Jehovah​—Our Tenderly Compassionate Father

“Jehovah is very tender in affection and compassionate.”​—JAMES 5:11, footnote.

1. Why are lowly ones drawn to Jehovah God?

THE universe is so large that astronomers cannot even begin to number all its galaxies. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is so vast that man could not even begin to count all its stars. Some stars, like Antares, are thousands of times bigger and brighter than our sun. How powerful the Grand Creator of all the stars in the universe must be! Indeed, he is “the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name.” (Isaiah 40:26) Yet, this same awe-inspiring God is also “very tender in affection and compassionate.” How refreshing such knowledge is to humble servants of Jehovah, especially to those who suffer from persecution, sickness, depression, or other hardships!

2. How are tender emotions often viewed by people of this world?

² Many view the softer emotions, such as the “tender affections and compassions” of Christ, as weaknesses. (Philippians 2:1) Influenced by evolutionary philosophy, they encourage people to put themselves first even if it means trampling on the feelings of others. A number of role models in entertainment and sports are machos who do not shed tears or show tender affection. Some political rulers act in like manner. The Stoic philosopher Seneca, who educated cruel emperor Nero, emphasized that “pity is a weakness.” M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopædia states: “The influences of Stoicism . . . continue to operate on the minds of men even in the present times.”

3. How did Jehovah describe himself to Moses?

³ In contrast, the personality of mankind’s Creator is heartwarming. He described himself to Moses in these words: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, . . . pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) True, Jehovah ended this description of himself by highlighting his justice. He will not exempt willful sinners from deserved punishment. Still, he describes himself first of all as a God who is merciful, literally “full of mercy.”

4. What is the heartwarming meaning of the Hebrew word often translated “mercy”?

⁴ Sometimes the word “mercy” is thought of only in the cold, judicial sense of withholding punishment. However, a comparison of Bible translations brings out the rich meaning of the Hebrew adjective derived from the verb ra·chamʹ. According to some scholars, its root meaning is “to be soft.” “Racham,” explains the book Synonyms of the Old Testament, “expresses a deep and tender feeling of compassion, such as is aroused by the sight of weakness or suffering in those that are dear to us or need our help.” Other heartwarming definitions of this desirable quality can be found in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 375-9.

5. How was mercy evident in the Mosaic Law?

⁵ God’s tender compassion is clearly evident in the Law he gave to the nation of Israel. Disadvantaged ones, such as widows, orphans, and the poor, were to be treated compassionately. (Exodus 22:22-27; Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 15:7-11) All, including slaves and animals, were to benefit from the weekly Sabbath of rest. (Exodus 20:10) Furthermore, God took note of individuals who treated lowly ones tenderly. Proverbs 19:17 states: “He that is showing favor to the lowly one is lending to Jehovah, and his treatment He will repay to him.”

Limits to Divine Compassion

6. Why did Jehovah send prophets and messengers to his people?

⁶ The Israelites bore God’s name and worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem, which was “a house to the name of Jehovah.” (2 Chronicles 2:4; 6:33) In time, however, they came to tolerate immorality, idolatry, and murder, bringing great reproach on Jehovah’s name. In harmony with his compassionate personality, God patiently tried to rectify this bad situation without bringing calamity upon the entire nation. He “kept sending against them by means of his messengers, sending again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling. But they were continually making jest at the messengers of the true God and despising his words and mocking at his prophets, until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until there was no healing.”​—2 Chronicles 36:15, 16.

7. When Jehovah’s compassion reached its limit, what happened to the kingdom of Judah?

⁷ Although Jehovah is compassionate and slow to anger, when necessary he does manifest righteous anger. Back then, divine compassion had reached its limit. We read about the consequences: “So [Jehovah] brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who proceeded to kill their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, neither did he feel compassion for young man or virgin, old or decrepit. Everything He gave into his hand.” (2 Chronicles 36:17) Thus Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, and the nation was taken captive to Babylon.

Compassion for His Name

8, 9. (a) Why did Jehovah declare that he would have compassion for his name? (b) How were the enemies of Jehovah silenced?

⁸ The surrounding nations rejoiced over this calamity. In a mocking way, they said: “These are the people of Jehovah, and from his land they have gone out.” Sensitive to this reproach, Jehovah declared: “I shall have compassion on my holy name . . . And I shall certainly sanctify my great name, . . . and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.”​—Ezekiel 36:20-23.

