Imitate Jehovah's Compassion - Conclusion of JEHOVAH-THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF COMPASSION

Jesus was an excellent example of compassion.  He felt pity for the people because he saw that "they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd."   So, what did he do?  "He started to teach them many things."  (Matthew 9:36; read Mark 6:34)  In contrast, the Pharisees were not compassionate and did not want to help the people.  (Matthew 12:9-14; 23:4;  John 7:49) Like Jesus, do you have a deep desire to help people and teach them about Jehovah?

This does not  mean that it is always appropriate to show compassion.    For example, King Saul may have thought that he was showing compassion when he did not kill Agag, who was the king of Amalek and an enemy of God's people.  Saul also did not ill all the animals of the Amalekites.  But Jehovah had told Saul to kill all the Amalekites and all their animals. Because of Saul's disobedience, Jehovah rejected him as king.  (1 Samuel 15:3, 9, 15)  Jehovah is the righteous Judge.  He can read people's hearts, and he knows when compassion should not be shown.  (Lamentations  2:178;  Ezekiel 5:11)  Soon he will bring judgment on all those who refuse to obey him.  (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) That will not be the time for Jehovah to show compassion to the wicked.  However, by destroying them, he will compassion for the righteous, whom he will save.  

Of course, it is not our job to judge whether people should live or die.  Instead, we need to do all we can now to help the people. What are some practical ways that we can show compassion to others? Here are a few suggestions. 

Next time: Imitate Jehovah's  Compassion - HOW WE SHOW COMPASSION

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