Creating Connections - July 15, 2024

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 25; Joshua 2:1-14; Rom. 11:1-12; Matt. 25:1-13

“Empathy is an ancient instinct that’s potentially really useful and tuned to a social world where people are familiar to each other, interdependent, and aligned.” Dr. Jamil Zaki

Dr. Jamil Zaki is a professor of Psychology at Stanford University. In his book The War for Kindness, Building Empathy in a Fractured World, Zaki, explores the decades of work that support the theory that empathy inspires kindness and prosocial behavior. His primary focus is on the connectivity between individuals and groups that empathy encourages. His research has looked to answer how we connect, how connection helps us flourish, and how we can learn to connect better. The last ten years of research have shown that empathy is not only a trait but it’s also a learned skill. We’re born with a certain capacity for empathy, but it doesn’t end there. Empathy can be encouraged; it can be taught. It can be modeled in our families and among our friends and co-workers.

This may not be such a stunning concept however in a world where it seems we’re surrounded by divisive actions and divisions; empathy can end up being a critical commodity.  We can, however, make choices that help to create deeper richer empathetic responses which in turn can gradually cultivate fewer divisions and lessen the ones we already have. When someone says something that angers us rather than tune them out or reply in kind, we can ask questions about their opinions and try to understand where they’re coming from. We can choose to engage with others rather than look the other way or angrily dismiss them.

In the Old Testament lesson for today in the book of Joshua, the prostitute Rahab, finds herself in a position where she can choose to help two men whom she knows are spies, or she can turn them away. She also has another choice; she can take them in and then give them over to the King of Jericho, which would result in certain death. Rahab chooses to shelter the men and then when soldiers come looking for them, she hides them, sending the soldiers away on a wild goose chase. We aren’t privy to all of her reasoning however we do know that she knows of the God of Israel, the God who parted the Red Sea and how the God of Israel has gone before them in war, and they have been victorious. Out of fear and probably out of respect for their God she shelters the men. Knowing she is risking everything, she strikes up a deal, her life and her family’s lives for the men’s protection.

As we approach the Fall and we begin to roll out plans for programs and opportunities for involvement, I hope Pastoral Care and Outreach will be two of the areas that you will take a second look at. Getting involved in either group can help to encourage connections not only between our members, but also connections between Saint Stephen’s and our many ministry partners across the city and beyond. Empathy may be a scarce commodity in some people’s minds but not from what I’ve seen at Saint Stephen’s. The world is a very divided place these days, however, we can make a difference, we can forge a connection one small gesture at a time.

Faithfully,

Sally+

Questions for Self-Reflection: When was the last time you avoided someone you didn't agree with or you responded in an argumentative manner? Next time try to listen with a critical ear for areas where you may be able to bridge the gap rather than create a greater impasse.