Compassion and sympathy are central themes in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the character of God and exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These virtues are not merely emotional responses but are seen as divine attributes that believers are called to emulate. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of compassion and sympathy, particularly as they relate to understanding and responding to human infirmities.

Divine Compassion and Sympathy

The Bible frequently describes God as compassionate and merciful. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This foundational description of God's character sets the standard for how believers are to understand and practice compassion.

The Psalms often reflect on God's compassion towards humanity. Psalm 103:13-14 states, "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, God's compassion is linked to His understanding of human frailty, emphasizing His empathy towards our weaknesses.

Jesus Christ: The Embodiment of Compassion

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of compassion and sympathy. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is moved by compassion to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and comfort the sorrowful. 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." Jesus' compassion is not passive; it compels Him to act and address the needs of those around Him.

The Epistle to the Hebrews highlights Jesus' ability to sympathize with human infirmities. 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 underscores the belief that Jesus, through His incarnation, fully understands human suffering and is therefore able to offer genuine sympathy and support.

The Call to Imitate Divine Compassion

Believers are called to imitate the compassion and sympathy of God and Christ. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Colossians, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). This call to action is a reminder that compassion is an essential aspect of Christian living, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in the believer's life.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the practical application of compassion. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger, despite cultural and ethnic barriers, serves as a powerful example of how believers are to respond to the needs of others with mercy and kindness.

Compassion as a Response to Human Infirmities

Compassion and sympathy are particularly relevant in the context of human infirmities, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The Bible encourages believers to bear one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2, "Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This directive emphasizes the communal aspect of compassion, where believers support each other in times of weakness and need.

James 5:14-16 further illustrates the role of compassion in addressing infirmities, urging the community to pray for the sick and offer mutual confession and healing. This passage highlights the importance of empathy and active involvement in the lives of others, fostering a supportive and compassionate community.

In summary, compassion and sympathy are integral to the Christian faith, reflecting the character of God and the example of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to cultivate these virtues, responding to human infirmities with understanding, kindness, and active support, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ and embodying the love of God in the world.Hebrews 5:2
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Church and Social Evils
... communion with Christ there is no sufficient sympathy. ... and wide operation of any
philanthropic motives except the highest"namely, compassion caught from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the church and social evils.htm

In his Temple
... people; but they were without sympathy or compassion. ... their inmost thoughts, and
discovers their hidden motives. ... they had felt His great sympathy and wonderful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

The Spirit of Prayer.
... consume it upon your lusts." You do not pray from right motives. ... Nor the compassion
of a God. ... Without this spirit there can be no such sympathy between you and ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... for the souls of men, of the compassion with which ... in their sins, as well as of his
sympathy with the ... always perform their functions from pure motives, with a ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The Pattern of Service
... habits of goodness, the renewal of former motives by the ... reason of its purity, throbbed
in sympathy with all ... the depth of a Christian man's compassion, and I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the pattern of service.htm

God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... visit the sick; he was moved with compassion to do ... a sense of duty plus his own sympathy,
on the ... turn, is affected by various influences and motives which are ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter seven gods sovereignty and.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... He appeals to them by many motives; by their common ... His was no mere compassion, which
could set a guilty ... hopes and duties; its words of sympathy and sorrow ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... can do no more, show your sympathy for his ... overlook, or behold with tenderness and
compassion, their imperfections ... attribute an action to improper motives or a ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... forbids a feeling of pity and compassion on our ... and feelings, even from the expression
of sympathy, admiration, and ... it is by an imputation of motives which are ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... seat was showed, not only that God had compassion for men ... as this lightning and thunder
begets in our hearts. (1.) It may be taken in the first sense for light ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

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