Lesson 38

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?

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)

“He himself gives to all people life and breath and all things.” (Acts 17:25; Acts 17:28)

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: 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.”

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)

Jehovah greatly values your life.

Read Matthew 10.29-31: 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.

It would hurt him deeply if anyone deliberately put an end to someone’s life, even his or her own. Footnote 1 (Exodus 20:13)

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.

Consider some ways that you can show your appreciation for the gift of life.

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, 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.

Discuss these questions:

What should motivate you to care for your health?

What are some ways that you can do so?

The Bible encourages us to avoid practices that are dangerous. Play the VIDEO to learn some things that you can do to be safe.

Read Proverbs 22.3: The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.

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.

In poetic language, David spoke of Jehovah’s interest in the life and development of an unborn child.

Read Psalm 139.13-17: 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!

Discuss this question:

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, 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,

Discuss these questions:

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 2

How do you feel about God’s view?

Play the VIDEO.

Even a woman who appreciates the value of life may feel that an abortion is her only option.

Read 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.’

Discuss these questions:

If a woman is facing pressure to have an abortion, to whom should she turn for help? Why?