Empathy

 

Empathy is a translation of the German term "Einfühlung", meaning “to feel as one with.” It implies sharing the load, or “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes,” in order to understand that person’s perspective.

Empathy is entering into another person's world and feeling with that person, rather than feeling sorry for him or her. It is the very basis of human relationships and helps us to feel valued, loved, and cared for. Being connected to others is good for our mental wellbeing.

There are enough articles and material about the benefits of empathy at work and in personal relationships. But there is another aspect of empathy that we may not have thought about: empathy and the 10 commandments.

The Ten Commandments (decalogue=10 words) are ten principles for living in harmony with God and with other human beings. The first four deal with our relationship with God. The final six deal with our relationships with other people. It is in the last five that empathy comes as a critical enabler. Empathy in fact will help us keep those 5 commands.

For example, all of the law that was written in the Old Testament is fulfilled in " love your neighbor as yourself". That is not possible unless one has empathy. 

This is exactly what the apostle Paul was encouraging us to do when he wrote, “Bear one another's burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Thus, consider "empathy" a qualification to be able to fulfil the law. 

Is empathy important to follow Christ? Definitely! Can empathy be consciously developed? Absolutely! Here are some tips:

1. First and most important, don't confuse "empathy" with "sympathy".  Sympathy is a feeling of pity while empathy is compassion & understanding we give another. This is a very common trap we all fall into. 

2. Practice mindfulness. Don't hurt people under the garb of "telling it like it is". Understand the situation. 
3. Listen to others with your full attention. Understand their perspective from their situation. 
4. Question your biases and what you 'think' you know. Remember, you will never know all unless you consciously find out otherwise what you know is what you think you know, but that isn't always what's real, so do not make assumptions.

5. Don't pass judgements; understand the other persons situation.