Topical Bible: Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Bear Them in Mind

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the duty to remember and care for the afflicted is deeply rooted in Scripture. This responsibility is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that reflects the heart of God toward those who suffer. The Bible provides numerous passages that emphasize the importance of bearing the afflicted in mind, urging believers to act with compassion, empathy, and justice.

Biblical Foundation

The call to remember the afflicted is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Isaiah, God speaks through the prophet, highlighting His concern for the oppressed: "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). This verse underscores the active role believers are to take in advocating for those who cannot defend themselves.

The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, portraying God as a refuge for the afflicted. Psalm 9:9 states, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble" . This assurance of divine protection serves as a model for believers to emulate, providing support and sanctuary to those in distress.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies the ultimate care for the afflicted. His ministry was marked by acts of healing, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalized. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me" . This passage highlights the profound truth that serving the afflicted is tantamount to serving Christ Himself.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of remembering the afflicted. In Galatians 2:10, he recounts the agreement with the other apostles to "remember the poor," which he was eager to do . This commitment to the less fortunate is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, urging the early church to be mindful of those in need.

Practical Implications

Bearing the afflicted in mind requires more than passive acknowledgment; it demands active engagement and tangible support. James 1:27 defines pure religion as "to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world" . This directive calls believers to practical action, ensuring that their faith is demonstrated through deeds of kindness and mercy.

Furthermore, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the necessity of crossing social and cultural boundaries to aid those in distress. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger serves as a powerful example of the selfless love and compassion that should characterize the Christian response to affliction.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to bear the afflicted in mind is clear and compelling. It calls believers to reflect God's heart for the suffering through acts of justice, mercy, and love. By remembering and caring for the afflicted, Christians fulfill their duty to embody the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 13:3
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts xx. 17-21
... both to Jews and Greeks repentance toward God." What ... terrifies them, and troubled
and afflicted as their ... the coming events, and their duty and responsibility ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xliv acts xx 17-21.htm

The Repentance of Believers
... When they are comforting the afflicted, or provoking one another ... have they been guilty
of, in their duty toward God ... the confidence they ought to have, toward God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 14 the repentance of.htm

The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's ...
... knowest not now why thou art afflicted; perhaps thou ... healing art, but of the religious
duty of exercising ... farthing bestowed on them must go toward the direct ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ii the physicians calling.htm

Of Civil Government.
... he will be the avenger of the oppressed and afflicted. ... who honestly and faithfully
perform their duty toward us, but ... they less perform than the duty of princes ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... upon him that he seemed to bear an audible ... did he take to convince Pharaoh of his
duty toward the Israelites? ... but from the plagues that afflicted the Egyptians ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

2 Cor. I. 1, 4
... His inward affection is more abundantly toward you, whilst ... does he raise the spirits
of the afflicted, but from ... of a noble soldier; on duty continually within ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily i 2 cor i.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... world counts none miserable but the afflicted, and none ... importance that we should
ever bear in mind ... in which his relationship with and duty toward his Creator ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

2 Cor. vii. 13
... said, "his inward affection is more abundant toward you;" he ... making them the more
ready to this duty also ... For they were not merely afflicted, but so as also to ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvi 2 cor vii.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... of right and of his own duty had been ... He had witnessed Stephen's forbearance toward
his enemies and his ... many whom he had caused to be tormented and afflicted. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

On Pleasing all Men
... our utmost diligence, be the event as it may, we fulfill our duty. ... 4. And while you
are pitiful to the afflicted, see that you are courteous toward all men ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 100 on pleasing all.htm