Empathy remains a rare commodity today, sharply contrasting prevalent attitudes in culture — at least in North American.
During prayer this morning, I felt the nudging of Holy Spirit to reconsider the topic of empathy; something I fail to consistently live out. I sensed that God wanted my full attention in this regard.
One dictionary defines empathy as “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.” Empathy enables us to understand and share the feelings of others. Those, who with open hearts personally connect to others, display this vital attitude.
Empathy forms the heart bridge to all truly authentic relationships, uniting us in sincere love. Although we all desire others to show empathy toward us, returning the favor is sometimes lacking.
Jesus Our Prime Example
“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:15
What joy to celebrate with those who succeed and triumph! How difficult to resist the urge to stay at arm’s length from the messier sides of life. Too often, we may choose the easy way, extending thoughts and prayers from a distance. Jesus, however, established a better plan of action for us.
When His good friend Lazarus died, Jesus met Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, with complete empathy. Even before the meeting, Jesus had already planned to raise Lazarus from the dead. Even so, He wept with these precious women, mourning with them.
“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35
How appropriate that we find the shortest verse in the Bible in this place where words fail miserably. Few words reach the depth of a mourning heart in the same way as understanding and compassion. Strength comes in the presence of others — others who genuinely seek to be sensitive to what others are experiencing. Even though Jesus knew sorrow would soon be turned to joy, He wept with the weeping. He shared their pain of grief and loss.
Jesus Knows our Weakness
“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.”
Hebrews 4:15 AMP
What comfort! Jesus our Advocate and Intercessor knows. He understands. He empathizes with our weaknesses. Because God came in human form, He meets us in joy and sorrow. It doesn’t matter if we think we have our lives in order or feel like we are coming apart at the seams. He doesn’t come as an authoritarian, but as One with compassion and understanding.
I love the words, “in every respect.” Too often we feel isolated from others, alone in our struggles, and misunderstood. In every respect, whatever we face, Jesus empathizes with us. Only Jesus offers perfect empathy. In so doing, He forms the perfect bridge of authentic relationship with us.
One Mind
Perhaps, we have grappled with empathy at times. Those who have the gift of compassion display it most readily. Others of us, who desire to live in authentic community learn to mature in this godly characteristic.
“Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit.”
1 Peter 3:8 AMP
To become like-minded and united in spirit with others, we first must become like-minded and united with Christ. One of the easiest ways to mature in this beautiful attribute is to hang around others who freely empathize. Fortunately, God places in each of our lives kindhearted, courteous, and compassionate examples of Jesus.
Empathetic people consistently model the heart and mind of Christ in these and other ways:
- Ephesians 4:2, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
- Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
- James 1:27, “…caring for orphans and widows in their distress…”
- Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”
