The Bible encourages compassion, urging believers to care for others’ hardships. Showing empathy is valued, but the Bible also reminds us to support others in positive ways. Here’s what scripture teaches about showing sympathy and support.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Bad Attitudes
What Does The Bible Say About Feeling Sorry For Others
Matthew 9:36
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ empathy and compassion for those who are suffering and in need of guidance. It serves as a reminder to us to have a heart of compassion towards others, recognizing their struggles and offering support and care.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
As followers of Christ, it is our duty to come alongside others in their pain and difficulties. We are called to share their burdens, supporting and helping them in whatever way we can. By doing so, we demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ and fulfill His commandments.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of encouraging and uplifting one another. We should strive to be a source of comfort and support, offering kind words and actions that build others up and inspire them to keep going, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
In times of sadness and despair, this verse assures us that God is close to those who are hurting. He offers comfort, healing, and restoration to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. It reminds us to turn to Him in times of need.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
This verse speaks of God’s mission to bring hope and freedom to the oppressed and brokenhearted. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His compassion and work towards bringing healing and restoration to those who are suffering.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of treating others with kindness and generosity, especially those who are less fortunate. By reaching out and helping those in need, we honor God and demonstrate His love in practical ways.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
When others are experiencing joy or sorrow, we are called to empathize and share in their emotions. This verse encourages us to be present and supportive, celebrating with those who are rejoicing and comforting those who are grieving.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
The principle of treating others as we would like to be treated applies to all aspects of our lives, including our attitudes towards those in need. This verse reminds us to extend compassion, understanding, and support to others, just as we would desire for ourselves.
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
True religion, as outlined in this verse, involves caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. It challenges us to actively reach out to those who are suffering, specifically orphans and widows, and demonstrate God’s love through acts of compassion and assistance.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
This verse reminds us of the blessing that comes from showing mercy and compassion towards others. As we extend love and forgiveness to those in need, we also receive God’s mercy and experience the fullness of His grace.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Generosity towards the less fortunate is seen as a loan to the Lord Himself. This verse assures us that when we give to the poor and those in need, God will abundantly bless and repay us for our acts of kindness.
Job 29:12
“Because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him.”
In this verse, Job reflects on his past acts of compassion towards the poor and fatherless. It serves as a reminder to us that we have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others by extending a helping hand and offering assistance.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
When we willingly give to the poor and those in need, God promises to fulfill our own needs. This verse emphasizes the importance of having an open heart and generous spirit towards those who are less fortunate.
Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
This parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the importance of compassion and practical help towards those in need. It challenges us to go beyond just feeling sorry for others but to genuinely extend assistance and care to those who are suffering.
Psalm 41:1
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him.”
This verse highlights the blessings and deliverance that come to those who actively consider the needs of the poor. By turning our empathy into action and offering help to those less fortunate, we can experience God’s provision and protection in our own lives.
Proverbs 22:9
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
A generous and compassionate attitude towards the poor leads to blessings and favor from God. This verse encourages us to share our resources and provisions with those in need, knowing that God will bless us abundantly in return.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of practical acts of kindness and compassion towards those in need. It challenges us to actively reach out and help others, particularly those who are hungry, thirsty, in need of clothing, sick, or imprisoned.
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”
This verse reminds us that our treatment of the poor and needy reflects our reverence for God. By being generous and compassionate towards those in need, we show honor and respect to the One who created them.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
In contrast to the wicked who borrow without repaying, the righteous exhibit generosity and a willingness to give. This verse encourages us to be people who freely give to others, trusting in God’s provision and faithfulness.
James 2:16
“And one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
This verse challenges us to not merely offer empty words of comfort to those in need but to provide tangible assistance. It emphasizes the importance of meeting people’s practical needs as an expression of genuine love and concern.
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Through his example and teachings, Jesus emphasizes the importance of helping the weak and vulnerable. This verse calls us to work hard and generously provide assistance, reminding us that there is greater blessing in giving than receiving.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reinforces the principle that when we are generous and give to the poor, our wealth is ultimately stored up in heaven. It encourages us to invest in acts of compassion and charity rather than simply accumulating wealth for ourselves.
Hebrews 13:3
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
As part of the body of Christ, we are called to remember and support those who are imprisoned and mistreated. This verse challenges us to stand in solidarity with them, joining them in their suffering and advocating for justice and mercy.
Proverbs 11:25
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered.”
When we bless and bring joy to others, whether through acts of kindness or sharing God’s love, we are assured of enrichment in return. This verse encourages us to be conduits of blessings, knowing that we will also receive God’s abundant provision in our lives.
Psalm 82:3
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.”
This verse speaks to our responsibility to advocate for justice and support the weak, fatherless, afflicted, and destitute. It calls us to champion the cause of those who are oppressed and in need, ensuring that their rights are upheld and their needs are met.