How do I become more sympathetic? - Sympathy - TouchPoints

Luke 6:31Do for others as you would like them to do for you.

Philippians 2:1-4Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.

Loving others is the foundation for becoming more sympathetic. It is love that keeps your heart tender and sincere when you comfort others. Ask God’s Spirit to awaken your capacity for compassion.

Exodus 23:9Do not oppress the foreigners living among you. You know what it is like to be a foreigner. Remember your own experience in the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 19:33-34Do not exploit the foreigners who live in your land. They should be treated like everyone else, and you must love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I, the Lord, am your God.

Remember your own painful life experiences. It is easier to commiserate with others when you have already walked a similar path before.

Isaiah 58:7I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Leviticus 23:22When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I, the Lord, am your God.

Intentionally notice the needs of others and be purposeful in meeting them.

1 Samuel 1:6But Peninnah made fun of Hannah because the Lord had closed her womb.

Listen with understanding and don’t minimize the hurt of others. A sympathetic heart and mind is a listening heart and mind.

Sympathy is when your heart is in my heart.