For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.” Hebrews 4:15 AMPC
Empathy plays a crucial role in evangelism, as it reflects the heart of Christ toward those who need the gospel. The ability to understand and share the feelings of others allows us to connect deeply with them, meeting them where they are. Hebrews 4:15 highlights that Jesus, our High Priest, understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses because He experienced human struggles. This divine example of empathy serves as a model for how we should approach others in our efforts to share the gospel.
When we empathize during evangelism, we demonstrate love, compassion, and humility. It involves stepping into another person’s shoes and considering what it might feel like not to have heard the gospel, to be distant from God, or to struggle with life’s burdens. Compassion compels us to actively listen, choose our words wisely, and offer acceptance, regardless of their current situation, opinions, or beliefs.
Empathy as a foundation for Evangelism
To communicate the gospel effectively, empathy must guide our actions and behavior. Without empathy, our message may lack the love and understanding necessary to truly reach hearts. As evangelists, our goal is not merely to share information but to reflect Christ’s love in a way that draws people closer to Him.
Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, as seen in Matthew 9:36: “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” His compassion drove Him to care for both their physical and spiritual needs. In the same way, our empathy should motivate us to address people’s immediate concerns while pointing them to Christ.
How to Cultivate Empathy in Evangelism
1. Practice Active Listening
Pay full attention to the person’s words and emotions, engage and show genuine interest in what they are saying. We see Jesus do the same when he engages the Samaritan woman by the well in John 4:7-30, listening to the things she said and the things unsaid, asking and answering questions as they conversed. A continuous practice of listening and engaging cultivates empathy and encourages people to be open.
2. Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Pay full attention to the person’s words and emotions, engage and show genuine interest in what they are saying. We see Jesus do the same when he engages the Samaritan woman by the well in John 4:7-30, listening to the things she said and the things unsaid, asking and answering questions as they conversed. A continuous practice of listening and engaging cultivates empathy and encourages people to be open.
Try to understand their struggles, fears, and doubts. Imagine how you would feel in their situation. In John 11:32 – 44 we see that after Mary fell at Jesus’ feet weeping, He was deeply moved and openly wept alongside before he proceeded to call forth Lazarus from the grave. When we “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) sharing in their emotions, the connection with them is strengthened.
3. Remember why
Always remember that the cost of their soul was Jesus on the cross and that he loves them and wants them to be free. Romans 4:25 (AMP)… who was betrayed and crucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal—absolving us of all sin before God]. Staying conscious of the fact that the gift of salvation is readily available to set them free positions your heart to be compassionate towards them.
4. Be Kind and Helpful
Show kindness through acts of service, even when it’s inconvenient. Mark 12:31 says to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”, and in Galatians 6:2, we are encouraged to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, fulfill the law of Christ”. It’s important that we care for others as we would want to be cared for and empathy helps us shoulder others’ struggles, enabling us to better offer comfort and support.
5. Be Humble and Vulnerable
Approach people with humility and a willingness to share your own struggles and faith journey. A great example is Paul telling his story in Acts 22:1-21, what he was like before he met Christ, how he met and came to believe in Jesus and what Christ was doing in him. Helping others see that they are not alone in their journey and that they are understood is a great way to empathize and guide them into seeing that Jesus paid it all for all.
6. Reflect on Your Approach
Regularly assess how you can improve in showing empathy while sharing the gospel. Remember the example of Christ, who demonstrated deep compassion for those He ministered to. As it says in Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Additionally, meditate on Philippians 2:4, which encourages us to, “not look to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This mindset can help you better understand the needs, struggles, and perspectives of those you’re sharing gospel with. Reflect on these scriptures and pray for a heart that mirrors Christ’s love and grace.
Empathy is not just an optional trait in evangelism; it is essential. By embodying Christ’s love and compassion, we can share the gospel in a way that resonates deeply with people’s hearts. When our outreach is rooted in empathy, we reflect the very nature of God, drawing others to Him through genuine care and understanding.
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