Biblical Posts

Empathy As a Christian

I think one of the reasons why I have issues opening up is because of the way people spoke to me afterwards. It made me wonder sometimes whether they were human beings or not. I didn't see how someone who had been at a low point in their lives could be so cold.

At one point in our lives or another we've all encountered people who made our struggles seem less significant. You told someone you were anxious and they said "You shouldn't be anxious as a Christian, rejoice in the Lord!" Without really saying anything else. Or you were depressed and they told you, you had no idea what depression was or that you should just "pray it away"

God isn't like this. He understands that as humans, it wouldn't benefit us if he just immediately took away every discomfort. He knows that the pain will eventually make us stronger. He knows that it's important that you address what's making you sad or afraid. He knows that processing your emotions with him is an important part of healing.

As christians, we need to remember that being understanding is really important. Sometimes, it's being able to relate to and understand someone's pain that actually helps you to draw them closer to Christ. It's because I know what it's like to struggle with anxiety that I can talk about it and offer suggestions to others. I don't just snap at them or tell them "what do you have to be anxious about?"

Sometimes people don't need to be told what to do. While it's important to remind people to pray and talk to God, sometimes they really just want you to listen to them. Not everyone needs advice from you. Sometimes they just need to be told that they can do it and that God wouldn't let them into that situation if he couldn't get them out. Sometimes people need to be reminded that they'll be okay.

Here are a few bible verses that motivate me to keep going;

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Romans 5:3 NLT

4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Romans 5:4 NLT

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:5 NLT

It's important to remember that when people confide in us or just randomly tell us about things, we shouldn't instantly shut them down or tell them they're just being negative. Trying to understand people can really help them feel seen and enable you to preach the word in a way that it applies to them.

~ Anne :)
Truewriter2020