Empathy and Mercy: Freely Receive, Freely Give

The expression of empathy has the potential for building a bridge to forgiveness and reconciliation. Empathy builds this bridge because it neither demands punishment nor excuses wrongdoing. While God forgives our sins, we still must face the consequences for those sins, and this is true for other relationships.

Empathy looks beyond the surface issue to know what drives a person to behave as he or she does. Hope motivates the offended person to discover the cause of the offender's pain and suffering that may produce hurtful behaviors. By understanding at this level, we may see ourselves as needing redemption.

Empathy helps us realize the need to repent, to forgive and be forgiven. Feelings of mercy inspire us to give up the need to blame and punish. Listen for a moment to wise words from Proverbs 11:17: "The merciful man does good to his own soul."  May God bless you with the desire to be empathetic and merciful.  

 _______________________

The Lord is merciful and good; our God is compassionate.

~Psalm 116:5  Good News Bible       

We have a High Priest (Jesus the Son of God) who can sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way just as we are, only without sin. Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. So let us come boldly to God’s throne of love to get mercy and find love to help us when we need it.

~Hebrews 4:15-16 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

~Colossians 3:12 New American Standard Bible