⁹ After his nation had been in captivity for 70 years, the compassionate God, Jehovah, released them and allowed them to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This silenced the surrounding nations, who looked on in amazement. (Ezekiel 36:35, 36) Sadly, though, the nation of Israel again fell into bad practices. A faithful Jew, Nehemiah, helped to rectify the situation. In a public prayer, he reviewed God’s compassionate dealings with the nation, saying:

10. How did Nehemiah highlight Jehovah’s compassion?

¹⁰ “In the time of their distress they would cry out to you, and you yourself would hear from the very heavens; and in accord with your abundant mercy you would give them saviors who would save them out of the hand of their adversaries. But as soon as they were at rest, they would again do what is bad before you, and you would leave them to the hand of their enemies, who would tread them down. Then they would return and call to you for aid, and you yourself would hear from the very heavens and deliver them in accord with your abundant mercy, time and again. . . . You were indulgent with them for many years.”​—Nehemiah 9:26-30; see also Isaiah 63:9, 10.

11. What contrast exists between Jehovah and the gods of men?

¹¹ Finally, after cruelly rejecting God’s beloved Son, the Jewish nation lost its privileged status forever. God’s loyal attachment to them had lasted over 1,500 years. It stands as an eternal witness to the fact that Jehovah is indeed a God of mercy. What a sharp contrast to the cruel gods and unfeeling deities invented by sinful men!​—See page 8.

The Greatest Expression of Compassion

12. What was the greatest expression of God’s compassion?

¹² The greatest expression of God’s compassion was his sending his beloved Son to the earth. True, Jesus’ life of integrity brought great pleasure to Jehovah, supplying him with a perfect answer to the Devil’s false charges. (Proverbs 27:11) At the same time, however, having to watch his beloved Son suffer a cruel and humiliating death no doubt caused Jehovah greater pain than any human parent has ever had to endure. It was a very loving sacrifice, opening the way for mankind’s salvation. (John 3:16) As Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer, foretold, it magnified “the tender compassion of our God.”​—Luke 1:77, 78.

13. In what important way has Jesus reflected the personality of his Father?

¹³ The sending of God’s Son to the earth also gave mankind a clearer view of Jehovah’s personality. How so? In that Jesus perfectly reflected the personality of his Father, especially in the tenderly compassionate way he treated lowly ones! (John 1:14; 14:9) In this respect, the three Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke use a Greek verb, splag·khniʹzo·mai, which comes from the Greek word for “intestines.” “From its very derivation,” explains Bible scholar William Barclay, “it can be seen that it describes no ordinary pity or compassion, but an emotion which moves a man to the very depths of his being. It is the strongest word in Greek for the feeling of compassion.” It is variously translated “feel pity” or “moved with pity.”​—Mark 6:34; 8:2.

When Jesus Felt Pity

14, 15. In a city of Galilee, how is Jesus moved with pity, and what does this illustrate?

¹⁴ The scene is a city of Galilee. A man “full of leprosy” approaches Jesus without giving the customary warning. (Luke 5:12) Does Jesus harshly reprove him for not shouting, “Unclean, unclean,” as required by God’s Law? (Leviticus 13:45) No. Instead, Jesus listens to the man’s desperate plea: “If you just want to, you can make me clean.” “Moved with pity,” Jesus reaches out and touches the leper, saying: “I want to. Be made clean.” The man’s health is instantly restored. Jesus thus demonstrates not only his miraculous, God-given powers but also the tender feelings that motivate him to use such powers.​—Mark 1:40-42.

¹⁵ Must Jesus be approached before he will show feelings of compassion? No. Sometime later, he meets up with a funeral procession coming out of the city of Nain. No doubt, Jesus has witnessed many funerals before, but this one is especially tragic. The deceased is the only son of a widow. “Moved with pity,” Jesus approaches her and says: “Stop weeping.” Then he performs the outstanding miracle of raising her son back to life.​—Luke 7:11-15.

