Is Acting With Empathy A Sin Now?



This week, I came across a social media post from a Reformed Baptist Pastor that got me thinking. 

This particular pastor was incensed at the Episcopal Bishop who pled with President Trump to be merciful during her sermon at the Inaugural worship service in the National Cathedral. 

I  saw my fair share of angry social media posts and articles about that moment, including more than a few decrying that a woman was preaching in the first place, which is a whole other issue. 

But the post in question from the Reformed Baptist pastor really got my attention.  This is what he said: 

Do not commit the sin of empathy.

This snake is God's enemy and yours too. She hates God and his people. You need to properly hate in response.

She is not merely deceived but is a deceiver. Your eye shall not pity.

There is so much about this message that just saddens me.  The fact that a pastor would be encouraging people to hate is pretty horrible, not to be outdone by likening a woman who is not only a Bishop but a loving and caring minister to something demonic. 

But what struck me even more was the very first line: "Do not commit the sin of empathy." 

I've lived most of my life in and around churches.  In my childhood and adolescence, some of those churches were pretty far right-wing fundamentalist communities.  

But I can never remember when a pastor or teacher in those churches of my youth ever referred to empathy as a "sin."  This shows you just how far we've come in our divided culture.  

So let me spend the rest of this Devo talking about empathy because we all need a primer on it.  To be clear, acting with empathy toward others is not sinful; it's loving, kind, and grace-filled, which is what those who say we follow Jesus should be.  

Empathy is a powerful force that has the potential to shape not only our individual hearts but also the very fabric of society. 

In a world often marked by division, misunderstanding, and strife, the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others can lead to profound transformation. 

As Cyndi Dale reflects in her book The Spiritual Power of Empathy, “Empathy is the bridge to the heart of another.” This bridge is essential in forging connections that transcend our differences, reminding us that we are all part of a larger human family.

The Bible beautifully illustrates the God-given essence of empathy in Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” 

This passage encourages us to share in the emotional experiences of others, highlighting the importance of empathy as a divine calling. It serves as a reminder that our ability to connect with one another on a deeper level is not merely a social skill but a spiritual gift, urging us to act with compassion and understanding.

When we choose to dismiss this gift, we act against our true nature. Each of us has the innate capacity for empathy, a natural reaction to the sorrow and joy of others. By fostering a mindset of empathy, we open ourselves to a world of connection and unity. 

Roman Krznaric, in Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It, eloquently states, “Empathy is not just a nice-to-have quality; it is a vital skill for a healthy society.” 

When we neglect to empathize, we isolate ourselves from others and contribute to a discord and disconnection culture.

Cultivating empathy is actively choosing understanding over judgment and compassion over indifference. It's about making the conscious decision to see the world through the eyes of others, to listen deeply, and to confront our biases. 

In a time when so many find themselves ensnared in the traps of hatred and misunderstanding, committing to empathy can be a radical act of love. Each act of empathy becomes a ripple, reaching far beyond the immediate moment to influence our communities and, ultimately, the world.

As we reflect on our lives, let us consider how we can embody this transformative power. How can we listen more intently to the stories of those around us? How can we reach out to those suffering and joyfully celebrate with those in elation? 

Each small gesture counts. A smile, a moment of attentive listening, or a kind word can plant the seeds of change within our hearts and the hearts of those we encounter.

In this time of polarization, let us embrace our capacity for empathy as a beacon guiding us toward connection and healing. The journey may be arduous, but it is one well worth undertaking. 

By cultivating empathy, we can illuminate even the darkest corners of our culture, building a world that reflects the understanding and grace that God intended for us all. Together, let us commit to being bridges of empathy, transforming our hearts and the world around us. 

In doing so, we can truly embody the spirit of love and unity that the human experience so profoundly needs and the grace of God, which needs to be shared.  

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.  

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