Christian Sympathy

In Romans 12, Paul’s theme is the unity of the body of Christ, and the interdependence of members of the body (vs. 5). Each one’s gifts are different, so that each can make a significant contribution to the whole. We ought not to boast or be conceited about a gift, because it is just that–a gift from the Lord (cf. I Cor. 12:11). And He also gives the faith needed for the fruitful exercise of the gift (vs. 3). Beyond mere giftedness, the unity of the body is affected by our attitudes toward one another. What brings one person joy ought to cause others around to rejoice. What brings grief to one ought to touch the others with sorrow.

The Chapter exhorts us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). If we are unconcerned, and intent only on our own needs, we are not functioning properly as part of the body. Matthew Henry says, “True love will interest us in the sorrows and joys of one another, and teach us to make them our own….Not that we must participate in the sinful mirths and mournings of any. Not envying those that prosper, but rejoicing with them; not despising those that are in trouble, but concerned for them, and ready to help them.”

While there is a dimension of human sympathy which is always appropriate, our response must be tempered with some understanding of the reason for the other’s grief. Not all painful circumstances can be dealt with in the same way. Here are four possible reasons for weeping:

1. The Season’s Common Reaping. The pains that will naturally be a part of our fallen humanity–sickness, aging, accidental injury, and so on, come upon all.
2. The Saint’s Confessed Repentance. “Godly sorrow [over sin] produces repentance” (II Cor. 7:10).
3. The Self’s Childish Ravings. The immature response to a deprivation of self, or the “poor me’s” of self pity.
4. The Sinner’s Calloused Remorse. Not sorrow for sin so much as regret because of the consequent pain and loss it brings (cf. Heb. 12:16-17).

It would seem that the first two of these must be dealt with much differently than the last two, where there is a place for rebuke and admonition.