16. Why does Jesus feel pity for the large crowd following him?

¹⁶ The dramatic lesson learned from the above events is that when Jesus is “moved with pity,” he does something positive to help. On a later occasion, Jesus inspects the large crowds that keep following him. Matthew reports that “he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) The Pharisees do little to satisfy the spiritual hunger of the common people. Instead, they burden humble ones with many unnecessary rules. (Matthew 12:1, 2; 15:1-9; 23:4, 23) Their view of the common people was revealed when they said of those who listened to Jesus: “This crowd that does not know the Law are accursed people.”​—John 7:49.

17. How does Jesus’ pity for the crowds move him, and what far-reaching guidance does he there provide?

¹⁷ In contrast, Jesus is deeply moved by the spiritual plight of the crowds. But there are simply too many interested people for him to give them individual care. So he tells his disciples to pray for more workers. (Matthew 9:35-38) In harmony with such prayers, Jesus sends out his apostles with the message: “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” The instructions given on that occasion have served as a valuable guide for Christians right down to the present day. Without doubt, Jesus’ feelings of compassion move him to satisfy the spiritual hunger of mankind.​—Matthew 10:5-7.

18. How does Jesus react when crowds intrude on his privacy, and what lesson do we learn from this?

¹⁸ On another occasion, Jesus again feels concern for the spiritual needs of the crowds. This time he and his apostles are tired after a busy preaching tour, and they seek out a place to rest. But the people soon find them. Instead of Jesus’ being irritated by this intrusion into their privacy, Mark records that he was “moved with pity.” And what was the reason for Jesus’ deep feelings? “They were as sheep without a shepherd.” Again, Jesus acts upon his feelings and starts teaching the crowds “about the kingdom of God.” Yes, he was so deeply moved by their spiritual hunger that he sacrificed needed rest to teach them.​—Mark 6:34; Luke 9:11.

19. How did Jesus’ concern for the crowds extend even beyond their spiritual needs?

¹⁹ While primarily concerned about people’s spiritual needs, Jesus never overlooked their basic physical needs. On that same occasion, he also “healed those needing a cure.” (Luke 9:11) On a later occasion, the crowds had been with him for a long time, and they were far from home. Sensing their physical need, Jesus said to his disciples: “I feel pity for the crowd, because it is already three days that they have stayed with me and they have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away fasting. They may possibly give out on the road.” (Matthew 15:32) Jesus now does something to avert possible suffering. He miraculously provides thousands of men, women, and children with a meal produced from seven loaves of bread and a few little fishes.

20. What do we learn from the last recorded instance of Jesus’ being moved with pity?

²⁰ The last recorded instance of Jesus’ being moved with pity is on his final trip to Jerusalem. Large crowds are traveling with him to celebrate the Passover. On the road near Jericho, two blind beggars keep shouting: “Lord, have mercy on us.” The crowds try to silence them, but Jesus calls them and asks what they want him to do. “Lord, let our eyes be opened,” they plead. “Moved with pity,” he touches their eyes, and they receive sight. (Matthew 20:29-34) What an important lesson we learn from this! Jesus is about to enter the last week of his earthly ministry. He has a lot of work to accomplish before suffering a cruel death at the hands of Satan’s agents. Yet, he does not allow the pressure of this momentous time to crowd out his tender feelings of compassion for less important human needs.

Illustrations That Highlight Compassion

21. What is illustrated by the master’s canceling the large debt of his slave?

²¹ The Greek verb splag·khniʹzo·mai, used in these accounts of Jesus’ life, is also used in three of Jesus’ illustrations. In one story a slave begs for time to repay a large debt. His master, “moved to pity,” cancels the debt. This illustrates that Jehovah God has shown great compassion in canceling a large debt of sin for each individual Christian who exercises faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus.​—Matthew 18:27; 20:28.

22. What does the parable of the prodigal son illustrate?

²² Then there is the story of the prodigal son. Recall what happens when the wayward son returns home. “While he was yet a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and fell upon his neck and tenderly kissed him.” (Luke 15:20) This shows that when a Christian who has become wayward shows genuine repentance, Jehovah will feel pity and tenderly accept that one back. Thus, by these two illustrations, Jesus shows that our Father, Jehovah, “is very tender in affection and compassionate.”​—James 5:11, footnote.

23. What lesson do we learn from Jesus’ illustration of the neighborly Samaritan?

²³ The third illustrative use of splag·khniʹzo·mai concerns the compassionate Samaritan who “was moved with pity” at the plight of a Jew who had been robbed and left half dead. (Luke 10:33) Acting upon these feelings, the Samaritan did all in his power to help the stranger. This demonstrates that Jehovah and Jesus expect true Christians to follow their example in displaying tenderness and compassion. Some of the ways we can do this will be discussed in the next article.

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A GRAPHIC TERM FOR “TENDER LOVING CARE”

“O MY intestines, my intestines!” cried the prophet Jeremiah. Was he complaining of a bowel ailment due to something bad he had eaten? No. Jeremiah was using a Hebrew metaphor to describe his deep concern over the calamity coming upon the kingdom of Judah.​—Jeremiah 4:19.

Since Jehovah God has deep feelings, the Hebrew word for “intestines,” or “bowels” (me·ʽimʹ), is also used to describe his tender emotions. For example, decades before the days of Jeremiah, the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel was taken captive by the king of Assyria. Jehovah permitted this as punishment for their unfaithfulness. But did God forget them in exile? No. He was still deeply attached to them as part of his covenant people. Referring to them by the name of the prominent tribe Ephraim, Jehovah asked: “Is Ephraim a precious son to me, or a fondly treated child? For to the extent of my speaking against him I shall without fail remember him further. That is why my intestines have become boisterous for him. By all means I shall have pity upon him.”​—Jeremiah 31:20.

By saying “my intestines have become boisterous,” Jehovah used a figure of speech to describe his deep feelings of affection for his exiled people. In his commentary on this verse Jer 31:20, 19th-century Bible scholar E. Henderson wrote: “Nothing can excel the touching exhibition of tender parental feeling towards a returning prodigal, which is here presented by Jehovah. . . . Though he had thus spoken against [the idolatrous Ephraimites] and punished them . . . , he never forgot them, but, on the contrary, delighted in the anticipation of their ultimate recovery.”

The Greek word for “bowels,” or “intestines,” is used in a similar way in the Christian Greek Scriptures. When not used literally, as at Acts 1:18, it refers to tender emotions of affection or compassion. (Philemon 12) The word is sometimes joined to the Greek word meaning “good” or “well.” The apostles Paul and Peter use the combined expression when encouraging Christians to be “tenderly compassionate,” literally “disposed well to pity.” (Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8) The Greek word for “bowels” can also be joined to the Greek word pol·yʹ. The combination literally means “having much bowel.” This very rare Greek expression is used only once in the Bible, and it refers to Jehovah God. The New World Translation gives this rendering: “Jehovah is very tender in affection.”​—James 5:11.

How grateful we should be that the most powerful one in the universe, Jehovah God, is so unlike the cruel gods invented by uncompassionate men! In imitation of their “tenderly compassionate” God, true Christians are moved to act likewise in their dealings with one another.​—Ephesians 5:1.

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When divine compassion reached its limit, Jehovah allowed the Babylonians to conquer his wayward people

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Watching his beloved Son die must have caused Jehovah God the greatest pain that anyone has ever had to suffer

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Jesus perfectly reflected his Father’s compassionate personality

Be Tenderly Compassionate

“Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness.”​—COLOSSIANS 3:12.

1. Why is there a great need for compassion today?

NEVER before in history have so many people been in need of compassionate assistance. In the face of sickness, hunger, unemployment, crime, wars, anarchy, and natural disasters, millions need help. But there is a problem even more serious, and that is mankind’s desperate spiritual plight. Satan, who knows his time is short, “is misleading the entire inhabited earth.” (Revelation 12:9, 12) Hence, particularly those outside the true Christian congregation are in danger of losing their lives, and the Bible rules out any hope of a resurrection for those executed during God’s coming day of judgment.​—Matthew 25:31-33, 41, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9.

2. Why has Jehovah held back from destroying the wicked?

² Yet, until this late hour, Jehovah God continues to show patience and compassion toward the unthankful and the wicked. (Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:35, 36) He has done this for the same reason that he delayed punishing the unfaithful nation of Israel. “‘As I am alive,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. Turn back, turn back from your bad ways, for why is it that you should die, O house of Israel?’”​—Ezekiel 33:11.

