Imitate Jehovah's Compassion

CULTIVATING  AND SHOWING APPROPRIATE COMPASSION

Be helpful in everyday life. Showing compassion for one's neighbor and Christian brothers is a basic requirement of those who strive to imitate Jesus.  (John 13:34, 35; 1 Peter 3:8)  One meaning of compassion is "to suffer together."  A person who shows compassion is moved to relieve other's suffering, perhaps by helping them out of their difficulties. Seek opportunities to do so!  For example, could you  help someone by offering to perform a necessary chore, maybe running an errand for him? -Matthew 7:12. 

Share in relief work. The sufferings of those struck by disasters move many to manifest compassion. Jehovah's people are known for coming forward to help in such times of need. (1 Peter 2:17)  One Japanese sister lived in an area that was seriously  damaged by the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. She says that she was "very encouraged and comforted" by the efforts of man volunteers from elsewhere in Japan and from overseas to repair property damage. She writes: "This experience helped me to realize that Jehovah cares.  And fellow Witnesses care about one another. Many brothers and sisters all over the world are praying for us."

Assist the sick and the elderly. When we see others experiencing the effects of Adamic sin, we are rightly moved to show compassion. We long to see sickness and aging brought to an end. So we pray for God's Kingdom to come. In the meantime, we do what we can to assist those in need.  Consider what one author wrote about his elderly mother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. One day, she soiled her cloths. As she was trying to clean up , the doorbell rang. The visitors turned out to be two Witnesses who regularly called on the woman.  The sisters asked if there  was anything they could do to help her clean up. Then they made her a cup of tea and stayed for a chat. The son was most grateful.  "Hats off to these Witnesses," he wrote. "They practice what they preach." Does you compassion for the sick and the elderly move you to do all you can to assist to lessen their suffering? -Philippians 2:3, 4.

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's Compassion -Conclusion of CULTIVATING AND SHOWING APPROPRIATE COMPASSION

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