Show Appreciation for Jehovah’s Generosity
JEHOVAH is a generous God. (James 1:17) We can see his generosity in everything he created. He filled the universe with stars, and he covered the earth with beautiful plants.—Psalm 65:12, 13; 147:7, 8; 148:3, 4.
The writer of Psalm 104 was very thankful for all that Jehovah had created, so he wrote a song to praise him. When you read that psalm, do you feel as thankful as the psalmist was? He said: “I will sing to Jehovah throughout my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.” (Psalm 104:33) Do you want to do the same?
THE GREATEST EXAMPLE OF GENEROSITY
Jehovah wants us to imitate his generosity. And he gives us good reasons to be generous. He inspired the apostle Paul to write: “Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy. Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.”—1 Timothy 6:17-19.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul explained what our motive should be when we give to others. He said: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Whom do we help when we are generous? Paul said that we help others by giving them what they need, but we also help ourselves because Jehovah will bless us.—2 Corinthians 9:11-14.
Paul then referred to the greatest proof of God’s generosity when he said: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable free gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15) Jehovah’s “free gift” includes all the good things that he gives us through Jesus Christ. Words cannot describe how valuable this gift is.
How can we show that we are thankful for all that Jehovah and Jesus have done and will do for us? One way is by being generous when we give of our time, energy, and material things to worship Jehovah and help others learn about him. We can do this whether we have a lot or very little.—1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:3-5; Luke 21:1-4.