Topical Bible: Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened

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In the Christian tradition, compassion and sympathy are vital expressions of love and mercy, particularly towards those who are chastened. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of extending compassion and sympathy to those undergoing discipline or correction.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of compassion towards the chastened is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as both just and merciful. In the Old Testament, God's discipline is often portrayed as a means of correction intended to bring His people back to righteousness. In the New Testament, this theme continues with an emphasis on the redemptive purpose of discipline.

Key Scriptures

1. Hebrews 12:5-6 : "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'"

This passage highlights the loving nature of God's discipline. It is an act of love, not wrath, and serves as a reminder that those who are chastened are still under God's care and affection.

2. Psalm 103:13-14 : "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust."

Here, the psalmist draws a parallel between a father's compassion for his children and God's compassion for His people. This understanding encourages believers to mirror this divine compassion towards those who are experiencing chastening.

3. Galatians 6:1-2 : "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

The apostle Paul instructs the church to approach those who have fallen with gentleness and to help bear their burdens. This reflects the call to exercise compassion and sympathy, recognizing the shared human propensity to err.

Practical Application

In the life of the church and individual believers, exercising compassion and sympathy towards the chastened involves several practical steps:

· Gentle Restoration: When someone is undergoing discipline, whether from God or within the church community, it is crucial to approach them with a spirit of gentleness and understanding, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.

· Bearing Burdens: As Paul instructs, believers are called to support one another, especially those who are struggling under the weight of chastening. This involves active listening, prayer, and providing practical help.

· Encouragement and Hope: Offering words of encouragement and reminding the chastened of God's love and purpose in discipline can help them endure the process with hope and faith.

· Prayerful Support: Interceding for those who are chastened is a powerful way to express compassion and sympathy, asking God to grant them strength, wisdom, and a heart open to His correction.

Examples from Scripture

· David and Nathan (2 Samuel 12): After David's sin with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan confronts him, leading to David's repentance. Despite the severe consequences, God's compassion is evident in His continued covenant with David.

· The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): This parable illustrates the father's compassion towards his wayward son, who returns home after a period of chastening. The father's embrace and celebration upon his son's return exemplify divine compassion and forgiveness.

Through these teachings and examples, the Bible calls believers to reflect God's compassionate nature by extending sympathy and support to those who are chastened, recognizing the redemptive purpose behind discipline.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 22:4
Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labor not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 9:1
Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Our Compassionate High Priest
... sorrow, and is drawn towards despondency; for there it can exercise its gracious ...
at the high priest's door, and would receive his sympathy and compassion. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/our compassionate high priest.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... perfect; and gaining immortality by the very exercise of loving ... be given to you."
Open thy compassion to all ... sick, another weep and groan in sympathy for you ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

Lydia, the First European Convert
... WE MAY LAUDABLY EXERCISE CURIOSITY with regard to the first ... "His father saw him,
and had compassion, and ran ... to face the world, but to win the sympathy of even ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lydia the first european convert.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... This sympathy of the members of the holy family ... distinguished the primitive church
was to be in exercise? ... child, that she should not have compassion on the ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

part ii
... this mist of malice, and fill our heart with mercy and love, even towards our enemies ...
I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... there may faults and spots be found, and these he taketh away of course, by the
exercise of that ... And what sympathy and feeling would his arguments flow from? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm