For the Faithful
Empathy
Sensing the emotions of others and responding with care
Our current faith‑based resources are written from a Christian perspective, but we know that many other faith traditions also nurture strong character, and we want to honor and uplift that diversity.
We are actively seeking contributors from additional faith traditions who would like to help us expand this section. If you are interested, we would be grateful to partner with you.
Empathy helps believers understand and care for one another deeply.
When we listen with compassion, we reflect Christ’s tenderness. Empathy builds a community where people feel known and supported.
Essay
Empathy is Another Name for God
By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun
Empathy means putting yourself in another person’s place and caring deeply about their pain and needs. The story of the Hebrew people found in the Old Testament and the story of Jesus Christ told in the New Testament is a story of a God who could be called Empathy.
In the Old Testament, God hears the cries and prayers of His people and responds. “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard their crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.’” Then God sent Moses to Egypt and the Hebrew slaves were freed. God heard the cries of David and delivered him from the evil of his enemies several times. God saw the suffering of the Jewish exiles in Babylon and made a way for them to return home.
This is all true, but there is even a greater story of empathy. God saw the lostness and confusion of every person on earth and sent God’s son to save them. Since empathy is putting yourself in another person’s place, then Jesus Christ is the epitome of empathy. This is the total meaning of “The Incarnation.” It began at the birth of Jesus. The Holy God became human.
God literally became a person and lived, suffered, and died like every human being. While living on this earth, Jesus showed empathy towards all people, caring for their pain and needs. He even had empathy for the poor, the outcast, the powerless, even the Romans! To understand God and to follow Jesus is to embrace empathy for all people.
The Bible is full of instructions to demonstrate empathy because of the example of the Lord Jesus. Romans 12:15 — “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.” Galatians 6:2 — “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.” Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Luke 6:31 — “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” And from Deuteronomy — “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Are we asked to put ourselves in another person’s place and care deeply about their pain and needs? We are told over and over again we must because God in Jesus Christ has empathy for us. In fact, another name for God could be — Empathy.
Affirmations for the Faithful
I seek to understand what others may be thinking or feeling, just as Christ understands me.
I imagine what it might feel like to be in someone else’s shoes, remembering that we all carry unseen burdens.
I choose to believe people are trying their best, extending the same grace God gives me.
I remember that we are all created in God’s image and called to unity.
I appreciate the unique gifts and perspectives God has placed in each person.
Empathy Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources, like activities, reflections, and visuals you can use personally or in your faith organization to encourage the Character Quality of Empathy.
Empathy Verses
Want to deepen your understanding of Empathy through Scripture? Explore our collection of Empathy Bible Verses for inspiration and reflection.
