poor health, and needed several caregivers. Even so, he noticed what others did for him and thanked them. His difficulties were real, but they did not prevent him from recognizing the good things. We too can strive to appreciate the help we receive, even when we are going through a difficult situation.

Answer 2: I am impressed that John did not allow his appreciation to remain merely a feeling. Every day he gave thanks and wrote in a notebook the names of those who had helped him. Then he mentioned them when thanking Jehovah in prayer. In this way, he showed gratitude both to people and to his heavenly Father. We can imitate him by remembering specific help we have received and including in our prayers those who have shown us love.

Answer 3: The pictures highlight two moments: The brother receives visits and help from others, and later he kneels to pray with his caregiver beside him. This reminds us that acts of kindness deserve our attention. John appreciated even small forms of help, and one caregiver noted that he was happy and did not complain. His example encourages us not to allow problems to occupy all our thoughts.

2. What are many people like today?

2 Timothy 3:1-2 — But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal,

Answer 1: Many people are unthankful, just as 2 Timothy 3:1, 2 foretold. The passage connects that attitude with selfish love of self. So we are not surprised to find people who feel that others are obligated to help them. As Jehovah’s servants, we want to avoid that way of thinking and value what others do for us.

Answer 2: The paragraph distinguishes between those who forget to say thank you and those who believe they have no reason to do so. In the latter case, the problem is deeper than simple forgetfulness: The person thinks that he deserves to receive help from others. This invites us to examine ourselves. When someone treats us kindly, we do not want to view it as something owed to us, but as a reason to express our appreciation.

Answer 3: Today it is common to receive help without stopping to express appreciation. Even if we do not want to be selfish, we too might forget to say thank you. Thus, the paragraph not only describes what many people are like; it also helps us watch our own attitude. One way to be different is to pay attention to the favors we receive and not take it for granted that others must always look after us.

3. What will we consider in this article?

Colossians 3:15 — Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in one body. And show yourselves thankful.

Answer 1: We will consider why we should be thankful, how to cultivate deep appreciation, and in what ways to express it. Colossians 3:15 helps us understand the purpose: Gratitude should be shown. It is not enough to recognize inwardly that we have received good things. The article will help us turn that feeling into words and actions that reflect our appreciation.

Answer 2: The article will answer three related questions. First, what reasons do we have to be thankful? Then, what can help us feel deeper gratitude? Finally, how can we make it visible? This order is useful because the goal is not merely to learn to say thank you out of habit. We want to understand the value of appreciation, cultivate it in our heart, and express it sincerely.

Answer 3: We will learn to be different from a world in which so many people are unthankful. The study does not merely explain why gratitude is a good quality; it also offers help for developing and demonstrating it. We can benefit by thinking about two personal matters: how much we value what we receive and whether Jehovah and those who help us can see that appreciation in what we say and do.

4. Why does having an unthankful attitude harm us?

Proverbs 15:15 — All the days of the afflicted one are bad, But the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Answer 1: Proverbs 15:15 helps us see how much our attitude affects the way we live each day. If we think only about difficulties and stop appreciating good things, we lose our joy. Being unthankful harms us because it feeds that negative view. Although we cannot change all our problems, we can strive not to close our eyes to the good things we still have.

Answer 2: An unthankful attitude causes our attention to focus more and more on what is going wrong. We may then feel that every day is bad because we barely notice anything else. The paragraph acknowledges that all of us have times of discouragement; it is not saying that we should never feel sad. It warns us about the harm of maintaining an attitude that excludes everything positive from our view.

Answer 3: It harms us because we may lose our joy even when there are still good things in our life. We do not always choose what happens to us, but we can work on our reaction. So when a difficulty greatly concerns us, it is wise to ask whether it is occupying all our thoughts. Recognizing the help and love we receive does not remove the problem, but it prevents our view of life from becoming completely negative.

5. Why does having a thankful attitude benefit us?

Proverbs 15:15 — All the days of the afflicted one are bad, But the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Answer 1: The second part of Proverbs 15:15 shows that a cheerful heart can enjoy life continually. Gratitude promotes that joy because it helps us recognize and value what is good. It does not mean that difficulties disappear, but they are no longer the only things we think about. Thus, we find more reasons to be happy.

