+DEV+ Empathy

Date: May 31, 2009 11:36 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Empathy

Empathy

Scripture Focus: John 11:1-14

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

“Come home right away. Your mother is critically ill.” The urgency in Dad’s voice could not be muffled by the distance that separated us.

When we visited Mom that night, we were shocked by her deteriorating health. She had healed after a number of cancer operations, but this time the malignancy was too extensive to operate. 

The day she died was colored in blacks and brilliant yellows. It was flooded with joy because she had told us in a time of consciousness about becoming a Christian when our former pastor visited her. In spite of our deep sorrow, we could rejoice in the death that released Mom from her pain and put her in God’s presence at the age of 59.

The support from Christians who understood both my sorrow and my rejoicing carried me through the next days. I remembered that Jesus wept with Mary, Martha, and the others at Lazarus’ tomb. He understood their sorrow. People who can weep with those who weep and genuinely rejoice with those who rejoice reflect Jesus‚ empathy.  

Insight: “Father, thank You for understanding our emotional needs. Help me develop more empathy for others.”