Eyes to See: Gaining Empathy

Limited Awareness

Jesus, quoting Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9–10), said: ^14b ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. ¹⁵ For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn—and I would heal them.’ ¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. (Matt 13:14–16, NRSV)

Perceiving the kingdom of God is a combination of the Holy Spirit revealing its mysteries and an individual’s willingness to see and hear with spiritual eyes and ears. Our spirit and our minds are interconnected. The human brain is an astonishingly complex organ. One part in particular, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), plays a key role in our emotional perception and our capacity for empathy. Its development and function affect how we experience and express emotions, and our ability to connect with the feelings of others.

The Science of Empathy

“From the perspective of cognitive neuroscience, empathy is that ability within the human person to identify, understand (to some extent at least), and partially feel or experience the suffering of another person—what is known as “the affective states of others”—while still being able to identify that the feeling arose in the other person”.[1] It’s as if our brains create a simulation of the other’s experience, resulting in a strong sense of shared feeling.

However, the ACC’s role in empathy response is complex. A study about empathic response[2], for instance, highlighted how our inherent biases can influence this neural activity. There was demonstrably greater brain activity in the ACC for those participants perceived as part of their “in-group”. The study also found that when groups compete, some participants even experienced antipathy, satisfaction in the out-group’s setbacks, and displeasure at their achievements. The study highlights that empathy isn’t automatic and is greatly affected by in-group/out-group biases. Although the ACC is vital for empathy, social factors like upbringing and group membership strongly influence how it functions.

Seeing, But Not Perceiving

Jeremiah 5:21 states, “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but do not see, who have ears, but do not hear.” (NRSV). This is similar to Matthew 13:14–16, which is quoted at the top. Amos and Proverbs 21:13 both speak of the cries of the poor being unheard due to closing one’s ears.

These verses, when viewed through the lens of neuroscience, help us understand the issue on a deeper level. It’s not simply a matter of ignoring God’s kingdom or injustice, but rather a lack of developed “brain capacity” that prevents true comprehension and empathy. Just as the study on in-group bias showed a diminished empathic response for outsiders, these verses suggest a spiritual or emotional immaturity that hinders one from truly seeing and understanding the truth, even when it’s right before their eyes.

To “see with their eyes” and “understand with their hearts” implies a fully engaged and developed capacity for emotional intelligence and empathy, where the ACC is actively processing and connecting with the suffering and experiences of others, regardless of perceived group affiliation. When this capacity is underdeveloped or consciously shut down, even with physical sight, one may remain blind to deeper truths and the suffering of those around them.

Jesus Confronts Group Biases

In many of his teachings, including the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus directly confronts group biases. Daniel Doriani points out that, “Again, the question is not ‘Who is my neighbor? Is this person a neighbor? Is this not? Do I define this person in? Do I define that person out?’ The question is, ‘Am I willing to become a neighbor?’”^[3]

I believe that Jesus’s request is for us to broaden our sense of in-group to encompass all of humankind, and to some degree, all of creation. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus’s command to love our enemies is a call to recategorize those we consider our ‘enemies’, seeing them not as foes but as fellow image bearers of God, deserving of love.

Daniel Doriani further discusses the parable:

So how do we become a neighbor? Well, by opening our eyes and seeing those who are in need, not shutting off our emotions but allowing the feeling of compassion to rise. When we see an opportunity, one by one or through a cause, we should show compassion. I want to make it clear that this neighborly, compassionate love is not just something we show to charity cases or people who are far away in starvation or panhandlers in our city.

We can actually show neighborly love in our work too. Our work is the chief place where we show love for our neighbor. Our work is our place where we have the most training, the most experiences, usually the most resources. We have a team of other people. We have time. We spend a lot of time there, and we love our neighbors in our work by caring—if we’re in the medical field—for the sick, or caring for the feeding of the hungry if we’re in any part at all of the chain that brings food to people’s tables. If we’re in law, we can defend the defenseless, caring for those who aren’t recognized or treated well by the legal system.^{[4] (emphasis added)}

Christ does not merely ask us to see suffering, but to respond to it. He urges us to be “awake” and attentive, not just to our own needs but to the needs of the world around us. This awakening involves concrete action: to “feed the hungry,” “give the thirsty something to drink,” “welcome the stranger,” “clothe the naked,” “visit the sick,” and “visit the prisoner” (Matthew 25:35-36). These are not abstract concepts but tangible expressions of empathy and justice that require an engaged heart and mind – an anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that is actively processing and responding to the suffering of all, not just those within our inner circles. It is often in the neglected corners of society that the cries of the oppressed are not heard nor their suffering seen. Christ calls us to change that.

