Empathy

Golden Rule Day

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

 
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”   Matthew 7:12

God is brilliant. Here Jesus gives us a proactive approach to Kingdom Living. Another way to guide us in our relationship with one another. Instead of making God, or the Law, or a Teacher the point of reference, HE makes our self the measuring stick.

Do for others what you would like to have done for you. In other words, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Imagine if you took this approach today. How would your day go? Why not give it a try?

You may have a full day already planned, but others always have a way to interrupt you. So instead of quickly getting rid of them so you can complete your task, stop and focus on their situation. Ask yourself, or better yet, ask them how can you help them at the moment.

If driving to work and that car next to you wants to get in front of you, you know how that feels. How about deliberately slowing down? Wouldn’t you want someone to give you an easier opportunity to get over in a similar situation?

What if your co-worker enjoys a good cup of coffee like you do? Why not buy one of her favorites while you are pumping gas at the local convenience store?

Remember those early days when you were afraid to speak up in a meeting? What if at today’s meeting you noticed one of your quiet associates fidgeting? You know they have something to add but is always interrupted by more aggressive persons? Why not step in and directly ask him if he has anything to add to the conversation?

Someone may ask a favor from you today. Instead of weighting all the consequences and getting back with them, why not just jump in this time?

If you notice someone standing along and looking confused, don’t rush by them. Instead, take a minute and ask if they need any help.

If an elderly person enters the room and there are no more seats available, how about offering yours?

So why not make today a test day of practicing the golden rule? See how you can add value in another person’s life. It may be awkward at first. But with practice you will find yourself becoming more attune to the needs of others. You will learn the art of serving the Kingdom Way.

And who knows? You may even start a movement which impacts everyone in your corner of the world. Jesus did. And it is still going on.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Empathy Trap

Dr. Mike 2020, Traps ,

I Peter 3:8-9 ESV

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called…

Empathy and sympathy are two commonly confused words in the English language. Empathy is “feeling with” another and sympathy is “feeling for” another. In our culture today, empathy is given higher praise than sympathy. You will notice whenever someone is victimized through the social media, people immediately come to their defense by totaling supporting the victim without having full knowledge of the facts.

Typically, the tribal instinct kicks in and people of the specific tribe take upon themselves to protect one of theirs. The immediate focus becomes protecting the victim without truly caring for the truth.

The Bible speaks much about compassion, sympathy, and caring for another, but nothing I could find about empathy. In fact, more is said about being sympathetic which leads to a better outcome for the community and person for the long haul.

The trap of being empathetic is finding oneself lost in the same problem as the victim. One easily becomes buried in the problem with a victimize mentality rather than remaining objective and seeking out the best solution.

Being sympathetic on the other hand, allows one to feel the pain of the victim but maintain enough distance from the situation to gather all the facts and determine the best solution.

Actors like to practice the art of empathizing to become better equipped for the role they plan to play. However, in real life to empathize most often leads to becoming like the other person sharing their beliefs, worldview, and one-sided opinions rather than capturing the overall big picture of the situation. When one empathizes, one often will surrender objective truth and limit their choices by emerging into the life of another.

Jesus Christ is always our prime example. He surrendered his divine home and entered the human sphere. He walked among us, exercised his natural attributes of compassion, didn’t comply with all the cultural standards of his day, but instead exemplified the truth with grace without allowing the feelings of others persuade him. He sympathized with others rather than allow to become swallowed-up by the attitudes and powers around him.

So next time you witness an “injustice”, exercise Godly compassion, sympathize with the victim, and be patience with reaching a verdict until after all the known facts are gathered. There are always two-sides to a story. You risk blinding yourself when you become empathetic. But being sympathetic allows you to view both sides to reach a more objective, holy verdict.    

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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