Empathy and Mercy: Pathway to Forgiveness

When feelings of empathy and mercy are interwoven into an offer of forgiveness, the chances for a positive reception are greatly enhanced. Very few people are incapable of empathy, but expressing it to those who have wronged us remains a difficult choice. Forgiving another person is an act of mercy, but it takes empathy for it to be put into action.

 

Empathy is an inborn human trait and serves as a bridge builder to closeness and intimacy. When empathy and mercy are expressed, they communicate a truth essential for relationships. These two, empathy and mercy, open the door so forgiveness can serve as a healing agent capable of saving a relationship.

Jesus said in Matthew 5, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." It's critically important to keep in mind that forgiveness follows in the pathway of empathy and mercy, which are expressions of love. Forgiving others is sometimes hard to follow through on, but the rewards for doing so can be life-changing.  

____________________________

The Lord Jehovah is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of love. He is good to everyone, and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does.

~Psalm 145:8-9 The Living Bible

None of you should think only of his own affairs, but consider other people’s interests also. Let your attitude of life be that of Christ Jesus himself.

~Philippians 2:4-5 Phillips: The New Testament in Modern English

To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another and be kind and humble with one another.

~1 Peter 3:8 Good News Bible