Answer 2: Having a thankful attitude benefits us because it changes the focus of our attention. Instead of looking only at what worries us, we also see what we can enjoy and appreciate. The paragraph says that a person who does this generally feels happier. We can apply this by stopping to recognize the good things in our life instead of overlooking everything that is not a problem.

Answer 3: Gratitude helps us enjoy more fully the good things we already have. Sometimes we do not need all our circumstances to change in order to feel greater joy; we need to pay attention to what is positive and value it. That is the attitude highlighted by the paragraph. If we cultivate appreciation, negative things are less likely to occupy all our thoughts, and we will have more opportunities to rejoice in the good things that are part of our life.

6. Why do we say that giving thanks helps us not to be anxious? (Philippians 4:6, 7)

Philippians 4:6-7 — Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

Answer 1: Philippians 4:6, 7 connects our petitions and expressions of thanksgiving with the peace God gives us. Jehovah hears our concerns and can protect our feelings and thoughts. Therefore, when we pray, we do not want merely to ask for help; we also remember with gratitude what he has already done for us.

Answer 2: Giving thanks helps us because it directs our thoughts toward the care Jehovah has already shown us. When we are worried, it is easy to think repeatedly about what might go wrong. But when we thank him for specific help in the past, we remember that we have not been alone. This strengthens our confidence that he will continue caring for us and enables us to face the future with less anxiety, even though we do not yet know how the situation will be resolved.

Answer 3: Appreciation helps us avoid living in fear of difficulties that have not yet arrived. The paragraph connects this idea with Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches us to trust in the care of our heavenly Father. Remembering how Jehovah has sustained us until now gives us reason to trust him tomorrow as well. Thus, we can attend to present needs without constantly adding future worries to them.

Answer 4: The point is not merely that giving thanks makes us think of pleasant things. The paragraph emphasizes that Jehovah hears our supplications, sees our tears, and responds by giving us his peace. So we can speak honestly to him about what distresses us and at the same time thank him for his care. That relationship with our heavenly Father helps relieve anxiety. Gratitude does not require us to hide our pain; it can accompany our most heartfelt prayers.

7. Why does having a thankful attitude draw us closer to Jehovah? (James 1:17)

James 1:17 — Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows.

Answer 1: James 1:17 reminds us where the good things we receive come from. When we view them as gifts from Jehovah, we appreciate not only what we have but also the love of the One who gives them. This strengthens our love for him. The more we recognize his generosity, the closer we feel to our heavenly Father.

Answer 2: It draws us closer to Jehovah because it helps us value such important gifts as the ransom and the hope of living forever. These are not small or temporary benefits. They reflect how much our heavenly Father loves us. When we meditate on them, our relationship with Jehovah becomes more personal: We think not only about what he offers but also about the goodness and love that moved him to provide it.

Answer 3: An important point is recognizing that we have not earned these gifts. Romans 3:24 and Ephesians 2:8 show that we receive them because of God’s undeserved kindness, not because of our merits. Remembering this helps us avoid thinking that Jehovah is obligated to bless us. Instead, we feel sincere gratitude for his love. That humble attitude enables us to appreciate how generous he is with us.

Answer 4: Gratitude draws us closer to Jehovah because it moves us to think more often about all the good he does for us. If we focus only on our needs, we could overlook many expressions of his love. But when we stop to give thanks, we remember that we have a loving heavenly Father. This reflection nourishes our affection for him and prevents our relationship from focusing only on asking for help when we have difficulties.

8. How does meditating on what Jehovah has done for us benefit us? (2 Corinthians 4:7)

2 Corinthians 4:7 — However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.

Answer 1: Second Corinthians 4:7 helps us recognize that the strength to endure does not come from us alone. When we recall a difficult trial, we can see more clearly how Jehovah sustained us. This fills us with gratitude because we understand that he gave us the help we needed when our own strength was limited.

