Empathy is more than just understanding someone’s feelings—it’s the ability to feel them as if they were your own, responding with compassion and kindness.
In today’s world where people often feel divided, empathy has the power to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and foster deep relationships.
The Bible teaches us that empathy isn’t optional for believers; it’s essential for living a life that reflects God’s love.
From Jesus’ compassionate acts to Paul’s call for unity and kindness, the Scriptures invite us to not only understand but also to walk alongside those who suffer, rejoice, and struggle.
In this post, we’ll dive into what the Bible says about empathy, highlighting verses that encourage us to love, support, and bear with one another.
Let’s explore how these timeless principles can shape our daily lives and relationships, challenging us to cultivate empathy in every interaction.
Bible Verses About Empathy
1. Romans 12:15 – Rejoicing and Mourning Together
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Empathy calls us to actively engage in both the joys and sorrows of others. We are not just to observe but to emotionally connect with others.
Rejoicing with others strengthens relationships and fosters shared joy. Empathizing with others during their sorrow deepens our connection and offers comfort in their time of need.
This verse challenges us to step into the emotional world of others, making their experiences our own. By doing so, we reflect God’s love through shared emotion.
2. 1 Peter 3:8 – Compassion and Unity
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Peter emphasizes the importance of compassion in relationships, urging believers to be united in their empathy for one another. True empathy involves a humble, loving approach.
Being sympathetic means understanding another’s feelings and responding with genuine care. Compassion goes beyond sympathy, leading us to act in kindness and offer support.
This verse challenges us to embody empathy in our actions. It’s not enough to feel for others; we are called to act with love and humility.
3. Galatians 6:2 – Bearing Each Other’s Burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Empathy is about actively sharing in the struggles of others. This verse teaches that we are called to help carry the burdens of those who are hurting.
When we empathize with others, we step into their challenges, offering support and relief. Bearing each other’s burdens strengthens the body of Christ and reflects His love.
This verse challenges us to be more than passive observers. We are called to be active participants in the emotional and physical well-being of others.
4. Philippians 2:4 – Looking to the Interests of Others
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
Empathy involves paying attention to the needs and interests of others. This verse encourages us to care for others, putting their well-being above our own.
When we truly empathize, we consider others’ needs, struggles, and desires. It requires selflessness and a willingness to prioritize the welfare of those around us.
This verse challenges us to broaden our perspective. By looking to others’ interests, we embody Christ’s love and care for those around us.
5. Hebrews 13:3 – Remembering Those in Distress
“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.”
Empathy calls us to remember and identify with those who are suffering, even if we are not directly experiencing their pain.
This verse challenges us to place ourselves in the shoes of others, feeling their pain as if it were our own. It moves us to compassion and action.
Empathy drives us to actively remember and pray for those in distress. When we walk with others in their suffering, we reflect the heart of Christ for the hurting.
6. Colossians 3:12 – Clothe Yourself with Compassion
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Compassion is an essential trait for believers, one that should be evident in every interaction. This verse encourages us to embody compassion in our daily lives.
Empathy requires us to respond to others with kindness, humility, and patience. It’s a decision to live in a way that reflects God’s heart for people.
This verse challenges us to be compassionate in every situation. True empathy requires intentionality, choosing to clothe ourselves with these virtues in our interactions with others.
7. Luke 10:33-34 – The Good Samaritan’s Compassion
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.”
The parable of the Good Samaritan showcases empathy in action. The Samaritan doesn’t just feel pity; he actively helps, demonstrating compassion through deeds.
Empathy leads to action. It’s not enough to feel for someone; we are called to meet their needs, offering tangible help and comfort in their time of pain.
This parable challenges us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Just as the Samaritan helped the wounded man, we are called to show compassion through our actions.
8. 2 Corinthians 1:4 – Comforting Others with God’s Comfort
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Empathy enables us to comfort others because we have experienced God’s comfort ourselves. Our personal struggles allow us to connect with others who are hurting.
God’s comfort is meant to be shared. When we receive comfort from God, we are equipped to comfort others, offering them the same peace and hope we’ve received.
This verse challenges us to use our experiences of comfort to help others. The empathy we’ve received from God empowers us to pass it on to those in need.
9. Matthew 25:35-36 – Serving the Needy
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
This passage shows empathy through acts of service. Jesus teaches that caring for others is a demonstration of love, reflecting His compassion for the marginalized.
Empathy is not just about feeling for someone; it’s about meeting their needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Serving others is an expression of Christ-like love.
This verse challenges us to see the needs around us. Empathy calls us to serve those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or in prison, just as Jesus did.
10. 1 Corinthians 12:26 – Sharing in Each Other’s Joys and Sorrows
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
Empathy means sharing in the experiences of others, whether they are suffering or rejoicing. The body of Christ is meant to be interconnected and responsive to each other’s needs.
