Kingdom VirtuesSýnishorn

Empathy: listening, before speaking.

It’s rather ironic that in the world where everybody craves to be heard, those who really listen are very rare. Empathy is not just sympathy, but an active desire to understand.

Jesus never answered the questions no one asked. He saw the heart, sensed the pain, replied with gentleness. Tears of Mary, touch of the bleeding woman, talk to the frustrated disciples–all that are examples of His profound empathy.

Empathy is a virtue that eliminates the wall between "I know" and "I’m by your side." It’s an ability not to interrupt, not to reprimand–just be there with the pain of the other person, with his/her hope, his/her story.

Questions to ask yourself:

• When was the last time I really listened to the other person, without giving advice?
• Is it easy for people to open up to me? Why so? Why not?

Prayer:

Jesus, please, teach me to listen with love. Give me a heart that understands the pain of others and is never indifferent.