Lesson 38 Appreciate the Gift of Life
[Image:] A husband and wife cuddling their baby.
[Press play to hear the MP3 of the Lesson]
Life can be full of wonderful experiences. Even when we face problems, we can usually enjoy some aspects of life. How can we show that we appreciate the gift of life? And what is the most important reason for doing that?
1. Why should we appreciate life?
We should appreciate life because it is a gift from our loving Father, Jehovah. He is “the source of life” he created all life. (Psalm 36:9)
[Quotation] Psalm 36:9: With you is the source of life; By your light we can see light. [End Quotation]
“He himself gives to all people life and breath and all things.” (Acts 17:25, 28)
[Quotation] Acts 17:25: nor is he served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 17:28: For by him we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his children.’ [End Quotation]
Jehovah gives us what we need to stay alive. But more than that, he sustains our life in a way that allows us to enjoy it. Read Acts 14:17.
[Read scripture] Acts 14:17: although he did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying you with food and filling your hearts with gladness.” [End of Read scripture]
2. How can we show Jehovah that we appreciate the gift of life?
From the moment you were conceived, Jehovah cared about you. Under divine inspiration, one of God’s worshippers, David, said to him: “Your eyes even saw me as an embryo.” (Psalm 139:16)
[Quotation] Psalm 139:16: Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed. [End Quotation]
Jehovah greatly values your life. (Read Matthew 10:29 through 31) It would hurt him deeply if anyone deliberately put an end to someone’s life, even his or her own. *
[Quotation] Exodus 20:13: “You must not murder. [End Quotation]
It would also hurt Jehovah if we needlessly put our life in danger or did not take precautions to protect the lives of others. When we take care of our life and respect the lives of others, we show that we appreciate the marvelous gift of life.
[Footnote] * Jehovah cares deeply about those who are brokenhearted.
[Quotation] Psalm 34:18: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. [End Quotation]
He understands painful feelings that can lead to suicidal thoughts, and he wants to help. To see how his help can make a difference, read the article “I Want to Die. Can the Bible Help Me When I Have Suicidal Thoughts?” that is listed in the Explore section of this lesson. [End of footnote]
[Read scripture] Matthew 10:29 through 31: Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows. [End of Read scripture]
Dig Deeper
Consider some ways that you can show your appreciation for the gift of life.
3. Take care of your health
Dedicated Christians use every aspect of their life to serve Jehovah. It is as if they present their bodies as a sacrifice to God. Read Romans 12:1 and 2, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] Romans 12:1 and 2: 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. And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. [End of Read scripture]
What should motivate you to care for your health?
What are some ways that you can do so?
[Image:] A pregnant woman talking with her doctor.
4. Take precautions to prevent injury or death
The Bible encourages us to avoid practices that are dangerous. Play the video Be Safety Conscious (8:34) to learn some things that you can do to be safe.
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for transcript]|[Be Safety Conscious]
[Text: Walk on Your Way in Safety. Samuel F. Herd. Governing Body]
Samuel: We all have an important reason to act safely. Acts 17:28 reads:For by him we have life and move and exist. Since life is such a precious gift from Jehovah, safety and the sanctity of life must be a priority in our daily lives. Our organization has a goal of zero accidents, and not just on construction projects. Being safety conscious is a lifestyle that affects all we do, whether we are at home, on the road, or on theocratic projects. Our attitude toward safety is really a reflection of our spirituality and our love for Jehovah and the brothers and sisters. Let’s see a few dramatizations from around the world to help us see how we all can be more safety conscious.
[In his home, a brother hurriedly moves to the mirror, swiftly loops his tie around his neck and adjusts the knot. Glances at his watch. He grabs his keys and quickly walks out the door. In another home, a sister washes her hands and peers at a clock 9:35. She grabs her purse. In a parking garage the brother strives to his car, arms full, brochures in hand, speedily reverses the car. Bag in hand, the sister walks briskly down the sidewalk. While driving, the brother continues to look at his phone, texting, glances at the road, and then back down to his phone again. Without looking, the sister steps off the curb into the crosswalk. The car heads right for her. Screen goes black. Now the brother on a bike, sporting a helmet, backpack and sunglasses, elbow, and knee pads]
Brother 1: That day changed everything. In that moment, I realized that my actions could have injured someone. I could even have become blood guilty. My problem was overconfidence.
