When the Waters Rise, So Should Our Compassion

Empathy isn’t partisan. And it’s never a sin.

Ronaldo Schemidt, AFP Via Getty Images

Jesus never once asked which side someone was on before helping them. He just saw pain…and moved toward it.

It’s been devastating to watch what’s happening in Texas. Homes under water. Entire neighborhoods wiped out. Lives lost…including children at a summer camp. Just awful.

But what might be even more disturbing? The response from some corners of the internet. Cold. Detached. Rude. As if empathy needs a permission slip. As if the worthiness of compassion is up for debate.

I saw it this week with my own two eyes…folks online saying, “Well, that’s Texas. What did they expect?” As if grief can be filtered through a voting map. As if human suffering is only tragic when it suits your narrative. That’s not justice. That’s cruelty. And it’s creeping into spaces that claim to be Christian.

So let’s talk about it.

The Compassion of Jesus Was Immediate and Unqualified

Jesus had this annoying habit of helping people his followers didn’t want him to help. Romans. Samaritans. Prostitutes. Lepers. People the culture wrote off. People the religious system called unclean. People whose suffering wasn’t “politically convenient.” And he didn’t wait to verify who they voted for. He didn’t pause to ask how they got in their situation. Or whether they deserved what was coming.

He simply moved toward pain…again and again. He fed hungry people without checking for proof of need. He touched lepers before healing them. He wept with grieving sisters before resurrecting their brother. He didn’t lead with questions. He led with compassion.

Because love isn’t partisan.
And empathy isn’t a sin.

When Empathy Becomes a Threat

Here’s a hard truth: Some people will see your compassion as compromise. Your empathy as weakness. Your love as betrayal. But I’d rather be known for loving too freely than judging too quickly. Some will say: “Don’t you know what that group believes?” Or “They’re reaping what they sowed.”

But Jesus didn’t play those games.

He told stories like the Good Samaritan, where the “enemy” becomes the hero. He rebuked his disciples when they wanted to call down fire on Samaritans. He praised the faith of outsiders and critiqued the indifference of insiders. And maybe most telling of all? He said this:

“Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” - Luke 6:27–36

Enemy love isn’t an option for Jesus followers. It’s an expectation.

Now…don’t get it twisted. There is a time and place to hold leaders accountable. There’s a righteous call to confront systems that harm and policies that oppress. But that is not the same thing as withholding empathy from everyday people who are suffering. The prophets challenged power. But they also wept with the people.

So yes…demand justice. But don’t forget mercy. Because if your theology only works for the people on your side, it’s not Christlike. In fact, it’s just convenient.

Real Faith Rushes In

This week, I’ve seen rescue workers wade into dangerous floodwaters. Churches opening their doors. Strangers sharing boats and food and prayers. That's the Spirit of Christ. That’s the kingdom showing up.

But I’ve also seen too many people retreat behind their political shields. The same folks who scream “Empathy isn’t a sin!” are suddenly losing their voice when the hurting doesn’t align with their views.

If we’re going to call out cruelty in all its forms, we don’t get to pick and choose when it’s okay. If we want to embody the radical love of Jesus, it has to show up everywhere pain does…even when it's not our people.

So here’s the call:

Let your heart break.

Let the compassion of Christ undo your cynicism.
Let your love be inconvenient.
Let your empathy be immediate.
And don’t let anyone shame you for showing it.

Because that’s what Jesus did.
And he never apologized for it.

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PS: If you're wondering how we hold on to empathy in a culture that constantly rewards outrage, I’ve got some more thoughts and I’ll unpack that in this Friday’s behind-the-scenes video for paid subscribers.