Empathy: Power to Cultivate Compassion!

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

Empathy has the power to transform hearts and create a compassionate world. Have you cultivated it? We are called to be sensitive and aware of the needs of others, as the bible states in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV). With empathy, we can gain insight into another person’s experience and understand their feelings from their perspective. This ability helps us build bridges between people and create deeper connections.

Empathy allows us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and recognize their feelings without judgment or criticism. It is a skill that can be developed through practice and patience, but it can also be strengthened by understanding our inner feelings first. We can all learn from Job. He was such a blessed man, and as much as he was blessed, he kept giving to the poor. One could think he would be too busy or be overshadowed by the vast amount of his wealth that he wouldn’t see the needs of the poor, but he was sensitive and could point to the needs of others.

Job 31:16-17 says, “If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail; Or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof.”

There are a few numbers of people in our society today whom God has blessed that could see as Job has seen. But, unfortunately, so many believed their riches were a direct effect of their effort and, as such, held everything they had rigidly. They couldn’t see the need of others because their fortune had overshadowed them. Just as Job has offered to the poor, we need to learn this tremendous philanthropic act. As much as we can treat and care for our biological children, let’s treat other children likewise. As he has given houses to people who do not have, let us cover people who are naked as well. This is not just in terms of money or property; our kind attitude and caring words could go a long way to save a soul.

When God blesses you, He doesn’t just bless you for yourselves alone; He blesses you so that you can be a blessing to others. It is God’s nature to give and bless us; these are part of the likeness He has kept in us. So, we are obligated to be givers and blessings to others. As you walk into society and observe people closer to you, be sensitive to their needs. Luke 3:11, John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for all you have done and given me. Please give me the grace to be a blessing to others as you have blessed me in Jesus’ name. Amen