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Relief From Stress—A Practical RemedyThe Watchtower—2001 | December 15
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A Way to Refreshment
16, 17. (a) Where can you find some of Jesus’ key teachings? (b) What is needed in order to find refreshment through application of Jesus’ teachings?
16 In the spring of 31 C.E., Jesus gave a lecture that is world-renowned to this day. It is usually called the Sermon on the Mount. It is recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7 and Luke chapter 6, and it summarizes many of his teachings. You can find other teachings of Jesus elsewhere in the Gospels. Much of what he said is self-explanatory, though putting it into practice can be challenging. Why not read those chapters carefully, thoughtfully? Let the power of his ideas influence your thinking and attitude.
17 Obviously, Jesus’ teachings can be arranged in different ways. Let us group key teachings so that there is one for each day of the month, with the goal of putting them to work in your life. How? Well, do not pass over them too quickly. Recall the rich ruler who asked Jesus Christ: “By doing what shall I inherit everlasting life?” When Jesus reviewed vital requirements of God’s Law, the man responded that he was already meeting these. Still, he realized that he needed to do more. Jesus called upon him to put forth greater effort to apply godly principles in practical ways, to be an active disciple. Apparently, the man was not ready to go that far. (Luke 18:18-23) Hence, one who wants to learn Jesus’ teachings today needs to remember that there is a difference between agreeing with them and actively embracing them, thus reducing stress.
18. Illustrate how you can use the accompanying box beneficially.
18 As a start to examining and applying Jesus’ teachings, look at point 1 in the accompanying box. It refers to Matthew 5:3-9. Frankly, any of us could spend quite a while meditating on the wonderful counsel presented in those verses. Looking at them as a whole, though, what do you conclude about attitude? If you truly want to overcome the effect of too much stress in your life, what is going to help? How can you be affected for the better if you increase your attention to spiritual matters, letting such occupy more of your thoughts? Is there some concern in your life that you need to attach less importance to, allowing for greater attention to spiritual issues? If you do so, it will add to your happiness now.
19. What can you do to gain additional insight and understanding?
19 Now take the matter a step further. Why not discuss those verses with another servant of God, perhaps your marriage mate, a close relative, or a friend? (Proverbs 18:24; 20:5) Bear in mind that the rich ruler asked someone else—Jesus—about a related matter. The response could have increased his prospect of happiness and lasting life. The fellow worshiper with whom you discuss those verses will not be equal to Jesus; still, the conversation about Jesus’ teachings will benefit both of you. Try to do it very soon.
20, 21. What program can you follow to learn about Jesus’ teachings, and how can you assess your progress?
20 Look again at the accompanying box, “Teachings to Help You.” These teachings are grouped so that you have at least one teaching a day to consider. You can first read what Jesus had to say in the verses cited. Then think about his words. Ponder how you can apply them in your life. If you feel that you are already doing so, ponder to see what more you can do to live by that divine teaching. Work with it during that day. If you have to struggle to understand it or to see how you can apply it, spend another day on it. Bear in mind, however, that you do not have to master it before you move on. The next day, you can consider another teaching. At the end of a week, you can review how successful you have been in adopting four or five of Jesus’ teachings. The second week add more, day by day. If you find that you have slipped in applying some teaching, do not get discouraged. Every Christian will have that experience. (2 Chronicles 6:36; Psalm 130:3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; James 3:8) Follow through on the third week and the fourth.
21 After a month or so, you may have covered all 31 points. In any case, how will you feel as a result? Will you not be somewhat happier, perhaps more relaxed? Even if you make only a little improvement, you will likely feel less stress, or at least you will be handling stress better, and you will have a method for continuing. Do not forget that there are many other fine points of Jesus’ teachings that are not on the list. Why not search for some of them and try putting them into practice?—Philippians 3:16.
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Relief From Stress—A Practical RemedyThe Watchtower—2001 | December 15
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[Box/Picture on page 12, 13]
Teachings to Help You
What good things can you find in Matthew chapters 5 through 7? These chapters contain teachings presented on a Galilean hillside by the Master Teacher, Jesus. Please read the verses cited below, using your own copy of the Bible, and ask yourself the related questions.
1. 5:3-9 What does this tell me about my general attitude? How may I work toward greater happiness? How can I give more attention to my spiritual needs?
2. 5:25, 26 What is better than copying the contentious spirit that many have?—Luke 12:58, 59.
3. 5:27-30 What do Jesus’ words underscore as to romantic fantasizing? How will my avoiding such contribute to my happiness and peace of mind?
4. 5:38-42 Why should I strive to avoid the emphasis modern society puts on being too assertive?
5. 5:43-48 How will I benefit from being better acquainted with associates whom I might have considered to be enemies? What will this likely do to reduce or eliminate tension?
6. 6:14, 15 If I sometimes tend to be unforgiving, might envy or resentment be the basic cause? How can I change that?
7. 6:16-18 Am I inclined to be more concerned with appearances than with who I am on the inside? Of what should I be more aware?
8. 6:19-32 What could be the effect if I become overly concerned with money and possessions? Thinking about what will help me to keep balanced in this regard?
9. 7:1-5 How do I feel when I am around people who are judgmental and critical, always finding fault? Why is it important for me to avoid being like that?
10. 7:7-11 If persistence is good when I make requests to God, how about in other facets of life?—Luke 11:5-13.
11. 7:12 Though I know the Golden Rule, how often do I apply this counsel in dealing with others?
12. 7:24-27 Since I am responsible for directing my own life, how can I be better prepared for storms of difficulty and floods of trouble? Why should I be thinking about this now?—Luke 6:46-49.
Additional teachings that I can consider:
13. 8:2, 3 How can I reflect compassion for the disadvantaged, as Jesus so often did?
14. 9:9-38 What part does showing mercy have in my life, and how can I show it more?
15. 12:19 Learning from the prophecy about Jesus, do I strive to avoid contentious arguments?
16. 12:20, 21 What good can I do by not crushing others by either my words or my actions?
17. 12:34-37 What do I talk about much of the time? I know that when I squeeze an orange, orange juice comes out, so why should I give thought to what is inside me, in my heart?—Mark 7:20-23.
18. 15:4-6 From Jesus’ comments, what do I see about loving care of the elderly?
19. 19:13-15 What do I need to take time to do?
20. 20:25-28 Why is it unprofitable to wield authority for its own sake? How can I imitate Jesus in this regard?
Additional thoughts, recorded by Mark:
21. 4:24, 25 What is the significance of how I treat others?
22. 9:50 If what I say and do is in good taste, what good results will likely come?
Finally, a few teachings recorded by Luke:
23. 8:11, 14 If I let worry, wealth, and pleasure reign in my life, what can be the result?
24. 9:1-6 Though Jesus had the power to heal the sick, what did he put before that?
25. 9:52-56 Am I quick to take offense? Do I avoid the spirit of retaliation?
26. 9:62 How should I view my responsibility to speak about God’s Kingdom?
27. 10:29-37 How can I prove that I am a neighbor, not a stranger?
28. 11:33-36 What changes might I make so that my life can become simpler?
29. 12:15 What is the relationship between life and possessions?
30. 14:28-30 If I take the time to weigh decisions carefully, what might I avoid, and with what benefit?
31. 16:10-12 What benefits may I get from a life of integrity?
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