Thank Jehovah for His Loving-kindness

“O let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness and for his wonderful works.”​—Ps. 107:8.

1, 2. (a) In times of distress, what do we sorely need? (b) What is often lacking in this regard in today’s world? (2 Tim. 3:1, 2)

HOW good it is to have someone who will stick loyally by you in times of difficulty! Doubtless you have known occasions when, perhaps due to your own errors or weaknesses, you have gotten into circumstances that left you depressed or that brought you suffering. How much you appreciated it if someone, out of unselfish devotion to you, kindly excused your fault in the matter and came to your aid, bringing you out of your distress.

² As the Bible proverb expresses it: “A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress.” (Prov. 17:17) Such examples of kindness born of unselfish devotion are, sadly, not very common today. Sometimes the deepest hurt can be caused by the very persons that one thought to be one’s friends. (Prov. 18:24) And, on the other side of the coin, there are many persons who fail to appreciate it when they are the object of such devoted kindness. Many husbands with loyally devoted wives take these for granted, seldom expressing gratitude for their loving interest, and this is true of many wives in their attitude toward devoted husbands. But what a joy it is when such devoted kindness is shown and is received with grateful thanks!

3. How does the psalmist point us to the greatest friend we could have?

³ All the examples of loving-kindness expressed by humans are small indeed when compared to that of the One whose friendship is to be sought after and treasured above all others. To that One the psalmist sang: “O give thanks to Jehovah, you people, for he is good; for his loving-kindness is to time indefinite.”​—Ps. 107:1.

A PRECIOUS QUALITY

4, 5. (a) What is implied by the expression “loving-kindness”? (b) How is loving-kindness a mark of Jehovah? (Ps. 86:15)

⁴ What is this “loving-kindness” of Jehovah that is spoken of in Psalm 107? This quality involves love that takes an active interest in others. “Loving-kindness” translates the Hebrew word hheʹsedh, which carries the idea of kindness or regard motivated by love. But more is involved. Professor R. E. Perry observes that hheʹsedh “signifies an attitude of either God or man born out of mutual relationship,” and it “denotes ‘kindness’ or ‘help’ received from a superior. . . . The principal connotation of [hheʹsedh] is ‘loyal love.’” So there is fidelity involved in God’s loving-kindness. Thus the Revised Standard Version presents Solomon as speaking of God’s having “shown great and steadfast love [or, “loving-kindness”] to David my father.”​—2 Chron. 1:8; compare 2 Samuel 9:1-7.

⁵ Jehovah’s loving-kindness, then, is not a casual thing such as the favor of a capricious human king might be. Rather, there is solidarity and loyalty inherent in it. This quality is precious to Jehovah, something that he delights to display, particularly toward faithful individuals. It should also be precious to those who receive of it. Well could David write: “How precious your loving-kindness is, O God! And in the shadow of your wings the sons of men themselves take refuge.”​—Ps. 36:7.

6. Why do we need to examine ourselves in relation to Jehovah’s loving-kindness?

⁶ A fundamental law of the physical universe is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. However, this is not automatically the case in spiritual matters. Each of us can ask: What is my reaction to God’s displays of loving-kindness? Many might find that question hard to answer, for the expression “loving-kindness” may seem rather abstract. Have you, though, ever reflected on concrete examples of how you have been affected by God’s loving-kindness? Doing this may greatly increase your appreciation for this loving-kindness, drawing you closer to him.

A GOD WHO IS KIND TO ALL

7. Does God limit his kindnesses to those in an approved relationship with him?

⁷ While Jehovah’s loyal love, or “loving-kindness,” is expressed toward those who have come into an approved relationship with him, this certainly does not mean that he is unkind to those outside such a relationship. When on earth God’s Son said: “The Most High . . . is kind toward the unthankful and wicked. Continue becoming merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:35, 36) The apostle Paul could say to idol-worshiping people in Lystra that God “did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer.” (Acts 14:17) All of this is an undeserved kindness on God’s part, an expression of his great mercy toward all mankind in general.

