Why is being sympathetic important? - Sympathy - TouchPoints

1 Peter 3:8You should be . . . full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.

Galatians 6:2Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

1 Peter 1:22Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts.

To be sympathetic or tenderhearted toward others is a mark of being like Jesus, which is the goal and calling of every Christian. If you find yourself lacking in compassion toward others, particularly believers, consider yourself needing God’s significant help in that area.

1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ.

Mark 2:1-5Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above his head. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”

Being sympathetic is a way to bring others to Jesus so that they can know him, too. In this instance in Capernaum, Jesus demonstrated targeted compassion. He knew the man was physically paralyzed, but he also understood his deeper paralysis with sin, so that is where he began the healing. Unlike a paralyzed man suddenly walking, the reality of forgiveness is not immediately apparent. Jesus underscored that his forgiveness was genuine by healing the man’s physical problem, though the deeper healing could not be seen.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

To be sympathetic is a way to praise God by ministering to others, helping them through their troubles.

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 sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.

1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.

To be sympathetic is to understand and appreciate everyone’s unique needs and gifts so you can all work in harmony. Lacking in this area tends to provoke questions about the reality of our own faith.