Grow Through It: 7 Healing Practices That Cultivate Resilience a 7-Day Reading Plan by Essie FayeSample

Connect with Others—Practice Compassion, Sympathy, and Empathy

Mark‬ 1‬:41‬ NKJV

Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” ‬‬‬‬‬

Romans‬ 3‬:23‬ ‬‬‬‬‬NKJV

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

As a young believer, I was judgmental because I saw things very simplistically. Then I started to live. Life’s challenges taught me about life’s complexities. I learned to sympathize with people who were hurting. My personal pain taught me how to be compassionate toward others and to empathize with others. Over time, I’ve learned that growth requires that we live in community.

Perfecting one’s green thumb takes practice and patience, among other things. Plant growth and personal development depend on a myriad of factors. A plant’s growth depends on the type of plant, soil conditions, weather conditions, and so much more. Personal growth for humankind happens in community as we cultivate healthy connections and grow together.

Practicing sympathy, compassion, and empathy is essential to facilitating healthy human connection. Sympathy says, “I’m sorry you’re hurt.” There is genuine care for others and their pain. Empathy says, “I hurt with you.” It is when we learn how to walk in another person’s shoes and try to see through their eyes. Compassion says, “I’ll do whatever I can to stop your hurt.” In Romans chapter three, the Apostle Paul declares that all of humanity has sinned. We are all negatively affected as we live in this sin-filled world. Therefore, we should all extend grace to each other, and we should be kind.

In Mark chapter one, compassion causes Jesus Christ to heal a leper. Jesus Christ saw the leper’s poor condition. Jesus cured the leper and restored his health because He cared. If we are to grow, we need community and its benefits: collaboration, sense of belonging, accountability, learning opportunities, etc.

Father God, we have sinned. We lack compassion, sympathy, and empathy for others. Please forgive our sins and teach us how to treat each other as You guide us through life.

Grow Through It: What does it look like for us to practice compassion daily? How would practicing sympathy and empathy for those hurting around us change our hearts?

Compassion, sympathy, and empathy exude from the heart of God. His children, too, have His heart.

If you enjoyed this devotional you can continue your healing journey by grabbing the digital resource “5 Practical Steps to Heal Yourself Sis” and check out my devotional, “Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love & Aceptance.”