8. (a) How does creation offer reason for us to thank Jehovah? (Ps. 33:5) (b) What more powerful reasons do we have?

⁸ How easy it is to take what we have for granted. Ask yourself: How would you describe the color of the sky or the beauty of a flower to a person born blind? If a person had never been able to hear, could you explain to him the sensation of hearing, being able to hear the birds, to converse, to listen to pleasant music? The abilities to see and hear, capacities that almost all of us have, are truly a blessing, are they not? Yet how often do we express gratitude to God, the Creator, for these? (Prov. 20:12; Ex. 4:11) There are, nonetheless, far more powerful reasons for thanking and praising Jehovah. These reasons are found in his wonderful works that make it possible for us to enter into an approved relationship with him. Thereby not only can we be objects of his general kindness to all mankind but we can become the objects of his loyal love, his loving-kindness demonstrated to those of the “sons of men” who have responded to his merciful provision and who gratefully serve him.​—Ps. 107:8.

9. What had been the situation of Gentiles in Ephesus, and how did some of these become Christians?

⁹ The apostle Paul wrote that Gentile Christians in ancient Ephesus had once been “without Christ, alienated from the state of Israel and strangers to the covenants of the promise, and [they] had no hope and were without God in the world.” (Eph. 2:11, 12) Because it was God’s will that both Jews and Gentiles have the opportunity to accept Christ, the message of reconciliation went to those Gentiles. (Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:21, 22; 2 Cor. 5:18-21) That was an outstanding reason for them to thank God for his mercy.

10. Similarly, why can you be thankful for God’s undeserved kindness?

¹⁰ Is it any less so with you? Think of all the millions of persons on earth who are yet blinded by erroneous religious teachings. (2 Cor. 4:3, 4; Matt. 15:8, 9, 14) Whereas you too might have ‘had no hope and been without God in the world,’ you now know the truth of God’s Word and can serve him. Do you regularly thank God for allowing you to learn the truth and become his friend?

11. How did Jehovah display great kindness toward individual Gentiles in ancient Ephesus?

¹¹ Let us make the matter even more personal. When the truth reached those Ephesians many of them probably were like persons in ancient Corinth, ‘fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, men kept for unnatural purposes, thieves, greedy persons, drunkards, revilers and extortioners.’ (1 Cor. 6:9-11) But mercy could be shown to them because Jehovah had sent his Son to provide a sacrificial basis for forgiving sins. Thus Paul reminded the Ephesians of “the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his undeserved kindness.” (Eph. 1:7) Was not God’s willingness to forgive their sins a marvelous display of undeserved kindness? What of us?

12, 13. (a) We each know what about our past, as suggested by Titus 3:3-5? (b) What personal reason do we have, then, for thanking Jehovah?

¹² Each of us is aware of our own past. Likely we know of many sins that we committed for which we needed forgiveness, not to mention numerous sins that we do not recall. It should touch our heart to think: God in his mercy and love is willing to forgive us. That is a display of his kindness toward us as a result of our accepting Christ’s sacrifice and exercising faith. Imagine if you had a new suit that you especially liked, but the first time that you wore it you spilled something on it. Anxiously you take it to a clothes cleaning shop, hopeful that the stain can be removed. Then you go back to get the suit. Look! The spot is gone! Would you not be happy, yes, thankful? How, then, should we feel in response to Jehovah’s forgiving us the sins that stained us in the past​—a marvelous display of God’s undeserved kindness?​—Ps. 103:3, 12-14; Num. 14:19.

¹³ There is no question but that we have reason to thank and praise God for such undeserved kindness. However, since we have become part of his people, his Christian worshipers, there are many ways that he has demonstrated loyalty to us, coming to our aid with his marvelous loving-kindness.

TO HIS PEOPLE AS A GROUP

14. How else can we discern reasons that we have to thank Jehovah?

¹⁴ Jehovah’s worshipers have long recognized manifestations of God’s loyal love in his dealings with them. By examining some of the Biblical instances of this, you likely will be aided to discern additional reasons that you have for thanking him.

