Tag Archives: empathy

December 11
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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 and President Abraham Lincoln (1858) 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 21
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“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10, NIV)

When I read today’s scripture, I think of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, who famously wrote these words for Linus: “I love mankind. . . It’s people I can’t stand!!”

Yet, “people” bear God’s image and likeness — the same image and likeness imprinted within each one of us.

When tempted to curse others, do you see a reflection of yourself; do you see the image and likeness of our Lord and Father? To see others (and ourselves) as God sees is the antidote for unkind words, and judgmental attitudes.  – Luther

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October 27
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“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18, NIV)

Empathy = “‘Been there. Done that’ (and reaching back to help others traveling the same road).”

The cost of empathy is always a personal one, which is why it resonates in a way that “informed” but “inexperienced” advice and presence cannot.

As the architect of humanity, Jesus was certainly informed of the human condition; but without becoming fully human Himself, it is like being the designer of a house, but never living within the house of one’s own  design. Living in the human condition is different than being informed of the human condition.

When you endure hardship, know that there is One who has walked in your shoes Who is able to help you live through the difficulty; and also know that you are becoming the one who, like Jesus, is able to empathize with others in their distress.

Empathy is a gift.  – Luther

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