Empathy

 

Empathy

Hebrews 2: ¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, ¹⁵ and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. ¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

 

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Difficult times arose and I received advice. “You should do this” or ”you should do that” were the words of well meaning people, but they had not gone through what I was going through. I then ran into someone who had different words. “I went through that and I know how you feel.” This person was someone I could listen to.

 

• I didn’t know I needed empathy versus sympathy.
• I craved to hear from someone who went through my troubles versus someone who guessed at a solution to “my” problem.
• I wanted to hear from someone who got through the pain and was now healed.

 

 

JESUS showed extreme empathy for the world, according to Paul, the assumed writer. HE became as weak as a child for a single purpose, to overcome death. HE was tempted in every way so HE could  become the faithful leader.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE became a human so HE could understand what I would go through.
• JESUS cared enough for me that HE experienced the range of emotions I would experience.
• JESUS has empathy for me and understands when I fall.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver. I mean, HE is not hovering over me trying to get me to change or to be something spectacular. HE understands my faults and says “ I love you dearly because I went through what you are going through.”

 

JESUS faced it all and knows why I feel the way I feel. HE doesn’t say “Get it together” rather HE has words of empathy. HE understands what you and I have gone through and are going through. I am glad HE knows me so well that I can come to HIM with all my problems. I place my trust in JESUS who gives me empathy.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe JESUS?
• Have you ever received advice from people who meant well, but did not understand what you were going through?
• Will you seek JESUS because HE knows exactly what you are going through right now, so HE can provide the empathy you need today?

Complete Understanding

Complete Understanding

2 Corinthians 1: ¹² We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been ruled by God-given frankness and sincerity, by the power of God's grace and not by human wisdom. ^13-14 We write to you only what you can read and understand. But even though you now understand us only in part, I hope that you will come to understand us completely, so that in the Day of our Lord Jesus you can be as proud of us as we shall be of you.

 

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When I become a parent, I will correct the list of complaints I had against my parents. But then I became one and got “complete understanding.” When I am the boss I will change how things are done. But I became one and things did not go as I thought. But now I had “complete understanding.” Running a business will be easy is what I said until I ran one and it wasn’t so easy. But now I had complete understanding.

 

Paul send his letter with a caveat. He did not include some of the stuff that would be hard to understand. Luke wrote about Paul being bit by a venomous snake and remaining alive. Paul did not write this about himself and did not include many other miracles he witnessed or performed. He knew his focus was not to point to himself, but JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be ruled by HIS holiness.
• GOD wants me to be as sincere as I can when I speak about HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I will not have “complete understanding” until HE transforms me to HIS true creation.

 

Confusion seems to be the norm during this life. I mean, when one person says “the truth”, another comes along to refute what was said. Human brawls increase rips in families, neighborhoods and communities. Disunity increases. Slander undermines the ability to help.

 

BUT GOD completely understands and has given us only a tiny revelation of HIMSELF. JESUS spent a little time being human and was tempted in every way a human could be tempted. HE died and was raised from the dead. HE has all authority. I am glad HE has complete understanding and wants to share it with me.

 

Challenge

• Has anyone ever questioned how and what you do without having complete understanding?
• Have you ever questioned GOD or complained about HIS plan for your life?
• Will you step back from the current situation and know GOD has complete understanding over your situation and has already added HIS love to it just for you?

Not Understanding It

Not Understanding It

John 13: ⁶ Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”

⁷ Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

⁸ Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

⁹ Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”

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Finally I ran into a group of leaders I appreciated being around. When an opportunity for advancement came open, I scheduled a meeting to ask for the position. It had nothing to do with my skills or accomplishments, I just wanted to be with that group. “Don’t worry” they said to me. “We have something for you too.” What were they talking about? I pondered.

• There were times when I did not understand my benefactors.
• There were times when I did not understand when people had good plans for me.
• There were times when I was suspicious of allowing someone else to look out for me, so I had to look out for “myself.”

Peter, not understanding what JESUS was doing, tried to stop HIM from washing his feet. JESUS tried to tell Peter that he would understand later. Peter went further in his misunderstanding by telling JESUS to wash his entire body. Peter had great intentions.

