This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.
Scripture reference: 1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)
This morning I am thinking about the importance of empathy. In an effort to begin our healing process as a nation following the horrific events of last week, empathy seems to be the first step towards healing.
I had this thought as I became aware of an editorial piece that a conservative columnist released over the weekend.
I am paraphrasing, but he shared how he always assumed there was more to the story when African Americans complained about being treated unjustly by some of their local police.
In other words, he knew what his own experience was like when he interacted with his local law enforcement, and it was nothing like what some African Americans described, so he, in a sense, dismissed their claims.
However, after viewing some of the recent images of the two men who lost their lives due to the deadly force used by police, he began to see things differently.
He realized that he dismissed these earlier claims, because they were not consistent with his own personal experiences.
Part of demonstrating empathy means stepping out of one’s own experiences to embrace and attempt to understand the heart, and mindset of another.
As much as our country is characterized as divided, it is necessary for empathy to be displayed on both sides to mend this divide.
I will personally exercise my empathetic muscle to embrace, and understand another with whom I may disagree.
The Words that I will use to inspire me are, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8
Share this B Moment, because others really desire to be inspired.
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