Today we will talk about empathy bible verses. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through Gods word. Empathy is the heart that feels with others. When we learn to listen, to enter into another person’s sorrow and joy, we follow the example of Jesus. In the scriptures we find many short, strong lines that teach us how to comfort, carry, forgive, and serve. As we walk together through these empathy bible verses, let us open our hearts and minds. We will learn practical ways to be present, to bear burdens, and to show Christlike mercy. These verses are not only ideas to agree with; they are words to live by. Let us read slowly, pray, and ask God to help us grow in compassion. We will find hope and encouragement to act in simple ways that matter deeply to others.
Most Relevant Verse
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” – Romans 12:15
empathy bible verses
Compassionate Presence
When we think about empathy bible verses, we often mean being present with people who hurt. In this section we focus on compassionate presence. As a community, we want to learn how to sit with others in their pain without rushing to fix everything. Being present means we share silence, we offer a hand, and we listen. We know from the Bible that God Himself draws near to the brokenhearted. That gives us a model to follow. We do not have to have all the answers; often our quiet attention and steady company bring comfort. In the empathy bible verses below, we see God’s care for those who are humble, who are in sorrow, and those whom Jesus touched in their need. We remember that compassion is more than kind words. It is practical care, prayer, and a readiness to suffer alongside others. When we practice compassionate presence, we let the Spirit shape our hearts to mirror Christ’s gentle ways. Let us keep learning, letting these empathy bible verses guide how we come alongside our friends, neighbors, and family.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Hebrews 4:15
“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.” – Hebrews 4:15
Isaiah 40:1
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” – Isaiah 40:1
empathy bible verses
Bearing One Another’s Burdens
As we read empathy bible verses about bearing burdens, we see that sharing load is a Christian duty and an act of love. We are not meant to walk alone through hard times. When we help carry another person’s pain, we show them the care of Christ. Bearing burdens can look like practical help, prayer, or simply standing by someone who suffers. The Bible teaches that those who are strong should support the weak. We do this not to point out weakness, but to lift it together. In our church and in our homes we can practice small acts—bringing a meal, visiting, praying, or listening—and these acts matter. Carrying burdens can also mean offering patience and grace when someone is slow to heal. The empathy bible verses here remind us that real faith reaches into another person’s life and lightens their load. We learn to do this humbly, without seeking praise, because bearing burdens fulfills the law of Christ. Let us be a people who share one another’s loads and make room for healing.
Romans 15:1
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Colossians 3:12
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” – Colossians 3:12
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
empathy bible verses
Rejoice and Weep with Others
One key teaching in empathy bible verses is that we should share both joy and sorrow with others. We are called to rejoice when someone rejoices and to weep when someone weeps. This shows that we are connected, like members of the same body. When we celebrate together, we strengthen bonds. When we mourn with others, we bring comfort and hope in the midst of pain. Empathy means entering into another person’s feelings honestly. We do not fake it or turn away because it is uncomfortable. Instead we choose to be present. This can mean joining in laughter, clapping when good news comes, or sitting quietly when tears fall. The Bible gives simple examples: the church that shares burdens, friends who mourn, and Jesus Himself who wept. These empathy bible verses teach us that feeling with others is holy. It helps people know they are not alone and that God’s love moves through us in both gladness and grief. Let us be a people who share one another’s hearts in truth and love.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” – Romans 12:15
John 11:35
“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35
1 Corinthians 12:26
“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26
Philippians 2:4
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Hebrews 13:3
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” – Hebrews 13:3
empathy bible verses
Mercy and Forgiveness
Empathy bible verses teach mercy and forgiveness as close partners. When we feel another’s pain we are more likely to forgive and show mercy. Mercy is reaching out to the one in need without asking for payback. Forgiveness lets people begin again. As a community, we try to be quick to forgive because we know we have been forgiven. Mercy changes how we respond to wrongs. Instead of holding grudges, we look for ways to heal relationships. The Bible points to God’s mercy as our model. Jesus told us to be merciful as the Father is merciful. This is not easy, but empathy helps. When we imagine the hurt behind a bad action, we can respond with gentleness rather than rage. These empathy bible verses remind us to be tenderhearted, to forgive even when it costs us, and to love justice paired with mercy. Practicing mercy shapes a kinder, safer community where people can grow and repent without fear.
Luke 6:36
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
Matthew 18:22
“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:22
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8
empathy bible verses
Humility and Understanding
The empathy bible verses about humility remind us that understanding others begins by lowering ourselves. When we are humble, we are ready to listen and learn. Pride shuts doors; humility opens them. We try not to be quick to judge or to think we know everything about another person’s life. Instead we approach with curiosity and gentleness. This posture helps us to see people as God sees them. In our daily life, humility looks like admitting we are wrong, saying sorry, and letting others speak first. Understanding grows when we slow down and ask questions, not to accuse but to learn. The scriptures point out that God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. These empathy bible verses call us to esteem others better than ourselves. That means we will act with care, not contempt. As a group, we practice patience and give others room to grow. This is how true empathy starts: by putting down our need to be right and lifting up another’s need to be heard.
