Brief Definition of an Empath
Empaths are people who sense and absorb shakti, also known as “prana”. Shakti or prana are thought to be subtle energies emitted from people, places and animals. In a nutshell, empaths go much farther than simply empathizing with someone. They are said to actually absorb the energy “created” by sadness, distress, depression, misery and suffering into their own body, mind and soul. In some cases, the absorption of energy is to such extent that the empath suffers not only in his mind, but also in his physical body in which paranormal signs and symptoms can manifest. Although we're reminded on rare occasions that joy is also an energy that can be absorbed, being an empath is commonly and understandably associated with mental distress and depression. That's because the world is filled with misery, not joy. And, when we empathize with someone, we're not referring to rejoicing with them, but rather to “suffering” with them. Some say that being an empath comes natural, while others say it can be acquired. But what does the Holy Bible say about being an empath?
The Truth about Being an Empath
God's Word (the Holy Bible) tells us it's good and right to care about other people even to the point of empathizing with them. The apostle Paul tells Christian to “put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness...” (Colossians 3:12). We also read that believers in Jesus “weep with them that weep” Romans 12:15. Does this means that the Bible is revealing that all true Christians are actually empaths? Not at all. In fact, the truth about being an empath according to spiritualists and psychics differs from the truth about being an empath according to the Scriptures.
Particularly disturbing is the teaching that empaths actually absorb negative energies into their being. The Bible tells the follower of Christ to “weep with those who weep” and “put on bowels of mercy”. But never does the Bible tell us to absorb energy into ourselves. According to the Scriptures, there is no such thing as shakti or prana, or any other energy. God's word tells us there are thoughts and there are spirits--none of which are neutral. That's right. There are no neutral spirits. According to the Bible, all spirits are holy or unholy--a truth explained in Is There Such a Thing as Neutral Supernatural Beings (Please see link at end of this article). What then are empaths absorbing into themselves?
The truth about being an empath is that it is in disagreement with the Scriptures, which have already been proven to be infallible in scientific teachings, history, pre-history, and prophecy. It is dangerous to freely accept the concept of absorbing so-called energies, because it gives a green light to lending yourself to being a medium, to belief in the phenomenon of walk-ins; and, through deception, to becoming demon possessed.
Another red flag that should cause us to seek the truth about being an empath is the fact that empaths are “sponges” that are surrounded by “energies” of depression, sadness, discomfort, anguish, misery, etc. That translates to a life of suffering the energies of a miserable world--especially since they can “pick up” energies from animals and places too. How could this possibly be from God? If we look at His Word, we must admit there is a huge contrast. Even the so-called Christian empath would not fit the description of a child of God whose will is not to subject His servants to constant gloom, depression and misery. Remember, the same Scripture that said to weep with those who weep also said, “rejoice with them that do rejoice” (Romans 12:15).
And how would an empath ever bear the fruit of God's Spirit? We read, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, PEACE...” (Galatians 5:22)? How can you have peace when you walk around absorbing negative “energy”? How can you have joy when you absorb sadness and depression all the time? The truth about being an empath, according to the Lord's Word, simply does not line up with the New Age definition of being an empath, much less a psychic empath.
If you believe you are an empath, and would like to be delivered of such a “gift” or “curse”, whichever you label it, we can only repeat to you what the Savior told all of us to do. He said, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. And ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Comments On The Truth About Being An Empath:
2017-10-23 - Helen Casey
Hello,I am in need of assistance with some things I have discovered about myself.I have the ability of clear hearing Clairaudient at least that is what it is labeled. But I am not sure if this is from God or the devil.I also have discovered that I am an Empath. I also wonder if this is from God or the devil. I do not understand why I was created with them if they are used for evil. I have learned to live with these situations but I would rather get rid of them permanently. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated or if you work with people like myself.Thank you,Helen Casey
2017-10-28 - HeavenlyManna.net
Dear Ms. Casey:
Your question / comment was transferred to this article, because all comments must be related to the content above. Please thoroughly read the above article. We also highly recommend the reading of Are Psychic Abilities from God?, and What Does the Bible Say about Clairaudience and Other Psychic Abilities?
