Webster defines empathy as “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.” Sympathy is a word closely associated with empathy – “an affinity, association, or relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other” or “the act or capacity of entering into or sharing the feelings or interests of another.”
But there is one keep difference. Empathy is driven by shared experiences – you know and feel what someone else feels because you’ve experienced it while sympathy is an acknowledgement and understanding of someone else’s feelings. While both are vital, empathy drives connections.
Empathy is one of our most foundational human traits. It is one of the characteristics that separate us from animals and nature. And, It is one of the soul components that God included when He made us in His image. The ability to be aware, understand, and be sensitive to the experiences and feelings of others.
Sometimes though we act as though empathy is just a trait some of us are born with and others aren’t. But we are all born with the ability to empathize. The difference is some of us excel and work on showing empathy more than others. It is the action of demonstrating empathy that differs from person to person.
But showing empathy and developing a more empathetic lifestyle is not something we as followers of Christ can decide to do or not do. Being empathetic is a requirement. Paul tells us we are to rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep. Why? Why is empathy a life purpose?
❤️ It makes you more aware of others and their needs.
❤️ It showcases our love and care for others.
❤️ It humbles us.
❤️ It brings us closer to others.
❤️ It allows God’s love to shine out through our lives.
The world needs empathetic people. It needs empathetic living.
As Christians we are called to a life of empathy. We must be aware of others and their experiences and feelings. We must be sensitive to others. It is not something we can write off and say “well that’s not one of my talents” or “well, I’m just not very good at all that.” But it is okay to acknowledge you struggle with showing empathy but you must take the next step. You must finding ways to improve showing empathy. Empathy doesn’t need to be grand gestures. You can just sit and listen. Provide someone with an open ear and heart.
No one provided a greater example of empathetic living than Jesus. He cares for people. He wept with people. He rejoiced with people. He showed others every day that He cared for each of them individually. Peter tells us to cast our cares of the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew writer tells us we have a High Priest in Jesus who empathsizes with us because He experienced life here on earth (Hebrews 4:15/ Interestingly enough depending on which translation you’re reading emapthy and sympathy are both used. The actual Greek word used there reads “feels for us.”)
Stats show people are struggling with depression, loneliness, anxiety, and isolation. Empathy is one God’s ways of helping us cope with life here on earth. Empathy helps the receiver and the giver. Empathy showcases God’s love. Empathy elevates others above you. Empathy brings people closer together.
We were called to live a life of empathy so others can see and experience Jesus living in you. #CreatedForMore #APurposeDrivenLife
Adonai's Appeal 