Show Off The Resurrection
Today I was thinking about the difference between sympathy and empathy. In a lot of ways we have sympathy with other people concerning their situations but we have no idea what they are going through. The problem is that we have no idea what they are really going through except from a second person point of view. This is sympathy.
Empathy, on the other hand, is having to go through that type of ordeal or trial and then coming into contact with someone that is going through the same type of fire. You know what they are going through because have been there too. You have walked through those dark woods. You have felt the blast from the same tempter’s breath. You can feel the same tug of desire, or even repulsion, maybe even hatred, that the other person feels. That is empathy.
I have a mother figure, in the faith, who went through trauma. What does she do now? She ministers to those who have gone through the same trauma. I have another friend whose problem is lust. He ministers the freedom that he found in Christ to those who struggle with the same temptations. May I say that Jesus was tempted in ALL ways like we are (Hebrews 4:15). Our High Priest can be trusted and knows what we are going through because He went through it all. He can have empathy because of His trials while here on earth. What a Great High Priest and Friend.
With that said, I would like to encourage you to look for people who are going through the same struggles that you are going through (or have gone through) and come alongside them. I believe that the two of you can walk together and relate the victory that is in Christ Jesus.
Show off the power of the empty tomb.
Show off the power of the resurrection.