The Power of Empathy and How Spiritual Principles Elevate Journalism

Photo credit to; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Joseph Smith, a significant religious figure, once shared a powerful insight: "When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what pow'r it has over my mind. . . . The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more are we dispos'd to look with compassion on perishing souls—[we feel that we want] to take them upon our shoulders and cast their sins behind our back . . . if you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another."

At first glance, this profound spiritual reflection might seem far removed from the daily grind of news reporting. Yet, when we delve deeper, Joseph Smith's words offer a surprisingly relevant and insightful framework for approaching and consuming the news.

The Quiet Power of Kindness in Storytelling

"When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what pow'r it has over my mind." This opening line is a gentle reminder of the human need for empathy and respect. In news writing, where the pursuit of truth often involves scrutinizing actions and holding power accountable, it's easy for language to become detached, even harsh.

But what if, as journalists and consumers of news, we approached every story with a foundational level of human understanding? This doesn't mean sacrificing objectivity or shying away from difficult facts.

Instead, it suggests that even in critique, we can choose language that acknowledges the human element, avoids sensationalism, and strives for a nuanced portrayal.

A story crafted with this underlying kindness can foster greater understanding and engagement from readers rather than immediate defensiveness or dismissal.

Seeing the "Perishing Souls" in Every Report

Smith's call to "look with compassion on perishing souls" takes on a particular meaning in the context of news. Daily, headlines are filled with stories of individuals and communities facing immense challenges: natural disasters, social injustices, economic hardship, and personal tragedies.

These are, in essence, the "perishing souls" of our modern world, grappling with the weight of circumstances.

News writing has an extraordinary capacity to illuminate these struggles, to give voice to those who might otherwise be unheard, and to connect us to shared human experiences. The crucial question is how we tell these stories. Do we reduce individuals to mere statistics or archetypes or strive to present their humanity, struggles, and resilience with dignity?

Compassionate news reporting isn't about being "soft" on facts; it's about recognizing the profound human impact of every event and communicating that impact in a way that fosters empathy, inspires action, and encourages constructive dialogue.

Casting Sins Behind Our Back

The idea of "taking them upon our shoulders and casting their sins behind our backs" might seem the most challenging for journalism, a field often dedicated to uncovering wrongdoing. However, interpreted through a journalistic lens, it doesn't imply excusing unethical behavior or neglecting accountability.

Instead, it encourages a deeper dive beyond surface-level blame. What are the systemic factors at play? What are the broader societal pressures or historical contexts contribute to complex situations? News can move beyond simple condemnation by seeking a more comprehensive understanding, contextualizing actions, and exploring underlying motivations.

It allows for insights that can lead to genuine understanding, inform policy changes, and ultimately contribute to addressing root causes rather than just reacting to symptoms. It's about recognizing the shared human condition, even when confronting brutal truths.

A Call for Media and Society - "Have Mercy on One Another"

Finally, Smith's powerful concluding plea, "If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another," is a potent reminder of the reciprocal nature of compassion.

For the news industry, this extends to how journalists treat their subjects, how news organizations interact with their audience, and even how the public engages with the media.

In an era of rapid information dissemination and often polarized viewpoints, news infused with this compassion can be a powerful force for good.

It builds bridges of understanding, encourages nuanced perspectives, and reminds us that at the heart of every story are human beings deserving of respect and understanding.

So, as we navigate the vast landscape of daily news, we can all carry a piece of Joseph Smith's profound wisdom with us. Not to compromise truth but to enrich it with the power of human connection, empathy, and the quiet yet transformative force of compassion.

It is the most vital ingredient for meaningful news in our complex world.