what is an empath and how can this be used most effectively?

[janny108]

My sister says she is a Christian, she says she is an "empath" which I guess means empathizing with others. But aren't Christians to be doing this anyways? How can this be used most effectively for God when she and her husband don't go to church regularly?
Jan

 

[Kehaar]

I believe empathy is a gift which varies from one person to another. Some people seem to have a greater measure of it than others.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Empathy is the ability to understand or connect with another (particularly on an emotinal level) so closely that you 'put yourself in their shoes'. You quite literally see things from their perspective.

Romans 12: 4,5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Empathy promotes understanding and closeness, it helps build unity and strengthens a church community. It edifies, it serves fellowship, we are more effective in Christ, both individually and as part of the church body because of it.

I don't know the reason why your sister doesn't attend a church regularly and it isn't really my business, but what I would say is that you don't need to attend church to be using that gift - it isn't something for use soley within the christian community.

 

[janny108]

I understand what you are saying; a gift need not be used only in a Christian community. I'm a little confused at why she would not want to use it in a church setting ALSO.

Jan

 

[Kehaar]

Have you asked her why?

I don't know your sister (obviously) so I can't really comment on her choices. She may have a valid reason why she doesn't/can't attend a church regularly.

 

[Amélie Unbound]

I am an empath. I do not necessarily try to empathize with others, but their feelings flood into me in a way that is beyond my control. Because of that, I think it is a gift.

Sometimes it is so overwhelming that I need to isolate myself for a time. I feel others' pain so deeply that it hurts me and I feel like I can't take it anymore. I know I have to try not to run from it. God gave me this gift and I need to be there for others so that God can use it for His purpose. I just need His help to grow stronger so that it doesn't affect me so deeply.

This gift can be used anywhere, whether in church or out in the world. It's just about being there for people and letting them know there is someone who understands and cares. But really, I think if a person has the gift of empathy, they don't have to TRY to use it; it will just happen.

 

[Sketcher]

I am an empath. I do not necessarily try to empathize with others, but their feelings flood into me in a way that is beyond my control. Because of that, I think it is a gift.

Sometimes it is so overwhelming that I need to isolate myself for a time. I feel others' pain so deeply that it hurts me and I feel like I can't take it anymore. I know I have to try not to run from it. God gave me this gift and I need to be there for others so that God can use it for His purpose. I just need His help to grow stronger so that it doesn't affect me so deeply.

This gift can be used anywhere, whether in church or out in the world. It's just about being there for people and letting them know there is someone who understands and cares. But really, I think if a person has the gift of empathy, they don't have to TRY to use it; it will just happen.

This is a far cry from natural empathy we're all called to have; it's kind of a mystical thing. I'm glad you've reconciled it with your Christian faith and are letting God take it over.

I know an empath who is not saved. He does not always use his gift to serve. Our responsibility is to use whatever gifts we have for the glory of God. That means when you feel the emotions, you're not supposed to manipulate, but to love and pray. A skill can be used for either good or evil.

 

[Amélie Unbound]

That means when you feel the emotions, you're not supposed to manipulate, but to love and pray. A skill can be used for either good or evil.

Manipulate? It has never even occurred to me that it could be used that way. I'm not even sure how that would work (and don't really want to know). I can feel what others feel, but I can't MAKE them feel anything. All I can do is listen to them, let them know I understand, and yes, pray for them.

 

[janny108]

Have you asked her why?

I don't know your sister (obviously) so I can't really comment on her choices. She may have a valid reason why she doesn't/can't attend a church regularly.

She just implied it takes an effort to go to church. Don't know what that means. I know they moved out of city limits therefore it takes longer to get to church these days. They tried a more local church, but did not care for it I guess. That's all I know. I don't want to get too personal and seem like I am prying.
Jan

 

[janny108]

I guess I never heard that expression before of "empath". Sounds like psychopath. LOL
I hope she sees it as a gift and not just helping people in a wordly way because she is good at it naturally.
Jan

 

[fishstix]

The only time I've heard someone use the term 'empath' is in Star Trek. By any chance is your sister into Star Trek?

 

[janny108]

This is a far cry from natural empathy we're all called to have; it's kind of a mystical thing. I'm glad you've reconciled it with your Christian faith and are letting God take it over.

I know an empath who is not saved. He does not always use his gift to serve. Our responsibility is to use whatever gifts we have for the glory of God. That means when you feel the emotions, you're not supposed to manipulate, but to love and pray. A skill can be used for either good or evil.

