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The desirableness and preciousness of sympathy are unquestionable. Selfishness is the curse of human nature and human society. There is a tendency towards absorption in individual interests, pleasures, and sorrows, which needs to be counteracted. Sympathy is as natural a principle as selfishness, though not so strong. Christianity tends to strengthen it for the conflict; and in the new humanity the love of the Saviour awakens and fosters regard for all those for whom Christ died.

I. CHRIST HIMSELF IS THE DIVINE FOUNDATION OF SYMPATHY.

1. Christ's words are the law of sympathy. It was he who uttered admonitions which have been so potent to affect the heart and influence society; e.g. "Do unto others," etc.; "Love one another," etc. And his apostles' words are his; e.g. "Bear ye one another's burdens;" "Look not every man," etc.; "Rejoice with them," etc.

2. Christ's life was the model of sympathy. In the Gospels we behold him sympathizing with sufferers, mourners, doubters, and inquirers, the ignorant and uncared for, sinners who repented of sin, and others. He is still the High Priest touched with a feeling of our infirmities.

3. Christ's cross is the motive to sympathy. It presents the Redeemer suffering with and for mankind; and those who can say, "He gave himself for me," feel the constraint of the cross, the love of Christ.

4. Christ's Spirit is the power of sympathy - an unseen, but mighty and gracious force.

II. THE VAST RANGE OF CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY.

1. The whole Church of the Redeemer demands its exercise. Christians are members of the one body, and subject to the one Head. Their mutual relations to one another are consequent upon their common relations to their Lord. Hence their interdependence and sympathy. When the head is crowned, the whole body is glorified; when the eyes brighten, all the features respond; when a limb aches, the whole frame is depressed. In such sympathy the body is a picture of the Church as it should be, and as it is just in proportion as it is pervaded by the Spirit of the Lord.

2. The whole race of mankind is included in its scope and action. Christianity alone can attack human isolation, and serve as the bond of universal brotherhood. The wanderers have to be gathered into the fold, and to this end they must first be pitied and yearned over and sought.

III. THE MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY. These are especially:

1. Sympathetic suffering with the sad and distressed, as opposed to indifference or malicious pleasure in others' misfortunes.

2. Sympathetic joy in the advancement and honors of others, as opposed to envy and jealousy.

3. Sympathetic action; for emotion leads to practical interposition and help. Aid, gifts, self denying effort, may prove the reality of the feeling expressed in words.

IV. THE ADVANTAGES AND BLESSINGS OF CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY.

1. To those who display it, it is advantageous as developing and fostering spiritual qualities.

2. To those who partake of it, whose cheerfulness is augmented and whose sorrows are relieved.

3. To society in general, which is thus leavened by Christian spirit and influence. - T.

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KJV: And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

WEB: When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.