Jehovah's Compassion For Individuals

The Law that God gave to the nation of Israel showed his compassion for individuals. Take, for example, his concern for the poor. Jehovah knew that unforeseen circumstances might arise that could plunge an Israelite into poverty. How were poor ones to be treated? Jehovah strictly commanded the Israelites: "You must not harden your heart or be closefisted toward your poor brother. You should by all means give to him, and your heart should not be stingy in your giving to him, because on this account Jehovah your God will bless you in every deed of yours." (Deuteronomy 15:7, 10) Jehovah further commanded that the Israelites not harvest the edges of their fields completely or pick up any leftovers. Such gleanings were for disadvantaged ones. (Leviticus 23:22; Ruth 2:2-7) When the nation observed this considerate legislation in behalf of the poor in their midst, needy individuals in Israel did not have to beg for food. What that not a reflection of Jehovah's tender compassion?

Today, too, our loving God is deeply concerned about us as individuals. We can be sure that he is keenly aware of any suffering we may undergo. The psalmist David wrote: "The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help. Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34:15, 18/) Regarding those described by these words, one Bible commentator notes: "They are of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, that is, humbled for sin, and emptied of self; they are low in their own eyes, and have no confidence in their own merit." Such ones may feel that Jehovah is far away and that they are too insignificant for him to care about them. But that is not the case. David's words assure us that Jehovah does not abandon those who are "low in their own eyes." Our compassionate God knows that at such times we need him more than ever, and he is near.

Consider an experience. A mother in the United States rushed her two-year old son to the hospital because he was suffering from a bad case of croup. After examining the boy, the doctors informed the mother that they would have to keep him in the hospital overnight. Where did the mother spend that night? IN a chair in the hospital room, right next to her son's bed! Her little boy was sick, and she just had to be near him. Surely we can expect even more from our loving heavenly Father! After all, we are made in his image. (Genesis 1:26) The touching words of Psalm 34:18 tell us that when we are "broken at heart" or "crushed in spirit," Jehovah, like a loving parent, "is near" -ever compassionate and ready to help.

How, then, does Jehovah help us as individuals? He does not necessarily remove the cause of our suffering. But Jehovah has made abundant provisions for those who cry out to him for help. His Word, the Bible offers practical counsel that can make a difference. In the congregation, Jehovah provides spiritually qualified overseers, who endeavor to reflect his compassion in helping fellow worshipers. (James 5:14<>

Of course, the greatest example of Jehovah's compassion is his giving the One dearest to him as a ransom for us. It was a loving sacrifice on Jehovah's part, and it opened the way for our salvation. Remember,that ransom provision provision applies to us personally. With good reason, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer, foretold that this provision magnified "the tender compassion of our God." -Luke 1:78.

Next time: When Jehovah Withholds Compassion

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002