Following the Jesus Method Showing Sympathy!

Following Jesus method Showing sympathy

Last week we started a new series following Jesus method. There were 5 steps and last week we looked at step one that Jesus did what was it? He Mingled.

Mingled

Showed sympathy

ministered to the needs

win their confidence

bidding them to follow Jesus.

This week we are going to look at step 2 which is showing sympathy. You may think can we spend a whole service time on this. Let me suggest if you have not already take out your notes and let us see how we go.

I would like to share with you a story that fits in with how Jesus would have showed sympathy.

How much more tragic could it be? A 17-year-old girl, struggling with what most 17-year-old girls struggle with, except with so much more, took her own life. Who could imagine the parents’ devastation?

Their pastor came over to the house. He sat down in the living room next to them and for a long time said nothing. He just immersed himself in their grief. Then he, the pastor, started sobbing. He sobbed until his tears ran dry. Then, without saying a word, he got up and left.

Sometime later, the father told him how much he appreciated what the pastor had done. He and his wife, at that time, didn’t need words, didn’t need promises, didn’t need counseling. All they needed, right then and there, was raw sympathy.

“I can’t tell you,” he said to the minister, “how much your sympathy meant to us.”

Sympathy means “with pathos,” and “pathos” is related to pity, tenderness, or sorrow. It means being “with” someone but in a profound way. Showing sympathy toward the sorrows of others takes the question of “mingling” with others to a whole new level.

Showing sympathy was also a crucial way that Jesus reached people.

Can you think of an example from your own experience or an example of which you are aware that showed true sympathy? If we were to look at the story of Job and what happened to him we could ask. Were Job’s friends sympathetic? We are told that Jesus mingled with people. His examples of sympathy take mingling to a whole new level.

Can you think of an example from your own experience or an example of which you are aware that showed true sympathy? Were Job’s friends sympathetic? We are told that Jesus mingled with people. His examples of sympathy take mingling to a whole new level.

What is it that makes sympathy so important in our time? In nations of the more developed world, families have become more nuclear and isolated than they used to be. In times past, grandparents lived with parents and children. Today, we have father and mother and children, each rushing to and fro to meet their own individual schedule and responsibilities.

More than that, with people tending more and more to believe in neo-Darwinism and evolution, they think there is nothing beyond this life. We are a small blue dot floating in an immense universe which to many seems to have no purpose. Many think we are simply the results of the “Big Bang.” How sad!

The Bible, of course, paints a very different picture. When we look into the old testament we can see that God showed sympathy and compassion.

Read ;

Judges 2:16–18 NIV

Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord’s commands. Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

judges 2:16-18

;

2 Kings 13:23 ESV

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.

2 Kings 13:23 ESV

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.

;

and ,.

Isaiah 54:7–8 ESV

For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.

and ,.

Isaiah 54:10 ESV

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

and ,.

Even when the children of Israel were in deep trouble because they had abandoned their loyalty to God, He still loved them. He took care of them; and when they returned to Him, He would bless them and bring them peace, once again, because of His promises and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How different that is from the usual Christian understanding of the Old Testament in which God is viewed as a stern, mean, unforgiving, and un-compassionate, dominant Sovereign of the universe. He is viewed as a harsh Judge–an unforgiving Father. By many, He is thought of as arbitrary, vengeful, exacting, unforgiving, and severe. That God is Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 54:7–8 ESV

For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.

isa 54

Isaiah 54:10 ESV

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Even when the children of Israel were in deep trouble because they had abandoned their loyalty to God, He still loved them. He took care of them; and when they returned to Him, He would bless them and bring them peace, once again, because of His promises and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How different that is from the usual Christian understanding of the Old Testament in which God is viewed as a stern, mean, unforgiving, and uncompassionate, dominant Sovereign of the universe. He is viewed as a harsh Judge–an unforgiving Father. By many, He is thought of as arbitrary, vengeful, exacting, unforgiving, and severe. That God is Jesus Christ.

When we come to the New Testament we see that God is compassionate.

Read

James 5:11 ESV

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

and

Psalm 103:8 ESV

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

These verses make it very clear that the Lord is full of mercy and compassion, slow to become angry, and full of constant love.

The Bible, of course, paints a very different picture. Read ; ; and ,. Even when the children of Israel were in deep trouble because they had abandoned their loyalty to God, He still loved them. He took care of them; and when they returned to Him, He would bless them and bring them peace, once again, because of His promises and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How different that is from the usual Christian understanding of the Old Testament in which God is viewed as a stern, mean, unforgiving, and uncompassionate, dominant Sovereign of the universe. He is viewed as a harsh Judge–an unforgiving Father. By many, He is thought of as arbitrary, vengeful, exacting, unforgiving, and severe. That God is Jesus Christ.

Ellen White went the extra mile in spelling out what our relationship with God should be.

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” . His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” . The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ 100.1.

The words sympathy, empathy, pity, and compassion have similar meanings. Have we experienced these attitudes in our own lives? When we hear of a tragedy–especially if it is in our own local community–do we respond by saying, “I’m so sorry” and then just move on? Or, do we actually move to do something about it? Have you tried telephoning those who are suffering? Or, perhaps sending them a sympathy card? Loving action would be even more appreciated.

