Teachers are at their most successful, when they actively empathize with their students.  It’s about understanding where they come from, especially in our public school system.  We will fail the next generation if we, as middle-aged or senior citizens, do not impart great lessons on character, integrity and honesty.  Like good manners, these traits will NEVER go out of style, no matter how “cool” someone tries to be.  Young people will NOT learn these values, sadly, from government or the business world.  They have to see more and constant good examples.

The huge disparity between executive pay and the average worker continues to get bigger and bigger.  I do not need to go into an economic dissertation; we hear the sound bites and chat rooms and news programs plaster these numbers on charts on screens.  It all comes from a serious lack of empathy.  That, and corporate greed.  The Christian church can and still will show a better way.  Kindness, without being overly nice.  In other words, firm.  Speaking the truth lovingly.

My New Testament history professor at seminary, a delightfully soft-spoken Swede named Agnetha Enermalm, used to say to student’s responses:  “Yes, but … no.”  The class always giggled when she would do that.  Empathy, among so many definitions, is meeting someone where they are, even if there is no point of agreement.  Seeking to understand, helping others to understand.  Being a more authentic person means connecting and active listening on a deeper level.  As a leader, I certainly fail to get that right, to fully grasp it.  For those of us over 50, we should be mindful that younger generations can smell “fake” a mile away.  So if your goal is to be truly empathetic, you must be authentic and genuine.  If your endgame is getting them to change their behavior or lifestyle, be ready instead to enter their world.  In an age when candidates for public office will say anything to get elected, talk out of the side of their mouth, engage in constant duplicity or worse, those who call themselves Christians had best be showing the ever-changing world a better way.

The grace, mercy, forgiveness and love of Christ are lavishly bestowed on us constantly.  It is no sin to confess that we are oftentimes unaware of that.  With great hope, constant personal improvement, and the practice of empathy, I truly believe each and every day that God loves me unconditionally.  May that awareness also be true for you, every single moment.

Pastor Art