So how do you explain the fact that I have empathy despite not following any scriptural guidelines?
Romans 2:14-15
New International Version
14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.
There is the basic moral law or the law written on the hearts that act within free will to try and restrain the humans evil desires.
But beyond the basics you learn from the Bible. Empathy may have you feel sad for a starving kitten but empathy may also have you feel sad for a pregnant woman who wants an abortion but can't get one. You feel empathy for the woman but lack empathy for the unborn child.
It isn't a concrete guide when humans are involved. Also you are taught on what is appropriate empathy.
Should you care more for a zoo gorilla or the child potentially about to be torn apart? Our society debated this.
Should you care for the life of the elderly or euthanize them when they get to be sick and weeks, months or a few years near the end of life? Our society debates this.
What is appropriate empathy? Some Islamic regions show empathy towards their own people but to others they are treated as property.
If you do not have a standard outside of yourself then everything is subjective. Especially if we are just survival of the fittest with no ultimate judge then who cares how I treat others as long as my desires are obtained.