The Bible consistently emphasizes the duty of believers to care for and support the afflicted. This duty is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a defender of the oppressed and a refuge for those in distress. The Scriptures provide numerous instructions and examples that highlight the importance of compassion, justice, and mercy towards those who are suffering.

Old Testament Teachings

In the Old Testament, the duty to care for the afflicted is woven into the fabric of the Law and the Prophets. The Mosaic Law includes specific commands to protect and provide for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners. Deuteronomy 15:11 states, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This command underscores the perpetual responsibility to assist those in need.

The prophets also echo this call to justice and mercy. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The prophetic literature often critiques Israel for neglecting the afflicted and calls the nation to repentance and action.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and teaching the duty to care for the afflicted. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that love for one's neighbor transcends ethnic and social boundaries, emphasizing active compassion for those in distress. The Samaritan's actions serve as a model for believers, demonstrating that true love involves tangible acts of kindness and mercy.

The epistles further reinforce this duty. James 1:27 declares, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse highlights that genuine faith is evidenced by practical care for the afflicted.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ's ministry is the ultimate example of compassion for the afflicted. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the sorrowful. Matthew 9:36 describes His heart for the suffering: "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Christ's life and teachings set a standard for His followers to emulate.

Practical Application

Believers are called to reflect God's heart for the afflicted through practical actions. This includes providing for physical needs, advocating for justice, and offering spiritual support. The early church modeled this duty, as seen in Acts 4:34-35 : "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

Conclusion

The duty to care for the afflicted is a central tenet of biblical teaching, reflecting the character of God and the example of Christ. Believers are called to embody this duty through acts of compassion, justice, and mercy, serving as instruments of God's love and grace in a broken world.Job 6:14
To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
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Job 22:29
When men are cast down, then you shall say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
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Isaiah 58:6,7,10
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
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Matthew 25:34-45
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 10:30-37
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 2:1,2
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
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1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
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James 5:13-15
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Nave's Topical Index

5921. al -- upon, above, over
... account (11), account* (2), across* (1), addition (4), addition* (1), afflicted
(1), after ... 1), crowns (1), defiance* (1), despite (1), due (1), duty (1), east ...
/hebrew/5921.htm - 8k

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... But farther, to excite you to the constant practice of this duty of intercession ...
When Daniel humbled and afflicted his soul, and interceded for the Lord's ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... a competence; a very large multitude of his family are destitute, afflicted, tormented,
and ... the fact that God has a poor people; secondly, the duty"we should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

Deaf Ears and Stammering Tongues.
... And next, Jesus was besought to heal the afflicted man. My brethren, our plain
duty, as Christians, is to intercede for our fellow men. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xlvii deaf ears and.htm

Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
... to be afflicted, that he is displeased BY US more than that he is displeased WITH
us. Your intentions to repentance, and the neglect of that soul-saving duty, ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/bunyans dying sayings.htm

Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
... be afflicted that he is displeased by us more than that he is displeased with us.
Your intentions to repentance, and the neglect of that soul-saving duty, will ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr john bunyans dying sayings.htm

That Our Lawful Occupations do not Hinder us from Practicising ...
... While the plague afflicted the Milanese, S. Charles never made any difficulty in
frequenting ... to the bar, to war, except by the necessity of their duty; and in ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that our lawful.htm

On visiting the Sick
... he could, this would not excuse you: His going would not fulfil your duty. ... strength;
as well as of increasing your sympathy with the afflicted, your benevolence ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." But such ... most
comforting cordial in the gospel; secondly, that it is our duty and privilege ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

Two Fountains, one Stream
... All who are anyways afflicted in mind, body, or estate find in the Psalms men ... Such
passive endurance is a large part of our duty in regard to difficulties and ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/two fountains one stream.htm

Women Adorned with Good Work
... Whether it be the good works that have reference to personal duty and conduct, or ...
for her washing the saints' feet, for her relieving the afflicted; and then ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvii women adorned with good.htm

Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org

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Where does the Old Testament predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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