3. What example do we have of Jehovah’s compassion for those not his people, and what do we learn from this?

³ Jehovah’s compassion was also extended to the wicked Ninevites. Jehovah sent his prophet Jonah to warn them of impending destruction. They reacted positively to Jonah’s preaching and repented. This moved the compassionate God, Jehovah, to hold back from destroying the city at that time. (Jonah 3:10; 4:11) If God felt sorry for the Ninevites, who would have had the possibility of a resurrection, how much more must he feel compassion for people who today face an everlasting destruction!​—Luke 11:32.

An Unprecedented Work of Compassion

4. How is Jehovah expressing compassion for people today?

⁴ In harmony with his compassionate personality, Jehovah has commissioned his Witnesses to keep visiting their neighbors with the “good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) And when people respond with appreciation to this lifesaving work, Jehovah opens their hearts to grasp the Kingdom message. (Matthew 11:25; Acts 16:14) In imitation of their God, true Christians show tender compassion by calling back on interested ones, helping them, where possible, by means of a Bible study. Thus, in 1993, over four and a half million Witnesses of Jehovah, in 231 countries, spent more than one billion hours preaching from house to house and studying the Bible with their neighbors. These newly interested ones, in turn, have the opportunity of dedicating their lives to Jehovah and joining the ranks of his baptized Witnesses. Thus, they too commit themselves to this unprecedented work of compassion in behalf of prospective disciples still trapped in Satan’s dying world.​—Matthew 28:19, 20; John 14:12.

5. When divine compassion has reached its limit, what will happen to religion that misrepresents God?

⁵ Soon Jehovah will act as “a manly person of war.” (Exodus 15:3) Out of compassion for his name and for his people, he will clear away wickedness and establish a righteous new world. (2 Peter 3:13) The first to experience God’s day of wrath will be the churches of Christendom. Even as God did not spare his own temple in Jerusalem from the hand of the king of Babylon, so he will not spare religious organizations that have misrepresented him. God will put it into the heart of members of the United Nations to desolate Christendom and all other forms of false religion. (Revelation 17:16, 17) “And as for me,” Jehovah declares, “my eye will not feel sorry, neither shall I show compassion. Their way I shall certainly bring upon their own head.”​—Ezekiel 9:5, 10.

6. In what ways are Jehovah’s Witnesses moved to show compassion?

⁶ While there is still time, Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to show compassion for their neighbors by zealously preaching God’s message of salvation. And naturally, where possible, they also help people who are in material need. In this regard, though, their first responsibility is to care for the needs of close family members and those related to them in the faith. (Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8) The many relief missions performed by Jehovah’s Witnesses in behalf of fellow believers who have suffered various disasters have been striking examples of compassion. Nevertheless, Christians do not have to wait for a crisis before showing tender compassion. They quickly display this quality in dealing with the ups and downs of daily living.

Part of the New Personality

7. (a) At Colossians 3:8-13, how is compassion linked with the new personality? (b) What does tender affection make it easier for Christians to do?

⁷ It is true that our sinful nature and the bad influence of Satan’s world are obstacles to our being tenderly compassionate. That is why the Bible urges us to put away “wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk.” Instead we are counseled to ‘clothe ourselves with the new personality’​—a personality that conforms to God’s image. First of all, we are commanded to clothe ourselves “with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.” The Bible then shows us a practical way to manifest these qualities. “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.” It is much easier to be forgiving if we have cultivated the ‘tender affection of compassion’ for our brothers.​—Colossians 3:8-13.

8. Why is it important to have a forgiving spirit?

⁸ On the other hand, the failure to display compassionate forgiveness jeopardizes our relationship with Jehovah. This was forcefully shown by Jesus in his illustration of the unforgiving slave, put in jail by his master “until he should pay back all that was owing.” The slave deserved this treatment because he shockingly failed to show compassion for a fellow slave who begged for mercy. Jesus concluded the illustration by saying: “In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with you if you do not forgive each one his brother from your hearts.”​—Matthew 18:34, 35.

9. How is tender compassion related to the most important aspect of the new personality?

⁹ Being tenderly compassionate is an important aspect of love. And love is the identifying mark of true Christianity. (John 13:35) Hence, the Bible’s description of the new personality concludes: “Besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”​—Colossians 3:14.

Envy​—An Obstacle to Compassion

10. (a) What may cause jealousy to take root in our hearts? (b) What bad results can come from jealousy?