[He parks his bike, sits down on a bench in a grassy meadow and looks out at a lake]
I’d never had a car accident, and I thought it could never happen to me. But just a second of distracted driving can kill. I meditated on Psalm 36:9: With you is the source of life; by your light we can see light. My love for Jehovah, the Source of life, now affects how I drive and even my approach to other activities. For example, I love sports. But I stopped playing those with a high potential for serious injury. And even relatively safe ones I’m committed to enjoying in the safest way possible.
[He plays soccer with a group of friends, all in high visibility vests. In her kitchen, the sister serves her young daughter a plate of watermelon and muffins]
Sister 1: I thank Jehovah every day that I’m still alive. It was such a close call. It was a street I’ve walked across hundreds of times. No one has ever been hurt there before, so I felt safe. Besides, I was preoccupied with what I had to do that day. I didn’t see the car until I heard the screeching tires. I wish it hadn’t taken this to become more safety conscious. Now we continually train our children to stop, think, and evaluate even familiar surroundings before proceeding.
[She pulls out a countertop appliance from the kitchen cabinet. She imagines plugging several small appliances into a power strip, Power strip sparks. She puts the power strip away, unplugs one appliance to plug in another]
Acting safely is one way we show Jehovah how much we appreciate life.
[Baby crawling toward mom, hot soup on the stove]
Whether at home or elsewhere, being safe has become a lifestyle for us.
[With oven mitts, she moves the hot soup to the back burner. Now at a Kingdom Hall construction project]
Brother 2: As a body of elders, we take Proverbs 22:3 seriously: The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, but the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.
[A brother speaks to a sister with a drill]
If we take shortcuts or permit something unsafe and an accident happens, we bear a measure of responsibility for the results.
[She puts on a pair of safety glasses]
We love Jehovah and our brothers and sisters too much to allow that.
[Brothers in hard hats. One brother shows another a broken hammer. He switches it for a sound hammer. Now a sister attempts to board a full van. A brother speaks to her, pointing to the maximum capacity sign. The sister nods her head with a smile and backs away from the vehicle. Now a brother approaches another in a parked truck and points to his seatbelt. He immediately straps himself in and smiles]
With good direction and training from the LDC Maintenance Training Team, we’ve learned to apply the principle of Proverbs 22:3. We identify potential risks before we start working and make a plan to complete it safely. We always assign the right person to a task, being aware of everyone’s knowledge, limitations, and abilities. And while it’s wonderful to have young ones with us, we make sure they’re always supervised and work with either their parents or another responsible person.
[Parents, children, brothers, and sisters on a break, enjoy refreshments and good company. They stand in front of the Kingdom Hall, they all wave.
[The sister strolls along the sidewalk again, slower paced. This time, baby on her hip, holding hands with her daughter]
Sister 1: Life is a gift from Jehovah, and I want to train my children to value it.
[The daughter looks up at her mother and smiles]
The smallest actions can save lives.
[Entering the Kingdom Hall, they smile]
Brother 1: My conscience is clean now. Understanding that making safety a priority is an expression of my love for Jehovah and my brothers and sisters,
[The brother fastens his seatbelt]
I’m happier now.
[He adjusts the rear-view mirror, puts his cell phone in his bag. With a contented smile, he begins to drive. The car cruises over a grey bridge]
Samuel: Could it be that some of our actions reveal a lack of appreciation for the gift of life? As was mentioned, safety is a part of being spiritual people. That understanding motivates us to develop safer routines and ways of doing things. Our minds will be focused on keeping us safe by identifying risks and adjusting how we do things. In this way, we stay safe by eliminating or controlling the risk. The world focuses on speed and cutting corners to get things done. In contrast, we want our theocratic and personal activities to show that safety is a priority. This can be accomplished if we view safety as a reflection of our love for Jehovah and his precious gift of life.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
Read Proverbs 22:3, and then discuss how you and others can be safe ...
in your home.
at your workplace.
when playing sports.
when operating a vehicle or riding in one.