• GOD understands that I will misunderstand HIM.
• GOD understands that I will think I know what HE is doing, but I will be grossly wrong.
• GOD understands that I will try hard to please HIM, even though HE is already extremely pleased with me.

JESUS needed to serve humans so we could see a real example. I mean, GOD lowered HIMSELF to the point of washing grime and stench off of our feet. I believe HE was telling us that we may step in sin but our feet can be cleaned. But there was one who’s heart was not clean, therefore foot washing would have no effect.

GOD wants my heart. HE can cleanse me of all unrighteousness as long as I give HIM my desires. I am grateful HE can clean me up when I sin.

• Do you want to be clean?
• Do you want to be with GOD in HIS quest to save humanity?
• Will you allow HIM to clean you up the way HE wants to so you can serve many people?

Scared

Scared

John 12: ²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

²⁹ Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

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“I’m not going down there!” I said in terror. With fears of the “Boogey Man” being in the basement of our home, I refused to go downstairs unless someone was with me. All the lights had to be on.

• Sometimes I get scared of the unknown.
• Sometimes I get worried about situations people have told me about.
• Sometimes I get filled with fear over a huge situation facing me.

Death was facing JESUS and HIS humanity showed. HE expressed HIS fear out loud. THE FATHER heard HIS voice and responded with assurance. JESUS accepted the responsibility.

• GOD is there when I have fears.
• GOD is there when I have doubts.
• GOD is there when I worry about big situations.

Worry easily creeps in when the answer to a problem is out of my control. I mean when I cannot do something to resolve the situation, my mind spins, trying to come up with a solution. BUT GOD knows the outcome.

HE wants me to trust that HE has the situation under control and HE can use the circumstance for HIS glory. HE rewards me greatly for obeying HIS plan and for this I am grateful.

• Are you worried?
• Is there a very large situation in front of you that seems too big to handle?
• Will you ask GOD to not only give you strength, but comfort as well?

Speak for Yourself

Speak for Yourself

John 7: ⁴⁵ Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?”

⁴⁶ The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”

⁴⁷ Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? ⁴⁸ Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? ⁴⁹ But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”

⁵⁰ Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, ⁵¹ “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”

⁵² They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”

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While pledging an organization we were not supposed to be late, but we were. “Let’s get our story together” one person said as they were they primary culprit for our being late. As the lies came together, I was not convinced. When I was pulled to the side and asked what happened, I had a choice. “Should I go along with the lie?”

• There were times when I was scared to tell the truth.
• There were times when it seemed like I could not please anyone whit the answer I had.
• There were times when I told the truth and made those around me angry.

Losing their power quickly, the Pharisees had to protect their stance against JESUS. One of them spoke on behalf of the church leaders saying JESUS was a deceiver, like the devil, instead of considering HIM as GOD. But Nicodemus spoke for himself and used the heart of the law, just like JESUS.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIM for myself.
• GOD wants me to pursue HIM daily with just me and HIM.
• GOD wants me to spend time alone with HIM so HE can guide me through HIS word.

Going with the crowd to protect a lie is not the way GOD wants me to act. This is the wrong type of unity. GOD wants unity in the truth that does not exclude humans based on hate. HE wants me to observe what HE did by supplying grace based on HIS word. I give GOD my desires today.

• Do you desire something?
• Have you convinced yourself that your desires are admirable without checking to see if they are against GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to guide your desires so you can speak for HIM even when it is not popular?

Slow Down to Decide

Psalm 11:4 But the LORD is in HIS Holy temple

                        the LORD still rules from heaven

            HE watches everything closely

                        examining everyone on earth

            5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked

                        HE hates everyone who loves violence

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By now I was able to drive myself to work, but I still needed permission to go places. I have no idea how a friend of mine always had a party to go to but nonetheless, I wanted in. This was my opportunity. A person who I was supposed to fill in for at work no longer needed me to fill in. It was Friday night and the shift was from 6PM until 2AM. Let’s see, stay at home with the parents or go to the party with friends and not be seen as a square anymore! What should I have done?

• When I am impatient I make decisions too quickly that may be detrimental.
• When I decide in haste I usually regret the quick decision.
• When I rush into a decision I usually do not think of the consequences.

