This site uses cookies to provide you with more responsive and personalized service and to collect certain information about your use of the site.  You can change your cookie settings through your browser.  If you continue without changing your settings, you agree to our use of cookies.  See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Daily Devotional | Empathy in Action Daily Devotional | Empathy in Action

Daily Devotional | Empathy in Action

Devotions

During the Vietnam War, for the first time, people had the opportunity to visually “see” the realities of war. The nightly news showed footage of each day’s violence, and suddenly war became up close and personal. Horrified by what they saw, people wanted to take action. Fast forward fifty-five years, and we may seem almost complacent to the world’s tragedies. With technology’s steady stream of society’s most horrific images coming at us through our phones, computers, and television, our minds can easily become numb to the horrors around us.

In Romans 12 the Apostle Paul warns believers that it is very easy to become “conformed” to the world and its thinking (v. 2). But Paul also describes the “transformation” characteristics of a mind intent on serving and knowing the will of God. We are able to renew our minds in serving Jesus Christ. Verse 15 specifically describes how a Christian can and should respond with empathy toward others: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

In other words, we are to let our actions and reactions genuinely support those around us, whatever state they may be in. To do so, though, we must be aware of their joys and trials. We must be willing to place ourselves in situations where we will have the opportunity to rejoice and weep with others. We are not called to complacency. In rejoicing and weeping, God calls us to choose relationship and action. Romans 12 could be titled the “Empathy Chapter” because it shows Christian love in action. Here Paul gives multiple and practical ways to demonstrate empathy.

>> God will likely bring someone into your life who could use a little empathy. Read Romans 12 and prayerfully ask God to reveal who that might be and pray that you will, indeed, be ready to respond with love in action.

Pray with Us

To whom can you reach out today, and for whom can you pray? Ask God to show you how you can use the lessons we’ve been learning this month in your day-to-day interactions.

BY Mary Martin, Former Professor of Christian School Education

Dr. Mary Martin previously served at Moody as program head of Christian School Education and chair of the Education and Counseling division. She has also served as a classroom teacher, principal, and head of school. Mary is the author of Impacting Student Learning through Christ-Centered Instructional Leadership and currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, Michael. She speaks at numerous education conferences each year and loves mentoring Moody graduates.

Find Daily Devotionals by Month