I think it depends on who is getting the credit for this "gift"; the person or God because a lot of unsaved people can be good to other people and listen to their problems and such. What bothers me a little is she goes on about how she loves being an empath and she and her husband are like magnets to people. Yes they are naturally outgoing. But why go on and on about it telling me how x she is, etc?
Jan

 

[janny108]

I don't know if she is or not into Star Trek.

Jan

 

[wayfaring man]

Here's a link and partial quote which gives some " detail " on the subject .

Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia - " Empathy "

Empathy is the recognition and understanding of the states of mind, including beliefs, desires and particularly emotions of others without injecting your own. This concept is often characterized as the ability to "put oneself into another's shoes".

However, this metaphor is ambiguous concerning whether one imagines actually "being" the other person, with all their beliefs and character traits, or simply being in their situation (such as being the prime minister).

Also, one must be careful not to confuse empathy with sympathy, which is a distinct social emotion characterised by a general pro-attitude of "feeling sorry" in the moment for something that happened to another person and often relies on comparisons or general statements with the goal to make another feel better temporarily;sympathy can effect empathy....

...Empathy should be distinguished from emotional contagion. Emotional contagion is unconscious and automatic and is caused by unconsciously mirroring of another person's emotional behaviour which then arouses the same emotion in oneself, though the self-conscious reasons we then ascribe for that emotion may well be different. Empathy in contrast is usually conscious, deliberately performed and retains a sense that the emotion belongs to the other person and not oneself. For this reason, empathically sensing another person's emotion does not usually overtake the empathiser with that emotion...


... Not all humans have an ability to feel empathy or perceive the emotions of others. For instance, Autism and Asperger's syndrome are often characterised by an inability to empathise with others. According to one hypothesis, this absence of empathy is related to an absence of theory of mind (which is grounded in either a theory-like analogy between oneself and others, or the ability to simulate pretend mental states, and then apply the consequences of these simulations to others).

In contrast, psychopaths, seemingly, are able to sense the emotions of others, and can use this ability to charm or manipulate, but they crucially lack the sympathy or compassion that empathy often leads to. Empathy certainly does not guarantee benevolence. The same ability may underlie schadenfreude (sadism), the malicious enjoyment of another's pain.

Researchers have found a connection with the prefrontal cortex with human empathy. In particular, the discovery of mirror neurons in monkeys that fire both when the creature watches another perform an action as well as when they themselves perform it, is the current hot ticket in research for the neural basis of empathy (as well as a variety of other social skills).

Moreover, some research suggests that people are more able and willing to empathise with those most similar to themselves. In particular, empathy increases with similarities in culture and living conditions. We are also more likely to empathise with those we interact more frequently (See Levenson and Reuf 1997 and Hoffman 2000: 62).

Even more, People can empathise with animals. As such, empathy is thought to be a driving psychological force behind the animal rights movement (an example of sympathy), whether or not using empathy is justified by any real similarity between the emotional experiences of animals and humans. Some students of animal behaviour claim that empathy is not restricted to humans as the definition implies. Examples include dolphins saving humans from drowning or from shark attacks, and a multitude of behaviours observed in primates, both in captivity and in the wild. See, for instance, the popular book The Ape and the Sushi Master by Frans de Waal.

Empathy may be painful: seeing the pain of others, especially as broadcasted by mass media, can cause temporary or permanent clinical depression; a phenomenon which is sometimes called weltschmerz.

Development of empathy
By the age of 2, children normally begin to display the fundamental behaviors of empathy by having an emotional response that corresponds with another person. Sometimes, toddlers will comfort others or show concern for them as early as 24 months of age. Also during the second year, toddlers will play games of falsehood or "pretend" in an effort to fool others, and this requires that the child know what others believe before he or she can manipulate those beliefs (Feldman, 1997).


The empathic process is exploited to a certain extent in all kinds of fiction, thus we may identify deeply with characters appearing in books, plays or films (see especially Currie 2004).

In some works of science fiction and fantasy, empathy is understood to be a paranormal or psychic ability to sense the emotions of others, as opposed to telepathy, which allows one to perceive thoughts as well. A person who has that ability is called an 'empath'. Examples of this include the character Deanna Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation and the demon Lorne of the American television show "Angel". Also, as well as a race of magical creatures on Charmed, main character Phoebe Halliwell is also an empath. In Superman, Lex Luthor's younger sister is also an empath.


