The Scandal of Empathy

The Scandal of Empathy

It is with a heart full of love and a spirit eager to share the message of Christ that I write to you today. Our journey together has often brought us face to face with the divine paradoxes of our faith. Today, I want us to consider a concept that stands at the very heart of our Christian witness, yet challenges us in ways we might not fully understand: the scandal of empathy.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is often seen as a cornerstone of Christian love. We are called to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Yet, there is a deeper, often unsettling truth about empathy that we must confront.

Empathy, in its truest form, requires us to step into the shoes of others, to experience their pain and joy as our own. This profound connection can be both beautiful and terrifying. It demands vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to be deeply moved by the experiences of others. In a world that often prizes self-sufficiency and detachment, true empathy can indeed be scandalous.

To understand this scandal, we need look no further than Jesus Christ, our ultimate example. Jesus didn’t merely observe human suffering from a distance; He entered into it fully. The incarnation itself is the ultimate act of divine empathy—God becoming human, living among us, experiencing our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears.

Consider the Gospel accounts of Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), His compassion for the crowds (Matthew 9:36), and His deep sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). In each of these moments, Jesus showed us that empathy is not a weakness, but a profound strength. It is through His empathy that Jesus was moved to heal, to teach, to comfort, and ultimately, to sacrifice Himself for our salvation.

For us, as followers of Christ, the call to empathy is both a privilege and a challenge. We live in a world marked by division, suffering, and injustice. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of need around us. We might be tempted to retreat into our own safe spaces, to guard our hearts against the pain of others.

But the scandal of empathy calls us to resist this temptation. It calls us to open our hearts wide, to let the experiences of others touch us deeply. This does not mean we must fix every problem or take on every burden. Rather, it means we are called to be present, to listen, to care, and to act when we can.

How, then, do we cultivate this scandalous empathy in our lives? Here are a few steps:

Cultivate a Heart of Prayer: Prayer is the foundation of our empathy. When we bring the needs of others before God, we allow our hearts to be softened and shaped by His love. Pray for those who are suffering, for those who are different from you, and for the courage to be empathetic.

Listen Actively: Take the time to listen to the stories of others. Whether it’s a friend, a neighbor, or a stranger, listen without judgment or the need to offer immediate solutions. Let their stories impact you.

Educate Yourself: Seek to understand the experiences of those who are different from you. Read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations that broaden your perspective.

Engage in Acts of Service: Empathy is not just a feeling; it’s an action. Find tangible ways to serve those in need. Whether it’s volunteering, offering a helping hand, or simply being present for someone, let your empathy move you to action.

Reflect on the Life of Christ: Regularly meditate on the life and ministry of Jesus. Reflect on His empathy and let it inspire your own.

Dear brothers and sisters, the scandal of empathy is a sacred invitation. It is an invitation to live more fully into our identity as the body of Christ. It is an invitation to let our hearts be broken for the things that break the heart of God. It is an invitation to love deeply, to serve faithfully, and to walk humbly with our God.

May we embrace this scandalous empathy with courage and grace. May we be known not only by our words but by our deep, Christ-like love for one another. And may we always remember that in the face of suffering and division, empathy is not a scandal to be avoided but a calling to be embraced.