“Reflections on Empathy and Indifference
In 2024, I experienced firsthand how some people can be so cruel. At first, I couldn’t comprehend it. I was sharing with an acquaintance that my cousin was sick. I wasn’t seeking money or assistance, just opening up. Despite doing business together, I expected at least feigned concern. Instead, he dismissed me as if I were insignificant.
I don’t know why I assumed he cared. Sometimes I’m too naive. His response cut deep: “I don’t care. Your situation means nothing to me.” I stood there, speechless.
I couldn’t grasp the impact of such harshness. It haunted me for weeks, especially when my cousin passed away. Anger consumed me for the first time. His cruel words echoed in my mind. “I wasn’t even asking for your help,” I thought. I was just expressing my struggle at that moment.
I’m frustrated with myself for struggling to accept that such people exist — those who truly don’t care. I’ve always cared deeply for others, even strangers. I questioned if that was my mistake. My caring nature left me vulnerable, wounded by unguarded empathy.
I pray to forgive and release those hurtful words as my pain lessens. It’s here I truly grasp the love of Jesus Christ for us. To descend to Earth, saving even the most ungrateful who spit in His face — I realize now that His standard of love surpasses all. Without it, my anger toward that person might have been uncontrollable.
I need to process my anger inwardly and learn to remain gentle in a world growing colder and more bitter. I remind myself: I’m just not used to it because many have been kind to me. They’ve forgiven and understood me, even when I didn’t deserve it.
Yin & Yang.