World’s recent natural disasters, political unrest, terrorism, and genocide incidents, made many of us empathize with others who are suffering. Why do we have the compassion to offer help to others? Is sympathy and empathy natural or gradually developed human emotional behavior? If they are natural behaviors, why then do we have hatred and prejudice among us?
One definition of empathy is the “understanding and sharing of the emotions and experiences of another person.” Similarly, sympathy is the “mutual affinity between individuals in which whatever affect one correspondingly affects the other.” I noticed the words empathy and sympathy are often used interchangeably and are mutually inseparable human emotions, and ultimately the feelings lead to an immediate action.
How can we forget recent disturbing footage of the hurricane and earthquake victims, and refugees’ escaping from the terrorists and genocide crisis shown on the television (TV) and other news media? At the same time, we’re also reminded of great people who empathized and displayed compassion in action. We noticed during these catastrophes how compassionate people helped the helpless with one common goal to save human lives without discriminating anyone. On the contrary, we also watched on TV how burglars use the storms as an excuse to loot stores, offices, and homes. In fact, we’ve witnessed both good and evil during the humanitarian crisis.
If empathy and sympathy are natural human emotional behaviors, why then are we faced with evil deeds? If they are not natural, then these behaviors must be learned and developed by each one. Where can we learn these behaviors other than home?
Over four (4) decades of my personal observation of people led me to a conclusion that it is Christians who worship the “compassionate and gracious God of the Bible (Ex. 34:6; Ps. 86:15; Ps.111:4; Joe.2:13; Eph.4:32; and 1 Pt.3:8 NIV)” are the first to be involved in this great effort. Because Jesus Christ gave us the great commandments that are “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Mat. 22:39 NKJV).” In addition, Jesus Christ provided his believers and followers a “compassion model” in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:33 NKJV).
Yes, we empathize with others because our God is the “compassionate” one. Therefore, His believers have the compassion through faith to love our neighbors and be a Good Samaritan.
Yes, I admire His servants who first provided us this Good News to our families. Had it not been for their efforts, I don’t think our emotional behaviors wouldn’t have changed. Please share your thoughts and comments.
Shalom!