“Jehovah, a God Merciful and Gracious”

“Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.”—EXODUS 34:6.

1. (a) What comfort does the Bible provide for those who have seen loved ones stray from pure worship? (b) How does Jehovah view erring ones?

“MY DAUGHTER told me that she no longer wanted to be part of the Christian congregation,” says one Christian father. “For days, weeks, even months afterward, I felt a gnawing pain in my body. It was worse than death.” It is indeed distressing to see a loved one stray from the path of pure worship. Have you had such an experience? If so, you will be comforted to know that Jehovah has empathy for you. (Exodus 3:7; Isaiah 63:9) But how does he view such erring ones? The Bible shows that Jehovah mercifully invites them to be restored to his favor. He implored the rebellious Jews of Malachi’s day: “Return to me, and I will return to you.”—Malachi 3:7.

2. How does the Bible show that mercy is an intrinsic part of Jehovah’s personality?

² God’s mercy was highlighted for Moses on Mount Sinai. There, Jehovah revealed himself as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6) This declaration emphasizes that mercy is an intrinsic part of Jehovah’s personality. He “desires all to attain to repentance,” wrote the Christian apostle Peter. (2 Peter 3:9) Of course, God’s mercy is not limitless. “By no means will he give exemption from punishment,” Moses was told. (Exodus 34:7; 2 Peter 2:9) Nevertheless, “God is love,” and mercy is a large facet of that quality. (1 John 4:8; James 3:17) Jehovah will not “hold onto his anger forever,” and he is “delighting in loving-kindness.”—Micah 7:18, 19.

3. How did Jesus’ view of mercy contrast with that of the scribes and Pharisees?

³ Jesus was a perfect reflection of his heavenly Father. (John 5:19) His merciful treatment of wrongdoers was not a condoning of their sins but an expression of the same tender feelings he manifested toward the physically ill. (Compare Mark 1:40, 41.) Yes, Jesus placed mercy among the “weightier matters” of God’s Law. (Matthew 23:23) In contrast, consider the scribes and Pharisees, whose legalistic notions of justice usually eliminated mercy altogether. When they saw Jesus having dealings with sinners, they complained: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1, 2) Jesus answered his accusers with three illustrations, each of which underscores God’s mercy.

4. What two illustrations did Jesus relate, and what was the point of each?

⁴ First, Jesus told of a man who left 99 sheep to search for one that was lost. His point? “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance.” Next, Jesus told of a woman who searched for a lost drachma coin and rejoiced upon finding it. His application? “Joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” Jesus related his third illustration in the form of a parable.a It has come to be regarded by many as the finest short story ever told. A consideration of this parable will help us appreciate and imitate God’s mercy.—Luke 15:3-10.

A Rebellious Son Leaves Home

5, 6. How did the younger son in Jesus’ third illustration display a shocking lack of appreciation?

⁵ “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the part of the property that falls to my share.’ Then he divided his means of living to them. Later, after not many days, the younger son gathered all things together and traveled abroad into a distant country, and there squandered his property by living a debauched life.”—Luke 15:11-13.b

⁶ The younger son here displayed a shocking lack of appreciation. First, he demanded his inheritance, and then he squandered it “by living a debauched life.” The expression “debauched life” is translated from a Greek word that means “riotous living.” One scholar says that the word “expresses the utmost abandonment of character.” With good reason, the young man in Jesus’ parable is often called a prodigal, a word that describes a person who is recklessly extravagant and wasteful.

7. Who today resemble the prodigal, and why do many such individuals seek independence in “a distant country”?

⁷ Are there people today who resemble the prodigal? Yes. Sadly, a relatively small number have left the secure “home” of our heavenly Father, Jehovah. (1 Timothy 3:15) Some of these feel that the environment of God’s household is too restrictive, that Jehovah’s watchful eye is more of a hindrance than a protection. (Compare Psalm 32:8.) Consider one Christian woman who was brought up according to Bible principles but who later became involved with abuse of alcohol and drugs. Looking back on that dark period in her life, she says: “I wanted to prove that I could make a better life for myself. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and I did not want anyone to tell me differently.” Like the prodigal, this young woman sought independence. Tragically, for her unscriptural practices she had to be expelled from the Christian congregation.—1 Corinthians 5:11-13.

