The Gift of Empathy

After the death of right-wing activist and provocateur Charlie Kirk, I posted something on my social media feeds decrying his assassination.  

I stated that, even though I disagreed with Kirk's stances and statements, I grieved for his family, particularly his wife and their two young children. I also unequivocally stated that to celebrate Kirk's death was an un-Christian act.  

It didn't take long for someone to comment that I had no right to tell people who had been wounded by Kirk's statements in the past how to react to his killing.  In other words, I was called out for having empathy.  

We live in a culture where expressing empathy for others, even the ones we disagree with, has become twisted into a sign of weakness or betrayal of our "side."  And for those of us who call ourselves Christians, this is a direct assault on the very foundation of Jesus' message and ministry. 

We all need to take a hard look within ourselves at this moment in our shared journey, as a people desperately in need of a cultural sea change.  

Brian McLaren once wrote:  

“…and somehow, the more we would face our own demons of pride, greed, and lust, the more gentle and kind we would become toward others, the less judgmental, the less harsh, the more empathetic, because we realize as never before that everyone is pitched in an invisible inner battle, and the battle isn’t easy for anyone.”

These words remind us that empathy begins with honesty about ourselves. When we acknowledge the struggles in our own hearts—the pride we wrestle with, the greed that tempts us, the desires that sometimes lead us astray—we are less likely to condemn others. Instead of standing over them in judgment, we stand beside them in compassion.

Scripture tells us that Jesus himself was “moved with compassion” when he saw the crowds, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). He didn’t see statistics, categories, or failures; he saw people carrying invisible battles. Paul echoes this spirit when he urges the church to “bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Empathy doesn’t mean excusing harmful behavior or pretending pain isn’t real. Rather, it is the recognition that every person we meet carries a story we cannot see. It softens our words, gentles our responses, and allows us to listen with love instead of suspicion.

Jesus’ way was never one of harshness, but of seeing the image of God in others—even those who opposed him. When we choose empathy, we follow his example. It is not weakness; it is the very strength of Christ alive in us.

May we remember that we all walk through hidden valleys and unseen struggles. And may empathy be the bridge that helps us walk together, bringing healing and hope into a hurting world.

Prayer
Gracious God, open my heart to see others through eyes of compassion. Teach me to set aside judgment and extend empathy, just as Jesus did. Help me to bear the burdens of my neighbors with gentleness and love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. When have I experienced empathy from someone else, and how did it shape me?

2. What hidden struggles might I need to acknowledge in myself that could make me more compassionate toward others?

3. How can I practice empathy in my daily interactions this week?