General Stuff

Let’s get messy!

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On a scale of one to ten, how empathetic are you? When you see another person in pain, how willing are you to sit in their pain with them?

I’d say that most of us (myself included) would rather talk people out of their pain than sit with them in it. And yet, Paul wrote something clearly opposite:

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (Romans‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭NASB)

Yes, there’s a tune for healing, but there’s also a time for holding. A time for looking someone in the eye and being present with them in their emotions. Followers of Jesus should lead the way in this area, and yet many do not.

What about on the good side? Do we truly rejoice with others who are rejoicing? Can I wholeheartedly celebrate your blessing without secretly wishing it was mine? Again, we’re followers of One who could, and so we must.

Consider your empathy score and ask God to give you opportunities to improve it. Take advantage of them when they come and lead the way in being with others wholeheartedly and empathetically.

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July 27, 2021by Paul Jenkins
Written by Paul Jenkins
Paul Jenkins is lead pastor of The Gathering, a community church located in beautiful downtown Albemarle, North Carolina. He's the author of God is My Air Traffic Controller and My Name's Not Lou. Paul is passionate about his wife, his 3 children, running, reading, coaching, leading people who are following Jesus, Swedish Fish and the Carolina Panthers.