The Gift of the Outsider: 6 Days of Faith From the MarginsНамуна

The Gift of Empathy

Time and again throughout Scripture, God asks His people, “Haven’t you?” as He calls them to care for others who don’t fit in—or rather, others who fit in differently. The call for Israel to remember its past frequently appears in tandem with laws prohibiting the mistreatment of others. It is also woven throughout the institution of the feasts such as Passover, Feast of Weeks, and Sukkoth, all of which contain some provision to look out for the less fortunate.

Mention of Israel’s past in Egypt was intended to propel them to graciousness. Hadn’t Israel also been reliant on grace? Hadn’t they been unable to change their circumstances? Hadn’t they been vulnerable to mistreatment? Hadn’t they felt helpless? Hadn’t they, in their desperation, been seen by God?

Their history—when remembered—had the potential to keep them from perverting justice, from mistreating the vulnerable, from letting the helpless flounder, and from overlooking the desperate. Whether it did or not is another story.

In addition to seeing the inside and having the ability to see from the vantage point of their unique experiences, the outsider’s gifts of sight are also specifically a gift to other outsiders—but to put this gift to use, we must use our time on the outside as an invitation to empathize with the mistreatment of others.

The Empathy of Christ

Jesus, our great High Priest, has set an amazing example of empathy. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” It is a comfort and reassurance to know that He knows our experiences.

Empathy makes the church better because it enables us to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. Instead of wielding metaphorical fists at “problem” people without considering their perspective, we stop first to ask: Haven’t I also been reliant on grace? Haven’t I also faced battles where I was powerless to change my circumstances? Haven’t I ever been vulnerable to mistreatment? Haven’t I felt helpless? And in my desperation, haven’t I been seen by God?

Reflection

Think about your experiences of feeling unsafe or insecure, or imagine what it would be like to have your greatest sources of security threatened. In what ways do you imagine that your emotional responses to these situations are universal? In what ways might other individuals or groups with different backgrounds have a different response?

How does the example of Christ’s incarnational ministry encourage you to change your approach to interacting with people who are different from you?