Empathy & Compassion
17 OCTOBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE
Rev Gladwin Lee
Scripture Passage: Matthew 9:36 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | As Jesus preached and healed the sick, He saw the crowds. “He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36). What would Jesus see in the crowds in Singapore today? He would note the pandemic-fatigued faces of people who face constant fear about their health and jobs. Burnout, emotional and mental exhaustion are, according to a recent survey by Microsoft, affecting a third of the people in Asia. Do we have the same compassion Jesus had for the crowds?
Empathy is to feel what others feel whereas compassion is empathy in action. In other words, it is not just to feel for someone but to do something about it. It is to have deep concern and a strong desire to alleviate their suffering. Compassion is important for 3 reasons:
1. Path to emotional maturity. Compassion helps us to grow from an emotional child to an emotional adult. Just as John (brother of James) grew from being a “son of thunder” to the “Apostle of love”, we walk with Jesus and grow in love and compassion. As highlighted by Peter Scazzero in “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality”, many of us know Biblical truths but we do not know how to apply what we believe. An emotionally immature person can never be spiritually mature. Through empathy and acts of compassion, we grow in emotional maturity.
2. Intimacy with God. Jesus showed love and care for those around Him. As God incarnate, He demonstrated God’s heart for people. We are to emulate Jesus. Through acts of compassion, we are shaped to participate in God’s redemptive work. By giving love, we receive much love in return. Compassion is not an optional activity of discipleship.
3. Nature of our ministry. The Lord of the harvest has called us to participate in His ministry. It is through compassion that people are led to see Jesus. It is easy to watch from afar and not be affected. John Wesley explained why we have so little sympathy for others. He said, “Many of them do not know [about other’s suffering] because they do not care to know.” Do you know of anyone who is suffering from pandemic fatigue and mental exhaustion? Are we a church that shows empathy and compassion to those in the community?
In this season where physical contact is limited, we are still able to multiple the personal touch to those in need. S.E.R.V.E. with compassion.
Seek God in Prayer. We start by turning to God for guidance and patience to be present with those who suffer. We should not be numb to all the pain we see around us. Instead, we pray that we may be transformed to be more like Jesus in showing compassion.
Enlist all our efforts and resources. Treat each person as one who is of value to God. Learn to listen attentively, to better understand, and show empathy through our tone of voice and facial expressions.
Recognise their struggles. Do not minimise others’ pain or focus only on cheering the person up. We should not reject their feelings and allow them time to lament and grieve.
Volunteer practical help. We may not be able to take away pain, but we can be there to say “You are not alone, I am with you. Together, we can carry the burden. Don’t be afraid I am here.” (Henri Nouwen). We may offer a word of comfort or listening ear or practical help. God has given us resources to bless others, such as running errands for those who are home-bound. We can advocate for help, so that we can volunteer as a group. The labour of love offers hope to those in need.
Eat together (fellowship). This refers not so much to dining together but paints a picture of spiritual friendship. We become spiritual companions, participating in divine conversations and lifting up one another.
In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus speaks of the final judgement where He commends the compassionate deeds of His disciples. He says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me”.
Have you seen Jesus recently?
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What is the difference between empathy and compassion?
2. How did these people in the Bible demonstrate compassion?
- Ruth 2:1-16
- Matthew 9:35-38
- Luke 10:25-37
3. Recall why practising compassion important to us, as mentioned by the preacher. Identify which reason stood out for you, and explain why.
4. As you look back on your life, identify individuals who had demonstrated empathy and compassion? How have their presence or actions influenced you?
5. What motivates you to practice compassion? What hinders you from being compassionate to others?
6. Recall the preacher's suggestions for practising compassion. Think of a person whom you’d like to show greater empathy and compassion. Share with the group 1-2 practical ways you may offer compassion in the coming week.