"Practicing Empathy " - Discipleship Guide - Week 1
- Sean Stanfield
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
"No Exceptions: Empathy for Everyone"
June 8th - Monica Mowdy
Matthew 5:43-48
Scripture: Matthew 5:43–48
“You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.”
Matthew 5:43-48 CEB
Discussion Questions
What does “empathy in action” look like in your everyday life How can you go beyond just understanding someone to actively showing them compassion?
Have you ever had an “origin story” moment that opened your heart to empathy? What was it, and how did it shape how you interact with others today?
Why is it often easier to be kind to those who are like us? How does Jesus’ teaching challenge this natural inclination? In what ways might you be tempted to limit your empathy to certain groups or individuals? How can you practice extending it to “all y’all”?
Empathy is not the same as endorsement. How can we show compassion and understanding toward someone we disagree with, without compromising our values?
Think of someone who’s been “hard to love” in your life. What steps could you take to understand them better and show empathy?
The young man's persistence with the grumpy woman is a powerful example. How do persistence and patience play a role in building bridges through empathy?
Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” How does this quote resonate with you in terms of your relationships and faith?
Jesus calls us to "agapeo" —a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. What are some practical ways you can practice this kind of love and empathy this week?
What does it mean to you when you hear, “Empathy for all y’all”? How might adopting this mindset change the way you approach relationships and community?
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