2000-08-13 - Passages about Empathy

I recently was a backseat passenger. It was quite an eye-opening experience, to view the world from that angle, rather than as the driver. I noticed things I usually miss. Sometimes we look at someone else's life and think they have it "easy," or we criticize them for handling something as they did. Unless we have been through the exact same situation, though we think we understand, we probably really do not fully understand their pain, their frustrations, etc. God intends that we empathize with our fellow human beings. Today we will look at a little of what His word has to say about this topic.

Romans 2:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (NASB)

Phil. 2:4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (NASB)

Prov. 19:17 He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed. (NASB)

Gal. 5:1-3 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. (NASB)

Col. 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NASB)

Luke 10:33-37 "But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.' "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?'' And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him.'' Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same.'' (NASB)

Jan

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