"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
(Hebrews 4: 14-15, NIV)
To empathize means to "understand and share the feelings of another". You have either experienced the same feelings yourself, or you have the capability to put yourselves into that person's situation. You must be able to empathize in order to be an effective counselor. Sympathy, on the other hand, is feeling sorry or pity for the other person, but not truly understanding what they are feeling.
Jesus is able to empathize with how we feel because He has experienced the same feelings. When Jesus came out of the wilderness after a 40-day fast, Satan tried to tempt Him three times. But, Jesus did not give in to the temptations. When Lazarus died, Jesus wept. Jesus became angry in the temple with the moneychangers. Jesus had emotions. He had feelings. Yet, in the face of temptation, He did not sin.
Support groups are formed when like-minded people come together for one goal or purpose. They are going through similar situations, so they know how the other person is actually feeling. In like manner, they are able to offer encouragement and support to others. It's hard to tell another person "I know how you feel" when you really don't know how they feel because you have never been through that same situation. You can offer sympathy, but not empathy.
So, run to Jesus when you're hurt or angry. Cry out to Him in the face of temptation. After all, He knows how you feel.
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