2021 Daily Devotion - Day 432

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“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant.”- Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau had it right with his definition of empathy. There is nothing more impactful than experiencing another’s emotions within ourselves. Allow yourself to emotionally remember what that feeling, that emotional place, is like to be in. Empathy is a skill that can be powerful in our relationships, especially with those we find challenging and difficult.

As a practicing therapist, I am constantly utilizing my empathic skills with my patients. I sit with them while they are in emotional pain, and feel it with them. True empathy promotes healing, solves conflicts, and mends broken relationships. Try using empathy when you are in the midst of conflict, and see what the results are. Open your heart and truly listen to one another. You will be surprised how quickly conflict can be diffused when true empathy enters the room.

Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. “

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we need empathy in our relationships to truly understand one another. This is especially true with those we find challenging and difficult. Please give us the skills to be patient during conflict, to listen with an open heart, and to feel the emotional pain of others. I know all of this is possible because of You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gina Guerrero
Member of Mount of Olives Church
Child of God, Mommy, Wife, Daughter, and Marriage and Family Therapist
Mount of Olives Church
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