8. (a) What assistance can be offered to those who desire to live contrary to God’s standards? (b) Why should one give sobering consideration to one’s choice in the matter of worship?

⁸ It is truly heartbreaking when a fellow believer manifests a desire to live contrary to God’s standards. (Philippians 3:18) When this happens, elders and others with spiritual qualifications strive to readjust the erring one. (Galatians 6:1) Nevertheless, no one is forced to accept the yoke of Christian discipleship. (Matthew 11:28-30; 16:24) When they come of age, even youths must make a personal choice in the matter of worship. Ultimately, each one of us is a free moral agent who will render an account to God for himself. (Romans 14:12) Of course, we will also ‘reap what we sow’—a lesson that the prodigal in Jesus’ parable was soon to learn.—Galatians 6:7, 8.

Despair in a Distant Country

9, 10. (a) What change of circumstance did the prodigal experience, and how did he react to it? (b) Illustrate how some today who abandon true worship experience a plight similar to the prodigal’s.

⁹ “When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he started to be in need. He even went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to herd swine. And he used to desire to be filled with the carob pods which the swine were eating, and no one would give him anything.”—Luke 15:14-16.

¹⁰ Although he was destitute, the prodigal did not yet consider returning home. Instead, he met a citizen who gave him a job herding swine. Since the Mosaic Law stipulated that pigs were unclean animals, such employment would likely be unacceptable to a Jew. (Leviticus 11:7, 8) But if the prodigal felt any stirrings of conscience, he had to stifle them. After all, he could not expect his employer, a local citizen, to be bothered with the feelings of a down-and-out foreigner. The plight of the prodigal is similar to the experience of many today who abandon the straight path of pure worship. Often, such ones become involved in activities that they previously would have considered degrading. For example, at the age of 17, one young man rebelled against his Christian upbringing. “Immorality and abuse of drugs erased years of Bible-based teachings,” he admits. Soon, this young man found himself in prison for armed robbery and murder. Although he later made a spiritual recovery, what a heavy price he had to pay for “the temporary enjoyment of sin”!—Compare Hebrews 11:24-26.

11. How was the prodigal’s dilemma compounded, and how have some today found the world’s allurements to be an “empty deception”?

¹¹ The prodigal’s dilemma was compounded by the fact that “no one would give him anything.” Where were his newfound friends? Now that he was penniless, he was as if “an object of hatred” to them. (Proverbs 14:20) Likewise, many today who stray from the faith discover that the allurements and views of this world amount to “empty deception.” (Colossians 2:8) “I suffered much pain and heartache without Jehovah’s guidance,” says one young woman who for a time left God’s organization. “I tried to fit in with the world, but because I was not truly like others, they rejected me. I felt like a lost child who needed a father to guide me. That is when I realized that I needed Jehovah. I never wanted to live independent of him again.” The prodigal in Jesus’ illustration came to a similar realization.

The Prodigal Comes to His Senses

12, 13. What factors have helped some today to come to their senses? (See box.)

¹² “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many hired men of my father are abounding with bread, while I am perishing here from famine! I will rise and journey to my father and say to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.”’ So he rose and went to his father.”—Luke 15:17-20.

¹³ The prodigal “came to his senses.” For a time, he had been indulging in pleasure-seeking, as if living in a dreamworld. But now he became keenly aware of his true spiritual condition. Yes, even though he had fallen, there was still hope for this young man. Something good could be found in him. (Proverbs 24:16; compare 2 Chronicles 19:2, 3.) What about those who leave God’s flock today? Would it be reasonable to conclude that they all are beyond hope, that in every case their rebellious course proves that they have sinned against God’s holy spirit? (Matthew 12:31, 32) Not necessarily. A number of them are tormented by their wayward course, and in time many of these come to their senses. “I never, even for one day, forgot about Jehovah,” says one sister, reflecting on the time she spent away from God’s organization. “I always prayed that somehow, someday, he would accept me back to the truth.”—Psalm 119:176.

