Come Be My Follower - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site

156
“COMEBEMYFOLLOWER”
widow. What he saw touched him—yes, “he was moved
with pity for her.” No one had to implore him. The compassion
in his heart impelled him to take the initiative.
So “he approached and touched the bier,” and then he
restored the young man to life. What happened next? Jesus
did not ask the young man to join the large crowd
traveling with Him. Instead, Jesus “gave him to his mother,”
making them a family again and ensuring that the
widow would be cared for.—Luke 7:11-15.
13 How can we follow Jesus’ example? Of course, we cannot
provide food miraculously or restore the dead to life.
We can, however, imitate Jesus in taking the initiative to
help those in need. A fellow believer may suffer a severe
financial reversal or lose his job. (1 John 3:17) The home
of a widow may be in urgent need of repair. (James 1:27)
We may know of a bereaved family that needs comfort or
some practical aid. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) In cases of genuine
need, we do not have to wait to be asked before offering
some help. (Proverbs 3:27) Compassion will move
us to take appropriate initiative to assist, as our circumstances
allow. Never forget that a simple act of kindness
or a few words of comfort spoken from the heart can be
powerful expressions of compassion.—Colossians 3:12.
Compassion Moved Him to Preach
14 As we saw in Section 2 of this book, Jesus set an outstanding
example in preaching the good news. He said:
“I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God,
because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43) Why did he
give priority to this work? Primarily because of his love
13. How can we imitate Jesus in taking the appropriate initiative to
help those in need?
14. Why did Jesus give priority to the work of preaching the good
news?