Does God Have Empathy?

In the article “Does God Have Empathy?” published by the Jehovah’s witnesses, the concept of God’s empathy and its significance in the lives of individuals is explored. As a Catholic apologist, I would like to engage in a series of sample conversations with a Jehovah’s witness, addressing the claims made in the article and providing a Catholic viewpoint based on Scripture.

Conversation 1: The Image of God and Empathy

JW: The Bible tells us that we are made in the image of God, and our ability to show empathy reflects the empathy of our Creator.

Catholic: I agree that the Bible teaches that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Our ability to display empathy is indeed a reflection of God’s nature. However, it is important to note that God’s empathy goes beyond merely imagining what it feels like to be in someone’s situation. Let’s consider a passage from the book of Hebrews. It says, “For we have not a high priest who can not have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

JW: So, you’re saying that God not only understands our emotions but also experienced them firsthand?

Catholic: Absolutely. The verse I just quoted speaks of Jesus, who is both fully God and fully human. Jesus, being divine, has perfect empathy because He experienced human suffering without sinning. His empathy goes beyond imagination because He actually lived through the trials and tribulations of human life. Through His Incarnation, Jesus demonstrated God’s deep empathy and understanding for us.

Conversation 2: God’s Empathy in Times of Distress

JW: The Bible tells us that God feels our pain and is distressed when we suffer. Isaiah 63:9 states that God was distressed during the Israelites’ time of trouble.

Catholic: Yes, it is true. God does feel¹ our pain and distress. However, it is important to consider the full message of Scripture to gain a complete understanding of God’s empathy. Let’s look at a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus said, “Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” (Matthew 11:28)

JW: So, you’re saying that God offers comfort and refreshment in times of distress?

Catholic: Precisely. Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are burdened and in need of comfort. He promises to refresh us. This shows that God’s empathy goes beyond acknowledging our pain; He actively seeks to ease our burdens and provide solace in times of distress. His love and compassion are manifested through His providential care and the presence of the Holy Spirit, who brings us comfort and strength.

Conversation 3: God’s Understanding and Comfort

JW: The Bible assures us that God knows our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. When we are distressed, God listens to us and provides comfort.

Catholic: I agree that God knows us better than we know ourselves for “God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20). He is fully aware of our thoughts and feelings, and He empathizes with us in our distress. Let’s look at a comforting passage from the Book of Psalms. It says, “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy. For thou hast regarded my humility, thou hast saved my soul out of distresses.” (Psalm 30:8/31:7)

JW: So, you believe that God collects our tears and listens to our prayers?

Catholic: Yes, the passage from Psalm 55:9/56:8 symbolically speaks of God’s attentiveness to our sufferings.² It shows that God is intimately familiar with our tears, capturing our emotions and listening to our prayers. In times of distress, we can turn to God, confident that He hears us and understands our pain. Furthermore, He actively provides wisdom, support, and the grace to help us navigate through difficult circumstances.

In summary, our conversations have shed light on the Catholic teachings regarding God’s empathy. The Catholic understanding is based on Scripture and reveals that God’s empathy goes beyond imagination or awareness—God, through Jesus Christ, truly experienced human suffering and remains present in our lives in times of distress. We can find comfort in knowing that God understands, feels for us, and actively provides solace, wisdom, and support.

Key Catholic Teachings Discussed:

1. God’s empathy extends beyond imagination (Hebrews 4:15)
2. God actively seeks to refresh and comfort us in times of distress (Matthew 11:28)
3. God knows our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances (1 John 3:20)
4. God collects our tears, listens to our prayers, and offers support (Psalm 30:8/31:7, Psalm 55:9/56:8)

These teachings remind us of God’s deep love and compassion for humanity, assuring us of His presence and care in all circumstances.