Look around your life. Is there someone who needs you to listen, support, or simply be present? Take the time to practice empathy, knowing that when you do, you reflect the heart of God.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.
[00:00:59] And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and Sisters, I welcome you in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach to another edition
[00:01:08] of Words of Inspiration.
[00:01:10] And today we're continuing in our series, The Relationships We Build, with a conversation
[00:01:17] on Empathy.
[00:01:20] Our spiritual inspiration comes from Romans chapter 12 verse 15, and reading from the New
[00:01:27] International Version it reads, Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.
[00:01:35] Empathy is a foundational part of building strong, meaningful relationships, both with God and
[00:01:42] with those around us.
[00:01:44] As we dive into the first episode, we'll explore what empathy means, how it reflects Christ's
[00:01:52] heart, and how we can apply it in our personal and professional lives.
[00:01:57] Empathy is often defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
[00:02:04] But it's so much more than just feeling for someone.
[00:02:08] It's feeling with them.
[00:02:10] Romans 12 and 15 gives us a simple but powerful call.
[00:02:15] Rejoice with those who rejoice.
[00:02:19] This means celebrating others' victory without comparison or jealousy.
[00:02:25] And mourn with those who mourn.
[00:02:28] It means entering into someone else's pain, standing alongside them with compassion, not offering
[00:02:35] quick fixes, but your presence.
[00:02:39] Empathy is about connection.
[00:02:42] It's a willingness to step into someone else's experience and walk with them, even when their
[00:02:48] reality is different from yours.
[00:02:52] Jesus is our ultimate example of empathy.
[00:02:55] He didn't just watch from heaven.
[00:02:57] He stepped into our world.
[00:03:00] Philippians 2 verses 6 through 7, reading from the New International Version reads,
[00:03:06] Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider equality with God something to be
[00:03:12] used to his own advantage.
[00:03:14] Rather, he made himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human
[00:03:21] likeness.
[00:03:23] When Jesus came to earth, he experienced hunger, fatigue, rejection, and pain, all so he could
[00:03:31] understand the human experience fully.
[00:03:33] But it wasn't just about experiencing our struggles.
[00:03:37] He did it to make a way for us to be free.
[00:03:40] By dying for our sins, Jesus removed the bondage of sin that separates us from God.
[00:03:46] Now we can live a life that pleases God while being free to serve and uplift others.
[00:03:53] But here's the key.
[00:03:55] We have to choose to live that life.
[00:03:58] And a life that honors God is one where we practice empathy just like Jesus did.
[00:04:05] So let's bring this idea of empathy into our daily lives, starting with the workplace.
[00:04:11] Empathy in the workplace is more than just being polite.
[00:04:15] It means taking time to get to know your team members beyond their job titles.
[00:04:21] Understanding their values, beliefs, and personal challenges.
[00:04:26] Being present when they face difficulties and celebrating their successes.
[00:04:31] When we lead with empathy at work, we create a culture of trust and respect.
[00:04:37] And more importantly, it allows people to experience the love of Christ through our actions.
[00:04:44] Colossians 3 verse 23 reminds us,
[00:04:48] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
[00:04:55] When you show empathy in the workplace, we're not just being co-workers.
[00:05:00] We're being Christ-like witnesses who reflect his heart in our professional spaces.
[00:05:07] Now let's shift to our personal relationships.
[00:05:10] Empathy is just as critical in our homes, friendships, and community.
[00:05:15] It means being present.
[00:05:18] Giving your full attention in conversations.
[00:05:21] Active listening.
[00:05:22] Listening to understand, not just to respond.
[00:05:27] Offering support.
[00:05:29] Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there.
[00:05:34] Proverbs 17 and 17 says,
[00:05:37] A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
[00:05:44] Empathy in our personal lives means showing up consistently and compassionately.
[00:05:50] It means slowing down, putting away distractions, and truly engaging with those God has placed in our lives.
[00:05:58] Think about the last time someone really listened to you.
[00:06:02] Didn't it make you feel valued?
[00:06:05] That's the kind of presence God calls us to have for others.
[00:06:10] So how can we live with empathy every day?
[00:06:13] Here are three practical steps.
[00:06:15] Number one, pray for a heart of compassion.
[00:06:20] Ask God to give you his eyes to see the needs around you.
[00:06:25] Ezekiel 36 and 26 reads,
[00:06:28] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.
[00:06:32] Number two, practice being fully present.
[00:06:37] Whether in a meeting, at home, or even on social media,
[00:06:42] slow down and engage fully.
[00:06:44] And number three, look for opportunities to serve.
[00:06:50] Sometimes empathy requires action.
[00:06:52] Ask yourself, how can I lighten someone else's love today?
[00:06:57] Remember, empathy isn't just about feelings.
[00:07:02] It's about faithful action.
[00:07:03] It's reflecting Christ by being fully present,
[00:07:07] fully aware, and fully available to those around you.
[00:07:12] As we close today's episode,
[00:07:15] I want to leave you with this challenge.
[00:07:18] Look around your life this week.
[00:07:20] Is there someone who needs you to listen,
[00:07:23] support, or simply be present?
[00:07:26] Take the time to practice empathy,
[00:07:28] knowing that when you do,
[00:07:30] you reflect the heart of God.
[00:07:33] In our next episode,
[00:07:35] we'll explore the second pillar of the engaged mindset,
[00:07:39] being nonjudgmental.
[00:07:42] If this message has blessed you,
[00:07:44] share it with a friend,
[00:07:46] and invite them on this journey with you.
[00:07:48] And remember,
[00:07:50] when we live with empathy,
[00:07:52] we not only please God,
[00:07:53] but we create relationships that reflect His kingdom.
[00:07:57] I thank you for spending time with me on today,
[00:08:00] and I look forward to our time together on tomorrow.
[00:08:03] Until then,
[00:08:05] God bless.
[00:08:12] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty
[00:08:16] and New Gen Construction Group
[00:08:19] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:08:23] If anything you've heard poured into your life,
[00:08:27] please share it with someone.
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[00:08:44] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582,
[00:08:49] Ocala, Florida, 34478,
[00:08:54] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.