14. What resolve did the prodigal make, and how did he show humility in doing so?

¹⁴ But what can those who have strayed do about their situation? In Jesus’ parable the prodigal decided to journey back home and beg for his father’s forgiveness. “Make me as one of your hired men,” the prodigal resolved to say. A hired servant was a day laborer who could be dismissed on a day’s notice. This was even lower than a slave who was, in a sense, like a member of the family. So the prodigal did not have in mind asking that he be restored to his former status as a son. He would be quite willing to accept the lowest position in order to prove his renewed loyalty to his father day by day. However, the prodigal was in for a surprise.

A Heartwarming Reception

15-17. (a) How did the father react upon seeing his son? (b) What is signified by the robe, ring, and sandals that the father provided for his son? (c) What is shown by the father’s arranging for a feast?

¹⁵ “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. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves, because this my son was dead and came to life again; he was lost and was found.’ And they started to enjoy themselves.”—Luke 15:20-24.

¹⁶ Any loving parent would long for the spiritual recovery of a child. Hence, we can just imagine the father of the prodigal gazing each day down the path in front of his house, anxiously hoping for his son’s return. Now he catches sight of his son coming up the path! The lad’s appearance was undoubtedly altered. Still, the father recognizes him while he is “yet a long way off.” He sees beyond the tattered clothing and the dejected spirit; he sees his son, and he runs to meet him!

¹⁷ When the father reached his son, he fell upon his son’s neck and tenderly kissed him. Then he commanded his slaves to provide his son with a robe, a ring, and sandals. This robe was not merely a simple article of clothing, but “the best one”—perhaps a richly embroidered vestment of the sort presented to an honored guest. Since a ring and sandals were not usually seen on slaves, the father was making it clear that his son was being welcomed back as a full-fledged family member. But the father did still more. He ordered a feast to celebrate the return of his son. Clearly, this man was not forgiving his son begrudgingly or simply because the return of his son made it obligatory; he wanted to extend forgiveness. It made him rejoice.

18, 19. (a) What does the parable of the prodigal son teach you about Jehovah? (b) As shown in his dealings with Judah and Jerusalem, how does Jehovah “keep in expectation” of a sinner’s return?

¹⁸ Thus far, what does the parable of the prodigal son teach us about the God whom we are privileged to worship? First, that Jehovah is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6) Indeed, mercy is a salient quality of God. It is his normal way of reacting toward those in need. Then, Jesus’ parable teaches us that Jehovah is “ready to forgive.” (Psalm 86:5) He is on the lookout, as it were, to observe any change of heart on the part of sinful humans that would provide a basis for him to extend mercy.—2 Chronicles 12:12; 16:9.

¹⁹ Think, for example, of God’s dealings with Israel. The prophet Isaiah was inspired by Jehovah to describe Judah and Jerusalem as ‘sick from head to foot.’ Yet, he also said: “Jehovah will keep in expectation of showing you favor, and therefore he will rise up to show you mercy.” (Isaiah 1:5, 6; 30:18; 55:7; Ezekiel 33:11) Like the father in Jesus’ parable, Jehovah ‘watches the path,’ as it were. He keenly anticipates the return of any who have left his house. Is this not what we would expect of a loving father?—Psalm 103:13.

20, 21. (a) In what way are many today being drawn by God’s mercy? (b) What will be discussed in the following article?

²⁰ Each year, Jehovah’s mercy draws many to come to their senses and return to true worship. What joy this brings to their loved ones! Take, for example, the Christian father mentioned at the outset. Happily, his daughter made a spiritual recovery and now serves as a full-time minister. “I’m as happy as a person can be in this old system of things,” he says. “My tears of sorrow have been changed to tears of joy.” Surely, Jehovah rejoices as well!—Proverbs 27:11.

²¹ But there is more to the parable of the prodigal. Jesus continued his story so that he could contrast Jehovah’s mercy with the rigid, judgmental stance common among the scribes and Pharisees. How he did so—and what this means for us—will be discussed in the following article.

Imitate Jehovah’s Mercy

“Continue becoming merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”—LUKE 6:36.

