Empathy

My husband has, on occasion, accused me of not being very empathetic. When it comes to making decisions, he is definitely led more by his heart, while I have a more logical (head) approach. However, when our kids were asked, “Who was the soft touch when you wanted something?” of the two of us, it was me! I had a lot of empathy when it came to our kids!

If I do occasionally lack empathy, I think it is because when I was growing up, my dad did not tolerate a lot of emotional stuff, challenging me to control myself and act more mature, as the oldest of four children. He needed me to be responsible and an example for my younger siblings. To this day, I am emotionally disciplined, but it does not mean that I do not care or feel empathy.

Empathy has been defined as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” (Google’s online English Dictionary). When we love someone, like I do my kids (and grandkids), we connect with their feelings, wanting to give them as much as we can, without reservation.

Jesus, our high priest, understands what we need, what we feel and what our weaknesses are, especially as human beings, because he knows what it feels like to be tempted in every way (in the wilderness, in the Garden of Gethsemane), to be tired (slipping away to be alone and pray: Mark 1:35) and emotional (Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus, real human tears: John 11:35).

If Jesus feels distant sometimes, like he is hard to reach when you need him most, be assured that he does care! Being an oldest child, a parent, or a high priest comes with responsibility that may not feel warm and fuzzy to those who have been weak and given in to sin, and who are wrestling with guilt. But God will always hold out his royal scepter of mercy and grace to those who confess their need and enter into his presence! All you need to do is to confidently reach out and accept his forgiveness and love.

Jesus, I am so thankful to have a high priest like you! You know what it’s like to be me, and you can empathize with my challenges. Thank you for your mercy and grace! Amen.

Throughout this day: Imagine yourself in God’s throne room where Jesus sits at the right hand of his father. Acknowledge your need for his mercy and grace as you confess all of your weaknesses, knowing that he does understand how it feels to be human.