Romans 12:15-16 - Happy Empathy

Imagine that you see someone weeping, obviously distraught. You ask what the problem is. Haltingly, they tell you their best friend just died. What would empathy look like in that situation?

In empathy training seminars, you'll hear that empathy is sometimes contrasted with sympathy. Sympathy says, "I'm sorry to hear that!" but maintains a safe distance. Empathy may not say a word but simply puts an arm around their shoulder and even sheds a tear with them.

However, empathy is much more than feeling someone else's pain or distress. If all we do in life is look to be sad with sad people, we'll all be in a miserable basket of sadness. Genuine empathy relates to the whole range of human emotion. The Bible says,

"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!..." (Romans 12: verse 15, New American Standard Bible; verse 16, New Living Translation)

This is what God does with us. When we cannot put our feelings into words, God the Holy Spirit prays for us with "groanings too deep for words." (Romans 8:26, NASB) Why wouldn't this include what Peter describes as "inexpressible joy?" (1 Peter 1:8, NLT) When our joy can't be put into words, the Holy Spirit gives voice to our praise.

Just as importantly, godly empathy isn't exercised just with the inner circle of friends and family, but with "ordinary people" as well--those that would easily be bypassed as mere acquaintances or bystanders.

God, Where would we be if You didn't know and understand our deepest thoughts and feelings?--all because You love us as Your creation (Psalm 139). Fill us with empathy for those we encounter, regardless of what they are going through, knowing that they, too, are created for Your love. Amen.