This verse teaches that the health of the body depends on the well-being of each individual part. We cannot be indifferent to the struggles or successes of those around us.
It challenges us to foster deeper connections. When we empathize with others’ joys and sorrows, we create stronger, more unified relationships within the body of Christ.
11. Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness and Compassion
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kindness and compassion are essential components of empathy. We are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us, demonstrating empathy through grace.
Empathy leads to forgiveness. When we understand the struggles and failures of others, we are more likely to forgive them, offering the same grace we’ve received from God.
This verse challenges us to be compassionate in our relationships. True empathy involves not only feeling for others but also forgiving them, reflecting God’s forgiveness in our own lives.
12. Isaiah 58:10 – Helping Those in Need
“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.”
Empathy is expressed through action. This verse encourages us to help those in need, offering food and support to those who are oppressed.
When we show empathy to others, especially those who are suffering, we become a light in the darkness. Our kindness reflects God’s love to the world.
This verse challenges us to look beyond ourselves. True empathy involves spending ourselves for the sake of others, meeting their needs and reflecting Christ’s light.
13. James 2:15-16 – Faith and Action
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
Empathy is about more than words; it’s about acting to meet the needs of others. This verse teaches that faith without action is incomplete.
When we see someone in need and simply offer kind words without helping, we fail to demonstrate true empathy. Compassion requires us to act.
This verse challenges us to evaluate our response to others. True empathy means stepping in to help when someone is in need, offering both words and tangible assistance.
14. Luke 6:36 – Showing Mercy
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
God’s mercy toward us sets the standard for how we are to show empathy. This verse calls us to extend the same mercy and compassion to others.
Mercy is a key element of empathy. It requires us to forgive, understand, and care for others, just as God has done for us.
This verse challenges us to reflect God’s mercy in our own lives. Showing mercy is a direct expression of empathy, inviting others to experience God’s love through our actions.
15. Romans 15:1-2 – Building Up Others
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Empathy involves bearing with others, especially those who are struggling. We are called to help build others up, not seeking our own pleasure, but their well-being.
This verse teaches that empathy is active, not passive. We must choose to engage with others in a way that encourages their growth and strengthens them in their weaknesses.
This verse challenges us to prioritize others. True empathy requires us to go beyond our own interests, focusing on helping others find strength and healing.
16. Luke 10:30-37 – The Good Samaritan’s Example
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest and a Levite both passed by without helping, but a Samaritan took pity on him and helped.”
The Good Samaritan demonstrates true empathy by acting on his compassion. He not only sees the man’s need but also takes steps to help him.
The priest and Levite ignore the man’s suffering, but the Samaritan’s empathy moves him to action. True empathy calls us to do more than feel; it calls us to act.
This passage challenges us to be like the Samaritan. When we see suffering, we must step in and offer the help that is needed, showing God’s love in tangible ways.
17. Hebrews 10:24 – Encouraging One Another
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Empathy encourages others to grow in love and good deeds. This verse calls us to actively seek ways to support and motivate one another.
Empathy involves thinking about others’ needs and encouraging them in their spiritual and personal growth. We should strive to uplift and inspire those around us.
This verse challenges us to look beyond ourselves. True empathy calls us to think creatively about how we can encourage others, helping them grow in their faith and actions.
18. Philippians 2:1-2 – Unity and Empathy
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Empathy brings unity. This verse teaches that when we share in the compassion of Christ, we are called to reflect that compassion in our relationships with others.
Empathy creates harmony in the body of Christ. When we empathize with one another, we come together with one mind and one spirit, united in love.
This verse challenges us to embody unity. True empathy fosters togetherness, where we are concerned with one another’s well-being and work together to build a loving community.
19. 1 John 3:17-18 – Compassion in Action
“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? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Empathy is not just about words but about tangible action. This verse teaches that genuine love for others is expressed through acts of kindness and care.
If we have resources and see others in need, we are called to help. Empathy compels us to meet needs rather than pass by, showing the love of God in action.
This verse challenges us to act. True empathy is about doing, not just feeling—it’s about offering help when we can, and demonstrating God’s love through our actions.
20. Matthew 11:28-30 – Rest for the Weary
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus offers rest for those who are weary and burdened. This passage demonstrates His deep empathy for the struggles of others, offering comfort and peace.
Empathy is not just about sharing in others’ struggles but also offering a solution. Jesus provides rest and relief, showing us how to care for others by offering rest and healing.
This verse challenges us to offer rest to others. Empathy calls us to help carry burdens and bring peace to those who are weary, just as Christ does for us.
21. James 1:27 – Pure Religion
“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.”
Empathy involves caring for those who are vulnerable and in need. This verse teaches that true religion is marked by compassion and active care for others.
Looking after those in distress is a way of embodying God’s love. Empathy calls us to care for the weak and marginalized, showing them the same love God has shown us.
This verse challenges us to reflect on our actions. True empathy requires us to be present and active, especially in the lives of those who are most in need.