¹⁰ Because of our sinful human nature, feelings of envy can easily take root in our hearts. A brother or a sister may be blessed with natural abilities or material advantages that we do not have. Or perhaps someone has received special spiritual blessings and privileges. If we become envious of such ones, will we be able to treat them with tender compassion? Probably not. Instead, jealous feelings may eventually manifest themselves in critical talk or unkind acts, for Jesus said of humans: “Out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Others may side with such criticism. Thus the peace of a family or a congregation of God’s people could be disrupted.

11. How did Joseph’s ten brothers crowd compassion out of their hearts, and with what result?

¹¹ Consider what happened in one large family. Jacob’s ten oldest sons grew jealous of their younger brother Joseph because he was their father’s favorite. As a result, “they were not able to speak peacefully to him.” Later, Joseph was blessed with divine dreams, proving that he had Jehovah’s favor. This gave his brothers “further reason to hate him.” Because they did not root out jealousy from their hearts, it crowded out compassion and led to serious sin.​—Genesis 37:4, 5, 11.

12, 13. What should we do when feelings of jealousy enter our heart?

¹² Cruelly, they sold Joseph into slavery. In an attempt to cover up their wrongdoing, they deceived their father into thinking that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Years later their sin came to light when they were forced by famine to go down to Egypt and buy food. The food administrator, whom they did not recognize to be Joseph, accused them of spying and told them not to seek his help again unless they brought their youngest brother, Benjamin. By this time Benjamin had become their father’s favorite, and they knew that Jacob would not want to let him go.

¹³ So while standing before Joseph, their consciences moved them to admit: “Unquestionably we are guilty with regard to our brother [Joseph], because we saw the distress of his soul when he implored compassion on our part, but we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” (Genesis 42:21) By his compassionate yet firm dealings, Joseph helped his brothers prove the genuineness of their repentance. Then he revealed his identity to them and generously forgave them. Family unity was restored. (Genesis 45:4-8) As Christians, we should learn a lesson from this. Knowing the bad consequences of envy, we should pray to Jehovah for help in replacing jealous feelings with the ‘tender affection of compassion.’

Other Obstacles to Compassion

14. Why should we avoid unnecessary exposure to violence?

¹⁴ Another obstacle to our being compassionate can result from unnecessarily exposing ourselves to violence. Sports and entertainment that feature violence promote bloodlust. In Bible times, pagans regularly watched gladiatorial contests and other forms of human torture in the arenas of the Roman Empire. Such entertainment, according to one historian, “destroyed the nerve of sympathy for suffering which distinguishes the human from the brute creation.” Much of the entertainment in today’s modern world has the same effect. Christians, who strive to be tenderly compassionate, need to be highly selective in their choice of reading matter, motion pictures, and TV programs. Wisely they keep in mind the words of Psalm 11:5: “Anyone loving violence [Jehovah] certainly hates.”

15. (a) How may a person betray a serious lack of compassion? (b) How do true Christians respond to the needs of fellow believers and neighbors?

¹⁵ A self-centered person is also likely to lack compassion. This is serious, as the apostle John explains: “Whoever has this world’s means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17) A similar lack of compassion was shown by the self-righteous priest and the Levite in Jesus’ illustration of the neighborly Samaritan. On seeing the plight of their half-dead Jewish brother, these crossed to the other side of the road and continued on their way. (Luke 10:31, 32) On the contrary, compassionate Christians respond quickly to the material and spiritual needs of their brothers. And like the Samaritan of Jesus’ illustration, they are also concerned about the needs of strangers. Thus they gladly give of their time, energy, and means to advance the disciple-making work. In this manner they contribute to the salvation of millions.​—1 Timothy 4:16.

Compassion for the Sick

16. What limitations do we encounter in dealing with cases of sickness?

¹⁶ Sickness is the lot of imperfect, dying mankind. Christians are no exception, and most of them are not medical professionals, nor can they perform miracles as did some early Christians who received such powers from Christ and his apostles. With the death of Christ’s apostles and their immediate associates, such miraculous powers passed away. Hence, our ability to aid those who suffer from physical sickness, including brain dysfunction and hallucinations, is limited.​—Acts 8:13, 18; 1 Corinthians 13:8.

