Sympathy. We see it a lot on social media posts when someone is going through a difficulty in life. Scroll through the comments and you’ll read “Thoughts and prayers” repeatedly. I’ll admit that I also post these words, because sometimes words escape me and all I can let them know at the moment is that I’m praying for them. There’s a big difference in nonchalantly posting this phrase and actually doing it. Sympathy is often expressed in words and rarely in action.

Empathy is something I’ve tried to work harder on and be more aware of over the past year. It can’t be perfected, but can definitely be improved and honed in on. It’s meeting the person at their level and point of need. It’s walking alongside them in their storm, lifting them up, and holding their hand through it. It’s action. It’s powerful. It’s beautiful. It’s rarely demonstrated in what we say, but rather in what we do.

I think empathy is something truly lacking in our world today. We become so isolated that when someone is hurting, it’s easy to tell them we will pray for them, instead of praying with them. We have become so consumed with what’s going on in our own lives, that we have placed blinders on. Our peripheral vision of seeing what’s happening in the lives of others is gone. And if we do see it, we are often afraid to act, stand alone, put ourselves out there, or lead. Showing empathy sometimes isn’t convenient. Sometimes it involves stepping outside our own comfort zone. Believe me that showing empathy and compassion will have a positive effect on the lives of others. It will break down barriers and touch their soul.

The Bible tells us to show empathy. We are to have compassion (Romans 12:15; 1 Peter 3:8; Colossians 3:12; 1 Cor. 12:26; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:4; Matthew 7:12; Galatians 6:2). We are to bear one another’s burdens.

A Christian who lacks empathy is truly lacking one of the greatest experiences in this life that God has provided us with. What an awesome moment and testimony of Christ’s love it is when you can come along someone and say, “Hey, let’s go through this together.”