The point about not seeing or hearing transcends acts of mercy or social justice; it speaks to a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom, a spiritual realm that operates beyond our natural behavior. A mind unrenewed by the principles of God’s kingdom leads to spiritual blindness, hindering the ability to perceive God’s will. Many Christians, blinded by their allegiance to worldly political powers, capitalist ideals, and other earthly structures, fail to perceive the kingdom of God. These structures are not inherently evil, but can become sources of evil when they perpetuate or exploit the suffering of others.

Jesus emphasized that the kingdom of God is an inner, spiritual reality that can be experienced personally, rather than something external or material. The early Church Fathers understood this concept as a psychological reality that involves the development and unfolding of one’s personality, resulting in a growing sense of wholeness and expanded consciousness.[5]

Kingdom Ideologies at War

The “blindness” we’ve discussed, both neurological and spiritual, is powerfully at play in the current narrative surrounding immigration. Far too often, individuals who have entered the United States without legal documentation are broadly and inaccurately being portrayed as murderers, rapists, and violent criminals. This rhetoric, amplified in certain media and political circles, serves to dehumanize entire populations and erect walls of fear and prejudice.

The reality, however, tells a very different story. Statistics consistently demonstrate that immigrant populations, including those who are undocumented, often have lower per capita crime rates than native-born citizens. The “crime” of entering undocumented is, in fact, a civil offense, not a violent felony, yet the language used to describe it often blurs these distinctions. This misrepresentation actively suppresses the empathy that the anterior cingulate cortex is capable of fostering, instead encouraging an “in-group” bias that demonizes those perceived as “out-groups” and justifies harsh, often inhumane, treatment.

I am not advocating for open borders, but rather for a balanced approach rooted in both practical solutions and profound human dignity. Restructuring the path to citizenship, making it more accessible and less filled with bureaucratic hurdles, would create a more stable and healthier America. Furthermore, a compassionate and well-managed system for accepting refugees and asylum seekers is not merely a policy choice; it is a moral imperative. Many of these individuals are fleeing violence, persecution, or economic ruin in their home countries, seeking only safety and the opportunity to provide for their families.

In this context, it is vital to remember the biblical narrative of Jesus himself. As an infant, he became an immigrant, fleeing with his parents to Egypt to escape the murderous decree of King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15). He found safety and refuge in a foreign land. Would we, in our current political climate, be among those who would arrest Jesus and his parents and send them to a prison, profiting from their desperation and labeling them as “criminals”? The question forces us to confront the moral implications of our policies and the narratives we choose to believe, urging us to overcome the “blindness” of prejudice and embrace the universal call to compassion and justice for all.

Prisons for Profit

The call to “open our eyes” is particularly urgent when we consider systems where profit is extracted from human suffering. The United States prison system, in its increasingly privatized form, presents a stark example of how a lack of empathy and a focus on financial gain can pervert the very notion of justice. When correctional facilities are operated by for-profit companies, the incentive shifts from rehabilitation and public safety to maximizing incarceration rates and minimizing costs. Arresting individuals, regardless of the severity of their alleged crime, directly profits stockholders and investors. This creates a perverse economic model where human lives become commodities, and the extended detention of individuals, particularly those awaiting trial or unable to afford bail, contributes directly to corporate bottom lines.

To truly understand and act upon the truth, we must confront these uncomfortable realities and demand systems that uphold justice, empathy, and the inherent worth of every individual, rather than profiting from their captivity.