[Read scripture] Proverbs 22:3: The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences. [End of Read scripture]
[Image:] A man in a vehicle fastening his seat belt.
5. Respect the life of an unborn child
In poetic language, David spoke of Jehovah’s interest in the life and development of an unborn child. Read Psalm 139:13 through 17, and then discuss the question that follows:
[Read scripture] Psalm 139:13 through 17: For you produced my kidneys; You kept me screened off in my mother’s womb. I praise you because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from you When I was made in secret, When I was woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed. So to me, how precious your thoughts are! O God, how vast is the sum of them! [End of Read scripture]
In Jehovah’s eyes, does a person’s life begin at conception or at birth?
Jehovah’s laws for ancient Israel protected mothers and their unborn children. Read Exodus 21:22 and 23, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] Exodus 21:22 and 23: “If men should struggle with each other and they hurt a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but no fatality results, the offender must pay the damages imposed on him by the husband of the woman; and he must pay it through the judges. But if a fatality does occur, then you must give life for life, [End of Read scripture]
How did Jehovah view a person who accidentally ended the life of an unborn child?
How would he feel if someone intentionally did that? * [Footnote] * Those who have had an abortion do not need to be overwhelmed with guilt - Jehovah can forgive them. For more information, see the article “What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?” that is listed in the Explore section of this lesson. [End of footnote]
How do you feel about God’s view?
Play the video Value Life as God Does (5:00).
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[Value Life as God Does]
[Walking through a park, a woman chuckles as she watches a little girl run with a pink kite behind her]
Thomas’s Wife: When Thomas and I first learned I was pregnant, we were both really shocked.
[After adjusting a rocking chair, Thomas and his wife step back to view their nursery]
But then we grew more and more excited.
[Thomas playfully shakes a stuffed animal at his wife, and she laughs]
And we were so thrilled when we saw our little girl for the first time.
[During an ultrasound, they ecstatically beam as they look at the monitor. Thomas claps his hands and does the sign of the cross]
We really didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl; we just wanted the baby to be healthy.
[Later, Thomas’s parents nod and smile as they hold the ultrasound image. Then Thomas sits close to his wife, wrapping his arm around her. Now, at a medical clinic, they sit in a waiting area, both looking at their watches, then each other]
Unfortunately, our hopes were completely destroyed when the doctor told us that the baby would likely be born with severe problems and could even die.
[As the Doctor speaks, Thomas closes his eyes, deeply inhaling. His wife lowers her face into her hand sobbing. At home, Thomas makes a phone call]
My husband and his parents are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, but they do feel abortion is wrong.
[Holding a tissue, his wife solemnly stares at the ultrasound photo. At their home, Thomas’s father speaks on the phone, shaking his head]
Still, they thought that we should listen to our doctor’s advice.
[Still on the phone, Thomas deeply breathes and drops his head]
I couldn’t believe this was happening. I even questioned why Jehovah would allow it.
[In their nursery]
I really felt it was more than I could bear.
[Thomas holding the stuffed animal sits by his wife]
Thomas asked me what I wanted to do, and I told him that I could never have an abortion. He agreed that normally it would be wrong but felt that in our situation God would understand.
[Thomas drops his face into his hand]
I was so overwhelmed. I was being pressured to make a decision I knew was wrong but that everyone was telling me was best for my child.
[Now holding the stuffed animal, Thomas’ wife sits alone outside]
I had never felt so alone.
[Lifting her face and eyes upward, she slowly exhales]
I needed Jehovah more than ever, so I poured out my heart to him in prayer.
[She bows her head in earnest prayer]
And then I did research.