Answer 2: Meditation enables us to look at past experiences with a specific question: How did we manage to endure? The paragraph mentions very painful situations, such as the death of a loved one, opposition, or serious illness. When we remember what happened, we can recognize Jehovah’s support instead of attributing everything to our own endurance. Thus, even when thinking about a difficult period, we find deep reasons to thank him for sustaining us.

Answer 3: It benefits us because it prevents us from forgetting the help we received. Psalm 103:2 highlights the importance of remembering what Jehovah has done. When a trial is over, we might become so focused on current matters that we stop thinking about how he cared for us. Taking time to remember keeps our gratitude alive. It is not merely knowing that Jehovah helps his servants, but recognizing with appreciation how he has personally helped us.

Answer 4: Meditation makes our appreciation more personal and specific. Instead of thinking generally that Jehovah has been good, we can remember a situation in which we needed strength and how we managed to continue. The paragraph invites us to recognize his support at such times. This reflection helps us pray with greater feeling because we are thanking him for something we experienced and that had real value for us.

9, 10. What good things does Jehovah give you each day? (See also the picture.)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 — Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Answer 1: We can be thankful for the opportunity to read the Bible and for the love of our Christian friends, as suggested by the picture of the sister who pauses to look at a photograph. First Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to be thankful in our daily life. To put this into practice, we should stop and recognize these good things instead of becoming so accustomed to them that we no longer value them.

Answer 2: The picture makes me think of two gifts we can value each day: the Bible and the friendships we have within the congregation. The sister is reading and stops to look at a photograph of her friends. We too can pause to think about the good things we have now. We do not have to wait for extraordinary help in order to find sincere reasons to thank Jehovah.

Answer 3: The paragraph encourages us to identify personally the good things we receive each day. One suggestion is to review them in the morning or at night. Psalm 92:1, 2 connects such moments with remembering Jehovah’s loyal love and faithfulness. This habit can help us begin the day with gratitude or end it by remembering something positive instead of thinking only about matters that have worried us.

Answer 4: Among the things we can appreciate are the people who show us kindness and the help we receive from them. To avoid forgetting them, the paragraph suggests making a list, as John did. Writing down these reasons forces us to stop and recognize them one by one. Later, the list can help us thank Jehovah more specifically and realize how much good we receive in everyday life.

11, 12. What do we enjoy as part of Jehovah’s family?

Psalms 133:1 — Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!

Answer 1: We enjoy the unity and love of our brothers. Psalm 133:1 highlights how pleasant such fellowship is. In Jehovah’s family we find people who treat us kindly and encourage us. Meditating on these expressions of affection helps us not to take our brotherhood for granted and to feel deep gratitude for being part of it.

Answer 2: We can enjoy close friendships. Proverbs 18:24, quoted in the paragraph, shows how attached a true friend can become. Within the congregation, we receive the love of brothers who are interested in us. Thinking about those who have accompanied or encouraged us helps us value this gift. Jehovah’s family is not merely a group to which we belong; it includes people whose affection can mean a great deal during difficult times.

Answer 3: We enjoy words that encourage us when we are worried. Proverbs 12:25 and 16:24 highlight the beneficial effect of speaking kindly. A brother may not be able to solve our situation, but his words can relieve us and help us continue. Therefore, it is good to remember such conversations with gratitude. Something that seemed simple to the speaker may have been exactly the encouragement we needed at that moment.

Answer 4: The example of the sister who had lost her daughter shows the comfort we can receive. When another sister saw her crying during a song, she approached, put her arm around her, and sang with her. That gesture did not remove her pain, but it made her feel deeply grateful for her brothers. It teaches us not to measure the value of help by its size: A simple act can convey tremendous love.

Answer 5: As part of Jehovah’s family, we receive many expressions of kindness, some so small that we might overlook them. The paragraphs invite us to stop and think about them. This increases our gratitude and prepares us to take the next step: expressing it. We can ask ourselves which brother has encouraged us recently and whether we have let him know how much we value what he did. In this way, our appreciation does not remain merely a feeling.

