EMPATHY!

EMPATHY!

Heb 4:15-16

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

          Merriam-Webster defines the word “empathy” as: “to experience as one’s own the feelings of another.” More simply put, it is actually feeling the pain of someone else’s hurt. This is actually possible! Perhaps you have suffered some injury or trauma through the years. The pain of that injury is recorded in your mind. When you hear of someone’s hurt you replay the recorded pain stored in your mind. You actually hurt FOR and WITH someone else. This is empathy!

          The Greek word for “touched” in verse 15 is sumpatheo which forms the basis of our word “sympathy.” Because of the sentence structure, the word “feeling” is translated from the same Greek word! We can conclude that our Great High Priest, Jesus, feels our feelings. Yet the fearful apostles in a tiny boat on the stormy sea cried out “carest thou not that we perish?” (See Mark 4:38) Everywhere the Bible reminds us that God willingly feels our deepest hurts and carries our sorrows.

Isa 53:4-5

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Dear Lord, thank you that I can come boldly to the throne of grace because I know you feel what I am feeling. I know that you care and will answer with my best interest in mind. I know you will speedily relieve my sufferings because you feel them yourself. AMEN