Faith & Me Update: Empathy

To my amazing Sparrows, welcome to another Faith & Me update! I wanted to include absolutely every single subscriber & supporter this week. Empathy is a topic that is major big in my world. I’m sensitive and feel everything. What I once thought was a weakness, God showed me what a powerful gift it truly is and I no longer hide or shame myself for the way God created me. What I do want to bring light to this week though, is what I have set out below.

I have the regular diary entry, A printable Poem I wrote just for you all, a video link you don’t want to miss and a mini bible study! So grab your tea or coffee, settle in and let’s get reading!

DIARY ENTRY:

I asked my eldest son at the start of this week, “What do you feel that people are missing in today’s world?” I was surprised when not even a few seconds had rolled by and he answered the question. “I think people need to find empathy and look beyond the glass of their own window.” Honestly, I sat there shocked at the wisdom from such a young man and I see God at work in him and his soft heart.

I feel a profound sense of connection with the world outside my own little bubble after deciding to step out and reach for people. It’s amazing how, when we take a moment to look beyond our immediate surroundings, we can discover so much about the lives of others and how our faith calls us to respond with empathy and love.

This morning, as I sat by the window with my coffee, I watched the neighbors going about their day. There was the sweet lady across the street; I haven’t seen her for a while, her heart filled with grief... but I think and pray for her daily. Then there's the young couple that strolls by, walking their dog with a sense of joy and companionship. I couldn’t help but wonder about their lives, their struggles, and their moments of happiness.

In a sermon the other day, the speaker talked about empathy and compassion. How Jesus modeled it for us throughout His ministry. He reminded us of Matthew 9:36, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus looked beyond the outward appearances and saw the needs, the pains, and the hearts of the people. This is what we are called to do as well.

I feel the Lord is asking me to remember this truth: empathy goes beyond simply feeling sorry for someone; it requires us to step into their shoes and understand their experiences. It means listening with our hearts and responding with love and kindness. I admit, I don’t always find this easy, especially when I am consumed by my own challenges and worries. But today, I am reminded that God’s love is abundant, and He equips us to extend that love to others.

Oh, how I pray for a heart that sees beyond my own window, that recognizes the needs of others, and responds with Christ-like compassion. May I always remember that everyone has a story, and through empathy, we can bring a piece of God’s healing and hope into their lives.

BIBLE STUDY: THE POWER OF EMPATHY

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. - Romans 12:15

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is a vital aspect of Christian love and community, reflecting the heart of Jesus. By practicing empathy, we can strengthen our relationships and show God's love to those around us.

Jesus exemplified empathy throughout His ministry. One of the most profound examples is found in John 11:35, where Jesus wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. Despite knowing He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus shared in the sorrow of Mary and Martha, showing His deep compassion and ability to empathize with their grief.

In another instance, Jesus showed empathy towards the crowds that followed Him. In Matthew 9:36, it says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus saw beyond the surface and understood their deeper needs and struggles. His empathy moved Him to teach, heal, and offer them hope.

Empathy calls us to do the same. It invites us to step into the experiences of others, to feel their joy and pain, and to respond with love and support. This goes beyond simply feeling sorry for someone; it involves actively engaging with them, listening to their stories, and offering our presence and care.

Practicing empathy can be challenging, especially when we are preoccupied with our own worries and challenges. However, when we look at Jesus’ example, we see that He always made time for others, regardless of His own circumstances. He reached out to the marginalized, touched the untouchable, and loved the unlovable. Through His actions, Jesus demonstrated that empathy is a powerful way to show God’s love and to build a supportive and caring community.

Question: How can we better practice empathy in our daily lives, especially with those who might be different from us or going through unseen struggles?

Dear Lord, help us to see others through Your eyes. Teach us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn. Fill our hearts with Your compassion and guide us to show empathy in our daily interactions. Amen.

BEYOND THE WINDOW a poem by Sarah G. Tomlinson

What lies beyond the window
that keeps me trapped within my own?
I see the faces, the smiles,
the eyes that crinkle.

But what do I really know?

I cannot touch them,
hear their soul,
help carry their hurts
while I remain behind the glass of my own world.

My own problems,
the place the enemy longs
to keep me focusing on my own interior.

Beyond the window,
there’s a life,
a world of pain and joy,
of struggles and triumphs.

I want to reach out,
to break the barrier,
to step outside my own concerns,
and truly see, truly hear.

To touch the unseen wounds,
to share the unspoken burdens,
to walk alongside, even in silence.

Empathy calls me to step beyond,
to leave the confines of my self-focus,
to engage with the world,
to love deeply, to care genuinely.

So I stand, ready to shatter the glass,
to bridge the gap,
to connect heart to heart,
beyond the window.

Beyond The Window Poem

1.15MB ∙ PDF file

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I know I usually do a book recommendation or a song that’s on my playlist… but this week, I had to share this Better Together episode on serving, compassion and reaching it out. I think you’re going to get so much from these women!

Here’s the verse of the week to focus & talk with God about. Thank you so much for journeying with me once again, my heart is so blessed to share with you all. Comment below what part you liked this week & if anything spoke to you. As you all know, I love the comments section. Don’t forget to share this post this week with others, as this Faith & Me Update is open to all this week. If you would love to support my writing, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Until my next post, be blessed & be a light.

Love Sarah x.