Sin is part of my humanity. I was born with it and when I make decisions too quickly I can sometimes be fooled by its deadly grip. I then look up and I am in something I can’t get myself out of. How can I avoid this?

• When I make a decision I should ask GOD for HIS direction.
• When I make a decision I should allow GOD to say “No” or “Yes.”
• When I make a decision I should understand that GOD is watching everything closely.

I know GOD understands when I sin. I was born with a deficit to my character and HE knows it. BUT GOD is pleased when I come to HIM first with my plans. HE loves it when I ask HIM first and when I yield to HIS decision. My relationship with GOD should have healthy fear of HIM but also healthy “love” of HIM which seeks HIS advice from time to time.

• Are you worried and making snap decisions?
• Can you slow down to listen to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you add GOD to your decision and know that HE is pleased with you regardless of the outcome?

Who can Understand?

Job 26: ¹⁴ And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
    how faint the whisper we hear of him!
    Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”

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GOD is the most high and I am made for HIM. HE created the universe and placed it in the palm of HIS hands. But sometimes I don’t think HE can rescue me from the clutches of my situation. If HE doesn’t do “my” plan exactly to the letter then HE must be punishing me or has run off doing some ultra powerful thing and has forgotten me.

• GOD says to me “MY eye is on the sparrow, how much more will I take care of you?”
• GOD says to me “I know the number of hair on your head so I am concerned with every aspect of your life.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who leads you besides still waters to bring you peace.”

Every footstep, every heartbeat, every breath, GOD is concerned about. HE looks at me when I sleep and has already thought ahead “What great things can I bring to life today?” Even the things I see as disastrous, GOD has a great and marvelous plan for me.

• Are you excited about GOD’s plan for you today?
• Can you feel the excitement GOD has for you?
• Will you offer praise to HIM today for thinking so highly of you?

GOD Understands

Job 10: ² I say to God: Do not declare me guilty,
    but tell me what charges you have against me.
³ Does it please you to oppress me,
    to spurn the work of your hands,
    while you smile on the plans of the wicked?

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In this New Year I begin my journey not blaming GOD.  As I continue in my daily reading, I noticed Job felt beat down and rightfully so. I mean he tried to do everything GOD said to do and he ended up without a family or possessions and sores from the top of his scalp to the soles on his feet. He could not rest.

I have never faced what he faced, yet there have been many times I felt as if GOD were standing over me with a bat, ready to club my head in. My questions would ring out.

• GOD “Why, oh why hast thou forsaken me?”
• GOD “Do I have to drink from this cup?”
• GOD “Do YOU have to turn YOUR back on me?”

Then I realized these were the same questions JESUS asked HIS FATHER. JESUS felt lost and forlorn just like I have at times. HE was misunderstood and slandered by HIS own. Avid church goers decided to kill HIM and follow corrupt people who were in power. It’s apparent GOD wants me to think differently this year.

• GOD wants me to throw away any bitterness towards HIM and others.
• GOD wants me to spit out my poisonous words towards HIM and others.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first and all these things will be added to me.

This year GOD wants me to reach out to people and let them know they can always put their trust in HIM.

• Are you still dragging your poison into this year?
• Can you let go of the problems you had last year and wipe the slate clean?
• Will you look to GOD daily instead of looking months down the road?

GOD understands

Leviticus 10: ¹⁷ “Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in a place that is near the Holy Room? The offering is very holy. It was given to you to take the people’s guilt away. It paid for their sin in the sight of the Lord. ¹⁸ The blood of the offering wasn’t taken into the Holy Room. So you should have eaten the goat in a place that is near the Holy Room. That’s what I commanded.”

¹⁹ Aaron replied to Moses, “Today the people sacrificed their sin offering to the Lord. They also sacrificed their burnt offerings to him. But a terrible thing has happened to me. Two of my sons have died. Would the Lord have been pleased if I had eaten the sin offering today?” ²⁰ When Moses heard that, he was satisfied.

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Working “too hard” for the LORD becomes a problem as well. The joy of servant-hood quickly turns into complaints when I work too hard. GOD wants me to be joyful when I serve and understand when I need a “short” break so I can be refreshed to serve again.