Lead with Empathy

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

Romans 12:15

 Life is uneven. There are ups and there are downs. If situations are difficult, we often hear people say, “This too shall pass,” knowing that most suffering in life is temporary. If things are going well, we might think, “Don’t worry, things will change.” We know that no earthly blessings are permanent this side of eternity when all things will be made new, and the temporal will be made eternal.
 
Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year in our culture. It is a time for family to gather and friends to express their love. Gifts are given and special meals are prepared. This isn’t the experience for everyone. Some struggle to make ends meet and the holidays add to their stress and perhaps their debt. For some this is the first year without a loved one who passed away and there is an empty spot where that person once sat. For others the holiday season is a time of loneliness because there are no family or close friends to celebrate the season. Some are struggling with ongoing physical difficulties or psychological problems. We live in a world filled with rejoicing and weeping.
 
How do you respond as a believer to others going through difficult situations? People who are struggling need more than our sympathy. Sympathy involves feeling sorry or having pity on another person because of his plight. Conversely, empathy involves compassion, understanding, and sharing in another person’s struggle. You are not a bystander or observer. Empathy steps into the pain and helps deal with the burden. With sympathy you can remain detached but with empathy you share in the experience of grief with another.
           
Sometimes it is difficult to rejoice with those who rejoice. You may experience a twinge of jealousy when a friend gets a raise or a Christmas bonus, especially when he is already making more money than you. It may be difficult to celebrate a person’s new car when you just spent thousands to repair your aging vehicle. Do you have unmitigated joy when a friend reaches her weight loss goal when you are still struggling to lose your first five pounds? It may be more difficult to rejoice with those who rejoice because the response doesn’t come natural to our sinful condition. These conflicting feelings reveal underlying issues in your heart.
           
Rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep is a challenge, but it is what we are called to do. When you find yourself with a mixed response take those feelings to the Lord and ask him to change your heart to be in alignment with his. Let the suffering of others move you to compassion so you can share in their burdens. Anticipate that some around you are struggling even if you don’t see evidence of it on the outside. Be ready to be a support and encouragement. Rejoice and celebrate the blessings of God given to others. When you fulfill this call, you act as the hands and feet of Jesus moving towards and reaching out to others.