As Christians, we are called to be sensitive and understanding of the needs of others. The Bible provides us with a wealth of wisdom on how to show empathy and care for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are 10 Bible verses about empathy that help remind us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and practice compassion and some commonly asked questions about empathy.
Scripture about Empathy
10 Bible Verses about Empathy
Romans 12:15 ESV
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
1 Peter 3:8 ESV
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Matthew 7:12 ESV
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
John 15:12 ESV
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Galatians 6:2 ESV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Colossians 3:12 ESV
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
John 11:33-35 ESV
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/empathy
Scripture about Empathy KJV
My favorite Bible verse about empathy is 1 Corinthians 12:26 in the King James Version, which states “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” To me, this verse speaks to God’s plan for us to empathize with each other. It reminds us that we should strive to feel what others may be feeling and put ourselves in their shoes. This verse teaches us that no man is an island and that we share in each other’s joys and sorrows. Our emotions are meant to unite rather than divide us, and this verse shows us how to live out true empathy.
FAQ about Empathy in the Bible
One of the most memorable examples of empathy in the Bible is found in the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. When Jesus saw the woman, He approached her and offered her living water without judgment or condemnation. He showed her compassion, understanding, and mercy despite her reputation as a sinful woman. This is an example of true empathy—God’s love for us transcends all barriers so that He can relate to our suffering, regardless of our past or present. It is this same empathy that Jesus has for each of us today.
The power of empathy according to the Bible is that it allows us to see things from another person’s perspective. It helps us to understand how someone else feels and why they feel that way. Empathy enables us to be compassionate, understanding and forgiving toward those around us. It also allows us to connect with people on a deeper level, as it requires us to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. In the Bible, God calls us to be empathetic and understand our neighbor’s struggles so that we can provide them with support and love. Empathy helps us to do God’s work by showing His love and grace to everyone around us.
As Christians, there are some dangers and limitations to empathy that we should be aware of. Empathy can lead us to sin if taken too far, as it can cause us to become overly involved in another person’s difficulties or struggles and lose sight of what is right and wrong. Additionally, empathy requires us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and while this can be beneficial in understanding how they feel, it can lead us to judge them instead of offering unconditional love. We should strive to empathize without judgment or condemnation so that we can better understand and support our neighbors. Finally, empathy is not a replacement for action. While understanding how someone feels is important, God calls us to be active in helping those who are struggling and showing His love by offering them tangible aid.
The Biblical definition of empathy is the ability to enter into and share another person’s feelings, experiences, and emotions. This can be done through active listening or by attempting to understand how someone else might feel in a given situation. Empathy involves both compassion and understanding—it requires us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes but also refrain from passing judgment. Empathy allows us to walk alongside others in their struggles and be a source of comfort, support, and love. It is an essential part of living out God’s commands to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). By practicing empathy, we can show God’s love and grace to the world.