13. How can we express our gratitude?

Colossians 3:15,17 — Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in one body. And show yourselves thankful. Whatever it is that you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.

Answer 1: We can express it by what we say and by what we do. In Colossians 3:15, 17, Paul connects gratitude with our words and works. Thus, appreciation should not remain hidden in our heart. We want Jehovah to see our gratitude both when he hears us and when he observes the way we act.

Answer 2: One way is to put our feelings into words. At times we think that the other person already knows we are grateful, but Paul’s counsel encourages us to show it. Expressing our appreciation makes it something more than a feeling known only to us. The paragraph prepares us to look for sincere and clear ways to show gratitude, both when speaking with Jehovah and when addressing those who show us kindness.

Answer 3: We also express gratitude through our actions. What we do can show that we truly value what we have received. So it is useful to ask ourselves not only whether we have said thank you, but whether our conduct reflects that feeling. The paragraph joins words and works rather than presenting them as mutually exclusive options. When both point in the same direction, our gratitude becomes visible in a fuller and more sincere way.

Answer 4: We can show gratitude both to Jehovah and to other people. Although Paul was referring in this passage to thanking God, the paragraph explains that Jehovah is also pleased when we appreciate what others do for us. Therefore, we do not want to separate these two aspects. We appreciate our heavenly Father while also recognizing, in words and actions, the kindness of those who care for, help, or encourage us.

14. What are some ways to express our appreciation in words? (See also the pictures.)

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 — Now we request you, brothers, to show respect for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you; and to give them extraordinary consideration in love because of their work. Be peaceable with one another.

Answer 1: First Thessalonians 5:12, 13 encourages us to value the work of those caring for the congregation. We can show this by thanking them for a shepherding visit, either personally or in a note. Instead of taking their effort for granted, we let them know that we appreciate the time and encouragement they have given us.

Answer 2: We can set the goal of saying thank you whenever someone shows us kindness. The paragraph mentions simple things such as opening the door for us or saying words of encouragement. Besides expressing appreciation in person, we can sometimes send a message, note, or letter. The important thing is not to think that a favor is too small to acknowledge. Our thanks can be simple and at the same time very sincere.

Answer 3: Another suggestion is to thank the wives of elders who are willing to spend less time with their husbands so that they can care for the congregation. The pictures show a sister speaking with those who visited her and later giving cookies and a card to one of their wives. The card is a way of expressing her appreciation in words. This encourages us to recognize support that may be less visible.

15. How can we express our gratitude to Jehovah in words?

Psalms 95:2 — Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; Let us sing and shout in triumph to him.

Answer 1: We can express gratitude through prayer. Psalm 95:2 encourages us to approach Jehovah with thanksgiving. When we think about all he has done for us, we find reasons to speak to him, not merely needs to present. Thus, our prayers reflect how much we value his love and care and are not limited to asking him to solve our problems.

Answer 2: We can include expressions of thanks in our various prayers. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us that there are different kinds of prayer. It is appropriate to ask for strength, wisdom, and forgiveness, but we also want to give attention to thanking Jehovah. The paragraph does not ask us to stop speaking about our needs. It reminds us that Jehovah has done much for us and deserves to hear how much we appreciate all that goodness, in addition to what we still need.

Answer 3: Reflecting before praying can help us thank Jehovah with greater feeling. If we stop to think about what he has done for us, gratitude arises naturally. Then we can mention specific reasons rather than speaking only about what concerns us at that moment. Since he is the One who most deserves our gratitude, we want our prayers to show how much we appreciate his care and gifts.

Answer 4: A practical help is to review the content of our prayers from time to time. We can ask ourselves whether we remember to give thanks or whether we almost always focus on asking. This reflection is not meant to make us feel bad for needing help; it allows us to give more room to gratitude. If we notice that we are neglecting it, we can think about what Jehovah has already given us and expressly tell him how much we value it.

