I got no answer in the BDF, so I'm trying here...

God want's relationship, unfortunately, we are "jekyll and hyde" where hyde need to be crucified, <-- wow, this is very simplifying, and the focal point become spiritual warfare with a purpose (strengthening relationships)

how insightful!
God is a genius

optimal balance can feel like an extreme that risk indulgence <-- seriously? in this fallen world, there is no escaping the pendulum

and optimal balance should be like the "superman" of all concepts, or so we think

It is what I'm constantly out of, lol, and what I like to reach for.

Please never stop tapping into the simplicities of His truths. What a blessing. Yes, He is so brilliant. Isn't it interesting that we'd ponder Him simply, when all the knowledge known to mankind could never define His simplicities, let alone His complexities. We are left to our simple minds. He is soooo mind boggling, and I love Him for it.

yes, even though the bible may sound like the book of extremes, and Satan would whisper, try something like Buddhism, it's more balanced.

gold medals my favorite reaction

oh wait, I need to keep humble, pride can creep in, you never know

BAM!! Ain't that the truth??!! On this earth as it stands, the only balance found is in Him, walking hand in hand.

I know a fella never wants to be this, but you are precious and make me giggle, son.

gold medals my favorite reaction

oh wait, I need to keep humble, pride can creep in, you never know

can I kiss the screen?

wait, have I auto-repented from ... wow, focus on things of God, fellowship, amen!

be sober minded (Romans 12:3)
have an accurate measure of yourself

narrow (balanced) is the gate to life
wide (pendulum) is the gate of destruction

Psalms 23 - I shall not be in want

imagine being able to talk to God, as in, audible and verbal?

talking to someone like me would be like talking to rubber duckies (a touch of humor of course) compared to talking to God in heaven, in the heavenly realm where faith is rewarded by "no need of faith, we see God face to face"

It's also important to remember Christians around you have the same God that tells them what they need to know. Something to consider when you think you are getting away with something and fooling everybody.

Just keep in mind that God is not a gossip. God has no interest in airing your dirty laundry just to entertain people. If somebody's always going around talking about "God told me he is doing this and she is doing that" that's probably not God's doing. In my experience God has never told me "he is doing this and she is doing that" unless there was something God wanted me to do about it or there was a danger God wanted me to avoid. And even then, God never wanted me to go around telling people what I knew.

I read someone here say to another, "perhaps you are a Christian Empath". I think that most women, by nature, are in tune with the mindsets and emotions of others because that is an attribute inherent to the nurturing component in many women.

But do you think there is actually that gift, that it can be biblically identified?

I have been told that is what I am, and I just wiped it off because it sounded too eastern with the universal spirituality.

But it makes me ponder, hmmm, I wonder..

Any thoughts, biblically?

Could it be a gift of discernment? The Holy Spirit is super natural, after all.

I dunno... I'm just not 'feeling' it.

Seriously, I think "empathy" is on a spectrum, much like intellectual intelligence. Some people are better tuned to the emotional state of others around them. Some, like me, have to work hard at it. If I run over someone's feelings, it's very likely that I'm completely unaware of having done so (except with some BDF-type people... then it's probably intentional).

The Bible doesn't list all the giftings that humans possess. Just think of all the ways in which people can be gifted (or ungifted) differently within the realm of language: translation, learning other languages, grammar, spelling, rhetoric, persuasion, journalism, poetry, fiction, and humour.

I'm sure "empathy" is a gifting just like so many others. The fact that other religions and philosophies have identified and developed it further doesn't necessarily mean it isn't of God originally. Rather, it means that we need to be cautious and use the wisdom and discernment available to us as believers.

also, as sacred as the idea of empathy may feel, keep in mind that empathy =/= God

empathy cannot substitute for relationship with God

and being able to sense other people at that level, does not give you the "license" to judge others or "play God" based on what you sensed.

again, balance, and don't worship empathy, instead, give God the glory and don't commit idolatry

maybe that's why "empaths" become idols

First this was funny@ not feeling it and except with some BDF-type people... then it's probably intentional

I think that your post resonates because it makes so much sense.