Sympathetic

Mt 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. A person's cruelty or sympathy is revealed by their attitude towards animals, and particularly towards domestic animals. For they are dependent up us. David was a shepherd, as was Moses. And Jesus likens himself to a shepherd, and even to the "lamb" of God. One aspect of being a good shepherd is to have sympathy towards those who are helpless and harassed.

Mt 15:32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." Sympathy goes hand in hand with thoughtfulness. One who gives little thought to another's circumstances cannot be sympathetic.

Luke 11:46 Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. A person's sympathy is revealed by taking practical steps to help others who are burdened. If you are in a position to do so, beware of imposing regulations unsympathetically. "This is what the LORD Almighty says: `Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'" Zec 7:9,10 and "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law— justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Mt 23:33

Sympathy is also developed through experience. Even of Jesus it is written that, "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin." Heb 4:15 and "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people." Heb 2:17

Christians are to sympathize with fellow Christians who are persecuted for their faith, regardless of the consequences. Heb 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.