Empathy > Sympathy
October 31, 2023
As Growth Group leaders, we are called to have empathy for those in our groups by having “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another” (Colossians 3:12-13).
Would others use these words to describe you?
Would others use these words to describe you?
Sympathy and empathy are not the
same.
Sympathy is feeling emotion for someone. Empathy is feeling the emotion of someone.
Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone. Empathy is feeling the sorrow of someone.
Sympathy feels bad about another’s circumstance. Empathy enters into one another’s experience.
In some ways, sympathy hinders empathy. As Growth Group leaders, we are called to have empathy for those in our groups by having “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another” (Colossians 3:12-13). Would others use these words to describe you?
We all suffer in many ways. Our struggles might be different, but our struggle is the same. Through empathy we enter into suffering and struggles to understand before speaking, to feel before fixing, to groan before guiding.
To become like Jesus and to lead like Jesus requires that we grow in empathy. Jesus had empathy for people. He had empathy for the culture and the crowds, but He also had empathy for individual people. And Jesus has empathy for us.
When we have empathy for others, we become like Jesus and thus become more effective as leaders. Empathy is both an attitude and an action. Grow in your empathy for others - in your group, in your family, with others - at our Care + Counsel training this Saturday!
Our Care + Counsel training is revised and expanded! It is on Saturday, November 4 from 8:30-Noon. This interactive training is for all types of Growth Group leaders and Care Center team members. Even if you have attended before, we encourage you to participate again as there are always ways for us to grow in these important areas.
Through teaching, role playing, and group discussion, you will discover how to CARE.
Connect - with empathy, through questions, by listening.
Assess - spiritual condition, heart issues, SOS.
Respond - with hope, grace, and truth.
Encourage - a next step, prayer together, a care plan.
This practical training will help you be a more effective Growth Group leader as well as a better spouse, parent, friend, and coworker. Breakfast and resources are provided. Register here today so we can plan accordingly.
Let us know if we can care or pray for you!
Sympathy is feeling emotion for someone. Empathy is feeling the emotion of someone.
Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone. Empathy is feeling the sorrow of someone.
Sympathy feels bad about another’s circumstance. Empathy enters into one another’s experience.
In some ways, sympathy hinders empathy. As Growth Group leaders, we are called to have empathy for those in our groups by having “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another” (Colossians 3:12-13). Would others use these words to describe you?
We all suffer in many ways. Our struggles might be different, but our struggle is the same. Through empathy we enter into suffering and struggles to understand before speaking, to feel before fixing, to groan before guiding.
To become like Jesus and to lead like Jesus requires that we grow in empathy. Jesus had empathy for people. He had empathy for the culture and the crowds, but He also had empathy for individual people. And Jesus has empathy for us.
When we have empathy for others, we become like Jesus and thus become more effective as leaders. Empathy is both an attitude and an action. Grow in your empathy for others - in your group, in your family, with others - at our Care + Counsel training this Saturday!
Our Care + Counsel training is revised and expanded! It is on Saturday, November 4 from 8:30-Noon. This interactive training is for all types of Growth Group leaders and Care Center team members. Even if you have attended before, we encourage you to participate again as there are always ways for us to grow in these important areas.
Through teaching, role playing, and group discussion, you will discover how to CARE.
Connect - with empathy, through questions, by listening.
Assess - spiritual condition, heart issues, SOS.
Respond - with hope, grace, and truth.
Encourage - a next step, prayer together, a care plan.
This practical training will help you be a more effective Growth Group leader as well as a better spouse, parent, friend, and coworker. Breakfast and resources are provided. Register here today so we can plan accordingly.
Let us know if we can care or pray for you!