As Christians, we are called to empathize. I am well aware that many Christians don’t agree with the protests at the University of Missouri, but that should not be grounds to avoid empathy.

I understand not agreeing with the motives behind a student going on a hunger strike.

I do not understand how anyone could demean or joke about a student willing to starve himself to bring about change. I understand not agreeing with Tim Wolfe’s resignation as the university’s president. I do not understand how anyone could not have a broken heart when black students on campus are the subject of threats of violence.

Satan still roams the earth, and it is my firm belief that he hates empathy.

Empathy is the bridge that connects two sides of an issue. As a student on campus, I can assure you that there is a divided feeling about recent events.

However, I am proud of my fellow students because when terrible, senseless threats were made to black students, the campus came together in a moment of unity to help get through a very rough moment. That is how empathy works; it breaks down the barriers of fear and allows us to see each other as the creations of God that we are and it helps us see beyond our differences in opinion.

by Daniel Woodman