Compassion vs Empathy: What is the Difference?

Compassion and empathy are often substituted for one another, but they do not have the same meaning. Compassion means having sympathy and concern for someone else’s suffering along with wanting to go alongside them on their journey. Whereas empathy is defined more by an understanding and relating to the feelings of another person.

Let’s take a look at both:

Compassion

To have compassion for someone means to show sympathy and concern for someone or something’s (i.e. a pet or an endangered species). Compassion is driven by wanting to make a change in that person’s life, standing along side them as they suffer and suffering along with them, and holding space for them as they go through a difficult time.

Compassion means being supportive in word, thoughts, and in action.

Words of comfort — compassion is shown in language by offering words of comfort. Have you ever attended a funeral and offered up condolences along with positive words of encouragement? That is compassion.

Compassion in thought — compassion is also shown by offering up effective listening. Letting someone know they are in your thoughts and prayers is a way of offering support and encouragement during their difficult period. Letting someone know you are thinking of them, praying for them, and holding space just to listen and be there for them is an act of compassion.