[Later, sitting at a desk on a laptop, she types in ‘Watchtower Online Library’ searching key phrases and selects an article. Slightly leaning back, her eyes narrow. Now, sitting on a couch with Thomas, she opens a Bible. Learning forward, he carefully listens as she speaks]
I showed Thomas the scripture I had found.
[In Bible times, a city marketplace bustles with people. A man holding a basket turns around, bumping into another man. Aggressively, he grips the other man’s shoulders and the two begin violently shoving each other, colliding into a pregnant woman]
“If men should struggle with each other and they hurt a pregnant woman
[Falling on to her back she weeps]
if a fatality does occur, then you must give life for life.” Jehovah views even the unintentional killing of an unborn child as a serious sin. So how could we intentionally take the life of our child?
[Exhaling through pursed lips, Thomas eyes widen. Now, back at the clinic]
I made my decision clear to our doctor
[Thomas’ wife hands a publication on abortion to the Doctor, holding her hand, Thomas nods in agreement]
and to my in-laws.
[Thomas’s parents hug and console him and his wife]
There was a chance the diagnosis was incorrect, and I’d love to say that’s what occurred.
[Back at the park]
but it did not. My daughter Chloe only lived a few weeks after she was born and losing her was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure. But Jehovah gave me the courage to explain my beliefs to my husband, my in-laws, and the medical staff, and they all expressed admiration for my strong faith. And I’ve never regretted the decision I made.
[Watching children play]
Even though Chloe only lived those few weeks, I’m so grateful for the time I had with her. I know Jehovah remembers every detail about her, and he’ll give her back to me in the resurrection in perfect health, because all life is truly precious in his eyes.
[At home, she warmly smiles at a photo of her and Thomas holding their baby Chloe]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2018 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
[Image:] A pregnant woman caressing her stomach.
Even a woman who appreciates the value of life may feel that an abortion is her only option. Read Isaiah 41:10, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] Isaiah 41:10: Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’ [End of Read scripture]
If a woman is facing pressure to have an abortion, to whom should she turn for help? Why?
[Box]
Some People Say: “A woman has the right to choose whether to have an abortion, it’s her body." What convinces you that Jehovah values the lives of both a mother and her unborn baby? [End of box]
Summary
The Bible teaches us to love, respect, and safeguard Jehovah’s gift of life. This includes both our own life and the lives of others.
Review
Why is human life valuable to Jehovah?
How does Jehovah feel when someone deliberately puts an end to a human life?
What do you appreciate about the gift of life?
Goal
Identify one way you can safeguard your health. Set Other Goals
Explore
How can we thank Jehovah for the gift of life? Song 141 The Miracle of Life (2:41)
[Click for Transcript]|[Song 141 The Miracle of Life. Based on Psalm 36:9
1. Ev’ry newborn child, Ev’ry drop of rain,
Ev’ry golden ray of sun, Each head of grain—
All are gifts from God; They reveal his way.
Miracles performed by him sustain us each day.
(Chorus)
So, what are we to do with a gift so rare
But to love the One who gave it and show him we care.
No matter what we do, We never can earn it.
This gift is still a gift—The miracle of life.
2. Others may give up, Lose their will to try,
Echoing the wife of Job: “Curse God and die.”
We are not that way; Praise to God we give,
Thanking him for ev’ry precious moment we live.
(Chorus)
So, what are we to do with a gift so rare
But to love the ones around us and show them we care.
No matter what we do, We never can earn it.
This gift is still a gift—The miracle of life.
[End of Song] [Click to close]
Find the answer to the question, Will God forgive a woman who has had an abortion? “What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?” (Web article)
[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]
Learn how God’s view of life should affect our choice of recreation. “‘Extreme Sports’ Should You Take the Risk?” (Awake!, October 8, 2000)
[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]
What if a person has suicidal thoughts? Consider how the Bible can help. “I Want to Die. Can the Bible Help Me When I Have Suicidal Thoughts?” (Web article)
[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]