When I was about five years old, my family lived in a little rural Texas town for a summer. I still remember the hot sandy road being unbearable to walk on during mid-day. Across the road from us was an old broken down house that appeared un-kept and uninhabited. One day my mother decided to see who lived in the house with the haunting features.
After a few knocks on the door, it slowly opened and before us stood an elderly woman. At five years old I was horrified that the lady was blind with one eye missing. She hobbled around with one amputated foot and one arm. Surprisingly, I had never seen anyone like that before.
The next day, my mother made a meal and told me to take it to Miss Hatti. I cried and begged not to go, but was forced to obey. My heart was full of fear as I knocked and the door opened. I said, “My mom sent you some food.”. She was so happy and invited me in her home. Then she asked if I could stay while she ate. She said, “I might need you to be my hands, my feet or my eyes.”. Every day that summer I was at Miss Hatti’s house to help guide in eating her meals. I found a great friend in Miss Haiti that summer.
Empathy is the ability to experience the feelings of another person. It goes beyond sympathy which feels sorry for one’s condition. As Jesus served others, I believe Jesus was moved with compassion because he had a heart of empathy. Jesus understood what others felt because He experienced suffering and was willing to put himself in their place. Jesus never saw people in their condition. He always saw them in their God-given position.
So the next time you have an opportunity to serve someone, please do not do it as an action, a service or a duty. Instead, serve with a heart to make another great friend in your life and maybe, you will find someone like Miss Hatti. The bible reminds us in Philippians 2:3-5, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”