1. How did the Pharisees show themselves to be merciless?

ALTHOUGH created in God’s image, humans often fail to imitate his mercy. (Genesis 1:27) For example, consider the Pharisees. As a group, they could not bring themselves to rejoice when Jesus mercifully cured a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath. Instead, they took counsel against Jesus “that they might destroy him.” (Matthew 12:9-14) On another occasion, Jesus healed a man who was blind from birth. Once again, “some of the Pharisees” found no cause for joy in Jesus’ compassion. Instead, they complained: “This is not a man from God, because he does not observe the Sabbath.”—John 9:1-7, 16.

2, 3. What did Jesus mean by the statement, “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees”?

² The coldhearted attitude of the Pharisees constituted a crime against humanity and a sin against God. (John 9:39-41) With good reason, Jesus warned his disciples, “Watch out for the leaven” of this elitist group and other religionists, such as the Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6) Leaven is used in the Bible to represent sin or corruption. So Jesus was saying that the teaching of the “scribes and Pharisees” could corrupt pure worship. How? In that it taught people to view God’s Law solely in terms of their arbitrary rules and rituals, while ignoring “the weightier matters,” including mercy. (Matthew 23:23) This ritualistic form of religion made worship of God an intolerable burden.

³ In the second part of his parable of the prodigal, Jesus exposed the corrupt thinking of the Jewish religious leaders. In the parable the father, who represents Jehovah, was eager to forgive his repentant son. But the boy’s older brother, who typified “the Pharisees and the scribes,” had completely different feelings on the matter.—Luke 15:2.

A Brother’s Wrath

4, 5. In what sense was the prodigal’s brother “lost”?

⁴ “Now his older son was in the field; and as he came and got near the house he heard a music concert and dancing. So he called one of the servants to him and inquired what these things meant. He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father slaughtered the fattened young bull, because he got him back in good health.’ But he became wrathful and was unwilling to go in.”—Luke 15:25-28.

⁵ Clearly, the prodigal was not the only one in Jesus’ parable who had a problem. “Both the sons here sketched are lost,” says one reference work, “the one through the unrighteousness that degrades him, the other through the self-righteousness which blinds him.” Note that the prodigal’s brother not only refused to rejoice but also “became wrathful.” The Greek root for “wrath” suggests, not so much an outburst of anger, but an abiding condition of the mind. Apparently, the prodigal’s brother harbored a deep-seated resentment, so he felt it was inappropriate to celebrate the return of someone who should never have left home in the first place.

6. Whom does the prodigal’s brother represent, and why?

⁶ The prodigal’s brother well represents those who resented the compassion and attention that Jesus accorded sinners. These self-righteous ones were not touched by Jesus’ mercy; neither did they reflect the joy in heaven that arises when a sinner is forgiven. Instead, Jesus’ mercy provoked their wrath, and they began “thinking wicked things” in their hearts. (Matthew 9:2-4) On one occasion the anger of some Pharisees was so intense that they summoned a man whom Jesus had healed and then “threw him out” of the synagogue—apparently expelling him! (John 9:22, 34) Like the prodigal’s brother, who was “unwilling to go in,” the Jewish religious leaders balked when they had opportunity to “rejoice with people who rejoice.” (Romans 12:15) Jesus further exposed their wicked reasoning as he continued his parable.

Faulty Reasoning

7, 8. (a) In what way did the prodigal’s brother miss the meaning of sonship? (b) How was the older son unlike his father?

⁷ “Then his father came out and began to entreat him. In reply he said to his father, ‘Here it is so many years I have slaved for you and never once did I transgress your commandment, and yet to me you never once gave a kid for me to enjoy myself with my friends. But as soon as this your son who ate up your means of living with harlots arrived, you slaughtered the fattened young bull for him.’”—Luke 15:28-30.

⁸ With these words, the prodigal’s brother made it clear that he had missed the true meaning of sonship. He served his father much the way an employee serves his employer. As he told his father: “I have slaved for you.” True, this eldest son had never left home or transgressed his father’s commandment. But was his obedience motivated by love? Did he find real joy in serving his father, or had he instead drifted into smug complacency, believing himself to be a good son simply because he performed his duties “in the field”? If he was truly a devoted son, why did he fail to reflect his father’s mind? When given opportunity to show mercy to his brother, why was there no room for compassion in his heart? —Compare Psalm 50:20-22.

