Relentless EmpathySýnishorn

What is Empathy?

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are…

Hebrews 4:15a

The greatest leadership move Jesus made was to express empathy. He expressed empathy in its fullest form by leaving his glorious position in heaven to live on earth as the lowest person in humanity. This included living in poverty, enduring the loss of his adoptive father at a young age, experiencing the pain of being unappreciated, facing rejection by his own family, and so much more. Jesus did this to identify with the blind, the poor, and most of all, with sinners. Jesus built his ministry on empathy.

Theologians call this “incarnational ministry,” which means the Word became flesh. Another way to phrase it: God became a man and walked in our shoes. Empathy is the street term for the theological term incarnation. Jesus didn’t have to humble Himself in this way—he chose to do it! Why? The results speak for themselves! His enduring Kingdom shows the life, health, growth, and legacy that stem from 2,000 years of results. Two billion followers continue to embrace his empathetic command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” You will experience great benefits when you relentlessly incorporate empathy into your daily interactions with others.

A dictionary definition of empathy is “to vicariously feel what others feel.” Feeling what others feel is a good start, but it has little sustained value if it does not produce action. The C.U.R.E. definition calls for action and can be summed up by the ability to respond to people by connecting, understanding, and relating to them to empower positive change. This definition can easily be remembered, applied, and taught using the word CURE as an acronym.

C- Connect

U- Understand

R- Relate

E- Empower

Empathy is knowing when to get involved and at what level. As often as you do this well, miracles will follow. Author Larry Crabb said, “God’s power is released as we connect with others in revolutionary new ways.” This is why Jesus said, “This new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you.” Loving like Jesus is revolutionary.

Jesus loved by being an empathetic leader. Before he came on the scene, empathetic leaders were scarce. The world was barbaric, as demonstrated by the Egyptians, the Babylonians, and the Romans, to name a few. Leaders generally cared more about themselves than anyone else. Ironically, Jesus ushered in the new Kingdom of “loving your neighbor as yourself” through the most barbaric way imaginable, by being nailed to a cross. He intentionally gave his life to connect, understand, and relate to us in a way that empowers positive change in our lives. He took our place on the cross. That is relentless empathy! The empathy of Jesus has changed the world. It will change you, both as you reflect on it and as you follow his example of relentless empathy.

Reflection:

Is there anything keeping empathy from becoming an essential ingredient for your life?

Before helping someone, do you first attempt to empathize with them by putting yourself in their place?

Which part of C.U.R.E. can you focus on this week?