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Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. <-----> Psalm 22:23+24

For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. <-----> Isaiah 63:8-10

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. <-----> Hebrews 4:13-16

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. <-----> 1st Peter 5:6-9

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. <-----> Romans 12:16

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body ?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. <-----> 1st Corinthians 12:18-26

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. <-----> Matthew 7:12

Peace and Joy In The Beloved .

wm

 

[wayfaring man]

I think it depends on who is getting the credit for this "gift"; the person or God because a lot of unsaved people can be good to other people and listen to their problems and such. What bothers me a little is she goes on about how she loves being an empath and she and her husband are like magnets to people. Yes they are naturally outgoing. But why go on and on about it telling me how x she is, etc?
Jan

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. <-----> John 5:31 ( Words of Jesus - See Also John 8:12-19 )

Is it fit for us to advertise in the spirit of " self-promotion " ?

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only ? <-----> John 5:44

How high are we aiming ?

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 10:18

Whose confirmation really matters ?

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. <-----> John 7:18

Have we looked well into the meaning of " glory " ?

G1391- Greek word + definition translated - glory - ( Strong's )
&#948;&#959;&#769;&#958;&#945;
doxa
dox'-ah
From the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literally or figuratively, objectively or subjectively): - dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.

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GLO'RY, n. [L. gloria; planus; hence, bright, shining. Glory, then, is brightness, splendor. The L. floreo, to blossom, to flower, to flourish, is probably of the same family.]

1 . Praise, honor, admiration, or distinction, accorded by common consent to a person or thing; high reputation; honorable fame; renown.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. <-----> John 1:14

2. Brightness; luster; radiancy .

For he received from God the Father honor and glory , when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory.
And this voice which came from heaven we heard , when we were with him in the holy mount. <-----> 2nd Peter 1:17+18 - ( See Also Matthew 17:1-9 )

3. Splendor; magnificence ; beauty .

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. <-----> Mathew 16:27

4. An emanation of light which proceeds from beings of Sanctity and Splendor .

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. <-----> Revelations 21:23

5. Praise ascribed in adoration; honor.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord....
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. <-----> Luke 2:11,13+14

6. Superb might , power ; ability to triumph .

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. <-----> John 2:11

7. The presence of the Divine Being; the manifestations of the divine nature and favor to the blessed in heaven; celestial honor; heaven.

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel , and afterwards receive me to glory. <-----> Psalm 73:24

8. The Divine Presence ; or the ark of God , as a manifestation .

And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken. <-----> 1st Samuel 4:22

9. Divine Excellence of Skill and Capability .

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. <-----> Psalm 19:1

10. Communicable comliness , ( with purification + weightiness ) , bravery ; honor ; majesty .

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one . <-----> John 17:22

( Webster's , Strong's , Scripture , et al )

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And then there's the " glory " - which means to be conceited and proud and boast of self . Commonly referred to as " empty glory " or " vain glory " .

To which the Prophet Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul spoke / wrote by The Spirit , saying -

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. <-----> Jeremiah 9:23+24

...God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. <-----> Galatians 6:14

...He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 10:17

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 12:6

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It would appear that our conversation should be full of " God / The Lord Is ...{ Truly Praiseworthy / Amazing } " , and relatively free of " i am ... [ anything notable ] " , unless we are confessing our sins / faults .

The better one perceives God's Greatness , the better we realize , that we have none , except that which The Lord does Graciously Share with us from God's Bountiful Spirit . And The Lord can Share with one , as easily as another , and He can also Retract what has begun to manifest , if we are contrary in spirit to His Humble Holy Nature . ( See Romans Chapter 11 )

Link To Romans Chapter 11

May The Lord Be Magnified .

wm

 

[Sketcher]

I think it depends on who is getting the credit for this "gift"; the person or God because a lot of unsaved people can be good to other people and listen to their problems and such. What bothers me a little is she goes on about how she loves being an empath and she and her husband are like magnets to people. Yes they are naturally outgoing. But why go on and on about it telling me how x she is, etc?
Jan

Well, I've known multiple people who claim to have this ability - it's like "feeling their energy" or something, the way they describe it and they claim they had this ability since birth.

 

[janny108]

Hmm sympathy,compassion, empathy. I know the difference between compassion and sympathy. Compassion is more of an active thing. It implies doing something, not just having sympathy.

Ex. if I decide to give $$ to help a less than fortunate family and if I've been in dire straits myself is that compassionate or empathetic? I've been there before and can identify with this.

Jan

 

[wayfaring man]

Hmm sympathy,compassion, empathy. I know the difference between compassion and sympathy. Compassion is more of an active thing. It implies doing something, not just having sympathy.

