What Does the Bible Say About Empathy? 10 Verses That Show God’s Heart
- Ashland Watson
- Dec 1, 2025
- 5 min read
In an age of social media...politics...disconnection and division, empathy is more vital than ever. But what does the Bible say about empathy? The Bible is filled with examples of empathy and compassion, and Jesus models it perfectly.
He didn’t come to condemn the world but to walk alongside us, weep with those who wept, and love us with sacrificial tenderness (see John 3:17). Jesus didn’t just teach empathy; He lived it. And we’re called to follow His lead.
10 Bible Verses that show what the Bible says about Empathy
Let’s explore 10 Bible verses that reveal how God’s Word defines empathy and how we can reflect His heart in a hurting world.
1. Romans 12:15
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep."
This verse is one of the clearest biblical calls to empathy. We're not meant to detach from others' experiences; we're called to step in. Whether it's joy or grief, shared emotions build bridges. Romans 12:15 reminds us that empathy requires presence and tenderness.
2. Hebrews 4:15
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses..."
Jesus, our high priest, doesn't merely observe our pain from afar, He sympathizes with our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes that Jesus gets it. He lived it. He’s walked our road and remains with us in every sorrow and struggle.
3. Matthew 9:36
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
This powerful image shows Jesus moved with empathy and compassion. The people were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He didn’t ignore their need; He responded with action, love, and truth. Matthew 9:36 reveals how seeing others through God’s eyes leads to holy compassion.
4. John 3:17
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Empathy doesn’t judge, it redeems. God sent His only Son, not to shame us but to walk among us and bring healing. John 3:17 reveals that Jesus' mission was rooted in love, not condemnation, proof that empathy is divine.
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."
Psalm 103 shows the tender empathy of God. He knows our frailty and doesn’t expect perfection. Instead, He meets us with kindness and compassion. He remembers we’re human, and He holds us with gentle mercy.
6. 1 Peter 3:8
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
This is empathy in action. To love your neighbor means to be present in their pain, humble in your posture, and compassionate in your response. The early Church thrived when believers lived like this, and we can too.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Empathy isn’t passive; it’s sacrificial. When we carry the burdens of those around us, we reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Whether it’s a friend’s anxiety, a stranger’s grief, or a child’s heartbreak, this is how we love like Jesus.
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Followers of Christ are to wear kindness and compassion like clothing, something visible, intentional, and consistent. True empathy isn’t momentary, it becomes part of who we are.
9. Job 2:11–13
"When Job’s three friends heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes... to sympathize with him and comfort him."
Before they spoke, Job’s friends sat in silence for seven days. They simply showed up. Empathy often begins not with advice, but with presence. To sympathize with our weaknesses, we sometimes just need to be still and listen.
10. Luke 10:33–34 (The Good Samaritan)
"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him..."
The Good Samaritan didn’t ask if the wounded man was worth saving he simply saw, felt, and acted. Jesus used this parable to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The answer: anyone in need. Loving our neighbor means stepping in with radical empathy.
What Does the Bible Say About Empathy?
The Heart of God Beats with Empathy
So... what does the Bible say about empathy? It says that God Himself embodies it. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a God who feels with us, walks beside us, and lifts us in love.
Empathy is not weakness... it is strength wrapped in compassion. It’s seeing others through heaven’s eyes. It’s the Gospel in action.
At Mosaic International, we believe in living this truth boldly. Whether we’re providing solar lights, clean water... training local leaders, or walking with people, we are committed to reflecting the empathetic heart of Jesus Christ.
Let us rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and live out the Gospel through every act of love and compassion.
Learn more about Mosaic International and its mission here.
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Frequently Asked Questions: What does the Bible say about empathy?
What does true empathy mean according to the Bible?
True empathy in the Bible goes beyond feeling sorry for someone - it means entering into another person's experience with compassion and action. Romans 12:15 captures this beautifully: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." It's about being fully present in both joy and sorrow, reflecting God's heart for His people.
What does it mean that people were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" in Matthew 9:36?
In Matthew 9:36, Jesus saw the crowds as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd," which moved Him to deep compassion. This phrase describes people who are spiritually lost, vulnerable, and desperately needing guidance. Jesus' empathetic response wasn't just emotional - He acted by teaching, healing, and ultimately laying down His life for these helpless sheep.
How does Hebrews 4:15 show Jesus' empathy?
Hebrews 4:15 reveals that Jesus is our high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. Unlike a distant deity, Jesus walked our road, faced our temptations, and experienced our struggles. As our high priest, He doesn't merely observe our pain - He intimately understands it because He lived it.
What does Psalm 103 mean when it says God "remembers that we are dust"?
Psalm 103:13-14 beautifully captures God's tender empathy: "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." God doesn't expect perfection from us. He knows our frailty and human limitations, meeting us with gentle mercy rather than harsh judgment.
Why is Romans 12:15 important for understanding biblical empathy?
Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" - is one of Scripture's clearest commands about empathy. It calls us to emotional presence with others, celebrating their victories and mourning their losses. This verse shows that biblical empathy requires us to step into others' experiences rather than remaining detached.
How did God show empathy by sending His only Son?
John 3:17 reminds us that "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." God demonstrated ultimate empathy by sending His only Son to walk among us, experience our humanity, and bring healing rather than judgment. This is empathy in its most sacrificial form - entering into our suffering to redeem it.
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