The concept of sympathy, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is deeply embedded in the teachings and actions of biblical figures, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Sympathy involves sharing in the feelings of others, particularly in their suffering or distress, and is closely related to compassion and empathy.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of sympathy is often expressed through the actions and commands related to compassion and mercy. For instance, the Law given to Israel includes numerous provisions for the care of the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; 24:17-21). These laws reflect God's concern for the vulnerable and His desire for His people to act with kindness and understanding towards those in need.

The prophets also echo this sentiment, calling the people of Israel to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). The book of Isaiah highlights God's identification with the suffering of His people, as He promises comfort and deliverance (Isaiah 40:1-2).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies the ultimate expression of sympathy. The Gospels frequently describe Jesus as being moved with compassion for those who are suffering. In Matthew 9:36, it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This compassion often led to action, as Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the grieving.

The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a theological foundation for understanding Christ's sympathy. 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 highlights the incarnation of Christ, emphasizing that He fully understands human suffering and temptation, having experienced it Himself.

The Apostle Paul also encourages believers to exhibit sympathy and compassion towards one another. In Romans 12:15, he writes, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This call to share in the joys and sorrows of others reflects the communal nature of the Christian faith and the importance of bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Practical Application

The biblical call to sympathize with others is a call to action. It involves more than feeling pity; it requires believers to engage with the needs of others actively. This can be seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where true neighborly love is demonstrated through compassionate action.

Sympathy, as modeled by Christ and taught in Scripture, is an essential aspect of Christian love and community. It challenges believers to look beyond themselves, to enter into the experiences of others, and to respond with Christ-like love and service.

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... It was in the minority, but it sympathised with the aspirations of the people.
It was not philosophic nor eclectic, but intensely national. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Naaman Cured.
... influence on his lack of opportunity, if he is in contact with men at all, for wherever
there are human beings there are sorrows to be sympathised with, wants ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/naaman cured.htm

Early Days
... The boy evidently had the usual fate of souls like his, to grow up in uncongenial
circumstances, little understood and less sympathised with by the common ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

Opening Thoughts.
... communion. We can mark the tenderness of His holy humanity. We can see
how He loved, and sympathised, and wept, and rejoiced! As ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/i opening thoughts.htm

A Picture of Conversion. 2 Kings ii. 19-22.
... They told him their trouble, and this was all he needed. Doubtless he as a farmer's
son saw the barren fields, and sympathised with them. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lvii a picture of conversion.htm

David and Jonathan.
... What is mine iniquity, and what is my sin before thy father that he seeketh my life?"
Jonathan sympathised deeply with his friend, and tried to save him. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/david and jonathan.htm

Report of Mr. George Borrow
... into English several of the chapters which particularly struck me, for the purpose
of exhibiting them to Mr. Swan, who invariably sympathised with my admiration ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/report of mr george borrow.htm

Johann Matthesius
... He sympathised with Luther too in his love and practice of music, and after Luther's
death wrote a biography of him, which is still a standard work. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/johann matthesius.htm

Letter Lxxv. To Aburgius.
... faith? You have sympathised with a stranger city in like distress; will
not your kindly excellency feel for her who gave you birth? ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter lxxv to aburgius.htm

The Whole Church Affected by what Has Occurred.
... that it might be understood that an injury like this pertained not to himself only,
but extended to all alike; and that, if the people sympathised with him in ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 1 the whole church.htm

Sympathised (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sympathised (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 10:34 For
ye both sympathised with prisoners and accepted with joy ...
/s/sympathised.htm - 6k

Robbery (18 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:34 for also with my bonds ye sympathised, and the robbery of your goods
with joy ye did receive, knowing that ye have in yourselves a better ...
/r/robbery.htm - 16k

Sympathise (1 Occurrence)

/s/sympathise.htm - 6k

Sympathising (1 Occurrence)

/s/sympathising.htm - 6k

Prisoners (170 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:34 For ye both sympathised with prisoners and accepted with joy the plunder
of your goods, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better substance ...
/p/prisoners.htm - 38k

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