What is Empathy?

As a leader, you will inevitably be present with people during times of loss. It could be losing a job, losing a dream, or losing a friend or family member. This is why empathy is important. 

Brené Brown has written extensively about empathy. In her book, Daring Greatly, she wrote, “It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’” Essentially, being empathetic is about being present with someone during times of loss. 

When we look at the leadership of Jesus, we see He was present with people during times of loss. An example of this was when Lazarus died (John 11:1-44). Verse 35, the shortest verse in the entire Bible, simply reads, “Jesus wept” (NIV).

It is important to note that Jesus had told people that Lazarus would be raised from the dead (v. 11, 23, 25-26). Because of this, Jesus didn’t need to weep. Instead, He could have told those who were mourning to stop crying because Lazarus would not be dead for much longer. That would have been true. However, it wouldn’t have been empathetic. Jesus wept with those who wept. He had empathy. 

While Jesus shared the hope of Lazarus’ resurrection, He also shared the loss of Lazarus’ death. As Christian leaders, we can have hope for eternal life and simultaneously grieve the loss of earthly life.

Think about it: How can you have empathy where you lead? 

A Leader Worth Imitating,  Principles 26: Empathy