Topical Bible: Judgments: Saints: Sympathise With Those Under

◄ Judgments: Saints: Sympathise With Those Under ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian faith, the concept of judgment is multifaceted, encompassing divine judgment, human judgment, and the role of believers in understanding and responding to these judgments. One important aspect is the call for saints—believers in Christ—to sympathize with those who are under judgment. This sympathy is rooted in love, compassion, and a desire for restoration and reconciliation.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to empathize with those experiencing judgment. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians, urging them to bear one another's burdens: "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This directive highlights the importance of supporting and understanding those who are facing trials or consequences due to judgment.

Christ's Example

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of sympathy and compassion. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as one who consistently reaches out to those marginalized or judged by society. In John 8:1-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' approach to judgment. Instead of condemning her, He offers mercy and a call to repentance, saying, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This narrative underscores the balance of truth and grace, encouraging believers to respond with empathy rather than condemnation.

The Role of the Church

The early church is depicted as a community that supports its members, especially those undergoing trials. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul speaks of God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" . This passage emphasizes the reciprocal nature of comfort and sympathy within the body of Christ.

Practical Application

Believers are called to actively engage with those under judgment, offering support, prayer, and guidance. James 5:19-20 encourages believers to help those who have strayed from the truth: "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins" . This act of restoration is a profound expression of love and sympathy.

Warnings Against Hypocrisy

While sympathizing with those under judgment, believers are also cautioned against hypocrisy. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:1-5 about the dangers of judging others without self-reflection: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:2). This teaching encourages humility and self-awareness, ensuring that sympathy is genuine and not tainted by self-righteousness.

Conclusion

The call for saints to sympathize with those under judgment is a profound aspect of Christian teaching, rooted in the example of Christ and the early church. Through empathy, believers fulfill the law of Christ, offering comfort and guidance to those in need.

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

Jeremiah 13:17
But if you will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and my eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD's flock is carried away captive.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 3:48
My eye runs down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction to Oration ii.
... has been possessed by this longing, he knows what I mean and will sympathise with
my ... be free from evil, for evil is, in the eyes of most of those under his care ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... islands and cities say; for all things sympathise with them ... Father, that we may see
Thy judgments;" and were ... the world." He supposes that the saints in glory ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Enthusiasm.
... of triumphs near at hand and of judgments soon to ... breathes in his writings could
fail to sympathise with the ... He wrote his 'Maximes des Saints' with the express ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

part i
... truth in the web of its judgments, its arguments ... yet meanwhile more prosperous than
needy under His sovereignty ... help through the names of those saints upon whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm