Bowels of Mercies
Bishop Davenant. Colossians 3:12-15 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;… (see Philippians 1:8). — I. THE NATURE OF THIS GRACE. The real inward and unpretended affection of condoling with another's woe. The phrase is a Hebraism, and is taken from the emotion, and, as it were, concussion which is felt in the stomach, in deep affections of the mind (Genesis 43:30; Lamentations 2:11; Luke 1:78; Philippians 2:1). The apostle wisely begins with the expression of condolence; because from hence flows the act of relief; and because, as Gregory says, "it is more to compassionate any one from the heart, than to give: for he who gives what is external, gives what does not belong to his own person; but he who gives compassion, gives somewhat of himself." II. ITS OBJECTS. 1. Persons who have none to give them relief, as widows and orphans. 2. But in general it comprehends all oppressed with misery — the poor, the prisoner, the sick, the afflicted. III. ITS MOTIVES. 1. The express and oft repeated command of God (Luke 6:36; Romans 12:15; 1 Peter 3:8). Whence Gregory Nazianzen says, "If thou hast nothing, give but a tear; for pity is a great solace to the afflicted." 2. The examples of the prophets, of Christ, and the apostles, and of all good men (Jeremiah 9:1; Matthew 9:36; Luke 19:41; 2 Corinthians 11:29). Hence that saying of the poet, "The good are tear-abounding men." 3. The conformity of nature, and the possibility of suffering similar things. The possibility of suffering similar evils, when seriously considered, forces mercy from any man that is not destitute of feel ing. For what has happened to some one may happen to any one. IV. HENCE WE CONCLUDE — 1. The apathy of the Stoics must be exploded by a Christian; as not agreeing either with our natural condition or our supernatural regeneration. Prosper well remarks, "We are not in" fault for having affections, but for making a bad use of them." 2. Bowels of mercy are found in every regenerate person: he is therefore moved at the very first view of another's misery. 3. They who, ere they can be excited to mercy, must have much solicitation from the afflicted, can lay claim to little or nothing of the spiritual man; they who are not moved by these, have nothing human in them. (Bishop Davenant.) Parallel Verses KJV: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; WEB: Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;