Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of seeing and responding to others' suffering? Eyes That Break the Heart (Lamentations 3:51) “My eyes bring grief to my soul because of all the daughters of my city.” Jeremiah’s tears were not self-pity; they were stirred by the ruin and pain he saw in Jerusalem. Scripture repeatedly shows that genuinely seeing suffering is meant to move us toward compassionate action. Below are passages—Old and New Testament—that echo and expand this theme. Old Testament Passages: God Sees—and Calls Us to See • Exodus 3:7 “The LORD said, ‘I have indeed seen the affliction of My people… I have heard them crying out… and I am aware of their sufferings.’” • Job 30:25 “Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the poor?” • Proverbs 24:11-12 “Rescue those being led away to death… If you say, ‘We did not know,’ does not He who weighs hearts consider it?” • Isaiah 58:6-10 True fasting unties injustice, shares bread with the hungry, and “does not turn away from your own flesh and blood.” • Zechariah 7:9-10 “Show loving devotion and compassion… Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” Jesus Models Compassionate Sight • Matthew 9:36 “When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless.” • Mark 6:34 “He saw a great crowd and had compassion on them.” • Luke 7:13 “When the Lord saw her, He was moved with compassion for her and said, ‘Do not weep.’” • John 11:33-35 Jesus sees Mary’s tears at Lazarus’ tomb; He weeps, then acts. • Luke 10:33-34 The Good Samaritan “saw him and was moved with compassion… bandaged his wounds.” • Matthew 25:35-40 King Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, imprisoned. The Church’s Call to Share Burdens • Romans 12:15 “Weep with those who weep.” • Galatians 6:2 “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Colossians 3:12 “Clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility…” • Hebrews 13:3 “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.” • James 2:15-17 If a brother or sister lacks daily food and we do nothing, our faith is dead. • 1 Peter 3:8 “All of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tender-hearted.” • 1 John 3:17-18 “If anyone sees his brother in need and has no compassion… Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in deed and truth.” Putting Sight into Action Today • Look—really look—at the needs around you: family, church, neighborhood, world. • Let what you see reach your heart; ask God to keep you from compassion fatigue. • Respond tangibly: share food, time, funds, advocacy, and Gospel hope. • Invite others to join you; compassionate vision spreads when modeled. Jeremiah’s tears in Lamentations 3:51 become our guide: eyes open, hearts stirred, hands ready. |
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