8 ways to empathize with those you disagree with

"Little children, let us not love in words or words but in deeds and in truth." 1 John 3:18 ESV

Compassion is empathy in action. Compassion asks, "How can I help?".

Compassion is a direct result of the feelings we have for others when we see them suffer. Since we have already recognized that most people acting in these undesirable ways suffer, once we dig in and find the root cause, we can work with compassion.

"By this we know love, that he gave his life for us, and we must give our lives for the brothers." 1 John 3:16 KJV

However, when you disagree with what someone has done or said to you, finding compassion in your heart can be difficult. Compassion towards someone you disagree with goes against our natural instincts. That's why we have to turn to those who do it well.

Compassion is best represented by Jesus and the way he treated others, even those who hurt him:

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36 ESV

8. Pray for them

We can also pray that God will help us see others through his eyes.

"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble spirit." 1 Peter 3:8 ESV

When I'm not sure how to treat someone, I've found the best approach is to bring them to God and let Him handle the situation. In those moments, my love for that person abounds, as I begin to see them the same way God sees us all.

On the cross, Jesus prayed to God the Father: “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 ESV

It's also helpful to admit that we have little or no control over the people in our lives. If they stray down the wrong path, make bad choices, and say words that hurt those who love them, there's not much we can do to convince them to change their lives.

Trying to control the situation only makes things worse and could possibly damage your relationship with them. God has the power to work in these types of situations in mysterious ways, making prayer the best method.

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he rises up to show you mercy. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all who Isaiah 30:18 ESV

Empathy is the bridge to restoration

Empathy is the bridge to restoration. It helps us connect with others even when we disagree with them, giving us insight into others' unconditional love.

Ultimately, empathy helps us love others as Christ loves us.

Even in our brokenness, He lifts us up and brings us back to Him.

He doesn't require us to be perfect to be in his presence. No, He meets us where we are and shows us the way back to His heart.

“But God, rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our own trespasses, made us alive with Christ; by grace you are saved.” Ephesians 2: 4-5 ESV

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