2633) Empathy is important. Let’s define it, thanks to dictionary.com. It is the ability to understand, share, and experience the feelings, thoughts, or emotions of another person as if they were your own.

Empathy isn’t innate; we are not born with it. We must plant it into our own hearts and those of other people and water it with our example.

In Hebrews 13:3, the author urges us to remember those who suffer imprisonment and mistreatment. To do this well, it takes empathy.

It’s interesting that empathy isn’t the end of our relationship to those who are “captive” in their situations. We should harvest empathy and put it into action.

Because we have planted and grown this trait, we can pray for those suffering, even from their own hand. We can encourage those who are suffering, and we can also just be present for those in need. Planting seeds of empathy doesn’t need to be reserved only in the spring.