POST 31: How Can Empathy Fuel Belonging?
POST 31
How Can Empathy Fuel Belonging?
Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost the same.
Empathy is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean?
In its most basic sense, empathy is having the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. To enter into their experience, and to try to see through their eyes and walk in their shoes for a little bit.
The Bible describes empathy in even simpler terms: “Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying” (Romans 12:15).
Empathy is important in relationships. It’s how we tell people that we notice and care about them. Empathy increases our desire to help others rather than ignore their pain. Empathy pushes past the superficial and creates a safe space for the real story to emerge.
Have you ever tried to communicate with someone, only to feel like they weren’t really hearing you? Perhaps they weren’t looking at you, distracted by another task. Or maybe they kept interrupting you, suggesting how you could fix the problem instead of simply listening. That’s frustrating.
Listening Comes before Empathy
Feeling heard requires good listening. Listening brings us closer and sets the foundation for empathy. You cannot rejoice with someone if you don’t know why they’re rejoicing. You cannot cry with someone if you don’t know why they’re crying. Listening to what’s going on and why is what makes empathy possible.
Rebekah is close to her mom and has learned the power of listening and empathy through that relationship. “When my mom hears what I’m going through, she says, ‘I get it, I hear how you feel, that makes sense.’” Inspired by her mom’s empathy and her small group leader’s career as a therapist, Rebekah wants to be a counselor, creating a space of belonging for those who need it.
There is power in listening and empathy—it’s the power of belonging. You can never truly belong in a place where you are not heard or cared for. If you want to be that safe place of belonging for someone, start by putting listening and empathy into practice.
READING GOD’S WORD
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15 NIV)
Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it. (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Journaling Questions
How do you feel when someone isn’t listening to you? What about the opposite—when you can really tell you’re being heard?
How does showing empathy help others feel like they belong?
What’s one way you can practice empathy this week?
Pray This Prayer
God, you are the ultimate best listener. You always hear us when we’re happy, sad, frustrated, or confused. Help me to be a good listener and to show empathy to my friends and family. I want to create a safe space of belonging. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SOMETHING TO TRY
Read about a current event in the news and think about how the people in the story might be feeling. Write down how you would feel, and try to see the situation from various points of view. After you’ve thought about it on your own, bring someone else into your thought process and ask them how they would feel. Having this conversation will help you see how a situation can be experienced in multiple ways, building your empathy for others.
THE TAKEAWAY
Empathy starts with listening and grows into belonging.