Election 2019 Church Billboard Campaign - Week 3
Have you ever considered the difference between empathy and sympathy? Whilst sympathy is feeling pity or sorrow for somebody’s misfortune, empathy requires us to go a step further and try to imagine what it is like to stand in their shoes. Empathy requires an attitude of genuine respect and to put our judgements and opinions on hold. Yet empathy is required if we are to truly love and honour others as equals. When we are brave enough to practice empathy, we learn about other people’s lived experiences and we may be surprised at the similarities we share with them. Often the most personal experiences are the most universal.
How do we practice empathy? Listen in order to hear, instead of listening in order to respond.
Our sign for this week reminds us of the importance of empathy. In Jesus’ life and teaching, he repeatedly invites us to respectfully extend a hand of love and understanding to those who are different to us, those who are on the outer. Empathy is the first and most powerful step in taking up this invitation. As Christians we are challenged to consider those who are different to us, even those whom we consider as enemies, and learn about their experiences: their hurts, hopes, dreams and inherent value. As we practice empathy we will be changed to reflect more and more of Jesus and the society built on justice and love, which he championed.
For a short video about empathy versus sympathy, we recommend this 3 minute YouTube clip.
Billboard/Sign Idea
Short version:
Make empathy
great again!
Love your
Neighbour!
Long version:
Make empathy great again!
Love your Neighbour!
#AusPol #AusVotes
Poster
Download the Colour Poster for printing at whatever size you need eg. A1, A2, A3, A4, A5
Download the Black & White Poster for printing at whatever size you need eg. A1, A2, A3, A4, A5
- Black & White Poster Landscape
- Black & White Poster Portrait
Social Media Graphic
Download the Facebook graphic.
Download the Instagram graphic.
Church Bulletin Materials
This week our Church is using a sign developed by Common Grace (www.commongrace.org.au). It reads:
Make empathy great again!
Love your Neighbour!
#AusPol #AusVotes
Have you ever considered the difference between empathy and sympathy? Whilst sympathy is feeling pity or sorrow for somebody’s misfortune, empathy requires us to go a step further and try to imagine what it is like to stand in their shoes. Empathy requires an attitude of genuine respect and to put our judgements and opinions on hold. Yet empathy is required if we are to truly love and honour others as equals. When we are brave enough to practice empathy, we learn about other people’s lived experiences and we may be surprised at the similarities we share with them. Often the most personal experiences are the most universal.
How do we practice empathy? Listen in order to hear, instead of listening in order to respond.
Our sign for this week reminds us of the importance of empathy. In Jesus’ life and teaching, he repeatedly invites us to respectfully extend a hand of love and understanding to those who are different to us, those who are on the outer. Empathy is the first and most powerful step in taking up this invitation. As Christians we are challenged to consider those who are different to us, even those whom we consider as enemies, and learn about their experiences: their hurts, hopes, dreams and inherent value. As we practice empathy we will be changed to reflect more and more of Jesus and the society built on justice and love, which he championed.
This week let’s pray: Lord Jesus, this week we acknowledge your call to empathy. It is hard to put aside our judgements of others. Yet we know that all are equal, valuable and loved in your eyes. Loving God, as we try to practice empathy let us remember that we are secure in your love. May our connection with others teach us more about you and your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our prayer is that these materials are useful to your church community as you prepare for the Federal election.
We’d love you to send us a photo of your church using the sign for us to share on social media - to info@common grace.org.au.