In my career as a training professional, one of the most important items to learn is empathy. A very basic definition of empathy is to understand and even before understanding comes acknowledgment.
“33When your people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and if they turn again to you and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you in this house, 34then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them again to the land that you gave to their fathers.” – 1 Kings 8:33-34 (ESV)
Notice above that Solomon brings to the Lord for mercy. He does not try and pretend that the people of Israel are somehow better and do not deserve to destroyed. He makes it clear that the reason for their destruction is due to their sin. Solomon petitions for God to have mercy if and when the people acknowledge God and “pray and plead” for forgiveness.
In this case empathy is from the side of the people in that they must acknowledge and understand the position they have placed God in and that He is in control to take whatever action He feels is necessary. Shouldn’t I do the same. I am the sinner that places God in the position of choice. I have to acknowledge that fact and understand what would be the choices if I had to be the one dealing with this choice.
What would I do in the situation? How would I handle the disobedience?
I am a sinner and cause great pain to my Lord each time I sin, regardless of the “size” of that sin, and whether I know I sinned or not. It is up to me to acknowledge that I have sinned and understand the position I have placed my Father in and know that I can only repent and pray for forgiveness. The consequences to my sin are left up to God and it is up to me to acknowledge, understand, and accept those consequences of my actions.
Are you willing to acknowledge your responsibility? Do you understand the position that you put God in each time you sin? Will you acknowledge, understand, and accept the consequences of your actions?
Trevor's Thoughts 