Wellness Wednesday – “Feeling: The Heart of Empathy”
As we continue exploring the GPS Spiritual Inventory, we focus on spiritual wellness in relationships—with God, ourselves, and others. This week, we return to the final component of spiritual wellness—Social: the capacity to empathize with others—and consider its second key marker: Feeling.
Jesus Felt What Others Felt
Jesus was not detached from the emotions of those around Him. He didn’t just hear people’s words—He felt their pain, their grief, and their hope.
When Jesus approached the tomb of Lazarus, He wept (John 11:35). He knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, yet He still grieved with Mary and Martha. Why? Because He had truly listened to their hearts. He witnessed their sorrow, and He allowed Himself to experience what they felt.
In another passage, we hear how Jesus traveled from town to town, teaching and healing, He was deeply moved by the suffering of the crowds. Matthew 9:35-36 tells us that when Jesus saw the people, “he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” His empathy wasn’t distant or passive; it stirred Him to action. Jesus felt their burdens, their fears, and their longing for hope, and in response, He met their needs with healing, truth, and love.
Jesus’ empathy wasn’t just intellectual—it was deeply emotional. His example reminds us that true empathy leads not only to understanding but also to compassionate care for those who are struggling. And He calls us to enter into the joys and sorrows of others, just as He did.
The Experience of Feeling
While we can never fully know what someone else is going through, God has created us with the ability to sense and share in the emotions of others.
Have you ever noticed how the emotions of others can impact you?
- When someone enters a room filled with joy, it lifts your spirit.
- When someone carries anxiety or sorrow, it can weigh on you, even if they don’t say a word.
- When you see someone yawn, you might yawn too!
This happens because of mirror neurons—the part of our brain that allows us to reflect and even experience the emotions of those around us.
This is why empathy is so powerful. When people feel truly felt, they experience healing and connection. When they don’t feel felt, they experience isolation and loneliness—a kind of emotional and spiritual wilderness.
The Two Ends of the Empathy Spectrum
Empathy is a gift, but it also requires balance. Some people struggle to sense the emotions of others, while others feel so deeply that they absorb others’ emotions like a sponge. Healthy empathy means:
- Recognizing others’ emotions without losing yourself.
- Feeling with someone without making it about you.
- Responding to the deeper emotion beneath the surface—anger may mask fear, and frustration may hide grief.
How Our View of God Shapes Our Empathy
A fascinating 2018 study from the Netherlands found that how people view God affects their ability to empathize. If we see God as distant and judgmental, we are more likely to be judgmental and distant toward others. But if we believe in a God who deeply feels for and with us, we are more likely to be compassionate and empathetic toward those around us.
So how do you see God?
- Is He an unfeeling judge? Or is He a compassionate Father who understands and shares in your struggles?
- Do you believe that Jesus weeps with you in your sorrow and rejoices in your victories?
Called to Empathize
Empathy is not just an emotional response—it is a spiritual calling and a sign of spiritual health. Scripture repeatedly calls us to enter into the experiences of others:
- “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
- “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:32)
- “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)
- “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”(1 Peter 3:8)
- “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12-13)
God calls us to truly feel with others—not just to acknowledge their struggles, but to enter into them with love. This is how Jesus lived, and it is how He calls us to live as well.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to grow in spiritual health and empathy? The GPS Spiritual Inventory is a powerful tool to help you assess your spiritual well-being and identify areas for growth. Click the link below to take the assessment and begin your journey toward greater spiritual wellness.
Use the code “tguse” to take the inventory free of charge. Afterward, reach out to schedule a complimentary coaching session where we can discuss your results and explore your next steps.
[Take the GPS Spiritual Inventory]
Let’s make this season of Lent a season of growth, transformation, and deeper empathy, as we grow in God’s love for us in Christ and allow that love to flow through us—bringing healing, connection, and renewal to the world around us.
