Be Empathetic

“Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].” Romans 12:15 AMPC

We are living in the last days. The Lord Jesus prophesied what would characterize our time: callousness.

Callousness means being devoid of compassion or feeling. A callous person has become hard-hearted.

Here is what the Lord Jesus said would happen in the last days: “And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity.” Matthew 24:12 AMPC

When love grows cold, compassion fades, and cruelty rises. People no longer feel for one another. Everyone is focused on their own plight, and it has become every man for himself.

As the church, we are called to a higher life—a life of compassion and empathy for those who are suffering.

The apostolic charge for empathy is clear: “Remember those who are in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are ill-treated, since you also are liable to bodily sufferings.” Hebrews 13:3 AMPC.

Remembering those who are suffering, ill-treated, or in prison is not just about sparing a thought. It is about striving to feel what they are experiencing in their moment of pain and despair.

If we exercise our hearts in empathy, we will win the war against callousness, which leads to sin.

When someone loses a loved one, feel for them. When someone is sick, imagine yourself in their situation.

A church that reflects Christ is one that feels for each other as Christ does. “For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.” Hebrews 4:15 AMPC.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please look into my heart and remove everything that does not resemble You. Fill me with compassion for those who are suffering. May I feel what they feel so I can be moved to carry the burdens of life with them, reflecting Your love and compassion, in Jesus’ name, Amen.