Words for Love: Empathy in the bible

I occasionally come across online discussions that raise the fact that the word "empathy" does not appear in the bible.  I've seen discussions parsing words over what kinds of spiritual gifts are given.  That having the abilities that empaths claim is not possible and one instead may be compassionate, sympathetic, or have a mental illness.

While it is true that the word empathy does not appear in the bible.  What occurred from the incarnation, to the crucifixion, and the resurrection was demonstration of empathy most profound, see The Ir-regular Christian: Complete Revelation of Empathic Love.

I came across an article by Dr. Kenneth S. Weust called "The Words for Love in the Greek New Testament."  Weust explains that there are 4 words in the Greek language for love.  Each having a different connotation such as a loving nature, passionate love, or feelings of love rooted in pleasure or preciousness.

"Agapan"  and "philein" are  two of the words for love that are discussed.  Philein is used much less often in the New Testament and is intended to convey something different than a love born of preciousness (agapan).  The concepts of intrinsic inner goodness, brotherly love, friendship, hospitality, "from the same womb", and love for mankind all have roots stemming from "philein" and as below so too does the word "courteous."

"Courteous" (1 Peter 3:8) is from a word made up of philein and a Greek word speaking of "the faculty of perceiving and judging." The courtesy spoken of here is that rare and beautiful combination of friendliness and tactful and delicate sense of perception and judgment which should be a part of every Christian's spiritual equipment.   http://www.theologue.org/Love-KSWuest.html

"A rare and beautiful combination of friendliness and tactful and delicate sense of perception and judgement."  Doesn't that sound like the gift of empathy or the ability to be empathic?  Afterall, I am not professing to be a magician with some skill clouded in mystery or dark magic.  I use my normal senses and perceptions, they just might be more sensitive to subtleties of behavior than others.

1 Peter 3:8 offers words for all on Christian living:

Finally, be all of the same mind, sympathetic (see also A Play on Words: Empathic vs Empathetic), loving the brethren, compassionate, humble-minded
http://codexsinaiticus.org/en/manuscript.aspx?book=53&chapter=3&lid=en&side=r&verse=8&zoomSlider=0

Romans 12: 5-15 abbreviated:

So we the many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another, but having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us; ...in brotherly love, be affectionate one toward another...following hospitality: bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice, weep with them that weep. (http://codexsinaiticus.org/en/manuscript.aspx?book=37&chapter=12&lid=en&side=r&verse=15&zoomSlider=0)

So we can see many words used in the translations of 1 Peter 3:8 and Romans 12 on Christian living and gifts of the spirit that have their roots in the word "philein."  So that as empathic Christians we may live our spiritual gift by using our delicate sense of perception and judgement to offer others a rare and beautiful kind of love.