When was the last time you really tried to understand how someone else was feeling, not just from your point of view, but from theirs? In a world filled with quick judgments and fast scrolling, God calls us to slow down, listen, and feel with others. That’s where empathy and compassion come in. They are two powerful tools for living out our faith in a real, honest way.
What Is Empathy, Really?
Empathy is more than saying, “That must be tough.” It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand what it’s like to be them—their emotions, struggles, and joys. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” That’s empathy in action. God wants us to be deeply connected with others and not just create surface-level friendships. You don’t truly know what someone is going through until you take the time to ask, place yourself in their shoes, and allow yourself to feel what they feel, whether it is their hurt, joy, or sorrow.
Compassion – Love That Moves You
Compassion takes empathy a step further. It’s when your heart is so moved by what someone else is going through that you do something about it. Jesus didn’t just feel sorry for people — He acted in his empathy with compassion. Over and over in the Gospels, we read, “He had compassion on them,” and then He healed, fed, forgave, and helped.
We’re not all called to perform miracles, but we are called to show love through action. Helping a classmate who’s being left out, checking on a friend who’s been quiet lately, or even just listening when someone needs to vent. These are small ways to show compassion that can make a big difference. Try not to overthink it.
Why It’s Hard and Why It’s Worth It
Let’s be real: Showing empathy and compassion isn’t always easy. It takes time, energy, and sometimes emotional risk. You might not always know what to say, or you might even be afraid you’ll say the wrong thing.
But Jesus never said following Him would be comfortable; He said it would be worth it. When you choose to love others the way He loves, you’re not just being a “nice person,” You’re living out the Gospel. You’re being light in someone else’s darkness. It only takes a little time, and what you will find on the other end is a deeper and more meaningful relationship because of it.
Josh Reigard
Director of Programming and Design