Pearls of the Word

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The throne of grace

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Jesus is the High Priest who is able to sympathize [sumpatheo] with our weaknesses because He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). According to its etymology, the word 'sympathy' means 'to be affected in the same way, physically or morally'.

We can therefore come boldly to the throne of grace because we know that Jesus Christ is affected in the same that we are since he carried our diseases, our physical and moral infirmities on the cross. No other human being can do it. However we can have empathy for a person by perceiving what she or he feels and exercising compassion towards her or him.