“Let Each One Examine His Own Actions” — The Quiet Strength of Personal Faith

A Scriptural Consideration Entry

“But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.” — Galatians 6:4

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The wind pressed against her jacket as she stepped out into the early morning light, service bag in one hand, cane in the other. Every step was slower than it used to be. Years ago, she’d have jogged up those same porch stairs, ready with a smile and a magazine. Now? Now she waited for the dizziness to subside before pressing the doorbell.

From behind her, a pair of younger pioneers waved. They had already covered three houses in the time it took her to reach this one. She smiled warmly, waving back, but deep inside… a sigh stirred. Was she doing enough? Was Jehovah pleased with her pace, her reach, her fruit?

And yet—what did today’s scripture say?

Let each one examine his own actions.

Not another’s schedule. Not another’s results. Not another’s gifts. Your own.

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In Galatia, the apostle Paul wrote to Christians navigating the pull of human approval and the burden of comparison. His counsel was refreshingly personal—take inventory of your own devotion, and draw joy from that. It was never about measuring up to someone else’s results or abilities. It was about the heart behind the effort.

And Paul knew well that Jehovah doesn’t see as man sees. While others look at outward achievement, Jehovah gazes gently at the motive, the sacrifice, the quiet endurance. (1 Sam. 16:7)

The fruit of the spirit—joy included—is not manufactured by perfection, nor by productivity, but by God’s spirit at work within us. (Gal. 5:22)

So what about us?

In an age of metrics, maps, and ministry apps, it’s easy to start seeing service like a scoreboard. But Paul reminds us—our rejoicing comes not from outperforming another, but from offering Jehovah our best. Not the best, but our best.

Are we giving our all, within the limitations of our health, age, or circumstances? Then we can rejoice.

Do others shine more brightly in certain aspects of service? May we bless them with our encouragement—not our envy. Their fruit honors Jehovah too.

That sister with the cane? Her single return visit that week—painfully slow, tearfully prayed over—was a fragrant offering. Jehovah saw it. He received it with joy.

And you—your effort, your energy, your unseen battles to show up and serve—they are not invisible to him. Your growth is yours. Your walk is personal. And your faithful steps matter.

As Paul reminds us: “Let each one examine his own actions.” Not to tear ourselves down, but to see clearly the loving sacrifices we are making—and to rejoice in them.

Jehovah is not measuring you against anyone else. He’s walking beside you, cherishing every faithful step. He sees. He knows. And in your quiet, personal offering—he finds joy.

Source: The Watchtower, April 2022, pp. 10–11, ¶1–2.