Sympathy(condolence)
Summary
The quality of being affected by another's condition, a virtue exemplified supremely in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
☩Definition
Sympathy, from the Greek sympatheia meaning 'fellow-feeling,' is the quality of being affected by another's condition. Originally used like pity and compassion to denote sharing in sorrows, it now encompasses sharing any emotion. Sympathy with sorrow is compassion; sympathy with joy is congratulation.
☩Christ's Sympathy in His Miracles
Jesus's healing miracles were expressions of deep sympathy. His power to heal presupposed a combination of tender sympathy with commanding authority. Some miracles show Christ sharing the suffering in the act of relieving it—after healing the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus perceived 'that virtue had gone out of him.' He never appears as a mere wonder-worker, but as the friend of sufferers.
☩Christ's Teaching on Sympathy
Jesus's Golden Rule—'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'—requires placing ourselves in others' positions. He commanded mercy, forgiveness, and compassion toward all, including enemies. The parable of the Good Samaritan taught universal brotherhood; the parable of the unmerciful servant showed that those who receive mercy must extend it.
☩Examples of Sympathy
Scripture records many instances of sympathy. Job's three friends came to mourn with him and sat seven days in silence. David sent messengers to comfort Hanun. Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, displaying both divine authority and human compassion. Such examples call believers to 'weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.'
Related Verses10 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sympathy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Sympathy," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).