15. How did Jehovah deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery?

¹⁵ The book of Exodus relates how Jehovah led his people from Egyptian bondage to the western shore of the Red Sea. Then he miraculously parted the waters so that the millions of Israelites and their associates could cross safely. When the Egyptians tried to thwart Jehovah’s deliverance, he used the same waters to destroy them all, including powerful Pharaoh. (Ex. 14:21-30; Ps. 136:1, 10-15) How would you have reacted had you been with God’s people?

16. Israel responded in what appropriate manner?

¹⁶ Safe on the other shore, Moses and the sons of Israel thanked Jehovah in song, saying: “Who is like you, proving yourself mighty in holiness? . . . You in your loving-kindness have led the people whom you have recovered; you in your strength will certainly conduct them to your holy abiding place.” (Ex. 15:11-13) God’s leading and delivering them instilled in them confidence that he would continue to do that right on into the Promised Land. (Ex. 15:17) God’s act was a display, not merely of his power, but also of his loving-kindness, for which they thanked and praised him.

17. What parallels can we find in God’s modern dealings with his people?

¹⁷ Do you respond in a similar way? Perhaps, though, you may feel that God has not specifically intervened with such deliverances at this time. Yet what of the many modern-day instances where true worshipers have been freed from restraints or relieved of persecution? When you hear such reports, do you tend to show only mild interest before you are occupied again with the cares of daily life? For instance, after many years of teaching and meeting “underground” because of government ban, Jehovah’s Witnesses are now free to carry on their Bible educational work in Spain, Portugal and Greece. Is this not reason for rejoicing? Is it not evidence of Jehovah’s loving-kindness? God could have let conditions continue as they were. Instead it was his will that these changes occur. Do you respond as the Israelites did, thanking and praising Jehovah for such displays of his loving-kindness? Have you specifically mentioned these deliverances to others, as it were, singing praises for God’s loving-kindness?​—Col. 3:16.

18. How have many of us on an individual basis experienced similar displays of loving-kindness? (Ps. 22:4, 7, 8)

¹⁸ Furthermore, you may have had experiences that similarly are reason to thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness. Have you, for example, been the object of ridicule because of upholding Christian principles? Maybe it was for refraining from dishonest practices on your job, refusing to cheat at school or declining to share in neighborhood gossip. (Eph. 6:5-8; Heb. 13:18; 1 Tim. 5:13) Or pressure may have been applied to force you to compromise on your worship. (Dan. 3:16-18; Rev. 18:4, 5) That abuse or opposition was not pleasant, was it? Yet in time it may have stopped. The opposers may have grown tired or come to respect your sticking to Bible principles. But the point is that you upheld the issue of God’s sovereignty by doing what was right in Jehovah’s eyes, and he aided you to remain firm until relief came. Is that not a manifestation of his loving-kindness for which to thank and praise him?​—Ps. 22:22, 25; 23:6.

19. When King David finally succeeded in having the Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem, what expression of praise did this occasion?

¹⁹ The Bible contains many other historical examples of God’s loving-kindness. Often these were cases when he caused or aided advances in true worship. One incident involved the sacred chest called the Ark of the Covenant that represented Jehovah’s presence in Israel. (Ex. 25:10-22) After the Israelites entered the Promised Land the Ark remained for years, not in its tent at Shiloh, but at Kiriath-jearim. David wanted to bring it to Jerusalem where he sat on Jehovah’s throne. His first attempt to do that failed. (1 Chron. 13:1-14) Finally, he brought the Ark, properly carried by Levites, to Jerusalem. (1 Chron. 15:1-28) This grand occasion prompted the following expression of praise: “Give thanks to Jehovah, you people, for he is good, for to time indefinite is his loving-kindness.”​—1 Chron. 16:1, 8, 34-36.

20. What might be recognized as similar evidence of loving-kindness today?

²⁰ Do you respond likewise when a progressive step is taken that elevates true worship? (Isa. 2:2, 3) Perhaps a new provision is made so that additional persons can learn of Jehovah. It might be a new book used in teaching Bible truths. Or it could be a special issue of The Watchtower or Awake! designed to convince a certain type of person of the need to serve God. Or there may be an improved arrangement involving the spiritual elders in the congregation. Do you find yourself responding as David did, thanking Jehovah for the loving-kindness of such progressive steps in true worship? Certainly there is ample reason to do so.

