Monday, November 9 He honors those fearing Jehovah.​—Ps. 15:4.

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Monday, November 9

He honors those fearing Jehovah.—Ps. 15:4.

 

We should look for ways to show kindness and respect to Jehovah’s friends. (Rom. 12:10) How? One way, based on Psalm 15:4, is that a guest in Jehovah’s tent “does not go back on his promise, even when it is bad for him.” Breaking our promises could surely hurt others. (Matt. 5:37) For example, Jehovah expects his guests to live up to their marriage vow. He is also pleased when parents make earnest efforts to fulfill promises they make to their children. Our love for God and for neighbor will compel us to keep our word to the best of our ability. Another way to honor God’s friends is by being hospitable and generous. (Rom. 12:13) Leisure time spent with our brothers and sisters helps us to strengthen bonds of friendship with them and with Jehovah. Moreover, by showing hospitality, we imitate Jehovah. w24.06 12 ¶15-16

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There is something comforting about being remembered.   Not simply having someone remember our name, but knowing that we matter enough for them to think about us. Perhaps someone calls when we have been having a difficult week. Someone remembers a promise made weeks earlier. Or someone notices we have been unusually quiet and takes a moment to ask how we are doing.   These may seem like little things. But to the person receiving that kindness, they can mean a great deal.   Psalm 15:4 describes a person who enjoys Jehovah’s friendship as someone who “honors those fearing Jehovah.”   Think about that for a moment. Jehovah invites us to be guests in his tent. And among the qualities he values in those guests is the way they treat his other friends.   Why would that matter so much to him?   Perhaps we can understand it by thinking about someone we dearly love. When another person treats that loved one with kindness, doesn't it touch our own heart? We appreciate not only what was done but the love behind it.   Jehovah must certainly notice when we treat someone he loves with that same tenderness.   And what a beautiful thought that is! Every faithful brother or sister we encounter is someone Jehovah knows personally. He knows what they have endured to remain faithful. He has heard prayers that no one else has heard. He knows the quiet struggles that may be hidden behind a cheerful smile.   We may see only a small part of their life. Jehovah sees the whole person.   So when we show them kindness, we are honoring someone precious to him.   And then there is hospitality.   We often associate hospitality with an invitation into our home. But some of the warmest expressions of hospitality may happen without anyone ever crossing our doorstep.   A telephone call. An invitation to spend a little time together. Making room in a conversation for someone who might otherwise feel overlooked. Even sitting quietly with a friend who needs companionship more than conversation.   Not everyone has the circumstances or strength to do everything they would like. But a loving heart can often find a way to make someone feel welcome.   There is another thought worth carrying with us today.   We spend much of our lives thinking about what we can do for Jehovah. And rightly so. But isn't it touching that one thing he asks us to do is care for people he already loves?   Today, perhaps there is someone whose name comes to mind. Someone who could use a little encouragement, a little reassurance, or simply the pleasure of knowing they haven't been forgotten.   It may not require much of our time. It may not even be something anyone else notices.   But Jehovah will notice.   And somewhere, one of his dear friends may finish the day feeling a little less alone, a little more appreciated, and a little more certain of how much they are loved.   What a wonderful way to honor someone Jehovah calls his friend.