Ready To See Others Through the Eyes of Christ?
Empathy isn’t weakness — it’s love in action. Take the next step today: listen, pray and show up for those around you.
Written By
Kayleigh Shaw
Professional Writing Student
Empathy isn’t weakness — it’s love in action. Take the next step today: listen, pray and show up for those around you.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Local Outreach Ministry Coordinator of Spiritual Life on Dec. 4, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Empathy can be seen as a sign of weakness; however, that is not the case. It is simply putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and attempting to understand what they are going through. We have all sinned and while we have not all gone through the same experiences and have the same beliefs, it is still important not to shame them first but rather to listen. When you make a mistake, would you like it if someone told you what you did was wrong? This is why we should learn to have patience and empathy in order to hear others and provide them with assistance into the arms of Jesus rather than turning them away.
Empathy reflects the heart of Christ, who met people where they were and can offer them grace as a form of love. When we choose to listen and understand, we create space for healing and transformation. Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind and these qualities are essential when guiding others toward truth. By approaching conversations with humility and compassion, we mirror God’s mercy and invite others to experience His redeeming love.
This verse highlights the importance of setting boundaries to protect our spiritual integrity, as well as the need to set boundaries in our lives to maintain healthy relationships. Whether it be our roommates, friends, partners or family, boundaries can help you respect, listen and care for each other while understanding what is harmful in the relationship and how to avoid it. If we do not voice our feelings, issues and ideas, then the relationship can stagnate and will only cause more issues.
Here God calls us to take action in supporting others instead of sitting idly by. Often, we are too afraid to help others because of social norms, but people also have so many problems of their own that they do not have time to worry about others. This often creates a social problem of ineffective communication with others and can turn people away from seeking help and counsel. As a college student, I often feel overwhelmed when someone asks for advice, or needs a place to turn in a serious situation.
"Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
"Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'"
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
Here are some ways to practice empathy while maintaining a healthy Christlike relationship with others:
Sometimes, when we listen to others, we can be quick to judge or shame. However, one thing I have learned when someone comes to me for help is not to interrupt, ask questions about what they need or occurred. You do not always need to agree with them on their actions and beliefs; letting them know that you are there to help can just be enough.
Let them know you are thinking about them. I think it is always good to ask to pray for them, as it shows you respect them and your relationship and that you care about their well-being. We do not like feeling alone in a situation; praying can show your support and let them know they are not alone.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
— Romans 12:15, NIV
Showing up for people at specific times, such as mourning the death of a loved one, or attending your friend’s sports events, can make all the difference in the day. I remember growing up; it was hard for my parents to attend my school events. I felt alone in the crowd while my friends’ parents were all there, taking pictures with them. Yesterday, my friends asked me to come to their pickleball intramural game just to sit and watch. They did not win, but even so, the presence of others in a time of celebration or sorrow can mean everything.
Let them know you are thinking about them. I think it is always good to ask to pray for them, as it shows you respect them and your relationship and that you care about their well-being. We do not like feeling alone in a situation; praying can show your support and let them know they are not alone.
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