17. What lesson do we learn from the way the sick and bereaved man Job was treated?

¹⁷ Depression often accompanies illness. For example, God-fearing Job was very depressed because of severe sickness and the calamities that Satan brought upon him. (Job 1:18, 19; 2:7; 3:3, 11-13) He needed friends who would treat him with tender compassion and who would “speak consolingly.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Instead, three so-called comforters visited him and jumped to wrong conclusions. They aggravated Job’s depressed state by suggesting that his calamities were due to some fault of his own. Being tenderly compassionate, Christians will avoid falling into a similar trap when fellow believers are sick or depressed. Sometimes, the main thing that such ones need is a few kindly visits from elders or other mature Christians who will listen with a sympathetic ear, show understanding, and provide loving Scriptural counsel.​—Romans 12:15; James 1:19.

Compassion for the Weak

18, 19. (a) How should elders deal with weak or erring ones? (b) Even if it is necessary to form a judicial committee, why is it important for elders to treat wrongdoers with tender compassion?

¹⁸ Elders especially must be tenderly compassionate. (Acts 20:29, 35) “We . . . who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong,” the Bible commands. (Romans 15:1) Being imperfect, all of us make mistakes. (James 3:2) Tenderness is needed in dealing with one who “takes some false step before he is aware of it.” (Galatians 6:1) Never do the elders want to be like the self-righteous Pharisees who were unreasonable in their application of God’s Law.

¹⁹ In contrast, elders follow the tenderly compassionate examples of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Their main work is to nourish, encourage, and refresh God’s sheep. (Isaiah 32:1, 2) Instead of trying to control matters by a multitude of rules, they appeal to the fine principles in God’s Word. Hence, the function of the elders should be to build up, to bring joy and appreciation for Jehovah’s goodness to the hearts of their brothers. If a fellow believer makes some minor error, an elder usually will avoid correcting him in the hearing of others. If it is necessary to talk at all, tender feelings of compassion will move the elder to take that one aside and discuss the problem out of earshot of others. (Compare Matthew 18:15.) No matter how difficult someone may be to get along with, the elder’s approach should be patient and helpful. Never does he want to look for excuses to throw such a one out of the congregation. Even when it is necessary to form a judicial committee, the elders will show tender compassion in dealing with the person involved in serious wrongdoing. Their gentleness may help bring that one to repentance.​—2 Timothy 2:24-26.

20. When are emotional expressions of compassion inappropriate, and why?

²⁰ There are times, however, when a servant of Jehovah cannot show compassion. (Compare Deuteronomy 13:6-9.) For a Christian to “quit mixing in company” with a close friend or relative who has been disfellowshipped can be a real test. In such a case, it is important that one not give in to feelings of pity. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) Such firmness may even encourage the erring one to repent. Further, in dealing with the opposite sex, Christians must avoid inappropriate displays of compassion that could lead to sexual immorality.

21. In what other areas do we need to show tender compassion, and what are the benefits?

²¹ Space does not allow us to discuss all the many areas in which tender compassion is needed​—in dealing with the elderly, the bereaved, those undergoing persecution from unbelieving mates. Hardworking elders should likewise be treated with tender compassion. (1 Timothy 5:17) Respect them and give them support. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) “All of you be . . . tenderly compassionate,” wrote the apostle Peter. (1 Peter 3:8) By acting in this manner in all situations that require it, we promote unity and happiness in the congregation and draw outsiders to the truth. Above all, we thereby honor our tenderly compassionate Father, Jehovah.

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UNCOMPASSIONATE PHARISEES

THE Sabbath day of rest was meant to be a spiritual and physical blessing for God’s people. Jewish religious leaders, however, made many rules that dishonored God’s Sabbath law and made it burdensome for the people. For example, if anyone had an accident or suffered from sickness, he could not receive help on the Sabbath unless his life was in danger.

One school of Pharisees was so strict in its interpretation of the Sabbath law that it said: “One does not comfort mourners, nor does one visit sick people on the Sabbath.” Other religious leaders allowed such visits on the Sabbath but stipulated: “Tears are forbidden.”

Thus, Jesus rightly condemned the Jewish religious leaders for overlooking the more important requirements of the Law, such as justice, love, and mercy. No wonder he said to the Pharisees: “You make the word of God invalid by your tradition”!​—Mark 7:8, 13; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42.

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In 231 lands Jehovah’s Witnesses are carrying out an unprecedented work of compassion in people’s homes, in the streets, even in prisons

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Exposure to violence, such as that on TV, undermines tender compassion