Empathy is the ability to understand and share in the feelings of another person.
It allows people to connect deeply with others, feeling their joys, pains, and struggles as if they were their own.
Empathy goes beyond simply noticing someone’s pain—it involves stepping into their experience with compassion and care.
Many people wonder whether the Bible encourages empathy and, if so, how Christians should practice it.
Does God value emotional connection between people?
Does empathy reflect God’s character?
By looking at scripture, we can see how empathy is an essential part of a Christ-centered life.
Does the Bible Mention Empathy?
The word empathy does not appear in the Bible, but the concept is seen throughout scripture.
The Bible speaks often about compassion, kindness, and bearing one another’s burdens, all of which are closely related to empathy.
Romans 12:15 offers a clear example of empathy in action:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse is a direct call to step into the emotions of others.
When someone is celebrating, we are encouraged to celebrate with them.
When someone is grieving, we are called to grieve alongside them.
Empathy is about fully engaging with others, not just in their struggles but in their victories as well.
Jesus: The Greatest Example of Empathy
Jesus displayed empathy throughout His time on earth.
He did not just care for people from a distance—He entered into their suffering and felt their pain.
One of the most powerful examples of Jesus’ empathy is found in John 11:33-35.
When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, He saw Mary and others weeping.
Even though He knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus was deeply moved and wept with them.
This moment shows that even though Jesus had the power to change the situation, He still took time to feel the sorrow of those around Him.
Jesus’ empathy was not limited to moments of grief.
He reached out to the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners, not just to heal them physically but to show them love and compassion.
He listened to their pain, touched those who were considered untouchable, and spoke words of hope to the brokenhearted.
His life demonstrated the very heart of God, full of mercy, understanding, and love.
God’s Empathy Toward His People
Empathy is not just something Jesus displayed—it is a reflection of God’s character.
God understands human weakness and responds with compassion.
Psalm 103:13-14 says:
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
God is not distant or indifferent to human struggles.
He knows our weaknesses, understands our fears, and walks with us through every trial.
Isaiah 63:9 reveals another example of God’s empathy:
“In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them.”
God does not just watch His people suffer—He feels their pain and acts on their behalf.
This is a reminder that empathy is not just encouraged in the Bible, but it is a direct reflection of God’s nature.
Biblical Figures Who Showed Empathy
Many individuals in the Bible demonstrated empathy toward others.
Moses had a deep sense of connection with the suffering of his people.
Before he became their leader, he witnessed an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite and felt so strongly about it that he intervened (Exodus 2:11-12).
Later, when leading Israel, Moses constantly interceded for them, pleading with God for their forgiveness and mercy.
David, despite being a king, showed great empathy in many moments.
One of the most touching examples is his kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan.
Instead of ignoring him, David restored his family’s land and invited him to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life (2 Samuel 9).
Paul also displayed empathy throughout his ministry.
In 2 Corinthians 11:28-29, he describes his deep concern for the churches:
“Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”
Paul was not emotionally distant from those he ministered to.
He deeply felt their struggles and carried their burdens with them.
Empathy and the Call to Love Others
Empathy is a vital part of Christian life because it reflects the love of Christ.
Jesus commanded His followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31).
To truly love others, believers must be willing to enter into their pain and joy, just as they would want others to do for them.
Galatians 6:2 reinforces this idea:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse does not mean that believers must take on every problem as their own, but it does encourage them to share in the struggles of others, offering support, encouragement, and comfort.
True Christian community is built on this kind of deep, selfless love.
The Dangers of Misusing Empathy
While empathy is a beautiful and biblical trait, it must be practiced with wisdom.
One of the dangers of unchecked empathy is emotional exhaustion.
It is possible to carry the burdens of others so deeply that it becomes overwhelming.
Jesus understood this and often withdrew to spend time in prayer (Luke 5:16).
He loved people deeply, but He also knew the importance of rest and spiritual renewal.
Empathy should lead believers to action, but it should also be balanced with trust in God.
Matthew 11:28-30 reminds believers that Jesus, not us, carries the weight of the world:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Christians are called to care for others, but they are not called to carry every burden alone.
They must rely on God’s strength rather than their own emotions.
How to Practice Biblical Empathy
Listening is one of the most powerful ways to show empathy.
Many people do not need immediate solutions—they just need someone who will truly hear them and care.
Encouraging others through words and actions can bring comfort to those who are struggling.
A kind word, a thoughtful act, or simply being present can make a significant difference.
Praying for those in need is one of the best ways to turn empathy into action.
Instead of just feeling for someone, believers can bring their burdens before God and trust Him to work.
Serving others in practical ways—helping with a need, offering support, or even just spending time with someone—can be an expression of true biblical empathy.
Empathy is not just about emotions—it should lead to love in action.
Final Thoughts
Empathy is a deeply biblical trait that reflects the heart of God.
Jesus demonstrated the greatest example of empathy by stepping into human suffering and offering salvation.
Scripture calls believers to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, showing deep care and connection with others.
At the same time, empathy must be practiced with wisdom, ensuring that it leads people to trust in God rather than becoming an overwhelming emotional burden.
By following Christ’s example, Christians can use empathy to bring comfort, healing, and encouragement to a world that desperately needs it.