How difficult is it to understand what the bible's core message is?

 Would you say the bible tries to teach people they should try to be more christ-like in their lives modeling empathy and understand for others?

Yes, the Bible strongly teaches people to become more Christ-like by modeling empathy, understanding, and love for others in daily life.

Jesus as the Example

Jesus showed perfect empathy by feeling others' pain—like when He wept with friends over Lazarus's death (John 11:35)—and understanding their struggles without judging. He calls followers to "take up your cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24), meaning live like He did with kindness and patience.bibliaon+1

Key Commands to Love

The Bible repeats Jesus' words: Love your neighbor as yourself and even love enemies, praying for those who hurt you (Matthew 22:39, 5:44). This builds empathy—putting yourself in others' shoes, forgiving like Jesus forgave from the cross ("Father, forgive them" in Luke 23:34).ministry-to-children+1

Practical Christ-Like Traits

Paul lists fruits of God's Spirit in believers: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), all mirroring Jesus' caring heart. Stories like the Prodigal Son show God's understanding welcome for the lost, urging us to do the same without anger.[bibliaon]​

So if someone has read the bible hundreds of times yet still doesn't love other's or show others empathy would you think they understood the bible?

No, if someone has read the Bible hundreds of times but doesn't show love or empathy toward others, they likely haven't truly understood its core message.

Bible's Focus on Heart Change

Jesus warned that just knowing Scripture isn't enough—it's about letting it transform your actions and heart, like in Matthew 7:21 where He says not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter heaven, but those who obey. Reading alone can become head knowledge without life change, missing the call to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34).[bibliaon]​

True Understanding Bears Fruit

James 1:22 calls believers to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only," because faith without works—like empathy and kindness—is dead (James 2:17). The Bible measures grasp by fruit: if there's no compassion for the hurting or forgiveness like Christ's, it's like a tree with leaves but no fruit (Matthew 7:19-20).[bibliaon]​

God's Grace for Growth

Everyone falls short sometimes, but repeated reading should grow Christ-like traits over time through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Hypocrisy blocks blessing (Matthew 23), so real understanding leads to humble repentance and changed relationships.[bibliaon]​

This is exactly the reason I believe so many go to church just for appearance and possibly social status yet don't practice what they pretend to believe especially my family or most of it for sure.