Empathy

Empathy is something we learn. One of the greatest gifts we are given in this life is the company of others. Being able to feel what others feel and extend a service to them is something each of us could be more generous about.

I didn’t learn empathy until I was in the midst of some of life’s hardest struggles.

Empathy is what made me a better friend and Christian.

Why be empathetic?

Jesus is empathetic.

He feels what we feel. There’s nothing you go through that he does not understand. He was here, he walked where we walk.

It helps us to better understand each other, it gives us a special connection, which builds better relationships. Empathy can make it easier for us to “love our neighbors”

I, often times found myself quick to get angry about whatever those around me were angry about but not as quick to be happy for their happiness.

How to be empathetic:

For starters, practice listening. Listen to the concerns of the person you are being empathetic towards. Give them the support they need. Extend kindness instead of being judgmental. Be patient. Not everyone is going to make it easy.

Romans 12:15 tells us “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”

Empathy is important in lows of the valley but also from the top of the mountains. Let’s try learning how to be more empathetic to someone this week. It will change how you feel about people in general.

Empathy makes our heart grow.