Fortunately, in our world today, there are large government-funded aid agencies that deal with natural disasters. But, what about the smaller misfortunes that nevertheless affect some people very severely? How should we respond if someone not far from us has his/her home burned down or destroyed by a hurricane or tornado?

As we all know, our newspapers and news broadcasts are full of tragedies. “If it bleeds, it leads.” How do we respond to these tragedies? Do we think a few sympathetic thoughts and then move on to the sports page? Is that appropriate for a real Christian?

leads.” How do we respond to these tragedies? Do we think a few sympathetic thoughts and then move on to the sports page? Is that appropriate for a real Christian?

Wherever we go and what ever we do we need to cloth ourselves.

Read ;

Colossians 3:12 ESV

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 John 3:17 ESV

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

Read ; ; and . How do we “clothe ourselves” with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Do we know how to be kind and humble with each other? How does it make you feel to read: “Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God”?

How do we “clothe ourselves” with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Do we know how to be kind and humble with each other? How does it make you feel to read: “Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God”?

How do we “clothe ourselves” with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Do we know how to be kind and humble with each other? How does it make you feel to read: “Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God”?

Compassion which comes from the Latin word compati means to really suffer with someone. If we have experienced some very unfortunate event, does it make it easier for us to understand the sufferings of others?

Show Sympathy - “You must come close to those for whom you labor, that they may not only hear your voice, but shake your hand, learn your principles, feel your sympathy.” 

Show Sympathy - “You must come close to those for whom you labor, that they may not only hear your voice, but shake your hand, learn your principles, feel your sympathy.” 

Rules for showing sympathy:

rules for showing sympathy:

Be authentic

Listen more than you speak. Be sure your body language reinforces your attempt to sympathise and comfort.

Show sympathy

Out of your individual personality. Some people give sympathy by quietly crying with the troubled person. Others don’t cry but show sympathy by organizing something that is a comfort to the bereaved.

Being a presence

Is often more important than speaking or doing. Allow people to grieve in their own way.

Become acquainted

With the stages of processing grief that people often go through.

Be careful

About saying “I know how you feel.” Chances are that you don’t.

There is a place for professional counseling.

Don’t say “I’ll pray for you” unless you really intend to do so.

When possible, pray with, unhurriedly visit with, and share encouraging Bible promises with suffering ones.

Organise support groups (if available) at your church or in your community.

Dwight Nelson, in his book Pursuing the Passion of Jesus said:

so many of His people don’t care.” Is that a fair question? What could we do to respond?

“Many wonder why God doesn’t act. God wonders why so many of His people don’t care.”

Is that a fair question? What could we do to respond?

Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. The true heart expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the Spirit of Christ.—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 30.

However In our busy, hectic world, we look for quicker ways to express ourselves with the least amount of disruption to our busy programs. Facebook is the world’s largest online social networking site.

Almost from the beginning, it has allowed people to respond to a post with a “like”—“thumbs up” with one quick press of a button–without the chance for “dislike” or “thumbs down.” But, if someone reports a tragedy that has happened to himself or to a friend of theirs, should we respond with a “like”? Or, ignore it? Facebook now offers an emoji for each of several different emotions–“love,” “laughter,” “shock,” “sadness,” and “anger.” Now, we can simply push the button and go on our way!

The early Christian theologian Augustine of Hippo used the expression:

“With love for humanity, but hatred for sin.”

In our day, we have modified the expression slightly to say:

“Love the sinner, but hate the sin.”

Can we do that without being condescending or suggesting that we are in some way superior to the one who is a sinner? Even when someone is a drunkard, do we remember that he/she also might be a mother/father, a daughter/son, even a friend? We need to remember that God looks at things very differently.

God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God.

Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are.

The drunkard is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go un-rebuked. But these are sins that are especially offensive to God; for they are contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that unselfish love which is the very atmosphere of the unfallen universe. He who falls into some of the grosser sins may feel a sense of his shame and poverty and his need of the grace of Christ; but pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give.—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ 30.1.

Is it possible to call sin by its right name without sounding superior?

We are not to judge we are to mingle and we are to hear their problems and be genuine in showing sympathy.

A few families with their small children got together during a holiday and made packages of food and toiletries to give out to the many homeless in their city. After working for a few hours, they got into their cars, went to the city center, and, in about a half hour, distributed the goods. They then went off to a museum and, afterward, out to dinner. As they were walking back to the cars, one of them said, “I’m glad we did this. But do you real- ize that by now most of those whom we fed are probably hungry again?”

No question, there are so many people out there who need comfort, sympathy, and help that it can seem overwhelming, almost to the point where one could think: What’s the sense of doing anything? We can barely make a dent! Numerous problems exist with that line of thinking, however. First, if everyone thought that way, no one would help anyone, and the needs, as terrible as they are, would be even worse. On the other hand, if everyone who could help others would, then the needs, as terrible as they are, wouldn’t be as bad.

Second, we have never been told in the Bible that human pain, suffering, and evil would be eliminated this side of heaven. In fact, we have been told the opposite. Even Jesus, when here, didn’t end all human suffering. He did what He could.

We are to do the same: bring comfort, sympathy, and help to those whom we can.

This week and the weeks ahead if you are hurting share your suffering. But also be prepared to listen to others and support them often when we support other we to can move past our own pain.

Let us be kind and loving to each other.