16. Why should we express our gratitude through actions?

Acts 20:35 — I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

Answer 1: Because when we do something good for the one who helped us, we experience the happiness of giving. Acts 20:35 highlights that happiness. Thus, our gratitude benefits not only the other person but also us. Instead of remaining focused only on what we have received, we look for an opportunity to show our love for that person.

Answer 2: Actions help the other person feel loved and valued. When someone does something good for us, we can think of a way to show our appreciation. It is not merely a matter of using polite words, but of letting the person see that his kindness has touched our heart. The paragraph highlights this effect: Our gratitude can help the one who assisted us know how much he means to us.

Answer 3: Expressing gratitude through actions strengthens friendship. The other person has shown us kindness, and we look for a way to make him feel our love and appreciation. This draws the relationship closer. Therefore, after receiving help, it is useful to stop and think about what we could do in addition to saying thank you. The point is not to lessen the value of words, but to accompany them with deeds that show our gratitude is sincere.

17, 18. How can we express our gratitude to Jehovah through actions? (Romans 12:1)

Romans 12:1 — Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.

Answer 1: Romans 12:1 encourages us to put our whole self at Jehovah’s service. The study note explains that this includes our mind, heart, and strength. Therefore, we show gratitude not merely through one specific activity but by living a life devoted to pleasing him. Our appreciation should influence all that we are and do.

Answer 2: Gratitude moved us to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah and get baptized, but it does not end there. We continue showing it by giving him the best of our time, energy, and resources. This helps us view our service to Jehovah as a response to all he has done for us. We are not merely remembering a past decision; we are keeping that gratitude alive in the way we live each day.

Answer 3: One practical way is to read the Bible every day and meditate on it. The paragraph connects this habit with Psalm 1:2, 3. By taking time to listen to Jehovah through his Word, we show that we value what he teaches us. Gratitude thus influences how we use our time. Rather than merely saying that we appreciate the Bible, we make room in our life to read it and think about its message.

Answer 4: We also show gratitude by preaching and by attending and participating in the meetings. Hebrews 10:24, 25 highlights that meeting together enables us to encourage and motivate one another to do good. Hebrews 13:15 connects praise to God with speaking publicly about him. These activities allow us to use our strength and words to honor Jehovah. In this way, our gratitude becomes something we do, not merely something we feel.

Answer 5: We can use our resources to support Kingdom work and serve Jehovah whole-souled. The paragraph mentions donations and concludes by highlighting Colossians 3:23, 24. This reminds us that the attitude with which we do things matters. We want to offer Jehovah our best out of gratitude. Whether we give time, energy, or resources, we strive to make our actions express the deep appreciation we feel for him.

19. Why do we want to continue showing our gratitude?

Psalms 106:1 — Praise Jah! Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever.

Answer 1: We want to continue doing so because Jehovah is good and his loyal love endures forever, as Psalm 106:1 reminds us. We have reasons to thank him both for what he did for us in the past and for what he continues to do. Meditating on this keeps our gratitude alive and moves us to express it in words and actions, even though we live surrounded by unthankful people.

Answer 2: We want to keep showing appreciation because of the benefits it produces. It helps us to be happier, to feel peace, and above all, to draw closer to Jehovah. These reasons make cultivating gratitude each day worthwhile. We do not want the world’s attitude to determine ours. Although others may not value what they receive, we can continue recognizing what is good and showing appreciation for those who help us, especially our heavenly Father.

Answer 3: We continue giving thanks because we continue receiving good things from Jehovah. Gratitude is not something we express once and then consider finished. When we meditate on his gifts and care, new reasons arise to speak appreciatively to him and serve him lovingly. That is why the paragraph encourages us to keep making it our goal to show gratitude in words and actions. We want it to be a constant feature of our life.

Answer 4: It also encourages us to know that Jehovah values our gratitude. Hebrews 11:6 shows that he rewards those earnestly seeking him. The paragraph explains that our God is also appreciative and will bless us now and in the future. Our efforts to express gratitude therefore do not go unnoticed by him. This assurance strengthens our desire to keep drawing close to Jehovah and to show by our conduct how much we value his love.

Why should we be thankful?

