Discover three secrets why empathetic people are more attractive and trusted. And, how to cultivate empathy awareness.
First, when our hearts are humble, we find ourselves naturally slipping into an empathetic state of being. This allows us to be of one accord with others.
Importantly, the greatest example known to mankind is that of Jesus Christ. Exactly what does it mean to be living out a life encouraged by compassion, discernment, and an awareness of others?
Simply being of service and harboring spirit-filled gratitude produces an empathetic influence, and builds rapport.
Ten key facets of empathy
- There are three forms of empathy
- An awareness into other’s pain and pleasure.
- Empathy however differs from sympathy
- Christ remained fully connected to the Father while on earth allowing Him to know empathy.
- God collects our tears in a bottle.
- Empathy used correctly is a blessing and not a curse.
- Jesus wept.
- There is true power behind being tenderhearted.
- Why you should not reject the gift of empathy.
- Be discerning of others not a judge.
Empathy Defined
Secondly, the Oxford dictionary cites empathy as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. While sympathy is only to comprehend from our own limited understanding. We are told be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous… This is for our highest good. Oftentimes people want to express themselves and are not looking to be “fixed.”
Having an awareness beyond ourselves we can rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15.
When we approach situations with love, compassion and an open- heart learning to cultivate empathy is a natural outpouring one to another.
The Three Types of Empathy
Secret number one: Cognitive empathy allows us to place ourselves visually in another’s shoes.
Secret number two: Emotional empathy is feeling what the other person is feeling. This is when your heart aches for another. Emotional empathy is the most common world reference for empathy.
And, finally secret number three: Compassionate empathy is action-oriented like love. Here we are wanting to identify with the other person by fixing the situation. This is when we attempt to understand, even when we have not been asked for a resolution.
What a blessing it is to know that our Lord can empathize with our every need. Before us, He walked as both man and Deity on earth. He was always connected to the Father.
God cares about His children so much that He collects our tears in a bottle. Psalm 56:8. God’s compassion and love are so far-reaching to connect with His children even in their greatest suffering and joy. When used correctly empathy is a blessing and not a curse.
Ezekiel 36: 26, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”
Gratitude
God gives His people Spirit-enabled gratitude and empathy for His children.
The Holy Spirit is the power behind being tenderhearted. He teaches guides and instructs us in all ways.
God corrects those He loves. Earthly parents exhibit empathy when disciplining their children. In many ways, if we as God’s people reject empathy, we reject God. His word tells us to first love Him with all of heart, mind, and soul and next love our neighbor as ourselves.
It is important to remember to come from a place of discernment rather than judgment. Our spirits will reflect that of love, peace, and joy when we follow this guidance. Empathy allows us to others through eyes full of love and light.
