AI – Lost Empathy

(AI ChatGPT question: “Does the bible tell us we can lose our empathy?”)

Yes, the Bible does warn that we can lose our empathy, especially as hearts grow cold, hard, or distant from God and others. While the word “empathy” isn’t always used directly in scripture, its concepts—compassion, mercy, love, and care for others—are central throughout. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Hearts Can Grow Cold

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
—Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

Jesus warned that in the end times, people’s love—and by extension, their empathy—would fade because of increasing wickedness. A cold heart doesn’t feel for others.

2. Hearts Can Become Hardened

“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath…”
—Romans 2:5 (NKJV)

Hard hearts resist compassion. Paul warns that people can become calloused to the needs and feelings of others.

3. People Can Lose Natural Affection

“…without natural affection…”
—2 Timothy 3:3 (KJV)

This verse lists traits of people in perilous times—one of which is being without “natural affection,” meaning the loss of basic human empathy and care for others.

4. God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice

“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
—Hosea 6:6 (NKJV)
Repeated by Jesus in Matthew 9:13

God consistently emphasizes mercy over ritual, pointing to the importance of a heart that feels and responds with kindness.

Restoring Empathy:

We’re encouraged to put on compassion as part of our identity in Christ.

“Therefore, as the elect of God…put on tender mercies, kindness, humility…”
—Colossians 3:12 (NKJV)

Empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice, a garment we put on daily through the Spirit.

Would you like a devotional or teaching outline on rekindling empathy from a biblical perspective?