Proverbs 15:15 — All the days of the afflicted one are bad, But the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Answer 1: We should be thankful because this attitude protects our joy. Proverbs 15:15 contrasts a life dominated by suffering with a heart that enjoys what is good. Gratitude helps us avoid focusing exclusively on problems. It does not eliminate difficulties, but it enables us to recognize that we also have reasons to be happy.

Answer 2: Another reason is that giving thanks to Jehovah helps relieve anxiety. Philippians 4:6, 7 connects prayer and thanksgiving with the peace he gives. When we remember how he has cared for us, we focus less on what might happen tomorrow. This strengthens our trust in him. We can tell him our concerns and at the same time thank him for his support, confident that he hears our supplications.

Answer 3: The most important reason is that gratitude draws us closer to Jehovah. James 1:17 helps us recognize him as the Source of the good gifts we receive. These include the ransom and the hope of living forever. We have not earned them; we receive them because of his love and undeserved kindness. Meditating on that generosity increases our love for him and our desire to express how much we value him.

Answer 4: We should be thankful because the opposite attitude harms us. If we become accustomed to overlooking what is good, we will view life more negatively. The article acknowledges that all of us may feel discouraged and that we do not control all our circumstances. But we can work on our reaction. Cultivating gratitude enables us to face problems without forgetting the expressions of kindness and gifts that remain part of our life.

What will help us cultivate deep gratitude?

2 Corinthians 4:7 — However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.

Answer 1: It will help us to remember how Jehovah sustained us during past trials. Second Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that the extraordinary power to endure comes from him. Looking back, we can recognize that we did not overcome everything by our own strength. This reflection makes our gratitude deep and personal because we value the support we received when we needed it most.

Answer 2: We should also think about the good things we have now. The article suggests taking a moment each day to review them one by one, perhaps in the morning or at night. We can even write them down, as John did. This habit helps us pay attention to what is good and not take it for granted. It also keeps specific reasons to thank Jehovah before us instead of focusing only on our needs.

Answer 3: Reflecting on what we receive within Jehovah’s family will deepen our gratitude. We can remember those who have treated us lovingly, encouraged us, or accompanied us during painful times. The example of the sister who received a hug during a song shows that a small gesture can have a profound effect. Therefore, we want to value not only major acts of help but also simple expressions of kindness.

Answer 4: To cultivate gratitude, we need to meditate, not merely know that we have good things. We can think about what we received, why it was valuable, and how it helped us. Psalm 103:2 encourages us not to forget what Jehovah has done. Calmly reviewing his past and present care keeps our appreciation alive. As that gratitude deepens, we feel moved to express it to Jehovah and to those who have helped us.

In what ways can we show our gratitude?

Colossians 3:15,17 — Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in one body. And show yourselves thankful. Whatever it is that you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.

Answer 1: We can show it by our words and actions. Colossians 3:15, 17 connects both aspects with giving thanks to God. Therefore, we want our appreciation to be heard and also seen. It is not enough to feel grateful; we seek ways to express it to Jehovah and to those who have treated us kindly.

Answer 2: With words, we can thank others for every kind gesture, either personally or through a message, note, or letter. The article reminds us that we can also thank the elders for their visits and their wives for the support they give. Above all, we want to thank Jehovah in prayer. To do so, it is good to review whether our prayers include sincere expressions of gratitude or whether we have become accustomed to speaking only about our needs.

Answer 3: With actions, we can look for a way to do something good for the person who helped us. That person feels loved and valued, and our friendship grows stronger. Moreover, as Acts 20:35 teaches, we experience the happiness of giving. Gratitude stops focusing only on what we have received and moves us to show love. Thus, it is useful to accompany our words with an act that reflects our appreciation.

Answer 4: We show gratitude to Jehovah by putting our life at his service, as Romans 12:1 indicates. This includes using our time, energy, and resources to please him. We read and meditate on the Bible, preach, attend and participate in meetings, and support Kingdom work with donations. We want to do all of this wholeheartedly. In this way, our manner of life expresses how thankful we are for what our heavenly Father has given us.