WHAT IS NEGLECT? – ???

[Bible Speaks]

WHAT IS NEGLECT? ???

This word has the meaning of paying no attention to; disregarding; being remiss in care for or treatment of (someone or something); failure to carry out or perform (orders, duties, and so forth).

The word can carry the connotation of willfulness or deliberateness in such failure, or merely of oversight through indifference or carelessness. The Greek word a·me·le?o (from a, “not,” and me?lo, “care for”) contains more definitely the idea of unconcern, not caring, and not so much the thought of unintentional oversight or the overlooking of something. After describing the severe punishment for disobedience to the Mosaic Law, the apostle Paul says: “How shall we escape if we have neglected [Gr., a·me·le?san·tes, “having been unconcerned (of)”] a salvation of such greatness in that it began to be spoken through our Lord . . . while God joined in bearing witness?” Here he indicates that it is not the matter of an oversight, but the lack of concern, a ‘drifting away’ (vs 1), disobedience to the word of God spoken through his only-begotten Son.—Heb 2:1-4, Int.

Paul quotes Jehovah’s words concerning Israel wherein He spoke of the Law covenant, saying, “which covenant of mine they themselves broke, although I myself had husbandly ownership of them.” (Jer 31:32) In place of “although I myself had husbandly ownership of them,” the Septuagint reads: “and I stopped caring for them.” This doubtless explains why the quotation, at Hebrews 8:9, reads: “Because they did not continue in my covenant, so that I stopped caring [showed no concern] for them.” Jehovah was certainly not negligent in the sense of carelessness or oversight; rather, he showed great concern for his covenant people until they disregarded his word and rebelled against him. Only then and on that basis was it that he “stopped caring [Gr., e·me?le·sa] for them.” The disciple James states: “For the one that does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy exults triumphantly over judgment.” (Jas 2:13)

The context shows that he is developing the thoughts expressed earlier as to true worship, including the expression of mercy in caringfor those afflicted, and in not showing favoritism and discriminating against the poor in favor of the rich. (Jas 1:27; 2:1-9)

His following words also indicate this, as they deal with the needs of brothers “in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day.” (Jas 2:14-17) Hence, his words correspond to those of Jesus, that it is the merciful who will be shown mercy.

Lesson for today. (Heb 13:1-3) 

SHOW LOVE ?? ITS HEALING TO YOU AND ALL PEOPLE 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003210?q=caring&p=par