‘Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.’ Proverbs 21:13(NLT)
‘As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.’ Ephesians 5:31-33(NLT)
One of the most profoundly powerful tools we have in marriage—and one of the most profoundly lacking in many relationships—is empathy.
Empathy isn’t just trying to see things from your spouse’s point of view—it’s the act of imagining yourself in their shoes. Feeling what they feel. Hearing what they hear. Creatively putting yourself in their frame of mind—with all the life story they’ve lived up to that point—so you can better understand them.
This isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Fortunately, you have God on your side! Ask Him to help you empathize with your spouse, because that’s when you really start to achieve unity with them.
Because of what it asks of your imagination and your emotions, empathy is ultimately one of the most creative acts you can undertake in your marriage. The more you try it, the more you will begin to understand your spouse and find a thriving unity between the two of you.
Give empathy a try today and see what happens.
from 7 Days To Open Up Your Life