Tag Archives: empathy

February 3
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“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.”  (Romans 5:3, NLT)

The only way to become a successful long-distance runner is to put in the miles over a period of time.  Anything less, and the runner fails because he or she lacks endurance.

God is building into us endurance (perseverance) through various problems and trials as a track coach might send his runners over rough, hilly, trails; and through spongy meadows, knowing that in order to overcome, a runner must first endure.

God is fitting each one of us for His purposes.  Trials and problems come into our life only with God’s permission.  He permits them only to the extent that they are necessary to run the course we cannot yet see — or to run beside the individual we have not yet met.

When we keep in mind the beneficial outcomes of our trials, we can rejoice.  – Luther

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December 13
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“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”  (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (1) Having the same values and goals (like-minded).  As both scripture (Mark 3:25, Matthew 12:25, Luke 11:17) and President Abraham Lincoln have said: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Getting on the same “wave-length” as others can be very difficult, but we must persist because achieving and maintaining like-mindedness is essential in any task or endeavor where we must cooperate with others.

Taking the time to imagine what it would be like to live in someone else’s shoes (empathy) opens the door to like-mindedness.  – Luther

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November 12
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“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  (Hebrews 13:3, NIV)

I do not believe it to be a coincidence that the writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us to be hospitable (verse 2) immediately before encouraging us to be sympathetic (verse 3). One virtue compliments the other.

If you are unsure how to extend hospitality, put yourself in the other person’s place, and you’ll never be far from the mark. To meet the need of someone who is suffering, allow yourself to get close enough to the need at hand and the Holy Spirit will inform your speech and guide your hands.

Prison and maltreatment are two states where a person is prone to being forgotten.  As disciples of Jesus, we are led to such places to provide hope and healing.  – Luther

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