"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." – Philippians 2:2-4
In today’s world, or at least on our side of the world, we are struggling with a HUGE lack of empathy. Society tells us to put ourselves first and, if we have time and resources, help others later. I’ve personally struggled with the following thoughts:
“I’ll just pray for them.”
“I don’t have time to help them right now. I’m dealing with my own issues.”
“I will help them, but only because I have something to gain from it.”
Have you struggled with these thoughts too? Like we discussed on Tuesday, empathy is a choice. Paul is reminding us we should choose to count others more significant than ourselves, and to do it out of love, not from selfish motives or for gain.
What do you think is holding you back from responding with empathy towards others?
Author: Sara Fullerton
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