Hello friends,
Today let’s examine an example of godly empathy:
“Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body.”
Hebrews 13:3
This section of the letter to the Hebrews concludes the author’s extensive discussion on the supremacy of Jesus Christ’s priesthood and authority, surpassing even that of the angels.
After explaining these truths, the author shifts focus to how they should impact the lives of the Hebraic believers, urging them to remember those facing trials through imprisonment and mistreatment.
The author employs the word “mimnēskō,” meaning “to recall to mind” or “to be mindful of,” also used when quoting a passage from the Psalms:
“But one has testified somewhere, saying, ‘What is man, that You remember him? Or the son of man, that You are concerned about him?’”
Hebrews 2:6
Here, the same word used for “remember” is translated as “concerned.” Alternative translations could read, “what is man that you are mindful of him.
“The author’s application of this word goes beyond mere recollection, emphasizing a deep empathetic concern for those undergoing trials, prompting action such as prayer or aid provision.
It’s noteworthy that the author highlights two specific groups: prisoners and the mistreated. Addressing Jewish believers, the letter reflects a time of severe persecution, especially against Christians.
The author urges empathy “as though in prison with them” and experiencing the mistreatment personally, encouraging readers to empathize fully with the afflicted, prompting compassionate action.
This empathy aligns with Jesus Christ’s teachings:
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.”
Matthew 25:35-36
The disciples’ confusion prompts Jesus to explain that acts of empathy towards others are equivalent to serving Him directly.
Key takeaways:
- As Christians, we are called to be empathetic to those who are suffering, knowing that all suffering came into this world through sin (Romans 5:12), and as Christians, we were saved by grace and must care for those who are suffering consequences, be it directly or indirectly.
- Our empathy ought to be compassionate. This doesn’t stop with just noticing those who are going through trials but rather being willing to take the next practical steps, to visit prisoners, to give food to the hungry, clothes to the naked…
- Godly empathy is an expression of the second greatest commandment, to “love our neighbors as we do ourselves” (Matthew 22:39).
I pray this word encourages you to do something today to help those in need.
Blessings, Paul.
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