The Critical Difference Between Love and Empathy

In our COVID-ravaged, politically polarized, and racially divided times, such sources of stress are often used to capitalize on our human nature and physiological responses to our fears. We look to empathy as a solution to quell these surfacing fears, but while empathy can certainly be used as a tool for positive purposes, it can also be mistaken for love. Empathy is a tool that allows us to connect with one another, but unlike love, it is more moral imagination than it is moral imperative. In this cultural moment, while the world is choking on vitriol, uncertainty, and animosity, we turn to Christ, who is the person of mercy and the true source of love for a community called to generosity and kindness.