Philippians 2:3
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:6
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” – James 4:6
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Matthew 7:1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1
empathy bible verses
Love in Action
Empathy bible verses teach that love must show itself in deeds. Feeling for someone is good, but action makes it real. Jesus tells us that the greatest love is to give up for others. As a family of faith, we try to turn sympathy into service. Small acts—feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, helping a neighbor—are ways we live out empathy. Our faith is not only belief; it is love made visible. When we help a person in need, we are touching Jesus himself. The Bible calls us to love with both words and actions. We are called to be practical: to meet needs, to open doors, and to offer time. These empathy bible verses encourage us to move from feeling to doing. When we serve the least and the lonely, we put Christ’s heart into action. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus in simple, everyday ways.
1 John 3:18
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
James 2:17
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – James 2:17
John 15:13
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” – Romans 12:10
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
empathy bible verses
Encouragement and Comfort
In the list of empathy bible verses we find many promises of comfort. Encouragement is a gift that lifts heavy hearts. When we speak a hopeful word, share Scripture, or pray with someone, we give strength. The Bible calls God the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us so that we can comfort others. That work is important. We try to be people who bring calm, steady words when storms come. Encouragement is also practical: visiting, writing, or calling someone who feels alone. We do not pretend pain does not exist, but we point to God who helps. Simple reminders of God’s presence can give courage. As we practice these empathy bible verses, we grow in the skill of offering comfort that is honest, warm, and steady. Let us be the people who lift the discouraged and remind them of God’s faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 1:3
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” – 2 Corinthians 1:3
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
empathy bible verses
Serving the Least
Many empathy bible verses tell us to care for the least among us. Jesus taught that serving the poor and weak is serving Him. This changes how we live. We notice those who are forgotten, and we act. Serving the least can be simple: offering food, warming words, or steady friendship. It can also mean standing up for those who have no voice. In our group, we try to see Jesus in people who need help. Scripture praises giving to the poor and says that such acts are known by God. Our service must be done humbly, without show, and with love. When we give to the least, we show the world a different way to live. These empathy bible verses guide how we honor people made in God’s image. Let us be a people who seek out the small and the overlooked, and bring them practical care with dignity.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” – Proverbs 19:17
James 1:27
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:27
Luke 14:13
“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:” – Luke 14:13
Mark 9:41
“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Mark 9:41
empathy bible verses
Listening and Restraint
Empathy bible verses teach us that good listening is a holy act. Listening shows respect and helps us understand another person’s heart. When we are quick to hear and slow to speak, we avoid harm and learn more. Often people need a patient ear more than advice. We practice restraint by holding back judgment and not rushing to fix things. This helps others feel safe to share real feelings. The Bible gives gentle warnings about speaking too much and reacting too fast. As a community, we try to make space for others to speak and to keep our words few and wise. Listening also helps us respond in ways that truly help. These empathy bible verses remind us that wisdom often comes in silence and careful speech. Let us practice patient listening so we can offer comfort and truth in the right way and at the right time.
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” – James 1:19
Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” – Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 17:27
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.” – Proverbs 17:27
Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” – Ecclesiastes 5:2
Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19
empathy bible verses
Prayerful Intercession
One of the clearest ways we show empathy is by praying for others. Empathy bible verses teach us to bring people’s pain and needs to God in prayer. Intercession means we stand in the gap and ask God to help. When we pray for others we carry their suffering to the One who heals. Prayer changes us and the ones we pray for. Sometimes we pray with words; other times the Spirit prays through us with deep groans beyond words. The Bible encourages ongoing prayer for all people, and it promises that prayer is powerful. As a group, we commit to pray for neighbors, for the hurting, and for those who cannot speak for themselves. These empathy bible verses remind us that prayer is an act of love that connects our hearts and lifts burdens toward God. Let us be people who pray faithfully and with compassion.
1 Timothy 2:1
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” – 1 Timothy 2:1
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
Ephesians 6:18
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” – Ephesians 6:18
Colossians 1:9
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” – Colossians 1:9
Romans 8:26
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” – Romans 8:26
Final Thoughts
I have walked with these empathy bible verses and felt how they teach us to love with action, not just words. We are invited to be present, to bear burdens, to forgive, and to pray. As I read, I remember that Jesus led the way by feeling with us and for us.
We can grow in empathy step by step. Let us practice listening more, speaking less, and being kind in simple, daily ways. Our small acts of care reflect God’s great compassion and bring real comfort to those around us.
Together we will keep these empathy bible verses close to our hearts. We will walk beside the hurting, celebrate with the joyful, and pray without ceasing. In doing so, we show God’s love to a world in need.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
50 Important empathy bible verses (With Explanation)