2017-12-07 - Sioned
Hi this is a message of thanks this page saved me tonight and I thought I should show my gratitude and thanks I've had a week I can't begin to explain from one minute to thinking I'm an empath to experiencing horrific anxiety it didn't feel right none of it I started to research I found this page which could confirmed my fears I prayed to Jesus Christ and it was a miracle to say the least he saved me tonight the anxiety disappeared just like that I'm so thankful I seen sense and I'm thankful for this page I thought I briefly share this experience and show how grateful I am
2017-12-09 - HeavenlyManna.net
Dear Sioned:
Thank you for taking the time to share your praise report with us! We have prayed that you will continue growing in the knowledge of our Lord. Please help to spread the word to others who need answers you have found.
2018-03-12 - Nahdeen Brii
Empaths are not clairvoyant. We are sympathizers, counselors, and guides and we do, indeed, absorb joyful emotions from other people. We are not limited to only misery and pain. Our ability to absorb emotions, all emotions, is a sense we are born with. There is nothing supernatural about it. All animals are empathic. All human babies possess some degree of an empathic sense. For those of us who retain and naturally develop that sense, it is a gift from God and one that is much needed in this world. There is a huge difference between an empath and a psychic. It's not a life we choose, it is chosen for us, by God, from birth. We have a purpose in His plans.
2018-03-12 - HeavenlyManna.net
To Nahdeen Brii:
As the article pointed out, nowhere in the Bible do we read that any of God's people absorbed energies. To weep with those who weep, and to rejoice with those who rejoice is not absorbing energy. Any and everything that is truly of God must also be backed by biblical scripture. This type of absorption of energies has no biblical backing. Also, you state that all animals are empathic. That would mean they can sympathize. The Lord Jesus repeatedly warned His people, who are symbolized as sheep, that the wolf and the lion (symbols used to represent Satan) despise them without any shred of mercy. He uses this analogy, because the actual wolf and lion are animals incapable of sympathizing with sheep. For example, when a wolf attacks and kills sheep he does so with great fierceness and anger. Where do you see empathic qualities in that? Your statement, therefore, has no truth in light of biblical scripture or real life on the present earth.
2018-03-16 - 11
I have been a Christian all my life. Something happened to me and it lead me more to the scripture and the word of God. No book or manual for what was happening to me. I was not absorbing energies from other people. I was sensing feelings, and thoughts. I was seeing visions of verses from the Bible. When I read article in Empaths, it somehow had some relevance to what was happening, but not quite.
I came across your article, I read it and I have a feeling u don't know how Emphaths feels in them. The verse below, is one of many that helped me understand my confusion in what I was feeling.
"You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Mark 5:31-32 NIV
The new age understanding is misguided on what is truly happening to me. Also I am worried that your article does not explain or give biblical reference to my experience. I am not an Emphath, but someone filled with the Holly Spirit who didn't know what was happening to him. I would love to see an article of a Christian who can explain this phenomenon from his/her experience. Thank you for your article, it was a good read.
2018-03-18 - HeavenlyManna.net
To: 11
You state you've been a Christian all your life. The Bible says everyone is born a sinner (Rom. 5:12,18). Thus, none of us has been a Christian all our life. You state that after something happened to you, you were able to sense others' thoughts, and began having visions of Bible verses. Unless you're hearing word-for-word thoughts, there's nothing phenomenal about sensing the thoughts of others. You might want to read about the sixth sense. And do visions of Bible verses automatically mean the visions are from God? No. Because Satan and his demons know and quote God's Word (see St. John 4:5-6, Mark 1:24-25). You state that Mark 5:31-32 helped you to understand what is / was happening with you. This is NOT a passage about Jesus sensing someone's thoughts. It's about Him sensing that POWER had gone out of Him (verse 30 of the same passage.) Huge difference. Do you know what the signs are that indicate true endowment with the Holy Spirit of God? If not, you run the risk of associating anything that appears Christian with the Holy Spirit, which is very dangerous. See the Scripture of Matthew 7:21-23.
