In case you should sacrifice a communion sacrifice to Jehovah, you should sacrifice it to gain approval for yourselves.—Lev. 19:5.

Jehovah provided his people with opportunities to live up to the national dedication. For instance, his Law provided for a system of sacrifices, or offerings, some of which were compulsory, while others were voluntary. (Heb. 8:3) Such sacrifices included burnt offerings, grain offerings, and communion offerings that were voluntary—gifts presented to Jehovah to gain his favor and express thanksgiving. (Lev. 7:11-13) Those voluntary sacrifices pleased Jehovah. It was said of the burnt offering and of the grain offering that they were “a restful odor to Jehovah.” (Lev. 1:9; 2:2) While all Israelites were dedicated to Jehovah by reason of birth, those who made their dedication meaningful by making voluntary offerings ‘gained approval for themselves’ and were richly blessed.—Mal. 3:10. w 7/1/06 8, 9

2 December 2007:
May you pardon error; and accept what is good, and we will offer in return the young bulls of our lips.—Hos. 14:2.

The expression “the young bulls of our lips” refers to sacrifices of sincere praise. Paul alluded to this prophecy when he urged Christians to “offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.” (Heb. 13:15) Israelites who abandoned their wayward course and turned back to God offered him ‘the young bulls of their lips.’ They thus experienced spiritual restoration, even as God had promised. (Hos. 14:4-7) Repentant Israelites would again enjoy God’s love. Jehovah would become like refreshing dew to them in that he would bless them abundantly. His restored people would have dignity “like that of the olive tree,” and they would walk in God’s ways. What a privilege it is to walk with God and offer such sacrifices today! w 11/15/05 19-22b