Topical Bible: Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To

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Compassion and sympathy are central themes in the Christian faith, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible exhorts believers to embody these virtues, demonstrating love and kindness to others as a reflection of God's love for humanity.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding compassion and sympathy as divine attributes. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the importance of compassion as an essential aspect of God's nature.

The prophets frequently called the Israelites to practice compassion and justice. In Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Here, mercy, often translated as loving-kindness or compassion, is a fundamental requirement for God's people.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further emphasizes compassion and sympathy, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus is often moved with compassion for those in need. For instance, in Matthew 9:36, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Jesus' parables also teach the importance of compassion. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to love one's neighbor through acts of mercy and kindness, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions exemplify the compassion that Jesus calls His followers to emulate.

The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to embody compassion in their relationships with others. In Colossians 3:12, he writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This passage highlights compassion as a key virtue that should characterize the Christian community.

Practical Exhortations

The Bible provides practical exhortations for living out compassion and sympathy. In Romans 12:15, Paul instructs, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This call to empathy encourages believers to share in the joys and sorrows of others, fostering a sense of unity and mutual care.

James 1:27 defines pure and undefiled religion as caring for those in distress: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse underscores the importance of active compassion, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized.

The Example of Christ

Ultimately, the supreme example of compassion and sympathy is found in Jesus Christ. His sacrificial love and willingness to bear the burdens of humanity serve as the ultimate model for believers. In Philippians 2:1-2, Paul appeals to the example of Christ, urging believers to be "united in spirit and purpose," and to "have the same love" as Christ, who demonstrated perfect compassion through His life and death.

Through these teachings and examples, the Bible consistently calls believers to a life marked by compassion and sympathy, reflecting the heart of God and the love of Christ in their interactions with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christian Sympathy
... of all; a race needing no exhortation to virtue ... them, have yet exhibited bowels of
compassion to the ... even publicans and harlots can exhibit sympathy, how much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in ...
... from himself how they ought to have compassion shewn them ... highest things, they should
mingle in sympathy with the ... them in the solace of his exhortation and in ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter v that the ruler.htm

Grace and Graces
... amongst them, and with brotherly exhortation says,"Come ... and so does the glow of
compassion, the exercise of the natural human sympathy which belongs ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/grace and graces.htm

The Daughters of Jerusalem
... This was what the quick sympathy of Jesus enabled Him to divine; and His compassion
gushed forth ... the daughters of Jerusalem an exhortation to repentance ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xi the daughters of.htm

The Great High-Priest.
... Neither did His Divine greatness lessen His sympathy. ... Son of God, and the compassion
of One ... intersperse his arguments with affectionate words of exhortation. ...
/.../chapter iv the great high-priest.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... how earnestly, how vehemently, with how much sympathy he speaks ... Lord, if I can find
mercy and compassion at your ... That the exhortation might not seem to be made ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Christ's Peace
... do I find it possible to reproduce His gentleness, sympathy, compassion, insight
into ... That is to say, casting the exhortation into a more general expression ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs peace.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... No exhortation contained therein is more hearty, more solemn, and more ... for, sympathized
with and prayed for, because sympathy, pity, compassion and care ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Christ
... Compassion, sympathy, beneficence, the tenderness of a mother for her helpless babe ...
attention to his discourses as models of exhortation to righteousness and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... irritable, and who has no bowels of compassion for the ... This active sympathy is the
very genius of our holy ... Brethren, suffer me to urge the exhortation of the ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm