Empathy is a leading indicator of human flourishing, while lack of empathy is a signal that a person is in a dehumanized state. Empathy is the natural condition for a human being who is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. This is what it means to be humane.

To be human is to need, and yet, we have been conditioned to believe that it is not alright to need certain things. ~Matthew Kelly

View Comments (0)

We all need love, acceptance and to be seen and heard. Yet many throughout this world feel alone, judged, overlooked and dismissed.

In Hosea, God speaks of His love for Israel, a people who were often unrepentant, wayward, and rebellious. Israel is a picture of humankind; a reflection of you and me. While God brought judgment on Israel, He also pursued them relentlessly with tender-kindness and love.

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love, I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. ~Hosea 11:4

My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. ~Hosea 11:8b

This is the God we serve. He leads with cords of kindness and love. He lifts all that weighs so heavily on us and carries it for us. As we know, the yoke He places on us is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). In Him, we will assuredly find rest for our souls. It’s astounding to see God’s heart was changed and the result was Him being flooded with compassion for the Israelites. He indeed has unending compassion for His children. Emmanuel, God with us, comes alongside of us. He bends down to fill us with what will satisfy. God restores, redeems, encourages, assists us in our journey, lightens our load and cares for us from a place of compassion.

The subtlest evil of all is the opposite of love. It isn’t hatred; there is nothing subtle about hatred. The opposite of love is indifference. It is the Pied Piper that leads millions into despair. Our actions can tip the balance between hope and despair. ~Matthew Kelly

In 2022, we have the opportunity to display the character of God to our fellow sojourner by choosing to embody God’s relentless love for the Israelites. We can determine to bear with others in love, displaying His kindness and compassion, coming alongside them with encouragement which focuses on the good He has placed within each person. We have the privilege of bringing light to a world in despair. We can search for the beauty within each soul ensuring that each person with whom we interact, feels seen and heard. May we continually choose to act in ways that bring life and light to those around us.

Jesus came among us as an equal, a brother. God offered a new model: the circle, where He lives in full solidarity with the people and the people with one another. ~Henri Nouwen

How are you choosing to bring life and light to those around you? Share in the comments!

(From The Smith Family. Photo Credit: Getty Images)