The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Empathy

Ever found yourself in a moment where you just needed someone to understand what you're going through? You're not alone. Empathy is a powerful force that connects us all, and it's something we can all use a little more of in our lives.

Whether you're looking for comfort, guidance, or just a reminder that you're not alone, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on the subject. Let's explore some of these timeless verses together and discover how they can inspire us to be more compassionate and understanding.

50 Bible Verses About Empathy

10 Bible Verses on Empathy in Action

• "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" — James 2:15-16
• "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." — 1 John 3:17-18
• "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" — Matthew 25:35-40
• "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." — Luke 10:33-34
• "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
• "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
• "Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31:8-9
• "If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday." — Isaiah 58:10
• "Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." — Romans 12:13
• "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" — Acts 20:35

10 Bible Verses on Compassionate Understanding

• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering." — Colossians 3:12
• "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." — 1 Peter 3:8
• "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
• "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother.'" — Zechariah 7:9
• "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4
• "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." — Matthew 9:36
• "As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him." — Psalm 103:13
• "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23
• "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

10 Bible Verses on Love and Empathy

• "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
• "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." — John 15:12
• "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." — Romans 13:10
• "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." — 1 John 4:7
• "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
• "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." — John 13:34-35
• "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." — Romans 12:10
• "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" — Galatians 5:14
• "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." — Ephesians 5:2
• "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." — 1 John 4:11

10 Bible Verses on Empathy in Relationships

• "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — Proverbs 17:17
• "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
• "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2
• "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." — Romans 15:1-2
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25
• "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." — Proverbs 27:17
• "That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." — 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3

10 Bible Verses on Empathy and Kindness

• "To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." — Titus 3:2
• "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." — Proverbs 19:17
• "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." — Luke 6:35-36
• "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." — Matthew 5:7
• "The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh." — Proverbs 11:17
• "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient." — 2 Timothy 2:24
• "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." — Romans 12:15
• "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." — 1 John 3:16
• "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." — Galatians 6:10
• "He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he." — Proverbs 14:21

What Does the Bible Say About Empathy

The Bible offers a profound perspective on empathy, urging us to connect deeply with others through compassion and understanding. From the verses provided, it's clear that empathy is not just a feeling but an action. James 2:15-16 and 1 John 3:17-18 remind us that true empathy involves meeting the needs of others, not just offering kind words. This call to action is a recurring theme, encouraging us to support and uplift those around us.

Compassionate understanding is another key theme. Colossians 3:12 and 1 Peter 3:8 emphasize the importance of kindness, humility, and tenderness. These qualities help us to truly understand and share in the experiences of others. By embodying these traits, we can create a more empathetic and supportive community.

Love is at the heart of empathy. Verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and John 15:12 highlight that love is patient, kind, and selfless. This love extends beyond our immediate circle, urging us to care for strangers and even our enemies, as seen in Luke 6:35-36. By loving others as ourselves, we fulfill the law of empathy and compassion.

In relationships, empathy strengthens bonds and fosters mutual support. Proverbs 17:17 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 illustrate the importance of being there for one another, especially in times of adversity. By practicing empathy, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships.

As we reflect on these teachings, let us strive to incorporate empathy into our daily lives. By doing so, we not only follow the biblical call to love and compassion but also create a more understanding and caring world.

How to Apply Empathy Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the teachings of empathy in daily life can transform our interactions and relationships. Start by actively listening to others without interrupting. This simple act shows that you value their feelings and perspectives.

Practice kindness in small ways. Offer a helping hand to a neighbor or a kind word to a colleague. These gestures can make a significant impact on someone's day.

Be mindful of your words and actions. Before speaking or acting, consider how it might affect others. This mindfulness can prevent misunderstandings and foster a more compassionate environment.

• Volunteer your time to help those in need. Whether it's at a local shelter or through community service, giving back is a powerful way to practice empathy.
• Show appreciation and gratitude. Acknowledge the efforts and kindness of others, reinforcing positive behavior and relationships.
• Reflect on your own experiences of receiving empathy. Use these memories to guide your actions and responses to others.

By incorporating these steps, you can live out the biblical teachings of empathy and create a more compassionate world. For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.