IMITATE THE EXAMPLE SET BY JEHOVAH AND JESUS

14. In view of Ephesians 5:1, 2, what do we feel moved to do?

¹⁴ When we consider the example set by Jehovah and Jesus, we ourselves feel moved to try to show greater fellow feeling. (Read Ephesians 5:1, 2.) We cannot read hearts as they do. Even so, we can try to understand the emotions and needs of others. (2 Cor. 11:29) Unlike the selfish world around us, we strive to “look out not only for [our] own interests, but also for the interests of others.”​—Phil. 2:4.

15. Who in particular need to show fellow feeling?

¹⁵ Congregation elders in particular need to show fellow feeling. They know that they are accountable for the sheep entrusted to their care. (Heb. 13:17) To help their fellow believers, elders need to be understanding. How can elders demonstrate fellow feeling?

16. What does a sympathetic elder do, and why is this important?

¹⁶ A sympathetic elder spends time with his Christian brothers and sisters. He asks questions and then listens attentively and patiently. That is especially important if one of these dear sheep wants to pour out his heart but struggles to find the right words. (Prov. 20:5) By willingly giving of his time, an elder forms strong bonds of trust, friendship, and love with his brothers.​—Acts 20:37.

17. What do many brothers and sisters say that they most value in elders? Give an example.

¹⁷ Many brothers and sisters say that the quality they most value in congregation elders is their concern for the feelings of others. Why? “It is easier to talk to them because you know that they will understand you,” says Adelaide. She adds: “You can discern that they have fellow feeling for you by the way they respond when you talk with them.” A brother recalls appreciatively: “I saw tears well up in the eyes of one elder as he contemplated my situation. That image will always remain in my mind.”​—Rom. 12:15.

18. How can we develop fellow feeling for others?

¹⁸ Of course, elders are not the only ones who need to show fellow feeling. All of us can develop this quality. How? Try to understand what family members and fellow believers are going through. Take an interest in the teenagers in the congregation as well as in the sick, the elderly, and those who have lost loved ones in death. Ask how they are doing. Really listen as they express themselves. Help them sense that you truly understand what they are dealing with. Offer to help in whatever way you can. When we do this, we show genuine love in action.​—1 John 3:18.

19. Why do we need to be flexible when trying to help others?

¹⁹ We need to be flexible when trying to help others. Why? Because people react to hardship in different ways. Some are eager to talk, while others are more reserved. So we want to offer help, but we should avoid asking questions that are too personal. (1 Thess. 4:11) Even when others do open up, we may find that we do not always share their point of view. Yet, we need to recognize that this is how they feel. We want to be quick to listen and slow to speak.​—Matt. 7:1; Jas. 1:19.