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Posted by Wally Fry for “Truth in Palmyra” @   https://www.facebook.com/groups/856005601146054/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=7689665031113376

Empathy is Christlike

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”                 Romans 12:15, ESV.

ROMANS 12:19-21

Empathy can be defined as follows, “Empathy is the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. Essentially, it is putting yourself in someone else’s position and feeling what they are feeling.” Empathy also seems to be sorely lacking these days and times. It looks as if the opposite is true. In large part, people only can see any given situation from their point of view. If it is not suitable for us, it just is not good!

As I read through the Book of Romans, I am once again convicted of my many shortcomings in dealing with others. As I’ve said before, this issue is important to God because he inspired the Apostle Paul to write about how we should deal with our fellow Christians and those in the world.

There are compelling reasons why Christians should practice empathy in their lives and interactions. The first is a divine command. If God inspired a man to write this down in a book for us to read, it is His explicit instruction to us. This should guide and support us in our efforts to empathize with others.

The second good reason Christians should practice empathy for others is because empathy is a Christ-like trait. Friends, that is one of our mandates as we live our lives here on earth; we are to strive in the process of lifelong sanctification, to become more like our Lord Jesus Christ. Further, Jesus, our Lord, was certainly empathetic to others. Read this from the Book of Hebrews: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” Hebrews 4:15

How can we put empathy into action? It is pretty easy. The next time someone is in your face, seemingly behaving unreasonably, try something besides getting back in their face. They may be completely unreasonable; on the other hand, there might be what a court would call mitigating circumstances. Maybe they were just fired from their job or got lousy health or financial news. Try to think how YOU might act out in similar circumstances. Friends, then you might find it easier to not return like for like in the face of confrontation. That is what Jesus would do!

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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