You can place one situation or circumstance in the middle of a room. That room will have different doors allowing access. Entering the different doors gives different vantage points of that same situation. Entering one door, you see things differently than you would entering the other door. Both vantage points can offer perspectives that are true. But both vantage points can also have blind spots because of the limitations of only being able to enter one door. Thus not being able to see from both sides of the room.
Empathy is that thing that bridges the gap between the two doors. It is the ability (and willingness) to understand and share the feelings of another that enters through a different door.
Pride shuts the door of understating because it refuses to accept the fact that the room has more than one door; more than one legitimate vantage point; more than one lived experience. Pride will fuel contentions and conflict because of the differences.
Humility enables you to walk in one door feeling what you feel and thinking what you think. But also realize that those that walked in the other door also have a right to feel what they feel and think what they think. Humility will fuel curiosity and care despite the differences.
This necessitates open doors to open doors. Open to listen. Open to seek understanding. Open to not demanding your own way. Open to correction. Open to consideration. Open to compassion. Open to empathize.
Sidenote: Satan has always capitalized on our inability or refusal to empathize. And he always will!
We’re all benefactors of Jesus’s empathy and compassion!
When it’s all said and done, the only door that matters is Jesus!
John 10
11 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved….
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
*Tressa Jo
BeyondSeeLevel 