The Gift of Empathy

by Kenneth C. Haugk, Joel P. Bretscher

Imagine a world where everyone’s go-to way of relating is empathy. That’s the world The Gift of Empathy aims to make a reality, equipping readers to relate in empathetic ways that make a difference in peoples’ lives.
The Gift of Empathy takes a fresh look at this important skill, examining what empathy is and isn’t, offering practical guidance for empathizing well, and showing how to respond with empathy in all kinds of situations and settings. With ready-to-use principles and a rich selection of real-life stories, this book will empower you to better understand, connect with, and emphasize with family, friends, co-workers, and others you may relate to.
By putting the ideas in the book into action and sharing the gift of empathy, you can enjoy more meaningful connections in all areas of your life.

Genres: Christian

170 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I used to think that, to be a good friend, I needed to cheer people up and make them feel better. But over the years I’ve learned that what people need most when they’re struggling is a chance to talk things through with someone who will listen, feel and try to understand.” Pg. 107

An easy read with many examples on being empathetic. This book could be helpful for any relationship and showed me how to better love family and friends.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenneth Haugk began the Stephen Ministry in 1975, and it is successfully used in churches throughout the United States and internationally. As a Stephen Minister, I am familiar with the program that trains lay members of a congregation to listen one-on-one in a confidential setting with people going through a challenge or crisis. Stephen Ministers are extensively trained and also meet in supervision with other Stephen Ministers to ensure that the relationship stays on track. When we begin a training program, we look for people who are compassionate, caring and able to provide spiritual support when needed. This book is a guide to the people called to be Stephen Ministers. Empathy differs from sympathy when people truly listen and understand what is needed. If everyone practiced empathy, the world would know peace.

[Kelly Howe · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 rating.
Empathy -
* Experiencing: Set aside, put yourself in their shoes, listen carefully)
* Expressing: understand their feelings, as follow up/clarifying questions

w/ children:
* stuffed dog story (Team Magdalene - it’s what we do)

w/ parents:
* Did you want to go to college?
* Didn’t have a good home life growing up… got married to get away…

w/ siblings:
* after … for divorced, moved away and pretty much dropped off the radar. … self imposed exile was due to deep guilt, embarrassment and shame…

Liked the little stories/examples (reminded me of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books)

Ch17: process/results
* if someone is concerned w/ getting results, this shifts to them (selfish) vs person they’re talking to and feels (un)authentic!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wherever we might be in our ability to empathize, we always have room to grow. We can continue to become even more empathetic. As we integrate empathy into our daily life, it will become easier and more gratifying”. This is from the author right out of the book and it is so true. I have a lot of empathy maybe too much but I’ve been practicing to be a better listener practicing some of the advice and it’s made my life easier, specially talking to some of my family members. I was at Stephen’s Minister but our church gave it up so now I am in St. Vincent de Paul and talking to the homeless, this book has really helped me.

[Binu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting to know how some people soothe and calm people in distress, I gave this book a read.

The crux of the book for me: Empathy = Feeling other's pain + communicating how the other person feels + having hold of oneself with boundaries

Numerous anecdotes help the reader see empathy in action and aid in their practice. Most important of all, it's learnable with practice and patience.

[Daniel Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! This one's packed with some amazing examples of what it looks like to be empathetic and love others as they're going through hard times. I'd recommend it to basically everyone, even if it's just by skimming a few chapters here and there.

[Jessy Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

i suffer with wanting to "fix" everyone, thats not my job, and often having that mentality actually hurts the person who is trying to connect with me and vent their problems. We have been studying this book in Bible Study, and it has truly changed how I approach conversations now.

[Dan Gabree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and good examples and stories that provide a guide of how to help others. Well worth reading.

[Cecil New · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic and practical book to help one implement providing empathy to those you interact with. I also appreciate that they highlight giving oneself grace as you learn and grow.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason I shy away from giving books a 5 star rating. It is hard to define a book that is that good in a genre.

This book is one of those that earns a 5 star.

[Carie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of thought provoking views that opened my eyes to empathizing with others in a better way.

[MomofTeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of my Stephen Ministry training and it is lovely!

[Patti Victorson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, practical guidance how to respond with empathy in all kinds of situations and settings