Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5946 sensitivity

5946 sensitivity

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5946 sensitivity

Deep feelings for others and sympathy for their needs, leading to appropriate action on their behalf. Spiritual sensitivity is the ability to perceive and respond to the call of God or the spiritual demands of the moment. Oversensitivity and lack of sensitivity are extremes to be avoided.

God's sensitivity to his people

Sensitivity shown by Jesus Christ

Matthew 12:20 See also Isaiah 42:3

Matthew 23:37 pp Luke 13:34 See also Luke 7:12-13; Luke 19:41; John 9:34-35; John 11:33-35

Jesus Christ's own experience of temptation

Hebrews 4:14-15 See also Hebrews 2:18

Sensitivity to others

Arises from an experience of God's compassion

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 See also Philippians 2:1

Believers urged to show sensitivity

Romans 12:15 See also Isaiah 40:2; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Peter 3:8; Hebrews 13:3

Sensitivity to foreigners in Israel

Exodus 23:9 pp Exodus 22:21 See also Leviticus 19:33-34

Sensitivity to those in distress

Job 2:11-13 See also Matthew 26:38-40 pp Mark 14:34-37; 2 Corinthians 7:5-7; Hebrews 10:33-34; James 1:27

Sensitivity to those weak in faith

Romans 15:1 See also Romans 14:1-3,15; 1 Corinthians 8:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Sensitivity in speech

Proverbs 15:23; Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 25:11,15; 1 Peter 3:15

Insensitivity to others

Examples of insensitivity to others

Deuteronomy 28:53-57 As a result of God's judgment, the most sensitive person will become insensitive even to the needs of family; 1 Samuel 1:13-14 Eli's insensitivity to Hannah; Job 16:2 the insensitivity of Job's “comforters”; Jonah 4:9-11 Jonah's insensitivity to the people of Nineveh; Matthew 19:13 pp Mark 10:13 pp Luke 18:15 the disciples' insensitivity towards children brought to Jesus Christ; 1 Corinthians 11:20-21 insensitivity to the needs of others; James 2:2-4 insensitivity towards poorer visitors to church