21. In 536 B.C.E., true worshipers recognized what construction to be an example of God’s loving-kindness?

²¹ With your own situation in mind, consider one more Bible example. Back in the second lunar month (April-May), 536 B.C.E., the Jews who had returned from exile in Babylon began to reconstruct Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem. They personally had not freed themselves from Babylon nor had they originated the idea of rebuilding the temple. The credit went to Jehovah. (Ezra 1:1, 5) Was the building program to be taken lightly? We read: “The builders laid the foundation of the temple. . . . And [the observing priests and Levites] began to respond by praising and giving thanks to Jehovah, ‘for he is good, for his loving-kindness toward Israel is to time indefinite.’ As for all the people, they shouted with a loud shout in praising Jehovah over the laying of the foundation of the house of Jehovah.”​—Ezra 3:10, 11.

22. What correspondencies can be found in our own experiences, leading to what response? (Ezra 3:1; Ps. 149:1)

²² Now, what about today? Your congregation may formerly have rented a place in which to meet but now has built a Kingdom Hall. Or maybe your congregation has recently expanded or refurbished the Kingdom Hall. Or your meeting attendances may be building up, with new families of interested persons appearing at your hall. Or many in the congregation may have been stirred to share in auxiliary pioneer service. In such things, do you sense Jehovah’s hand in the matter, recognizing that it is he who has promoted it and who has poured out his spirit and blessing? Yes, do you realize that such accomplishments are displays of Jehovah’s abundant loving-kindness? Does it move you to rejoice also?

23. We can conclude what about God’s dealings with us? But what aspects of this matter yet merit consideration?

²³ Unquestionably Christians have numerous reasons to thank and praise Jehovah for his loving-kindness: For the expressions of it in connection with his declared purpose that benefit all humans dwelling among his creative works. For the displays of it that involve us as individuals. And for the loving-kindness we have experienced as part of God’s people. However, in practical terms just how will you go about giving thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness? These are aspects to consider in the following discussion.

How Will You Give Thanks for His Loving-kindness?

1, 2. (a) How valuable is our life, but what did David say in Psalm 63:3 about life? (b) In what sense was that so? (Job 14:1, 2; Jas. 4:14)

WHAT could be more precious than your life? Without it you could not enjoy or benefit from any possessions. With this in mind, note that the psalmist David, in melody, said to Jehovah God: “Your loving-kindness is better than life.”​—Ps. 63:3.

² David was saying that he would rather lose his life than lose Jehovah’s favor. All that David might possess or enjoy in the everlasting future depended on God. Also, David knew of the many instances when Jehovah had shown him compassion and loyal support. This was all evidence of God’s loving-kindness. So to David that loving-kindness was more important than present temporal life as a human. (1 Chron. 29:14, 15) Is this how it is also with you? Is not the loving-kindness, or loyal love, of the One who can give you eternal life more precious than mortal life that is ‘here today and gone tomorrow’?

3. What action did David take in response to Jehovah’s loving-kindness, and what can we fittingly ask ourselves?

³ David, though, did not merely sense the value of Jehovah’s loving-kindness and leave it at that. Notice how he responded: “Because your loving-kindness is better than life, my own lips will commend you. Thus I shall bless you during my lifetime.” (Ps. 63:3, 4) Yes, his deep gratitude for that loving-kindness moved him to utter praise and thanks to God. As the previous article discussed, we personally have many reasons to thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness. Hence, thanking and praising him should be an integral part of our lives. Is it with you? May a whole day or more go by without your thinking of God and bringing him up in conversation? Or do you often speak about Jehovah, spontaneously praising him for what he is and for what he does? Do you find that you daily reflect the sentiment of Psalm 107:21, 22?

