What is Empathy?

Empathy is understanding and sharing someone else's feelings. I didn’t quite understand the concept of empathy until I studied social work. Like most people, I confused empathy with sympathy. 

Empathy vs. Sympathy

Empathy is actually putting yourself in their shoes or in their situation, whereas sympathy is simply feeling sorry for someone else. 

Why is empathy important for Christians?

The concept of empathy is shown throughout scripture:

Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

Jesus himself showed empathy in John 11 when Mary was grieving the death of Lazarus. Jesus wept with her. I have no doubt that she felt so comforted, so loved to know that Jesus felt her pain. Jesus understood. Jesus cared. 

He still does that for us, too.

We are called to be a reflection of Him and that means showing his love, his empathy to others. 

I challenge you to practice empathy this week. Really try to feel and understand what someone else may be going through.