Have Tender Affection for One Another” - “Jehovah Is Very Tender in Affection”

[Bible Speaks]

Have Tender Affection for One Another” - “Jehovah Is Very Tender in Affection”

Unpleasant experiences may have left some with the feeling that showing tender affection would lead only to further disappointment. 

It takes courage and strong faith for them to open their heart to others once again. But they should never forget that Jehovah “is not far off from each one of us.” He invites us to draw close to him. (Acts 17:27; James 4:8) 

He also understands our fear of being hurt, and he promises to stand by us and help us. The psalmist David assures us: “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”—Psalm 34:18

An intimate friendship with Jehovah is the most important relationship we can cultivate. But is such a bond really possible? Yes. 

The Bible reveals how very close righteous men and women felt to our heavenly Father. Their warm expressions have been preserved to give us confidence that we too can draw close to Jehovah.—Psalms 23, 34, 139; John 16:27; Romans 15:4

Jehovah’s requirements for intimacy with him are within the reach of everyone. “O Jehovah, who will be a guest in your tent?” asked David. “He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart.” (Psalm 15:1, 2; 25:14) 

As we see that serving God produces good fruit and wins us his guidance and protection, we will come to know that “Jehovah is very tender in affection.”—James 5:11

How blessed we are that Jehovah desires to have such a personal relationship with imperfect humans! 

Should we not then display tender affection for one another? With Jehovah’s help, each one of us can contribute to and enjoy the tender affection that is characteristic of our Christian brotherhood. 

Under God’s Kingdom, everyone on earth will share in this affection forever.