Empathy as the Path to Forgiveness and Discernment

While the “social justice” teachings of Jesus form an undeniable backbone of loving broadly, the “opening of our eyes” through empathy also profoundly enhances our capacity to love deeply and intimately in our personal relationships. Developing an empathic response, nurtured by a well-functioning anterior cingulate cortex, transforms how we navigate interpersonal conflicts and perceive the intentions of others.

When we can genuinely step into another person’s shoes, understanding their fears, their past experiences, or even the simple misunderstandings that might have driven their actions, our ability to forgive and reconcile is dramatically enhanced. A perceived offense often dissolves when we realize that the motive was not to intentionally hurt us, even if we felt attacked. Insight can prevent the anger and resentment that often festers when we are limited to our own perspective. Instead, we can respond with more loving words, seek genuine resolution, and foster deeper connection, rather than allowing misunderstandings to erode our relationships. Empathy allows us to see the full humanity and intrinsic value of the other person, empowering us to respond more graciously.

Furthermore, with cultivated empathy and discernment, this “opening of eyes” extends beyond personal relationships to our understanding of the world’s systems. It allows us to clearly distinguish between the “empire of the world” and the “kingdom of God.” The empires of the world, with its inherent in- and out-groups, its pursuit of power, and its often-unjust structures, stands in stark contrast to the values of the Kingdom of God—love, justice, compassion, and radical inclusion.

By truly “seeing” with empathic hearts and minds, we become acutely aware when these two realms are in conflict. We resist blindly following the way of worldly empires, even when they hold similar interests or values. Our allegiance remains steadfast to the Kingdom of God, ensuring that its principles shape our moral compass and ethical framework. This awareness prevents us from becoming unwitting participants in injustice and empowers us to stand firm in our convictions, understanding that true love extends to challenging systems that dehumanize and exploit, just as it extends to forgiving those who may have caused us hurt. Expanding our vision allows our love to grow, embracing a broad pursuit of justice while nurturing deep personal relationships and an unwavering commitment to moral integrity.

Conclusion

Renewing our minds involves a fundamental shift in our brain’s neural pathways, leading to habits aligned with God’s kingdom. To truly love our neighbor, we must train our senses, opening our minds and hearts to understand and empathize with those outside our inner circles, seeing and hearing beyond our own experiences.

Our capacity for empathy, emotional understanding, and ultimately, love, is deeply connected to the development and function of our brains. Navigating personal relationships, forgiving generously, maintaining deep connections, and recognizing and challenging systemic injustices in the wider world requires us to “open our eyes” and truly see with a discerning and compassionate heart which is key to unlocking the kingdom of God on earth.

Empathy requires patience, openness, and a willingness to understand others on their own terms, even when we might disagree. This practice can be cultivated through various means, such as studying history to understand different worldviews, engaging in active listening during conversations, and intentionally setting aside our own preoccupations to focus on the other person’s thoughts and feelings.[6]

The wisdom in biblical scripture calls us to overcome the spiritual and cultural “blindness” that can lead to indifference towards “others” suffering. When we allow ourselves to truly perceive, to engage our brain that connects us to the experiences of others, we align ourselves not with the self-serving “empire of the world,” but with the transformative Kingdom of God.

In a world often fragmented by division and misunderstanding, cultivating a deep capacity for empathy is not only an intellectual exercise. It is a prerequisite to seeing God’s kingdom come, urging us to love, connect, and build a more just and compassionate society where every individual is seen, valued, and treated with dignity.

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[1] Frits de Lange and L. Juliana Claassens, Considering Compassion: Global Ethics, Human Dignity, and the Compassionate God (Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2018).

[2] M. Cikara et al., “Their Pain Gives Us Pleasure: How Intergroup Dynamics Shape Empathic Failures and Counter-Empathic Responses,” Journal of experimental social psychology, November 1, 2014, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4112600/.

^[3] Daniel M. Doriani, NT252 Parables of Jesus, Logos Mobile Education (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

^[4] Daniel M. Doriani, NT252 Parables of Jesus, Logos Mobile Education (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

[5] John Sanford, The Kingdom Within: The Inner Meanings of Jesus’ Sayings (HarperOne, 2023), 28.

[6] Adam Ployd, “Thinking Historically,” in Thinking Theologically, Foundations for Learning (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015), 74–75.