Do you ever feel like you’ve blown it when it comes to relationships? I feel that way a lot. But what I’m coming to understand is how I respond to people as an HSP or Highly Sensitive Person. I feel what people feel and that can be overwhelming.

Let me give you an example that happened recently. My son, his girlfriend, two of my grandsons, and their four dogs came for a surprise visit Halloween night amidst a family crisis. They stayed for five days while trying to find a resolution. I was already anxious about the start of November and the commitments I had made, i struggled to adjust and cancel some of them. On top of it all, my husband is having debilitating pain as he waits for his knee replacement surgery making him, understandably, a fairly grumpy Gus. And this same week my friend lost her husband to Alzheimer’s.

Instead of turning to God, I blew it and turned into a scrunched up ball of anxiety and depression.

Let’s take a look at the differences between empathy, sympathy, and bearing someone’s burden.

Empathy involves connection—feeling someone’s feelings. Sympathy remains disconnected—understanding someone’s feelings. But what does Paul mean in Galatians?

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV

If we look at Galatians 6:1-2 in the Amplified, we gain a new perspective.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].

Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP

We see the love of Christ in action here, the gentle Spirit-led restoration of one burdened by sin. But the Word instructs us further in Romans.

Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭TPT

And in Thessalonians—

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT

And if we ourselves feel burdened Jesus is there to bear our burden.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Instead of taking on heavy burdens, we can and should carry them to Jesus.

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT

Taking in other people’s pain or worries won’t help anyone. My point is: empathy is too deep for me, and sympathy is too shallow, but love is just right. Standing beside someone, bringing the light and warmth of the love of Christ will restore peace and hope in a troubled soul.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image from Canva