How do I become more sympathetic?

Luke 6:31“Do to others as you would like them to do to 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 compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Loving others is the foundation for becoming more sympathetic. It is love that keeps our hearts tender and sincere as we comfort others. We should ask God’s Spirit to awaken our capacity for loving compassion.

Exodus 23:9“You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”

Leviticus 19:33-34“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

Remembering our own painful life experiences can help awaken our sympathy for others. It is easier to commiserate with others when we have walked a similar path.

Leviticus 23:22“When 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 am the Lord your God.”

Isaiah 58:7Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Our sympathy grows as we intentionally notice the needs of others and are purposeful in getting to know them.

1 Samuel 1:6So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children.

Our sympathy grows as we listen with understanding to hurting people and don’t minimize their hurts. A sympathetic heart and mind is a listening heart and mind.