Topical Bible: Compassion and Sympathy: Paul

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The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the New Testament, is renowned not only for his theological insights and missionary journeys but also for his profound expressions of compassion and sympathy. His epistles reveal a heart deeply moved by the needs and struggles of others, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ.

Expressions of Compassion

Paul's compassion is evident in his pastoral care for the churches he established. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy" (Philippians 1:3-4). His prayers are not mere formalities but are filled with genuine concern and affection for the believers.

In his correspondence with the Corinthians, Paul demonstrates empathy for their spiritual and moral struggles. He writes, "I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish" (2 Corinthians 12:20). This statement reflects his deep desire for their spiritual well-being and his willingness to address difficult issues out of love.

Sympathy in Suffering

Paul's own experiences of suffering enabled him to sympathize with others enduring hardship. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, he writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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 have received from God" . Here, Paul acknowledges that his trials have equipped him to offer comfort and encouragement to others.

His letter to the Romans further illustrates his empathetic nature. Paul urges believers to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). This exhortation underscores his understanding of the importance of sharing in the emotional experiences of others, both in joy and in sorrow.

Intercessory Prayers

Paul's compassion is also evident in his intercessory prayers. He frequently prays for the spiritual growth and protection of the churches. In Ephesians 1:16-17, he writes, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him" . His prayers reflect a deep desire for believers to grow in their relationship with God.

Acts of Generosity

Paul's compassion extended beyond words to tangible acts of generosity. He organized collections for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, urging the Gentile churches to contribute. In 2 Corinthians 8:13-14, he writes, "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need" . This initiative demonstrates his commitment to alleviating the suffering of others through practical means.

Conclusion

Paul's life and writings offer a profound example of Christian compassion and sympathy. His deep love for the church, his empathy for those in distress, and his commitment to prayer and generosity reflect the heart of a true shepherd, inspired by the love of Christ. Through his example, believers are encouraged to cultivate a similar spirit of compassion and sympathy in their own lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's Persuasion
... Paul had no such fears and no such feelings. He knew that the great heart of God
is a heart of love, a heart of tender pity, compassion, and sympathy. ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-three pauls persuasion.htm

Prayer Born of Compassion
... for whom it feels, and has a sympathy for them. ... Can any one doubt that His compassion
moved Him ... Paul was wonderfully interested in the religious welfare of his ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/x prayer born of compassion.htm

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in ...
... be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted ... For hence it is that Paul
is caught up into ... to the invisible, he bends in his compassion upon the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter v that the ruler.htm

Still Another Triplet
... meeting hostility with blessing, and rendering sympathy to both ... city which occupied
so much of Paul's attention at ... shut up our bowels of compassion against him ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet.htm

Introduction
... he was also a companion of Paul and had ... obvious still is the boundless and tender
sympathy of this ... no other picture of such perfect compassion, tenderness, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/introduction.htm

Christian Sympathy
... off the slander into the fire as Paul shook the ... them, have yet exhibited bowels of
compassion to the ... even publicans and harlots can exhibit sympathy, how much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Home-Sympathy.
... he says, "Be all of one mind, having compassion one of ... to see the destruction of
my kindred!" Paul gives utterance to ... His sympathy for a lost world is the true ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiv home-sympathy.htm

Grace and Graces
... here rendered 'exhort' is found in Paul's writings as ... and so does the glow of compassion,
the exercise of the natural human sympathy which belongs to ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/grace and graces.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 ... were animated with peculiar rancour against Paul, who had ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing.
... feeling they do not render themselves incapable of feeling compassion, sympathy,
and pity ... The apostle Paul said, "Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/sorrowful yet always rejoicing.htm