4. How is our proclaiming the good news necessary in this regard?

⁴ Unquestionably, one way in which to thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness is by speaking to others who are not yet worshiping him. (Acts 14:1-3; 20:24) The message of the good news can be lifesaving for them. Rightly, then, we are pleased to preach the good news widely.​—Rom. 10:9-15.

5. (a) Why might we be witnessing about negative matters? (b) Why is some of such information nevertheless appropriate?

⁵ True Christians know that what most persons have learned about God and the Bible consists of false doctrines and corruptions of the Bible’s teachings. Hence, we could unwittingly allow our witnessing to be dominated by negatives. Ask yourself how common it is in your witnessing to dwell on what the Bible does not teach​—that it does not teach a triune God or a burning hell, that man does not have an immortal soul and that the earth will not be burned up. (John 14:28; Ezek. 18:4; Eccl. 9:5, 10; 1:4) True, persons to whom we witness need help in correcting their wrong beliefs. And our pointing out error may aid them to distinguish between true religion and the false. But we should take care that we do not talk about almost nothing but negatives.

6. Why should our public declaration include many positives?

⁶ Our “public declaration” ought to include many positive things about Jehovah, for we are offering a “sacrifice of praise.” (Heb. 13:15; compare Psalm 107:21, 22.) For instance, we can stress what Jehovah IS. We can show that ‘he alone is the Most High.’ (Ps. 83:18) We can explain that truly knowing him and his Son can bring eternal life. (John 17:3) And we can focus on some of his superb qualities that can draw persons to him​—his mercy, unsurpassed wisdom, understanding, generosity, faithfulness and, certainly, his loving-kindness.​—Deut. 32:4; Jas. 1:17; Ps. 84:11.

7. How can we highlight God’s loving-kindness, and with what result?

⁷ Each of us should examine his own “public declaration” to see how he might give more emphasis to these positive aspects. For example, as you conduct a regular Bible study with your family or others, could you somehow highlight God’s loving-kindness? In discussing some Bible incident or an aspect of God’s purpose, you can, just briefly, explain what is illustrated about our God. Or you might ask the student what the point being discussed helps him to understand about Jehovah. Doing so will bring the student closer to Jehovah, making God more real and personal for him, stimulating him to learn more about this wonderful God and to praise him.​—Ps. 147:1, 11.

GIVING THANKS IN OUR CONVERSATION

8. At what other times can we thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness?

⁸ Talking about Jehovah and his loving-kindness is not just for occasions when we are trying to teach persons Bible truths. What about daily conversation? Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34) If we truly appreciate God’s loving-kindness, that ought to show up in our daily speech. This was so with the psalmist who wrote: “It is good to give thanks to Jehovah and to make melody to your name, O Most High; to tell in the morning about your loving-kindness and about your faithfulness during the nights.”​—Ps. 92:1, 2.

9. (a) What is the common view about mentioning God? (b) How is this in contrast with our attitude? (Ps. 107:31, 32)

⁹ You may have noticed that most persons, even churchgoers who claim to worship God, are not inclined to speak of him or his purposes. And they are particularly reluctant to express any personal involvement with God; to do so is viewed as unsophisticated or embarrassing. In part, this tendency may be due to the fact that they are, indeed, not personally involved with God. Yet, in view of how widespread this disinclination is, we can ask ourselves, ‘Have I been influenced by the world’s reluctance to speak about being involved with God or to show in conversation that he is part of my life and thinking?’ Jehovah certainly is part of our lives and should be in our thoughts. We regularly seek his blessing and guidance. So we should not hesitate to speak of him, referring to him in our conversation and indicating our interest in his acts and purposes.

10. What Scriptural counsel bears on our speaking about God regularly?

¹⁰ Of course, we want to avoid giving a self-righteous impression. Remember, it is not difficult for persons to sense artificial or affected religiousness. Jesus condemned hypocritical Jewish religious leaders for displaying piety merely to be seen and heard. (Matt. 6:1-5) Yet the Bible does urge us to praise and thank Jehovah constantly. So, while heeding the counsel of Matthew 6:1-5 and taking care not to sound self-righteous, we speak about him. With modesty and conviction we can mention his dealings and ways, which include how he has dealt with us or how we are involved with him.

