When showing empathy

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14 ESV)

Empathy: The ability to identify with or understand another's situation or feelings; giving pity, compassion, sympathy, understanding, charity, clemency, forbearance, mercy, grace, love. 

Jesus demonstrated empathy 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15 ESV)

“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” (Mark 1:41 ESV) 

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt 9:36 ESV)

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.” (John 11:33-35 ESV)

The apostle Peter counseled Christians to be tenderhearted 

“Love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8, NKJV). 

The apostle Paul encouraged empathy 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

The apostle John asked…

 “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

We are to show empathy in love

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom. 15:1 ESV)

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17 ESV)

Therefore…

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… (Col. 3:12 ESV) 

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 ESV)

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15 ESV)

 Quote:

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer“