Imitate Jesus' Humility and Tenderness

IMITATE JESUS' TENDERNESS

How can we imitate Jesus in showing tenderness? Our tender feelings.  Such emotions may not come naturally to us, but the Bible urges us to work  at cultivating them.  "The tender affections of compassion" are part of the new personality that all Christians are expected  to put on.  (Read Colossians 3:9, 10, 12)  How can you cultivate tender feelings for others? Open your heart wide. (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) Listen carefully where someone shares his feelings and concerns.  (James 1:19) Use your imagination and ask yourself: 'If I were in his situation, how would I feel?  What would I need? -1 Peter 3:8.

Our tender actions.  Tenderness move us to want to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who may be like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick. How can we help them? "Weep with those who weep," says Romans 12:15.  Downhearted ones may need empathy more than answers. One sister who felt comforted  by fellow believers after the loss of her daughter says:  "I appreciated it when friends came over and just cried with me." We can also show tender affection by doing kind deeds. Do you know of a widow who needs help with  repairs on her home?  Is there an elderly Christian who needs transportation  to get to the meetings, or go out in the ministry, or go to the doctor? Even a small act of kindness can make a big diffference in the life of a fellow worshipper in need.  (1 John 3:17, 18) Above all, we can show tender concern for others by having a full share  in the ministry.  There is no greater way to make a difference  in the lives of honesthearted ones! 

Our tender words. Our tender affection for others moves us to "speak consolingly to those who are depressed." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) What can we say to encourage such ones?  We can lift their spirits by expressing our genuine care and concern for them. We can offer sincere commendation to help them see their positive qualities and abilities. We can remind them that Jehovah drew them to  his Son, so they must be precious in his eyes.  (John 6:44)  We can reassure them that Jehovah deeply cares for his servants who are "brokenhearted" or crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)  Our tender words can have a healing effect  on those who need comfort. -Proverbs 16:24. 

Elders, Jehovah expects you to treat his sheep with tenderness.  (Acts 20:28, 29)  Remember, it is your responsibility to nourish, encourage, and refresh his sheep.  (Isaiah 32:1, 2; 1 Peter 5:2-4) Hence and elder who is tenderly compassionate does not try to control the sheep, making rules or using guilt to pressure them to do more  when their circumstances do not permit them to.  Rather, he endeavors  to bring joy to their hearts, trusting that their love for Jehovah will move them to serve him as fully as possible. -Matthew 22:37. 

As we reflect on Jesus' humility and tenderness, we are surely moved to keep on walking in his footsteps.  In the next article, we will discuss two more aspects of Jesus' appealing personality-courage and discernment. 

Next time: Imitate Jesus' Courage and Discernment 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015