Empathy
The Bible calls us to be empathetic, to understand another's feelings, and to feel what they feel. Paul wrote in Romans 12:15…
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Paul meant more than only listening or helping someone for a moment and then moving on. He encouraged the early Christians to walk alongside each other in difficult times, pray with each other, and seek to understand another's point of view.
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Galatians 6:2 says…
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Colossians 3:12 (ESV) says…
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts…”
EMPATHY IN ACTION
We are to listen before speaking, pursue compassion for others' experiences, put aside our perspectives, and think from the other's point of view when walking with them in difficult times.