03/29/2025
Lenten Devotion
The “Sin” of Empathy
[3] Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. [4] Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.
Philippians 2:3-4 CEB
From the time of our most formative years, as we learned to walk, talk, and interact with others, we were taught important concepts that have stayed with us throughout our lives. Lessons included using our hands for loving and not hurting (no hitting/kicking/violence), sharing our toys or other belongings is a good thing (don't be selfish, invite others to play), use kind words (if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all). We learned how to care for others by helping our parents and siblings, and maybe even by owning a pet or two that taught us that helping others is a responsibility and duty. Those pets also taught us sympathy and empathy. If there was not food or water in the bowl, the pet would let you know! If they are not given a time and place to potty regularly, you're the one responsible for cleaning up messes that are gross. And if they didn't feel well, we wanted to take care of them.
Some time between childhood and adulthood, as responsibilities piled up, we began to realize that sharing is not always easy, that sometimes hard things need to be said, and though we may personally remain nonviolent, we live in a world where wars take place and sometimes are a necessary evil to stop an even bigger evil. The concepts we learned as children got moved from a clear “good or bad” to a murky area in the middle. Nuance and finesse and tactful respect became the new lessons to learn.
In all of the changing from what we knew was right or wrong to this area in between, we often get so caught up in what makes it gray that we forget the first lesson. We are reminded here that we should not act out of selfishness and that we should put the needs of others before ourselves. That doesn't mean completely neglect our own care or desires, but to consider others’ needs and feelings when making decisions. It reminds us that, while it can seem wildly unpopular at times, empathy is not a sin. The needs of another person are just as important as our own. As we continue through Lent, this is where almsgiving may enter the picture. What can we give, what do we need to give, to reach out to others?
Gracious God, you have shown us grace and mercy. You have cared for our every need. Show me who has a need today, that you could use my hands to minister to them. Help me to consider others before myself, Lord, because you love them too, and you taught me to love them as well. Amen.
