When Jehovah Withholds Compassion

Are we to imagine that Jehovah's tender compassion is without limits? On the contrary, the Bible clearly shows that in the case of individuals who set themselves against his righteous ways, Jehovah rightly withholds compassion. (Hebrews 10:28) To see why he does so, recall the example of the nation of Israel.

Although Jehovah repeatedly delivered the Israelites from their enemies, his compassion eventually reached its limit. This stubborn people practice idolatry, even bringing their disgusting idols right into Jehovah's temple! (Ezekiel 5:11; 8:17, 18) Further, we are told: "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 36:16) The Israelites reached a point where there was no longer any proper basis for compassion, and they provoked Jehovah to righteous anger. With what result?

Jehovah could no longer feel compassion for his people. He proclaimed: "I shall show no compassion, nor feel any sorrow, and I shall not have the mercy to keep from bringing them to ruin." (Jeremiah 13:14) thus, Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, and the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. How tragic it is when sinful humans get so rebellious that they exhaust the limits of divine compassion! -Lamentations 2:21.

What about today? Jehovah has not changed. Out of compassion, he as commissioned his Witnesses to preach the " good news of the kingdom" in all the inhabited earth. (Matthew 24:14) When right hearted people respond, Jehovah helps them to grasp the Kingdom message. (Acts 16:14) But this work will not go on forever. It would hardly be compassionate for Jehovah to allow this wicked world, with all its misery and suffering, to continue indefinitely. When divine compassion has reached its limit, Jehovah will come to execute judgment on this system of things. Even then, he will be acting out of compassion-compassion for his "holy name" and for his devoted servants. (Ezekiel 36:20-23) Jehovah will clear away wickedness and usher in a righteous new world. Regarding the wicked, Jehovah declares: "My eye will not feel sorry, neither shall I show compassion. Their way, I shall certainly bring upon their own head." -Ezekiel 9:10.

Until then, Jehovah feels compassion for people, even those who face destruction. Sinful humans who are sincerely repentant can benefit from one of Jehovah's most compassionate provisions-forgiveness. In the next chapter, we will discuss some of the beautiful word pictures in the Bible that convey the completeness of Jehovah's forgiveness.

Next time: A God Who Is "Ready To Forgive"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002