22. Luke 12:15-21 – The Parable of the Rich Fool
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”
This parable warns against selfishness and greed. Empathy calls us to look beyond ourselves and our material possessions, focusing on the needs of others.
Greed prevents us from seeing the suffering around us. Empathy invites us to care for others and prioritize their needs over accumulating wealth or personal gain.
This verse challenges us to reevaluate our priorities. True empathy leads us to share generously and live selflessly, considering the well-being of others.
23. Matthew 9:36 – Compassion for the Crowds
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Jesus’ compassion for the crowds demonstrates deep empathy. He saw their struggles and responded with care, offering them guidance and hope.
Empathy compels us to notice the pain and confusion in others. It moves us to act, bringing comfort and support to those who feel lost or helpless.
This verse challenges us to open our eyes to the struggles of others. Empathy requires us to be attentive to the needs of those around us, especially those who feel abandoned or ignored.
24. Luke 7:13 – Jesus’ Compassion for a Widow
“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.'”
Jesus’ empathy is evident in His response to the widow. He sees her sorrow and offers comfort, showing that true empathy involves both feeling and action.
Jesus doesn’t just see her pain; He enters into it, offering her peace and hope. Empathy involves feeling another’s pain and offering comfort where we can.
This verse challenges us to step into the sorrow of others. Empathy calls us to not just recognize pain but to engage with it, offering comfort and support.
25. Matthew 7:7 – Ask, Seek, Knock
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Empathy leads us to ask about others’ needs and to seek ways to help them. This verse teaches that we must be proactive in caring for others.
Jesus encourages us to seek solutions and offer help. Empathy compels us to not just wait for others to ask, but to seek out ways we can serve and care for those around us.
This verse challenges us to be intentional. Empathy isn’t passive; it requires action, and we are called to actively seek opportunities to meet others’ needs.
26. John 13:34-35 – Love One Another
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Empathy is grounded in love. Jesus calls us to love others the way He has loved us, showing deep understanding and care for their needs.
Loving others with empathy means seeing them as God sees them. Our love for one another should be unconditional, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
This verse challenges us to love with empathy. True love involves not just feeling affection, but understanding and caring for others deeply, just as Christ did.
27. 1 John 4:7-8 – Loving One Another
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Love and empathy go hand in hand. This verse teaches that love for others comes from God and reflects our relationship with Him.
Empathy is a reflection of God’s love. When we empathize with others, we demonstrate that we are connected to God, who is the ultimate source of love and compassion.
This verse challenges us to examine our hearts. Loving others with empathy is evidence of knowing God, and it should be a natural outflow of our relationship with Him.
28. Galatians 5:13 – Serve One Another in Love
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Empathy is expressed in service. This verse teaches that true freedom is found in serving others, and showing love through humble actions.
Serving others with empathy means putting their needs before our own. True service reflects God’s love and brings others closer to Him.
This verse challenges us to use our freedom for good. Instead of indulging in selfish desires, we are called to serve one another with humility, expressing love and empathy.
29. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is Patient and Kind
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
These qualities of love are the essence of empathy. Love is not just a feeling; it’s an action that seeks to understand and support others.
Empathy is about patience and kindness. It involves understanding others’ struggles and responding with care, humility, and support, reflecting God’s love in tangible ways.
This passage challenges us to embody love. True empathy requires patience, kindness, and humility, creating an environment where others feel seen, understood, and cared for.
30. Ephesians 4:32 – Be Kind and Compassionate
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kindness and compassion are central to empathy. This verse calls us to act with empathy toward others, showing kindness, and offering forgiveness as Christ has done for us.
Forgiveness is a key expression of empathy. It’s about understanding others’ mistakes and choosing to release them, reflecting God’s grace and compassion.
This verse challenges us to embody Christ’s love. Empathy is not just feeling for others; it’s actively forgiving and showing kindness, just as God has shown us.
Our Thoughts On What The Bible Says About Empathy
The Bible presents empathy as an essential part of the Christian walk. It is a reflection of God’s compassion for humanity and a key characteristic of true discipleship.
Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to share in the joys and sorrows of others, to act with kindness and patience, and to bear each other’s burdens.
Empathy requires us to step outside of ourselves, to engage with the struggles and joys of those around us, and to offer our support.
It calls us to live humbly, serve others with love, and respond to the needs of the vulnerable.
Jesus is the ultimate example of empathy, and as His followers, we are challenged to imitate His compassion and love.
Empathy transforms relationships, builds community, and is a powerful witness to the world of God’s love.
Say This Prayer
Father, help me to be more empathetic, reflecting Your love and compassion in all my interactions. Teach me to bear the burdens of others and to share in their joys and sorrows.
Open my eyes to the needs around me and give me the courage to act with kindness, humility, and patience. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me, showing grace and mercy to those in need.
May my heart be sensitive to Your leading, and may I always strive to serve others with love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.