Embracing Empathy in the Church

Reflecting on Paul’s letter to the Romans, I’ve been contemplating the nature of misunderstandings within the church, particularly those that seem minor but have deeper implications. The debate over dietary practices, while not salvific in itself, created division among the believers (Romans 14:1-3). Similarly, in Galatians, Paul detaches dietary laws from salvation (Galatians 2:12), pointing to a broader principle of not letting non-essential practices divide us.

I’ve come to see that the roots of discord often lie in a complex web of cultural, linguistic, and personal factors – it’s rarely as clear-cut as we might think. Take, for instance, the Hellenist widows who felt neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6). Or, consider the situation in a multi-ethnic church I know, where an English-speaking member felt isolated because the elderly Chinese members didn’t communicate with her. From her viewpoint, the issue might have seemed like disregard, but understanding the language barrier, it’s possible that those members were simply struggling to overcome their own limitations.

Paul’s admonition to become “all things to all people” to save some (1 Corinthians 9:22) strikes a chord with me. It’s not about compromising beliefs but understanding and addressing the needs of others without causing them to stumble in their faith journey. This extends to looking after not just our interests but those of others as well (Philippians 2:4).

In practical terms, this understanding means that the church must cater to the less visible, often neglected, parts of its body. Whether it’s adjusting the service schedule, social events, or pastoral visits, the minority’s needs must be considered. For instance, if the cost of a church trip is a barrier for some, could we not subsidize it? Are we including interpreters in our services and meetings so that no one feels excluded or misunderstood?

As I’ve seen, discussions can unintentionally sideline those who need translation, and sometimes church tasks seem to be assigned based on a narrow view of capability. The truth is, every decision should be examined through the lens of empathy and inclusivity. It is not enough to avoid misjudging; we must actively strive to understand the perspectives and situations of each member of our church family, ensuring that our communication and actions are always without bias or judgment.

We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation.  See details below.

18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation

Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.

Please find our church location below:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

For online streaming, please click here.

For regular service hours, please click here.

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org