9. Explain how the Jewish religious leaders resembled the older son.

⁹ The Jewish religious leaders resembled this older son. They believed that they were loyal to God because they strictly adhered to a code of laws. Granted, obedience is vital. (1 Samuel 15:22) But their overemphasis on works turned worship of God into a bookish routine, a mere shell of devotion with no true spirituality. Their minds were obsessed with traditions. Their hearts were loveless. Why, they regarded common folk like the dirt beneath their feet, even contemptuously referring to them as “accursed people.” (John 7:49) Really, how could God be impressed with the works of such leaders when their hearts were far removed from him?—Matthew 15:7, 8.

10. (a) Why were the words, “I want mercy, and not sacrifice” appropriate counsel? (b) How serious a matter is a lack of mercy?

¹⁰ Jesus told the Pharisees to “go . . . and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice.’” (Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6) Their priorities were confused, for without mercy all their sacrifices would be worthless. This is indeed a serious matter, for the Bible states that the “merciless” are counted among those viewed by God as “deserving of death.” (Romans 1:31, 32) Not surprisingly, therefore, Jesus said that as a class the religious leaders were destined for everlasting destruction. Evidently, their mercilessness contributed largely to their meriting this judgment. (Matthew 23:33) But perhaps individuals from this class could be reached. In the conclusion of his parable, Jesus strove to readjust the thinking of such Jews through the words of the father to his older son. Let us see how.

A Father’s Mercy

11, 12. How does the father in Jesus’ parable try to reason with his oldest son, and what might be significant in the father’s use of the phrase “your brother”?

¹¹ “Then he said to him, ‘Child, you have always been with me, and all the things that are mine are yours; but we just had to enjoy ourselves and rejoice, because this your brother was dead and came to life, and he was lost and was found.’”—Luke 15:31, 32.

¹² Notice that the father used the expression “your brother.” Why? Well, recall that earlier, in speaking to his father, the older boy had called the prodigal “your son”—not “my brother.” He did not seem to acknowledge the familial bond between himself and his sibling. So now the father is, in effect, saying to his older boy: ‘This is not just my son. He is your brother, your own flesh and blood. You have every reason to rejoice in his return!’ Jesus’ message should have been clear to the Jewish leaders. The sinners whom they despised were in reality their “brothers.” Indeed, “there is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) The prominent Jews had every reason, then, to rejoice when sinners repented.

13. The abrupt ending of Jesus’ parable leaves us with what sobering question?

¹³ After the father’s plea, the parable abruptly ends. It is as if Jesus is inviting his listeners to write their own ending to the story. Whatever the older son’s response was, each listener was faced with the question, ‘Will you share in the joy that is experienced in heaven when a sinner repents?’ Christians today also have opportunity to demonstrate their answer to that question. How?

Imitating God’s Mercy Today

14. (a) How can we apply Paul’s counsel found at Ephesians 5:1 when it comes to the matter of mercy? (b) What misunderstanding concerning God’s mercy do we need to guard against?

¹⁴ Paul admonished the Ephesians: “Become imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) Hence, as Christians we should come to appreciate God’s mercy, implant it deeply into our hearts, and then display this quality in our dealings with others. However, a caution is in order. God’s mercy should not be misinterpreted as a soft-pedaling of sin. For example, there are some who might nonchalantly reason, ‘If I commit a sin, I can always pray to God for forgiveness, and he will be merciful.’ Such an attitude would amount to what the Bible writer Jude called “turning the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for loose conduct.” (Jude 4) Although Jehovah is merciful, “by no means will he give exemption from punishment” when dealing with unrepentant wrongdoers.—Exodus 34:7; compare Joshua 24:19; 1 John 5:16.

15. (a) Why do elders in particular need to maintain a balanced view of mercy? (b) While not tolerating willful wrongdoing, what should the elders endeavor to do, and why?

