Accountability: The Mark of a Wise and Protected Leader
Josh was slowly crumbling under a steady barrage of criticism. For a few weeks after he began as pastor, the people at his new church seemed friendly and supportive. But Josh soon discovered that many of them were perpetually dissatisfied. They constantly questioned his leadership and complained about weak sermons, unmet needs, or a lack […]
Where Sorrow Begins
C. H. Spurgeon wrote, “Where self begins, sorrow begins.” That’s a diagnosis that explains most of my unhappy moments. Angry? Usually because I am not getting what I want. Resentful? Someone didn’t treat me the way I think they should. Self-pity? People just don’t appreciate me. Bitter? I can’t believe that she, of all people, […]
Raising Empathetic Children
My daughter was sitting on the floor in my study crying softly. Megan had been sharing a sad story with me, and her emotions overflowed in tears. Her two-year-old son, Andrew, was playing in his room nearby. When he heard his mother crying, he pulled some tissues from a Kleenex box, walked into my study, […]
Seven Steps to Empathy
Without empathy, it’s hard to have real relationship. The good news is that since each of us is made in the image of God, we have a natural capacity for developing and exercising God-like empathy. Are you practicing this marvelous gift in your life? If not, here is an acrostic that can help you become […]
Gospel Promise List
As of August 8, 2014 (please send suggested additions to [email protected]) “God has given you a priceless gift: eternal life through Jesus Christ” (Rom. 6:23). “The Lord set his love on you before he even created the world … so it obviously has nothing to do with your earning it” (Eph. 1:4). “God’s love and […]
Three Examples of Empathy
(Note: this blog post has been combined with a previous post in this article, which I recommend you read instead.) Would you like to deepen your capacity for empathy? Then watch these three short video clips and ask God to help you imitate what you see. As you watch each clip, continually ask yourself, “What […]
The Who, Why and How of Empathy
“What is the biblical model, motive, and method for empathy and compassion?” That’s the question I asked last week as we began our study of these two relational qualities. This week I’m going to let you to answer these questions for yourself. Before doing so, let’s review two definitions: Empathy is generally defined as the […]
The Empathy of a Dog
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] I recently asked my wife who demonstrates empathy more consistently: me or our dog, Dawson. Without hesitation she said, “Dawson.” She gently added, “There are times when you show wonderful empathy. […]
Answers to the Quiz
Last week I posted an RW Quiz based on a short video clip about a woman in Thailand who was dying of cancer. I was impressed by the many insightful answers I received. The only problem was that I had a difficult time selecting the best answers … there were so many good ones from […]
Ready for an RW Quiz?
Today you can test your relational wisdom. All you have to do is watch a three minute video clip and answer three questions. You can keep your answers to yourself, or you can email them to me for a chance to win a $150 scholarship for training as an Approved RW Presenter or Certified RW […]