11. What opportunities do we have to bring God into our conversation in line with Psalm 34:1?

¹¹ During the day you probably talk about many subjects with your family, Christian friends and others either in school, at work or in the neighborhood. Perhaps the situation lends itself to speaking of God in a sincere and natural manner. Are you talking about a trip to relax at the seashore or mountains and to enjoy Jehovah’s creation? You appreciate the natural beauty and restfulness of what he has made, so why not mention that?

12. How can we speak about God when conversing with persons who are not true worshipers?

¹² Even if you are conversing with an unbeliever, with discretion you may be able to speak of God, briefly mentioning, for example, the pleasure you derive from the things that your Creator has made. (Acts 4:24; 14:15) No one should be surprised that God comes up in your general conversation, for is he not on your mind as to what you do or refrain from doing? Someone might speak with you about how you train your children, noting your success. Could your reply include a brief expression of thankfulness to God for his counsel that enables a person to be wise in this field? (Ps. 19:7) Perhaps a workmate comments on your spending vacation time to attend a Christian convention instead of using it all for “pleasure.” You could sincerely reply that you enjoy learning more about the loving-kindness and will of your Maker. (Ps. 100:3-5) We never know the good effect such brief remarks might have, perhaps starting someone thinking about God. But we do not mention God only because a listener might be helped. We speak of God and his deeds because it is in our hearts and thus on our tongues.​—Ps. 45:1.

13. (a) Why should mentioning God be even more natural when we converse with fellow worshipers? (b) What are some ways to do this?

¹³ If, as good taste and modesty permit, we mention God often in conversing with unbelievers, how understandable it is that we do so frequently when talking to those who serve God. We feel greater ease in speaking with fellow Christians about our activities, plans, impressions, and so on. Accordingly in such conversation should we not be inclined to mention God and his dealings, as Psalm 92:1, 2 says? Perhaps work is being done on the Kingdom Hall. You could express your appreciation for God’s blessing on the congregation. We receive a new Bible study aid. If you sincerely view it as evidence of Jehovah’s loving-kindness, why not mention that in conversation. What about the interesting new explanations in it? Happily speak of these with your brothers, doing so with a modesty that avoids giving a self-righteous impression. Interspersing spiritual matters in your conversation will upbuild all.

ALERT TO SEE REASONS FOR GRATITUDE

14. We need to cultivate what outlook regarding God’s goodness?

¹⁴ What if someone gave you a dish of sand with some tiny iron particles mixed in? It would be hard to pick out the iron specks. But you could easily collect them with a magnet. A heart that is full of gratitude to Jehovah is like that magnet. With such a heart, every day we can easily pick out numerous examples of his kindness and generosity, more valuable than iron, more precious even than gold. Being alert to evidences of God’s goodness will make it easy and natural to praise him and express thanks for these.​—Prov. 3:3, 4, 13-18.

15. What are examples of things for which we can thank Jehovah? (Eph. 5:20)

¹⁵ Jehovah’s creation that we see daily is simply full of things that can remind us of his kind provisions for mankind in general. Perhaps you see two kittens tumbling in the grass. You cannot help but chuckle over their playful antics. Does that lead you to think of Jehovah and the delight he must have with his creation? The Bible says he is a “happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) So when watching kittens, otters or other animals play, will you call to mind God’s sense of pleasure and humor? What about the refreshing taste of a crisp apple or a delicious melon on a hot day? (Ps. 145:8, 15-17) As to delightful scents, do you recall the fragrance of certain flowers or the aroma of freshly cut hay or clover? When enjoying such things, is it not appropriate to utter thanks to Jehovah for his thoughtfulness in providing us with our senses and such wonderful things to enjoy?

16. Being alert to and mentioning God’s goodness can have what effect on others?

¹⁶ A family in upstate New York was in the middle of a meal when the four-year-old son spoke up on his own, saying: “Mommy, isn’t it good that Jehovah put our face on the front so we can eat.” While that lad was speaking out of his youthful innocence, he certainly was not taking things for granted. His open and sincere comment helped all around him to think about Jehovah and appreciate more what he has done. Our comments about God’s loving-kindness that we experience while serving him can do the same.

