Topical Encyclopedia Sympathy, in the biblical context, refers to the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly in their suffering or distress. It is a virtue that is deeply rooted in the character of God and is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Sympathy is closely related to compassion, mercy, and love, and it is an essential aspect of Christian conduct and community life.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding sympathy through the character of God and His dealings with humanity. God is depicted as compassionate and merciful, showing concern for the suffering of His people. In Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This divine compassion is a model for human sympathy. The book of Job provides a narrative exploration of sympathy, as Job's friends initially come to comfort him in his suffering. However, their failure to truly sympathize with Job's plight highlights the importance of genuine empathy and understanding (Job 2:11-13). Sympathy in the Life of Jesus The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of sympathy. His ministry was marked by deep compassion for those in need. In Matthew 9:36, it is recorded, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' sympathy was not merely emotional but was often accompanied by action, as seen in His healing of the sick and feeding of the hungry. The author of Hebrews emphasizes Jesus' ability to sympathize with human weakness: "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" (Hebrews 4:15). This passage underscores the depth of Christ's empathy, having experienced human life fully. Apostolic Teachings on Sympathy The apostles continued to teach the importance of sympathy within the Christian community. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, exhorts believers to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). This call to share in the emotional experiences of others is a practical expression of love and unity within the body of Christ. Peter also encourages believers to cultivate sympathy as part of their Christian character: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble" (1 Peter 3:8). Sympathy is presented as a vital component of harmonious relationships and mutual support among Christians. Practical Expressions of Sympathy Sympathy in the Christian life is not limited to feelings but is expressed through actions. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the active nature of true sympathy, as the Samaritan not only feels compassion for the injured man but also takes concrete steps to care for him. The early church demonstrated sympathy through acts of charity and support for those in need. In Acts 2:44-45, the believers are described as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to provide for anyone who had need. This communal sharing was a tangible expression of their sympathy and love for one another. Conclusion Sympathy, as taught in the Bible, is a profound expression of God's love and compassion, mirrored in the life of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles. It calls believers to enter into the joys and sorrows of others, offering understanding, comfort, and practical help. Through sympathy, Christians reflect the heart of God and build up the body of Christ in love and unity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Feeling corresponding to that which another feels; the quality of being affected by the affection of another, with feelings correspondent in kind, if not in degree; fellow-feeling.2. (n.) An agreement of affections or inclinations, or a conformity of natural temperament, which causes persons to be pleased, or in accord, with one another; as, there is perfect sympathy between them. 3. (n.) Kindness of feeling toward one who suffers; pity; commiseration; compassion. 4. (n.) The reciprocal influence exercised by the various organs or parts of the body on one another, as manifested in the transmission of a disease by unknown means from one organ to another quite remote, or in the influence exerted by a diseased condition of one part on another part or organ, as in the vomiting produced by a tumor of the brain. 5. (n.) That relation which exists between different persons by which one of them produces in the others a state or condition like that of himself. This is shown in the tendency to yawn which a person often feels on seeing another yawn, or the strong inclination to become hysteric experienced by many women on seeing another person suffering with hysteria. 6. (n.) A tendency of inanimate things to unite, or to act on each other; as, the sympathy between the loadstone and iron. 7. (n.) Similarity of function, use office, or the like. Greek 4698. splagchnon -- the inward parts (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) ... ... 4698 -- properly, the internal organs ("viscera"); (figuratively) "" ( feelings); the capacity to feel deep emotions (sympathy, empathy, etc.). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4698.htm - 7k 4834. sumpatheo -- to have a fellow feeling with, ie sympathize ... 4697. splagchnizomai -- to be moved in the inward parts, ie to ... 3627. oiktiro -- to pity, to have compassion on 3888. paramutheomai -- to encourge, comfort 4818. sullupeo -- to be moved to grief with (pass.) 5424. phren -- midriff, heart, mind, thought 2155. eusplagchnos -- tenderhearted, compassionate Strong's Hebrew 5110. nud -- to move to and fro, wander, flutter, show grief... 1), consoled (1), drive away (1), flee (2), flitting (1), grieve (1), grieving (1), mourn (4), shake (2), shaken (1), sympathize (1), sympathy (1), totters (1 ... /hebrew/5110.htm - 6k 4578. meeh -- internal organs, inward parts, belly 4263. machmal -- a thing pitied, an object of compassion Library The Sympathy of God Home-Sympathy. Eleventh Day. Sympathy. The Sympathy of the Two Worlds Sympathy of the Dead. November 1. Want of Sympathy. May 5. Elizabethtown. CM The Sympathy of Jesus. Christian Sympathy Whether Pain or Sorrow are Assuaged by the Sympathy of Friends? Conflict and Comfort. Thesaurus Sympathy (15 Occurrences)... or a conformity of natural temperament, which causes persons to be pleased, or in accord, with one another; as, there is perfect sympathy between them. ... /s/sympathy.htm - 12k Communicate (7 Occurrences) Consent (34 Occurrences) Sympathetic (1 Occurrence) Nahash (9 Occurrences) Pity (165 Occurrences) Commune (7 Occurrences) Sadducees (14 Occurrences) Obedience (61 Occurrences) Sodomite (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about empathy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about compassion? | GotQuestions.org Sympathy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sympathy (15 Occurrences)John 11:19 Romans 7:22 Romans 12:16 Romans 15:5 Philippians 2:1 Hebrews 10:34 1 Peter 3:8 2 Samuel 10:2 2 Samuel 10:3 1 Chronicles 19:2 1 Chronicles 19:3 Job 42:11 Psalms 69:20 Jeremiah 16:5 Daniel 1:9 Subtopics Sympathy: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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