Counseled - Facilitating ChangeSample

The first key counseling skill is Empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand things from the other person’s point of view. Often times, Jesus was able to connect with people in a way that was deep and focused. He was able to empathize with them. He was able to see another person from their own perspective (situation, family, abilities). To put it more simply, he was able to walk in their shoes and understand their pain. This is hard thing to do in a world where people choose comfort and convenience over connection on a deeper level.

The most empathizing thing that God ever did was to send His own son to take on the form of a human being, so that He could relate to them on an intimate level. You could almost say that Jesus wore human skin, so He could feel human pain. We also see Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb because He felt Mary and Martha’s pain. The Bible talks about Jesus being moved with compassion when He saw the crowds that flocked to Him out of their own need.

People who had conversations with Jesus always came away feeling heard and understood. A facilitative leader who empathizes is able to hear and understand people better because they are able to see beyond themselves and into someone else’s situation.

To Think Through:

As a leader, do I serve in a way that makes people feel like they are completely heard?

Do I jump to conclusions without trying to understand a person from their perspective?

Am I able to see beyond myself and see through someone else’s eyes?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, 

Help me to go beyond myself and take time to view the people placed under my care for who they are. Open my eyes to understand their perspective.

In Jesus Name, Amen.