Showing Empathyنموونە

Unity Requires Empathy

The world we live in can be quite divisive. Sometimes we disagree about large issues—like politics—but we also might find ourselves nitpicking the smallest matters, like sports teams and diets. We can pretty much find a way to disagree on just about every subject. 

Yet, when we strengthen our muscle of empathy, unity becomes a reality in the relationships in our lives and our cultural diversities. To explain how empathy brings about unity, let’s take a look at three passages from the Bible:

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 NIV

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 NIV

What do these three Scriptures have in common? 

They all talk about unity in mind, and being like-minded.

So, does that mean we should agree with every person on the earth in everything? Certainly not. We all have preferences and desires that won’t line up with everyone. And let’s not forget that God made us beautifully unique! But, we can seek to keep the big picture at the forefront. That’s what being like-minded is about. Being like-minded means you’re...

...seeking to “stand in their shoes” to learn about their experiences.
...aiming to “get in their mind” to understand their viewpoint.
...striving to “put yourself in their place” to imagine what they’re feeling.

When we do that, how we treat and respond to them changes. We see them as a person who has real feelings and not just someone we want to argue with. Our convictions and beliefs don’t change with every conversation, but we start to see people in a new light, and maybe grasp why they feel and believe what they do. 

So, let’s seek to live empathetically with others—not just for them, but for us as well. Constantly living in division and engaging in conflict with others robs all of us. Seeking, aiming, and striving to understand someone's viewpoint doesn’t mean we’re weak-minded. It actually shows our strength.