Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute devotion Lack of Empathy.
In contradiction to culture, God has always emphasized empathy and consideration (Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:2-3).
Let's take a look at some other Scriptures on this subject:
1. Romans 12:15: "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep."
Jealousy and selfishness keep some people from rejoicing with those who rejoice. And self-righteousness or disinterest lead keep people from comforting those who are going through difficulties.
See Job's Judgmental Friends and Rejoice and Mourn.
Sometimes we have empathy for our friends who are suffering, but we don't know how to comfort them. These 1-minute devotions can help: She Didn't Know What to Say, 3 Ways to Comfort, and Think Inside the Box.
2. Galatians 5:14: For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This passage is similar to the old adage that tells us not to judge others until we Walk a Mile in their Moccasins. This doesn't mean that we must experience the exact situation to empathize with others, but we must at least try to imagine how we might feel in the same situation.
3. 1 Peter 3:8: Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
We need to be sensitive to other people's needs, stresses, responsibilities, and
weaknesses.
Empathy
is the "Golden Rule" attitude that helps us share and understand the
feelings of others. For example, a good parent thinks about how they would feel if they were their child, and they punish their child appropriately and lovingly. A good adult child thinks how they would feel if they were their parents, and they treat their parents with the respect and attention they would want from their grown children.
copyright 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2026
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