In life, we all experience highs and lows. What may be considered a high or low sometimes differs from person to person, but we all know how we feel during these times.
A low point for me during my late teens was when my miniature dachshund, Sweetie, passed away. Sweetie and I grew up together. Some people may never experience feeling very close to an animal, but I felt heartbroken. Although my family members loved that little dog too and were saddened by her death, they were even more sad for me because they knew what she meant to me.
People’s needs may differ, but what did I truly need at the time? I needed support from people who understood. My family could not bring my dog back, but they could be present and offer loving comfort and understanding.
This is a real example of empathy. But what is empathy, really? Empathy begins with humility and stems from choosing love. It may be described as a combination of sympathy, compassion, putting ourselves in another’s shoes, and considering the interests of another above our own. It means trying to understand what someone else is feeling or experiencing and allowing that understanding to shape how we respond.
Describing empathy is one thing, but seeing it lived out is more powerful. Let’s look at the One with the purest and most selfless love we’ll ever know: Jesus! John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” Jesus knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, but even so, He was deeply moved after seeing Mary and others weeping. Being present with them and loving them, He shared in their grief and was “deeply moved” and “greatly troubled” upon seeing their tears (John 11:33). This passage shows the humanity of Jesus as well as His loving empathy.
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26-27) These words of Christ, spoken from the cross, show His incredible empathy even while enduring unimaginable pain. Despite His own suffering, He made thoughtful arrangements for the ongoing care of His mother in His physical absence. Empathy was also demonstrated by John, who took Mary into his home from that very hour.
Although Christ provided the perfect example of empathy, Scripture teaches us to have that same concern for others: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5)
And sometimes empathy is much simpler: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) Sometimes this is exactly what is needed. Heartfelt understanding and shared feelings can do wonders. We see an example of this in Job’s friends: “They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him…. And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.” (Job 2:11, 13)
Here, imperfect men gathered around their friend Job and mourned without words in the presence of his great suffering. Sometimes empathy doesn’t require having the right words. Sometimes it means simply being there.
What better way to protect and comfort the heart of another than to lovingly share in their feelings? Take a moment to remember a time when you were shown empathy, or when you really needed it. What are you learning from Scripture that will prepare you to show Christlike empathy when the opportunity arises?
God equips the willing.
