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In Trouble with the Empathetic!

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Some might remember a talk from Brené Brown on "empathy" vs "sympathy."  She argues that the sympathetic are distant, as sy mpathy drives connection while sympathy drives disconnection.  This is the video in question: If that is a surprising video to you, let me share this.  I first saw this video in a church at a trauma talk.  I was stunned, but I didn't anticipate the blowback when I challenged this concept/ When Scripture describes Christ, it describes Him as a sympathetic high priest (Heb. 4:15).  The term there is sympatheo , which means "to have/show sympathy with, sympathize with" (BDAG).  One modern translation might render it "empathize," but that is more of a cultural translation than a direct translation.   If sympathy is merely painting a silver lining on the dark clouds of sorrow, as this presentation alleged, then we have an ineffective Savior.   Here's the reality: Empathy, when properly understood, is a lower or more basi...

SERMON: “The Fix for Church Cliques” (1 Cor. 1:10–17)

“ The Fix for Church Cliques” (1 Cor. 1:10–17) Series:               “1 Cor: Holiness from Messes” #4      Text:                 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 By:                    Shaun Marksbury                         Date:                Sept. 28, 2025 Venue:              Living Water Baptist Church             Occasion:             AM Service   I.     ...

SERMON: “Pride Goes Before Babylon’s Fall” (Dan. 5:13–31)

“ Pride Goes Before Babylon’s Fall” (Dan. 5:13–31) Series:               “Daniel: God’s Sovereign Plans ” #13 Text:                 Daniel 5:13–31 By:                    Shaun Marksbury                         Date:                September 21, 2025 Venue:             Living Water Baptist Church             Occasion:          PM Service   I.             ...