When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

John 11:33 (NIV)

Have you ever encountered a story or a post that touched your heart so deeply that it felt like you were experiencing the pain yourself? This feeling goes beyond mere acknowledgment of suffering. It’s a shared experience that connects you to a person’s pain and makes it your own. This is the power of empathy, and it’s a beautiful thing.

Some theologians may wonder why I used the opening Scripture instead of the following verse in John 11:35 (KJV), which says, Jesus wept. I chose verse 33 because empathy must first move you in your spirit before the outward manifestation of that feeling appears. The Greek word for empathy is empatheia, meaning passion or state of emotion. It literally means “in-feeling.” Empathy is an internal process. Apathetic individuals, on the other hand, may not feel connected to the pain of others because they are not affected by it. However, those who have a true sense of empathy are motivated to act. When we feel a shared experience with someone, we are compelled to do what we can to help them. The foundation of humanity is empathy.

In the Scriptures, Jesus is strategically placed in a position to observe firsthand the effects of loss through the story of Lazarus. His heart ached for Mary to see her crying over the loss of her brother Lazarus. He needed to see the Jews who came to comfort her and her sister Martha. He needed to hear the desperation in Martha’s voice when she said, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Everything Jesus saw, heard and felt helped him connect with their sufferings. This was a tremendous loss to them. Four days have passed since Lazarus died, and it seemed as if all hope was lost. I can imagine Jesus thinking about his own appointment with death that was soon to come.

It’s interesting to consider the importance of empathy in our actions and decisions. Sometimes, we need to connect with a situation before taking action. Jesus understood this concept well when he empathized with the grief of Mary and Martha. It wasn’t until he truly identified with their suffering that he was able to take action and perform the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. This is a powerful reminder of the impact that empathy can have on the world.

Empathy is no respecter of persons. The Scriptures teach us that empathy is not limited to those who are similar to us or whom we naturally feel drawn to. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus teaches that we should show empathy and compassion to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. This parable challenges us to extend empathy beyond our comfort zones and to care for those who may be different from us.

One of the most essential attributes in today’s society is the ability to empathize with one another. Unfortunately, the rise of social media and digital communication has led to a disconnection from the emotions and experiences of others. Self-centeredness and self-consumption have become a way of life for us. One swipe of a finger on social media gives us a constant dose of self-centered gratification. Likewise, we have instant access to news outlets all over the world. We are inundated with the perils of this nation on a regular basis. It’s like having a daily ticker tape scrolling in our minds, filled with the troubles of the world. Consequently, we have become desensitized to the suffering of others because we are virtual bystanders to their problems.

But there is good news! Jesus came to save the world from its wayward ways. He became the ultimate form of empathy. Instead of looking at our sins and lamenting over the shortcomings of humanity, Jesus took empathy to the next level. He not only shared in our sufferings, he became our suffering. John 1:14 (NIV) says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” God orchestrated a divine exchange by sending his son Jesus Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our transgressions. Jesus showed us the true meaning of empathy and compassion for others. We must encourage the practice of empathy to overcome divisions, promote unity, and make the world a better place.