Having Empathy

For the past few weeks I've been trying to write something on Empathy in the bible. I

hope it helps you understand more about it in a biblical context. If ever you think I've

made a mistake or wish to correct me on a certain points, do not hesitate to let me

know.

As you may know, the Bible is pro-empathy! The apostle Peter counseled Christians

to have “compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be

courteous” (1 Peter 3:8, NKJV). The apostle Paul also encouraged empathy when he

exhorted fellow Christians to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who

mourn” (Romans 12:15).

There are several examples of empathy in action in the Bible. Jesus was always

sensitive to the plight of others. Matthew tells us how Jesus, “when he saw the

crowds, . . . had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). On another occasion, Jesus

observed a widow about to bury her only son. Sensing her pain (the NLT says that

Jesus’ “heart overflowed with compassion”), He approached the funeral procession

and resurrected the young man (Luke 7:11–16). Having lived a human life, our Lord

can and does empathize with all of our weaknesses (see Hebrews 4:15).

The word compassion describes the deep mercy of God. God is the very best at

empathy: “He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm

103:14). He personally feels the pain of His people: “You keep track of all my

sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one

in your book” (Psalm 56:8, NLT). How comforting it is to know that God records all

our tears and all our struggles! How good to remember God’s invitation to cast all our

cares upon Him, “because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7)!

Below are some Bible verses about empathy:

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ

forgave you.

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a

humble mind.

Matthew 7:12

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the

Law and the Prophets.

John 15:12

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building

up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

1 Corinthians 12:26

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice

together.

Colossians 3:12

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,

kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

John 11:33-35

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping,

he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have

you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than

yourselves.

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Matthew 9:36

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were

harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and

God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to

comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are

comforted by God.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus,

the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who

is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has

been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to

the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of

need.

Psalm 139:21-22

Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up

against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.

Hebrews 13:3

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who

are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

Jeremiah 15:17

I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your

hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation.

Psalm 56:8

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your

book?

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved

you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my

disciples, if you have love for one another.

DABY Yohanan