Empathy is a powerful virtue that allows us to understand and share the feelings of others. As Christians, our faith calls us to embrace empathy and show love and compassion to those around us.
Today, we will explore a collection of Bible verses that encourage us to cultivate empathy in our daily lives.
Bible Verses About Empathy
Romans 12:15 – We should share in the joys and sorrows of others
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness towards one another is essential
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 6:2 – Carrying each other’s burdens is a way to demonstrate love
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Peter 3:8 – Unity and compassion strengthen our community
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Luke 6:31 – The golden rule encourages us to empathize
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Colossians 3:12 – Clothing ourselves in compassion fosters empathy
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Matthew 25:40 – Serving those in need is a reflection of our empathy
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Philippians 2:4 – Looking out for others promotes selflessness
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Proverbs 14:21 – Compassionate actions reflect our character
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” – Proverbs 14:21
James 1:27 – True religion is caring for those in distress
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
1 John 3:17 – Our abundance calls us to act with empathy
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” – 1 John 3:17
Lamentations 3:22-23 – God’s compassion inspires our empathy
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Hebrews 13:3 – Remembering those who suffer fosters community empathy
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” – Hebrews 13:3
Matthew 7:12 – Acting towards others as we wish to be treated is key
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speaking up for the voiceless embodies empathy
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Isaiah 58:10 – True fasting includes caring for the needy
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
John 15:12 – Jesus commands us to love one another
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Luke 10:33-34 – The Good Samaritan showcases true empathy
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” – Luke 10:33-34
Matthew 18:15 – Addressing issues with others promotes understanding
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encouraging one another builds empathy
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 19:17 – Helping the poor is akin to supporting God
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17
Matthew 9:36 – Jesus models empathy for the lost
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
2 Corinthians 1:4 – Comforting others is part of our calling
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Romans 15:1 – Stronger individuals should support the weak
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1
Matthew 5:7 – Showing mercy goes hand-in-hand with empathy
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Luke 6:36 – Be merciful like God shows mercy
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
Isaiah 61:1 – Anointing to bring good news to the brokenhearted
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted.” – Isaiah 61:1
Matthew 11:28 – Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
John 13:34 – A new command to love one another
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Also Read: 35 Bible Verses About God Sees Everything
Final Thoughts
In a world that often seems lacking in compassion, empathy is a powerful tool that Christians can use to shine the light of Christ.
Through understanding and sharing in the feelings of others, we can build stronger connections, bridge divides, and make a positive impact on those around us.
As we have seen from the Bible verses mentioned, empathy is not merely a suggestion, but a command from God Himself.
It is a call to step into the shoes of others, to see the world through their eyes, and to extend love and kindness in a way that reflects the heart of our Savior. May we stride forward in empathy, bringing healing and hope to a broken world.