Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, compassion and sympathy are vital expressions of love and care, particularly towards those who are weak or vulnerable. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of exercising these virtues towards the weak, reflecting God's own compassion and mercy.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently calls believers to show compassion and sympathy towards the weak, reflecting God's heart for the marginalized and oppressed. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to care for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 states, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies compassion towards the weak through His ministry. He heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and comforts the sorrowful. In Matthew 14:14 , it is written, "When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick." Jesus' actions demonstrate that compassion is not merely a feeling but is accompanied by tangible acts of kindness and support. Apostolic Teachings The apostles continue this emphasis on compassion and sympathy in their teachings. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, encourages believers to bear one another's burdens and to support the weak. In Galatians 6:2 , Paul writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This directive underscores the communal responsibility to care for those who are struggling. Paul also addresses the need to support the weak in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 , where he instructs, "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone." This passage highlights the importance of patience and encouragement as integral components of compassion. Practical Application The exercise of compassion and sympathy towards the weak is not limited to spiritual or emotional support but extends to practical assistance. James 2:15-16 challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through action: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?" This rhetorical question emphasizes that true compassion requires meeting the physical needs of the weak. The Role of the Church The early church serves as a model for exercising compassion towards the weak. Acts 4:34-35 describes how the believers shared their possessions to ensure that no one among them was in need: "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 approach to caring for the weak reflects the church's role as a family that supports and uplifts its members. Conclusion The biblical mandate to exercise compassion and sympathy towards the weak is clear and compelling. Through the teachings and examples found in Scripture, believers are called to reflect God's love by caring for those who are vulnerable, ensuring that their needs are met both spiritually and physically. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 6:2 Library The Compassion of Jesus Letter Xl. (AD 397. ) Our Compassionate High Priest Messiah Derided Upon the Cross Prevailing Prayer. Concerning Worship. The Omnipotence of Faith His First Residence in Germany. The Church and the Young Man. The Martyrdom 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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