In Mark, Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear. Jesus tells us that those who are not his disciples can understand what is being said. All that is required is that we have a willingness and the ability to hear. Every day, we have many voices trying to capture our attention. These voices may be of some importance, but many are just making noise. How do we know which are trying to tempt or deceive and which ones want to bring us needed information? How do you sort these voices from the superfluous from the ones that truly matter? Jesus wants us to hear, listen, and respond to the truth. Like so many things, it is easy said but hard to accomplish. If we are not careful, we can spend much time working on, worrying about, and studying worthless information. We must listen and know the content of what we hear to determine the feelings and actions we should take.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is difficult to truly accomplish because it is so close to sympathy. There are essential differences between empathy, compassion, and sympathy. While sympathy and compassion are associated with empathy, there are several differences. Compassion and sympathy are often considered more of a reflexive link, while empathy is a more active attempt to understand the other person. Compassion is sympathetic pity and concern for suffering; sympathy is the formal expression of pity or sorrow for someone’s misfortune. Compassion and sympathy can both be shown by condolences. Romans 12 suggests we show empathy by rejoicing those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. Ephesians 4 describes empathy as being kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another. Whereas Matthew 5 talks about sympathy, stating that blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. In First Peter 5 we are directed to cast all our doubt on Him, because He cares for you.
“Empathy is crucial for establishing relationships and behaving compassionately. It involves experiencing another person’s point of view, rather than just one’s own and enables prosocial or helping behaviors that come from within rather than being forced. Empathy implies being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing another’s feelings, thoughts, and motives.” (Cherry, 2024) Empathy is necessary for us to engage in successful relationships. It creates our curiosity and interest in others, which helps us grow as individuals. Second Peter 3 tells us to grow in grace and knowledge. Ephesians 2 reminds us that by grace, we have been saved through faith. The knowledge that we desire from our empathy fuels grace and knowledge.
Everyone possesses different degrees of empathy. We all try to validate our feelings and how we feel about others. Some show empathy quickly, and others have trouble having positive feelings for others. James 4 warns, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Jesus tells us many times to love each other, care for each other, and to forgive each other. But we still find a way to dislike and not care for others. Empathy can be overwhelming and challenging if it is not done correctly. Overidentifying with somebody’s feelings can be demanding, leading to a stress response similar to what you would experience in the same painful or threatening situation. Galatians 5 reminds us that the desires of the flesh are against the spirit, and the desire of the spirit is against the flesh. This back and forth will keep us from enjoying the things we want to do. Philippians 2:4 states, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” So, practicing and showing empathy is essential to our daily lives. “Feeling a sense of social connection is important in triggering prosocial behaviors. “You perceive the person as a member of your group or because the situation is so compelling that your common humanity is aroused; when you experience this empathy, it motivates you to help the other person, even at a personal cost to you.” (Abramson, 2021) Once we realize that we can learn and grow our ability to empathize, we can become more comfortable sharing our concerns. Showing empathy to unfamiliar people or groups helps us grow and mature. Like other feelings, empathy can wane and increase depending on the circumstances. Second Timothy 2:15 reminds us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”