2018-05-17 - Gail
I respectfully disagree. Empaths do not simply absorb negative energy from others. We feel and sense emotions, thoughts, feelings... positive and negative. And aware empaths can control it and block energy. If someone is purposely and willingly absorbing someone's negative energy (or any energy), that is being a "vampire." That is not being an Empath. And as a Christian, I feel being empathic is a great blessing and gift from the Lord. In my opinion, there was no greater Empath than Jesus. Think about it - his compassion, his understanding, his sympathy, is empathy, is healing abilities... these are all things that define Empaths. And Jesus did say (and I'm paraphrasing) that off all the things He could do, we can do them, too, but even more so. So, if He, on earth as a man - not God - could have this great ability, then why not us? Yes, New Age has hijacked the idea - twisted it, like so many of the other Christian Judeo beliefs they've stolen and "re-written"... but don't pay attention to the evil they spew. There are more Christians who identify as Empaths than you think, but they are afraid to talk out of fear of being labeled hypocrites.
2018-05-19 - HeavenlyManna.net
To Gail:
You state, "Empaths do not simply absorb energy...we feel and sense emotions and thoughts..." Absorbing energy and sensing emotions and thoughts are two entirely different things. There is absolutely no biblical support for claiming that Christians absorb energy. As for sensing emotions and thoughts, everyone normal can, and does that, because God gave man a spirit, which senses thoughts around him. For example, people who don't walk around oblivious to others can sense when someone is angry, upset, nervous etc. Haven't you ever heard people ask, "What's wrong? I detect you're upset. Tell me." That person is neither absorbing energy nor is he a so-called empath, nor is he special. He's simply normal. This, and related truths, are backed by Scripture in Is the Sixth Sense the Mirror of the Soul and the Third Eye?
And, let us not compare being what's known as an empath with the power of Jesus who said His power was Father God Himself, not being an empath. He said, "Though you believe not Me, believe the works that ye may know and believe that the FATHER is in me, and I in Him" (St. John 10:38). Jesus also cast out devils, NOT by being a so-called empath, but rather by what He called the "finger of God" (Luke 11:20). The "Father" and the "finger of God" do not equate to being an empath. What is more is that many "empaths" claim to be Christian while denying the divinity of Jesus. According to the Bible, this is impossible. In fact, to deny His divinity is to be anti-Christ. Does the Bible say this? Yes, it does. See the article, The Divinity of Jesus: Does It Really Matter? Again, being a "Christian empath" who absorbs energies is NOT backed by the Bible. And simply sensing thoughts and emotions is nothing special. Everyone does it, Christian or not. It's a plain and simple normal thing.
2018-05-01 - Marten
Thanks again for your response. I read your articles. Almost from the tine Jesus found me I am prophetic. The seeing part came later. Maybe I have psychic abilities too, or only prophetic I do not know. More than once Christians tried to deliver me from all kind of demons, forces and more. But these prophetic and other abilities only increased. It's not easy to live with. I mean, I prefer to see no angels good or bad, to see no demons, to see no orbs, to see no colors around people, to see no futures of countries, or pasts. To see no persons behind me, to see no infrared through buildings. I prefer not hearing music from the future, or the past, like many of the great composers. And this is only a small amount of things I like NOT to see or hear. So it does cost me a lot of efforts and energy NOT to see and hear all these things. But with the help of our Lord it works. But all this is not an easy road. I always try to be with the Lord as close as possible and listen to His voice as good as I can. Maybe you can read the book of Enoch where he is speaking with the Watchers. And later tried to help them. Maybe you can take a look at the link below with a lot of information about Christian seers.
(link removed)
Many greetings,
Marten