The truth about empathy

We've heard a lot about empathy in recent weeks with the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court Justice. In nominating her, President Obama stressed that he was looking for a judge who demonstrated empathy. Most conservatives have reacted against that qualification, but Joel Belz presents an interesting angle in the latest issue of WORLD Magazine.

He says, in part:

...we conservatives are silly when we disparage the role of empathy in the pursuit of justice. If by no other principle than that of the Golden Rule, we should take empathy seriously. And those of us who tend to call ourselves both conservatives and Christians have special reason to take empathy seriously. The writer of Hebrews makes a point of reminding us that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." You want a little understanding next time you're up against the wall? Remember the very character of Jesus, who was an expert at showing empathy. So let's resolve: No more making fun of empathy.

Take the time to read the entire article. The above quote is not the whole story.

Read it here.