Just Words
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
One of the great things about growth is we build on the things that we learn. For instance, in my faith journey, I have discovered how scripture can enhance my capacity for personal improvement. A pertinent verse from James 1:19 states, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” This principle often applies when I am writing devotions. Frequently, I encounter situations that provoke an initial reaction of anger. but because of my spiritual growth, I have learned to pause, reflect, and listen to gain understanding. This process allows one to cultivate greater insight.
This leads me to discuss a topic that has garnered considerable attention within the Christian community: empathy. Is empathy a sin? Some individuals hold this belief due to Joe Rigney's book, “The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits.” Rigney argues that empathy, when misapplied, can become a tool for manipulation and lead to negative consequences both personally and societally. My concern is that he inaccurately defines empathy, equating it with sympathy, which is mentioned in the NLT and NIV versions (compassion in the NKJV). Furthermore, the most troubling aspect is his assertion that empathy is never mentioned in the Bible. While true in a literal sense, he overlooks clear instances where empathy is demonstrated in the Bible. Empathy does allow for a greater connection with others, but it does not mean for one to justify another’s actions. It means to literally feel as another feels, which makes it easier to relate. Even Jesus exhibited empathy to others (see Matthew 14:13-21). So, what is the author achieving? He is generating discussion, which is a fundamental purpose of a book. Nevertheless, it is important to understand its context because God prioritizes our actions over specific words.
Being a follower of Christ involves actively practicing His teachings rather than seeking attention. I totally understood what the author was getting at. We sometimes let our emotions get the better of us, leading to actions that do not reflect a Christian walk of faith. It is important, however, not to confuse words with sins. Love, in itself, is not sinful, but love directed towards inappropriate things (money, adultery, or any other sin) is problematic. Therefore, it would be unwise to write a book titled “The Sin of Love” and use it to highlight issues like impatience, mean-spirited behavior, or self-indulgence as examples of misplaced love.
We should strive to focus on those things that represent Christ. It is possible to understand why someone might choose to steal and hold them accountable for their actions while still showing empathy by providing guidance for a better path forward. Words do indeed matter, and God’s words are absolute. But they are called ‘The Living Word’ because they come alive through us. His love, compassion, grace, and kindness are all qualities that we demonstrate to others, whether they are Christian or not. And yes, empathy is certainly an integral part of this expression.
Empathy is not a sin, but a powerful virtue that allows us to connect deeply with others and reflect the love of Christ in our actions. It enables us to walk in the shoes of our neighbors, to share their burdens, and to offer comfort and understanding in their times of need. By embracing empathy, we follow the example set by Jesus, who showed compassion to all, regardless of their circumstances. We are called to be His hands and feet in this world, to show kindness and mercy, and to build a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Let us reject the notion that empathy is a weakness or a sin and instead celebrate it as a divine quality that brings us closer to God and to each other. How can I demonstrate empathy in a way that reflects the example set by Jesus, without justifying wrongful actions? What steps can I take to ensure my actions align with the teachings of Christ, focusing on love, compassion, grace, and kindness? My prayer is we focus on reflecting the actions of Jesus and not just words. Amen.