Compassion -Sympathy in Action

Moreover, compassion has the power to relieve affliction.  As we have noted, it reflects a spirit of sympathy toward those in distress and causes us to suffer with those who suffer.  Compassion involves tender regard for people in misery and positive action to help such ones.

By being sympathetic, Christians imitate Jesus.  He was never too busy  to help others in both material and spiritual ways. When he discerned that others were in need, he compassionately found a way to help.

Consider how Jesus reacted when he saw crowds of spiritually destitute people:  "On seeing the crowds he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd."  (Matthew 9:36)  Regarding the word here rendered "felt pity,"  one Bible scholar says that it denotes "an emotion which moves a man to the very depths of his being."  In fact, this word has been called one of the strongest words in Greek for the feeling of compassion.

In a similar way, compassionate Christians respond quickly to the material and spiritual needs of others.  The apostle Peter wrote: "All of you be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate."  (1 Peter 3:8)  For instance, when a family of needy Christians had to move to a new area for health reasons, fellow believers there let them use a house rent-free for six months. The husband relates:  "Every day they came to see how we were doing, and their encouraging comments made us feel at home."

True Christians are also concerned about the needs of strangers.  They gladly give of their time, energy,and means to serve people they do not know.  Jehovah's Witnesses made up the volunteers described in the preceding article who helped total strangers.

The Christians congregation is thus infused with and atmosphere of compassion and loving-kindness.  Motivated  by love, members of the congregation are energized to find ways to serve. Because of various  personal problems, orphans and widows in the congregation may need your concern and empathy.  Could you help such ones to cope with poverty, limited medical care, lack adequate housing, or other personal difficulties?

Consider a couple in Greece.  The husband suffered a stoke.  He and his wife were taken to a hospital  hundreds of miles away. Their meager income, however, depended on their orange grove being harvested.  Who would do that while they were away at the hospital?  The local congregation took action.  They harvested and sold the oranges, providing a source of income for the  needy couple, as well as giving them peace of mind. 

Compassion can be shown in many ways.  For instance, compassionate Christians realize that at times the main thing some  afflicted ones need is kindly visits from people who will listen with a sympathetic ear, show empathy and provide Scriptural comfort. -Romans  12:15.

Next time: Enjoy a Compassionate Atmosphere

The Watchtower, 2007