Topical Encyclopedia Fellow-feeling, often understood as empathy or compassion, is a significant biblical principle that underscores the importance of understanding and sharing in the experiences and emotions of others. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the call for believers to live in harmony and mutual support.In the Old Testament, the idea of fellow-feeling is closely associated with the command to love one's neighbor. Leviticus 19:18 instructs, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment highlights the importance of empathy and compassion as foundational to community life and personal relationships. The New Testament further develops this theme, particularly through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus consistently demonstrates fellow-feeling through His interactions with others, showing compassion to the marginalized, the sick, and the sinner. In Matthew 9:36 , it is recorded, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This passage illustrates Jesus' deep empathy and concern for the well-being of others. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of fellow-feeling within the Christian community. In Romans 12:15 , he exhorts believers to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This directive encourages Christians to actively participate in the emotional experiences of others, fostering a sense of unity and shared life. Similarly, in Galatians 6:2 , Paul writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Here, fellow-feeling is presented as a practical expression of love and obedience to Christ's teachings. The Epistle to the Hebrews also touches on this theme, particularly in relation to Jesus as the High Priest who empathizes with human weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15 states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." This passage underscores the profound empathy of Christ, who fully understands human struggles and intercedes on behalf of believers. Fellow-feeling is not only a personal virtue but also a communal responsibility. The early church exemplified this through their acts of charity and mutual support, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This practice of sharing and caring for one another reflects the deep sense of empathy and solidarity that characterized the early Christian community. In summary, fellow-feeling is a vital biblical principle that calls believers to empathize with others, share in their joys and sorrows, and support one another in love. It is a reflection of the character of Christ and a fulfillment of the law of love that governs Christian conduct. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Sympathy; a like feeling.Greek 4774. suggnome -- confession, fellow feeling ... confession, fellow feeling. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: suggnome Phonetic Spelling: (soong-gno'-may) Short Definition: permission ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4774.htm - 6k 4834. sumpatheo -- to have a fellow feeling with, ie sympathize ... 4835. sumpathes -- sympathetic Library Friendship. A God in Pain A Sermon on a Text not Found in the Bible. That the Passions which Assail the Souls of Christians do not ... The Burden-Bearing God Public Spirit Upon Compassion. The Value of Life The Friend of Sinners The Lord's Prayer Thesaurus Fellow-feeling (1 Occurrence)Fellow-feeling. Fellow-elder, Fellow-feeling. Fellowheirs . Noah Webster's Dictionary ... Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-feeling (1 Occurrence). ... /f/fellow-feeling.htm - 6k Fellowheirs (1 Occurrence) Feeling (59 Occurrences) Fellow-elder (1 Occurrence) Pity (165 Occurrences) Sympathy (15 Occurrences) Crafts (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about managing/controlling emotions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about empathy? | GotQuestions.org What is agape love? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fellow-feeling (1 Occurrence)1 Peter 3:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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