Being apathetic doesn’t make you any holier than the next man. I’ve recently been seeing post speaking on how “Christians should not be moved by what’s happening. It’s already been written” and other things implying that we should not be as impacted emotionally by what’s happening around us and that if we are, there’s an issue. I’ve seen believers taking pride in not feeling hurt, pain or anger during these times. I see some truth in what’s been stated but also have some concerns with the overall perspective.
Yes, we shouldn’t be led by our emotions BUT that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t feel. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be moved by the things we see/experience. God gave us emotions to sense what is going on around us in the world and within us - there’s no fault in the emotions themselves. Even Jesus wept with those who wept and was moved with compassion for those around Him. Empathy is a sign of having the heart of Christ.
I’m not saying be stressed out or overwhelmed by what’s happening in the world. Christ told us to take heart because He has overcome the world and given us HIS peace (John 14:27 & 16:33). I am, however, sayin, if you can see people struggle, can see tragedy, sickness, death, pain, etc. and be totally disconnected and/or unmoved, you really need to check your heart. God is not apathetic and neither should we be.
Assess what you feel, find scripture relevant to the emotion and use it to evaluate the situation.
How can we feel God but not feel empathy and compassion? They are needed to understand God’s heart towards and effectively pray for His people.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].”
Romans 12:15
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36
“When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved.
Jesus wept.”
John 11:33, 35
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