The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and pity toward those who are afflicted. This duty is deeply rooted in the character of God and is reflected in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ, as well as in the instructions given to believers throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the duty to pity the afflicted. In the Law, God commands His people to care for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and strangers. 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 poor in your land." This command underscores the perpetual need for compassion and generosity toward those in distress.

The Psalms and Proverbs also highlight the virtue of pity. Psalm 82:3-4 exhorts, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." Proverbs 19:17 further reinforces this duty: "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender."

The Example of Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect compassion toward the afflicted. His ministry is marked by acts of healing, feeding the hungry, and comforting the sorrowful. In Matthew 14:14 , it is recorded, "When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick." Jesus' actions demonstrate that pity is not merely an emotion but is accompanied by tangible acts of mercy.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) further illustrates the duty to pity the afflicted. The Samaritan's compassion leads him to care for the wounded man, providing a model for believers to follow. Jesus concludes the parable by instructing, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37), calling His followers to active compassion.

Apostolic Teachings

The apostles continue to teach the importance of pity and compassion in the early church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, encourages believers to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32). These teachings emphasize that pity is an essential aspect of Christian community and fellowship.

James, the brother of Jesus, also stresses the importance of practical compassion. In James 1:27 , he writes, "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 true faith is demonstrated through acts of mercy and care for the afflicted.

Conclusion

The duty to pity the afflicted is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting the heart of God and the example of Christ. Believers are called to embody this compassion, actively seeking to alleviate the suffering of those in need. Through acts of kindness and mercy, Christians fulfill their biblical mandate to love their neighbors as themselves.Job 6:14
To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... world counts none miserable but the afflicted, and none ... Men might pity me but they
certainly would not ... which his relationship with and duty toward his Creator ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

"Who is My Neighbor?"
... got through that which he considered his duty, he fancied ... He "went to him." The Levite
went toward him, but ... a privilege it is to lead these afflicted ones into ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter viii who is my.htm

2 Cor. vii. 2, 3
... "But we were afflicted on every ... longing;" nor anger, but "zeal;" and again "zeal
toward him," which ... towards thy brother, this is a Christian's duty;' let him ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiv 2 cor vii.htm

"Lazarus, Come Forth"
... a comfort His presence would be to the afflicted household! ... gives him a clear perception
of his duty, and leads ... Christ had a purpose of mercy toward those who ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 58 lazarus come forth.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

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... hope, they would not only be assaulted and afflicted with their ... he might be merciful
and faithful, to pity and preserve ... his own Son, and he did our duty for us ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Of Civil Government.
... Lib.5 cap.24), "even pity a common nature in ... will be the avenger of the oppressed
and afflicted. ... who honestly and faithfully perform their duty toward us, but ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Cross as a Social Principle
... He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened ... history; all common tendencies
working toward realization must ... We owe that duty in even higher measure to ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter xi the cross as.htm

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
... judge to be manifestations of divine favor toward them, or complacency ... on in the
way of your duty." Continue the ... days in which you have been afflicted." (Psa.90 ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxiv the case of.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. ... him see the spirit which Rome
manifested toward the Sabbath ... he says, "whatever that it was duty to do on ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org

What is the passion of Christ? | GotQuestions.org

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

Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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