Cultivating Empathy
Denmark has been teaching mandatory empathy curriculum to their students aged 6 to 16 since 1993, with pretty impressive results. Currently ranked #2 on the World Happiness Report dashboard, it has consistently ranked among the happiest nations throughout the modern era.
As reported:
Denmark’s empathy program starts at age six in the first year of school and continues until age sixteen. For one hour each week, the children have empathy lessons during ‘Klassens tid’ or ‘The Class’s Hour’. ...
What many people don’t realise is that empathy is a learned skill, and that teaching empathy from a young age has not only been proven to make children more emotionally and socially competent, it also greatly reduces bullying and can also help them be more successful as adults in the future. ...
Any problem is open for discussion and could be personal problems or problems between individual students or groups, anything regarding the school or even unrelated to school. The rest of the class, and the teacher then debate ways to solve the problem. The teacher helps the students by teaching them how to really listen to and understanding others. ...
Klassens tid, is the students’ opportunity to be heard and receive encouragement and inspiration from others through listening and simultaneously learn the importance of mutual respect.
Surely we, in our churches, our classrooms, and our families, could take a page out of Denmark's text book to actively teach the principles of empathy and compasstion. They are, after all, learned behaviors ... and the benefits bode well for the happiness and spiritual health of both the giver and the recipient!
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2, ESV).
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15, ESV).
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32, ESV).
"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" (1 Corinthians 12:26, ESV).
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12, ESV).
Wishing for Wells - The Story of Ryan Hreljac
In 1998, Ryan Hreljac was a six-year-old boy living in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. During a lesson at school, Ryan's teacher explained that many children in Africa had to walk long distances to fetch water, and even then, the water was often dirty and unsafe to drink. The teacher mentioned that $70 was enough to build a well that could provide clean water to an entire village.
This fact struck Ryan deeply. At six years old, he couldn't fathom a world where people lacked access to something as basic as clean water. He went home and told his parents he wanted to help. Ryan’s parents were supportive but thought it would be a fleeting interest. However, Ryan was determined.
Ryan started doing extra chores around the house, like vacuuming and cleaning, and he even skipped treats and toys to save money. It took him four months to raise the $70. When he approached a local organization, WaterCan (now part of WaterAid Canada), he learned that the cost of building a well was actually closer to $2,000. Instead of being discouraged, Ryan doubled down, enlisting the help of friends, family, and his community to raise the additional funds.
With the help of donations, Ryan eventually raised enough money to build his first well in Angolo Primary School in Uganda. In 1999, at just seven years old, Ryan traveled to Uganda to see the well in person. There, he met the children who benefited from the clean water his efforts had brought. It was a life-changing experience for Ryan, as he realized how much of an impact one act of giving could have.
Ryan didn’t stop with one well. Inspired by his trip to Uganda, he founded the Ryan’s Well Foundation in 2001. The foundation focuses on providing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education in developing countries. Ryan continued to speak at schools and events, encouraging others—especially young people—to take action and make a difference.
Ryan’s story is a testament to how one small act of giving can grow into something extraordinary. He often says: "Anyone can make a difference, and no matter how small you are or how young you are, you can make a change in the world." Ryan, now an adult, continues to be involved in the foundation while inspiring young people globally to take action in their own communities. His story highlights the power of determination, empathy, and the incredible impact of giving, no matter your age or resources.
"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home ... I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" (Matthew 25: 35, 40, NLT).
Woman Who Threw Burrito Sentenced to Work in Fast Food
Rosemary Hayne lost her mind. In a moment of anger and frustration, she threw her burrito bowl in the face of a Chipotle manager. It was caught on video and the police were called in. Rosemary went before the judge and was charged with assault.
'You didn't get your burrito bowl the way you like it and this is how you respond?' the judge said during sentencing.
Rather than face prison time, she put her fate in the hands of the judge who sentenced her to work at a fast-food restaurant for two months.
Click here to view the video.
If you have ever worked in the fast-food industry, you know the lack of joy, the high stress, and the absence of gratitude many people have towards the employees. All employees have nightmare stories of how they were sometimes treated, when all they were trying to do was pay bills or clothe their kids, all the while working for next to no pay. This story resonates deeply with any former employee of Taco Bell, or McDonald's, or Burger King!
Two insights into this story:
1. Scripture tells us that we are to value others over ourselves, or at the very least, equally to ourselves (Mark 12:31). Rosemary, while frustrated, needed to express empathy for the people that work hard to serve her. Instead, she exalted herself above them and dehumanized the employee by throwing the food.
2. We feel a sense of justice at the punishment Rosemary was given. And yet, it reminds us that Jesus suffered the greatest human injustice in bearing the wrath of God that WE deserved. Imagine if Rosemary's lawyer had taken the punishment , sot that Rosemary was able to go free with no consequences. We would be incensed. Yet this is what Jesus did in our place — this is the meaning of the word propitiation. Christ took our punishment so that we would be favorably viewed by God.
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3, ESV).
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:19, NIV).