#851 - 3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PRESENCE A GIFT

LISTEN INTENTLY.

  • Pick up on emotions.

  • Be sensitive to feelings.

  • Ask follow up questions to understand better.

EMPATHIZE DEEPLY.

  • Enter into their world.

  • See life through their eyes.

  • Take on the feelings you would feel if you were in their situation.

RESPOND COMPASSIONATELY.

  • Use words to describe back to them how you are perceiving they feel.

  • Continue to ask questions to gain an even deeper understanding.

  • Encourage them with the type of encouragement they need to hear, not only the type you feel comfortable giving.

After 17+ years of marriage, 10+ years of pastoral ministry, and scores of counseling/shepherding conversations, I am convinced…

The more you approach a conversation with an intent to give rather than to get, the more the other person will receive.