Jan

Yeah , like the difference between " pangs of love " and acts of charity .

In the world one " does " , to have .

But in Christ we " have " , to do .

For who maketh thee to differ from another ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive ? ... <-----> 1st Corinthians 4:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. <-----> 1st Corinthians 12:7

wm

 

[janny108]

But WM are you saying there is a correlation between sympathy and compassion vs. empathy and ? What is the "inactive or active side here?

In the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4, I don't see a gift of empathy. Do you think other people think a lot of things are a "gift" and they are not?

Jan

 

[Amélie Unbound]

Maybe it's not a spiritual gift. Maybe it's a personality trait thing. I don't know. I know what I experience, but I don't know how to explain it. I thought it was from God, but since apparently some unbelievers have it too, maybe it isn't.

I am a very sensitive and intuitive person, and I'm sure my empathetic abilities are a part of that. I don't try to be that way, or seek it out in any way. It has just always been there. Whether it's a spiritual gift from God or just a trait some people are born with, all I personally can do is follow God's leading in using it for His purpose and show love and understanding to the people with whom I empathize.

 

[wayfaring man]

Hi janny ,

In my first post of this thread , the bulk of what was written was a quote from Wikipedia Encyclopedia . And not necessarily how it would be for me to be led to express .

I would say there is a link between sympathy , compassion and empathy .

Yet , whenever one tries to be specific , it's good to remember that words have several definitions and applications .

Generally the purest definition of a word is found by examinig it's root meaning ; but being aquainted with the popular manner of usage is useful when trying to grasp the intended meaning / application during typical exchanges /conversations .

All three words are similar and have within their range of definition points of commonality .

sympathy - is a combination of the prefix sym / syn - ( which means - with )
and Pathos - which means suffering , feelings , experience .

compassion - is made of the prefix com - ( which also means - with )
and pati -( Latin for )- to bear or suffer .

Empathy is a relatively new word ( from the early 1900's ) so for that reason alone , it wouldn't be found in older versions of The Bible . Also , it's root meaning is slightly different from that of sympathy and compassion .

empathy - combined prefix of em / en - ( meanining in / within ) & Pathos - which means suffering , feelings , experience . ( As in sympathy )

The main distinction here appears to be that empathy may be describing feeling the suffering / experiences of other's " within " ; while sympathy and compassion convey a sense having a share " with " other's sufferings , feelings , experiences . But this can be basically the same thing .

The current usage of empathy appears to be attempting to stress a mystical / metaphysical connotation to the meaning of the word . Which simultaneously , intrigues with notions of the miraculous , and warns of the trappings of " New Age " seductiveness , where " self " largely is exalted through claims of , and dabblings with , what tries to come across as benign " tapping into " the supernatural ; but which , to the discerning mind is attempting to lead the spiritually naive away from exclusively trusting in Jesus Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice , and those who've been disheartened by experiencing the spiritual listlessness common to the , institutionalized , commercialized , politicized form of " Christianity " , are among the most vulnerable for falling for such enticements which promise something extraordinary . But there's nothing wrong with original Christianity , it is full of people of faith being empowered by God's Spirit . But who at the same time were quick to declare that they were no better , or more special , than the next guy , only by God's Grace , through His Only Begotten Son , and the Gift of The Holy Spirit - that is what makes all the difference , and this difference can occur in any one who surrenders their sin torn and tattered measly existence into Christ's Hands , by repenting and believing His Testimony as conveyed in The Gospel of The Kingdom of God .

Yet , as mentioned above , empathy need not be thought of in such a manner as to conjure up a spirit of the " sci-fi / fantasy / sorcery " realm .

As such it can simply mean , the ability to identify with the situation / circumstances of others ; which in this somewhat fallen world , indubitably includes suffering , along with other more pleasant feelings and experiences .

Empathy , by definition , includes sensing within , all kinds of feelings / emotions which others are experiencing .

In which case seems to fit , ( as someone already mentioned ) with the ability to -

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. <-----> Romans 12:15

Which doesn't so much convey the idea that such is an extraordinary " gift of The Spirit " , but is more of a sensativity and decency which springs up by having the Love of Christ in our hearts ; wherein the love of Christ is what is Highly Esteemed as the Amazing component , and not so much our ability to act in a thoughtful and considerate manner to others .

As in -

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. <-----> Luke 6:31


May The Lord be Pleased to Help Us Discern and Discover , and Make Sure , His Calling and Election upon us , being Quickened by The Spirit of God's Grace and Truth . In Jesus' Name . Amen .

Sincerely ,

wm