Why is being sympathetic important?
Galatians 6:2Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
1 Peter 1:22You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
To be sympathetic or tenderhearted toward others is a mark of being like Jesus, which is the goal and calling of every Christian. If we find ourselves lacking in compassion toward others, particularly believers, we should consider ourselves in need of God’s help in that area.
Mark 2:1-5When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
Being sympathetic with people in need creates opportunities for us to introduce them to Jesus so they can experience the physical and spiritual healing he offers. This was true for the paralyzed man in this account. Without his four sympathetic friends, he never would have made his way to Jesus. His friends made it possible for this man not only to walk again, but also to meet Jesus and find freedom from his sin.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Being sympathetic toward others and showing them God’s comfort creates opportunities for many to lift praise to God for the comfort they have received.
Philippians 2:1-2Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
Being sympathetic involves understanding and appreciating everyone’s unique needs and gifts so we can all work in harmony. Lacking in this area tends to provoke questions about the reality of our faith.