BROADENING OUT IN SONG AND PRAYER

17, 18. (a) How did the Israelites use song in giving thanks? (b) What does Mark 14:26 indicate that Jesus and the apostles did? (Acts 16:25)

¹⁷ Another avenue for giving thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness is that of song. Singing has long been a feature of true worship. (Ex. 15:1-21; Ps. 1–150; 2 Chron. 29:27; Rev. 15:3, 4) At the temple in Jerusalem certain Levites were privileged to play music while others sang. The content and objective of their efforts is noteworthy. The Bible says that they were “to call to remembrance and to thank and praise Jehovah the God of Israel.” Why? “Because ‘to time indefinite is his loving-kindness.’”​—1 Chron. 16:4, 41, 42; 9:33.

¹⁸ In this connection, have you ever thought of Jesus and the apostles as singers? They were, and they enjoyed it. Mark 14:26 tells us that on their last night together on earth they sang praises. Customarily Jews sang Psalms 113 through 118 during the Passover meal. So it is probable that Jesus and the faithful eleven apostles concluded that meal by singing Psalm 118, which both begins and ends: “Give thanks to Jehovah, you people, for he is good; for his loving-kindness is to time indefinite.”

19. What should our attitude be toward congregational singing? (Eph. 5:18, 19)

¹⁹ Christians today, too, have opportunity to express through song their praise and thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness. Is that how you view the songs based on Bible themes that you sing at the local meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Or do you find that during the singing you are doing other things? Or are your lips saying the words while your mind is on other matters? It is easy for this to occur. But how fine if, instead, we view these Christian songs as a means of giving thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness!

20. (a) What part should prayer have in thanking God for his loving-kindness? (Col. 1:9-12) (b) According to Daniel 6:10, how is Daniel a good example of this for us?

²⁰ Prayer is another way in which we can thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness. Likely you pray regularly. But could you broaden out as respects thanking and praising God in prayer? It is so easy to get into the practice of just asking him for things, for ourselves, our family, our congregation and others. If you are a parent you are pleased, no doubt, when your children seek your advice and help. Yet how would you feel if your child said: “Dad, I want to tell you how very much we children love you. You are firm, and we respect you for that, but you are also loving. You are our best friend.” Knowing how pleased you would be to hear such a sincere expression, how do you think God feels when we include thanks and praise in our prayers? The prophet Daniel set us a fine example in this. The Bible pointedly mentions that he praised God in prayer.​—Dan. 6:10.

21. How can our prayers express more than generalities?

²¹ It is good in our prayers to be specific about God’s goodness toward us. Have you ever listened to a child pray and heard him thank God for the chocolate ice cream, the boat ride he enjoyed or for his school vacation? Can we not be specific, too, rather than thanking God simply in generalities? If you have had a fine experience in the preaching work, specifically thank God for it. If you received a gift, you likely thanked the person who gave it to you. But what about thanking the One who has made all things? Have you discerned the Bible’s counsel on some weighty problem? Express your thanks in prayer. And when you are privileged to represent others in prayer, why not mention distinct, specific examples of God’s blessing for which all of you are thankful.​—Ps. 42:8.

22. By way of a review, in what ways can we thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness, reflecting what sentiments?

²² Undeniably there are many evidences of God’s loving-kindness shown us as his approved servants. We can observe them daily if we are alert to them. (Ps. 107:43) And each of us can gratefully respond by speaking of our God. How? When? In our preaching and teaching work. In general conversation with fellow Christians and others. And in song and prayer. Yes, though we are yet awaiting the time when all creation will unitedly praise Jehovah as Psalm 150 describes, we personally can have a full share in doing that right now. Thus we will reflect the sentiments David expressed in Psalm 59:16, 17: “As for me, I shall sing of your strength, and in the morning I shall joyfully tell about your loving-kindness. . . . O my Strength, to you I will make melody, for God is my secure height, the God of loving-kindness to me.”