Topical Encyclopedia Compassion and sympathy are central themes in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of aiding and comforting the afflicted. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of showing mercy and kindness to those who are suffering.Biblical Foundation The call to exercise compassion and sympathy towards the afflicted is deeply rooted in Scripture. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to care for the needy and oppressed. Isaiah 58:6-7 states, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into your home; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood?" The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate example of compassion. In Matthew 14:14 , it is recorded, "When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick." Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of healing and mercy, demonstrating God's love for the afflicted. Practical Application Believers are called to emulate Christ's compassion in their own lives. The Apostle Paul encourages the church to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). This exhortation highlights the importance of empathy and shared experience in the Christian community. James 1:27 further underscores the practical aspect of compassion: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through acts of kindness and support for those in need. Examples from Scripture The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) is a powerful illustration of compassion towards the afflicted. In this account, a Samaritan man helps a wounded traveler, providing care and resources despite cultural animosities. Jesus uses this parable to teach that love and mercy should transcend social and ethnic boundaries. In the early church, believers were known for their generosity and care for one another. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal support reflects the early Christians' commitment to living out their faith through compassionate action. Theological Implications Compassion and sympathy towards the afflicted are not merely optional virtues but are integral to the Christian life. They reflect the character of God, who is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" (Exodus 34:6). By exercising compassion, believers participate in God's redemptive work in the world, offering hope and healing to those who suffer. Moreover, the exercise of compassion is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers are conformed to the image of Christ, they are called to embody His love and mercy, serving as His hands and feet in a broken world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 6:14To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 13:3 Library Jesus at the Bier Our Compassionate High Priest Letter xiii. Christian Activity. The Martyrdom Concerning Worship. The Poor Man's Friend The Lord and the Leper An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Lives of Faith and Trust section i. Resources What does the Bible say about compassion? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians view refugees? | GotQuestions.org Compassion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of Compassion and Sympathy: David Compassion and Sympathy: Elijah Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Enemies Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Saints Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Afflicted Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Poor Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Weak Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To Compassion and Sympathy: Illustrated Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God Compassion and Sympathy: Job's Friends Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Compassion of God Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Sense of Our Infirmities Compassion and Sympathy: Nehemiah Compassion and Sympathy: Pharaoh's Daughter Compassion and Sympathy: Promise to Those Who Show Compassion and Sympathy: Shobi Compassion and Sympathy: The Wicked Made to Feel, for Saints The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: An Encouragement to Prayer The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Afflicted The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Diseased The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Perishing Sinners The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Poor The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Tempted The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weak in Faith The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weary and Heavy-Laden The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Necessary to his Priestly office Related Terms Compassionate (22 Occurrences) Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences) |
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