The exercise of compassion and sympathy towards one's enemies is a profound and challenging aspect of Christian teaching, deeply rooted in the Scriptures. This principle calls believers to transcend natural inclinations of retaliation and animosity, embracing a higher standard of love and mercy as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The call to love and show compassion to enemies is explicitly stated in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This directive is a radical departure from the conventional wisdom of the time, which often endorsed retribution. Jesus' teaching emphasizes the transformative power of love and prayer, urging believers to reflect the character of God, who "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45).

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also provides insights into the exercise of compassion towards enemies. Proverbs 25:21-22 advises, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you" . This passage suggests that acts of kindness can lead to repentance and reconciliation, ultimately serving God's purposes.

Apostolic Teachings

The apostolic writings further reinforce this principle. The Apostle Paul, echoing the wisdom of Proverbs, instructs the Roman believers: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:17-18). Paul emphasizes the importance of overcoming evil with good, urging believers to leave vengeance to God and instead focus on living peaceably and righteously.

Christ's Example

The ultimate example of compassion towards enemies is found in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus prayed for His persecutors, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This act of forgiveness and intercession highlights the depth of Christ's love and the standard to which His followers are called.

Practical Application

The exercise of compassion and sympathy towards enemies requires a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. It involves intentional acts of kindness, prayer for those who oppose us, and a commitment to seek peace. This approach not only reflects the character of Christ but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

In summary, the biblical mandate to exercise compassion and sympathy towards enemies challenges believers to rise above natural inclinations and embody the love and mercy of God. Through the teachings of Jesus, the wisdom of the Old Testament, and the apostolic exhortations, Christians are called to a radical love that seeks the well-being of all, including those who oppose them.Psalm 35:13
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Compassion of Jesus
... towards them as Christ needs to exercise towards us, I am ... and slandered, we have
found in the sympathy of Christ ... The compassion of the Master making up for all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/the compassion of jesus.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... There is another peculiar kind of sympathy which the ... they have both these feelings
in exercise at the ... without at the same time manifesting compassion for his ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... Have I exercised any feelings of compassion for the needy? ... What sympathy does this
lead me to exercise towards them? ... 1:Cor.13:4, 7. Do I exercise a spirit of ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Sozomen as Author.
... unsettling outcome of the private judgment in exercise. ... arise from any feeling of
compassion, but because ... of Jerusalem, and Macarius' sympathy therewith; here ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part ii sozomen as author.htm

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... who is cheered with that hope of sympathy and aid ... There is not a higher exercise
of faith, nor ... of a philosopher, he melts with compassion towards his persecutors ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm

Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
... and revenge, are not roused into exercise, he has a degree of instinctive sympathy
with them in ... fanaticism] or hypocrisy; who have no compassion for their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxi messiah derided upon.htm

Letter Xl. (AD 397. )
... they must be observed, nor in the exercise of deceptive ... not, but that he felt with
true compassion that he ... another, but rather that he showed it by sympathy. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xl a d 397.htm

Attributes of Love.
... of the sensibility"a yielding to a feeling of compassion. ... insomuch that the soul,
in the exercise of this ... good enjoyed by others, and of sympathy with the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
... Afterwards, I had compassion on thee; I appeared in the ... a strength of longing, as
the thought sympathy for the ... Eligius had, in the exercise of steadfast and ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/eligius bishop of noyon.htm

Concerning Worship.
... secret travail for the rest in a sympathy with the ... their minds, doth in condescension
and compassion cause his ... but we at the same time exercise worship towards ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

What does the Bible say about empathy? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? | GotQuestions.org

Does God have emotions? | GotQuestions.org

Compassion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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