Community Wesleyan Church Newark
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what is empathy?
its great to feel heard.  its better to feel understood.  its best to share empathy.  when we are heard, it means that the things we say are being received and considered.  when we are understood, the things we say are recognized and known.  when we receive empathy, we know that the person in front of us is sharing in our experience.  empathy is the sharing of an experience in an emotional depth that requires hearing, understanding and humility.  I hear you.  i understand you.  in my humility, i identify with your situation emotionally and personally.

empathy is the connection between us.  our brains are wired to empathize with the people around us.  if we are humble enough to remain sensitive to each other experiences, we will open ourselves to the possibility of empathy.  in our empathic connection, we will be able to see, feel and think on behalf of someone else.  as they endure, we feel their endurance.  as they suffer, we feel their pain.  in their triumph, we feel their joy.

when someone in a small group feels that they have the empathy of other members, there is no greater warmth!  empathized people can resolve, "They are with me."  if we want to empathize, we need to go a step further than hearing and step further than understanding.  Empathy enters in.
A group without EMPATHY
How do I know if my group lacks EMPATHY?
  • faces are often bewildered, confused or dismissive
  • when someone shares something heavy, the group moves on
  • there's an increasing reluctance to "burden" the group
  • there's an acceptability to dealing with things alone
leading in EMPATHY
Empathy does not grow on accident.  if your small group struggles in this area, a plan is needed.  While the four training areas will be helpful in the long run, here are some quick ideas:
  • ask follow up questions to go deeper
  • express your listening visibly through facial, posture and verbal cues
  • validate shared experiences by identifying with them
  • express caring empathy by following up a week later
Other characteristics of intimacy relationships

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​161 Myrtle Ave, Newark, OH 43055
​740.366.4220
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  • About
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