Sympathy also shares your feelings. She strokes your emotions and comforts you—but if your situation gets too hot to handle, she may have “other things to do…”

Over time, Empathy and Sympathy gradually melt like wax, leaving Intercession to take the heat. Intercession stands in the gap that they leave behind.

Intercession’s emotion never clouds her judgment. She is prayerful, encouraging, instructive, and determined. She rests in the knowledge that God cares for you more than she does.

Unlike Sympathy or Empathy, Intercession will not melt in the glow of the furnace. Intercession tirelessly petitions God in your behalf—and never takes credit for HIS work. She is patient and comforting or stern when you need it. She is a temporary, trustworthy link in the chain of your life.

Empathy genuinely cares, and Sympathy may gush. But Intercession, with God’s hands on hers, forges a new link in your destiny—one that lasts, long and iron strong.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother [or sister]. (Proverbs 18:24)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)