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.  

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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

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.  

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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