¹⁵ On the other hand, we need to be just as careful in guarding against the other extreme—a tendency of becoming rigid and judgmental toward those who manifest genuine repentance and godly sadness over their sins. (2 Corinthians 7:11) Since elders are entrusted with the care of Jehovah’s sheep, it is essential that they maintain a balanced view in this regard, especially when handling judicial matters. The Christian congregation must be kept clean, and it is Scripturally proper to “remove the wicked man” by means of disfellowshipping. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) At the same time, it is fine to extend mercy when there is a clear basis for it. So while elders do not tolerate willful wrongdoing, they strive to seek a loving and merciful course, within the bounds of justice. They are ever aware of the Bible principle: “The one that does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy exults triumphantly over judgment.”—James 2:13; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 5:7.

16. (a) Using the Bible, show how Jehovah truly desires erring ones to return to him. (b) How can we demonstrate that we too welcome the return of repentant sinners?

¹⁶ The parable of the prodigal makes it clear that Jehovah desires erring ones to return to him. Indeed, he holds the invitation out to them until they prove themselves beyond hope. (Ezekiel 33:11; Malachi 3:7; Romans 2:4, 5; 2 Peter 3:9) Like the prodigal’s father, Jehovah treats with dignity those who do return, accepting them back as full-fledged members of the family. Are you imitating Jehovah in this regard? When a fellow believer, who for a time was disfellowshipped, is reinstated, how do you respond? We already know that there is “joy in heaven.” (Luke 15:7) But is there joy on earth, in your congregation, even in your heart? Or, as with the older son in the parable, is there some resentment, as if no welcome is merited for one who should not have left God’s flock in the first place?

17. (a) What situation developed in first-century Corinth, and how did Paul advise those in the congregation to handle the matter? (b) Why was Paul’s admonition practical, and how can we apply it today? (See also box at right.)

¹⁷ To help us examine ourselves in this regard, consider what happened about the year 55 C.E. in Corinth. There, a man who had been expelled from the congregation finally cleaned up his life. What were the brothers to do? Should they view his repentance with skepticism and continue shunning him? On the contrary, Paul urged the Corinthians: “You should kindly forgive and comfort him, that somehow such a man may not be swallowed up by his being overly sad. Therefore I exhort you to confirm your love for him.” (2 Corinthians 2:7, 8) Often, repentant wrongdoers are particularly susceptible to feelings of disgrace and despair. Hence, these ones need to be reassured that they are loved by their fellow believers and by Jehovah. (Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 1:12) This is vital. Why?

18, 19. (a) How did the Corinthians earlier show themselves to be too lenient? (b) How could a merciless attitude have resulted in the Corinthians’ being “overreached by Satan”?

¹⁸ In exhorting the Corinthians to practice forgiveness, Paul gave as one of the reasons that “we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) What did he mean? Well, earlier Paul had to reprove the Corinthian congregation for being too lenient. They had permitted this same man to carry on his sin with impunity. In doing so, the congregation—in particular its elders—played into Satan’s hands, for he would have loved to bring the congregation into a condition of disrepute.—1 Corinthians 5:1-5.

¹⁹ If they now swung to the other extreme and refused to forgive the repentant one, Satan would be overreaching them in another direction. How? In that he could take advantage of their being harsh and merciless. If the repentant sinner became “swallowed up by his being overly sad”—or as Today’s English Version renders it, “so sad as to give up completely”—what a heavy responsibility the elders would bear before Jehovah! (Compare Ezekiel 34:6; James 3:1) With good reason, after cautioning his followers against stumbling “one of these little ones,” Jesus said: “Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin give him a rebuke, and if he repents forgive him.”a—Luke 17:1-4.

20. In what way is there joy both in heaven and on earth when a sinner repents?

²⁰ The thousands who return to pure worship each year are grateful for the mercy that Jehovah has extended to them. “I do not recall a time in my life that I have ever been so happy about anything,” says one Christian sister of her reinstatement. Of course, her joy is echoed among the angels. May we too join in the “joy in heaven” that takes place when a sinner repents. (Luke 15:7) In doing so, we will be imitating Jehovah’s mercy.