Tag Archives: sympathy

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB)

There are times when it seems as if trouble and adversity are predators and we are stalked like prey.

At such times, God’s word reminds us that we are far from alone in our condition; prone to anxiety and bent toward fear.  There is One who has been where we are.  There is One who has faced what we are facing, and that One has emerged from the crucible completely victorious and untouched by sin.  His name is Jesus.

The solution to our dilemma is not to seek the counsel of some and the comfort of others.  Instead, immediately “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,” that is, seek God as your first Resource — not as your last resort.  Those who seek God continuously will always receive mercy equal to any sin; find grace abounding in abundance; and receive help that is always on-time.  – Luther

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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Lending an ear, extending a hand, or offering your heart in sympathy to someone in need fulfills the law of Christ.  Carrying someone else’s burden seems easy enough, but as they say: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

We are tempted to by-pass others in need for the same reasons that those who know not Jesus by-pass persons in need: Helping others takes time.  Bearing the burden of others requires us to be personally engaged.  For these, and related reasons, we decline to help.

The law of Christ is simply stated but broad in its application. Welcome every opportunity to be the friend to others that you would like others to be to you.  – Luther

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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Lending an ear, extending a hand, or offering your heart in sympathy to someone in need fulfills the law of Christ.  Carrying the burden of someone else seems easy enough, but as they say: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

We are tempted to by-pass others in need for the same reasons that those who know not Jesus by-pass persons in need: Helping others takes time.  Bearing the burden of others requires us to be personally engaged.  For these, and related reasons, we decline to help.

The law of Christ is simply stated but broad in its application.  Welcome every opportunity to be the friend to others that you would like others to be to you.  – Luther

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