It's easy to think that some people are empathetic while others are not. And it's true that empathy comes more instinctively to some than others. But did you know that Jesus created your brain for empathy? This means that all of us naturally long to share the experience of being seen and known by God and each other.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the gift of mirror neurons — brain cells that help us "feel with" those around us. You'll learn how to partner with Jesus to reflect the thoughts and feelings of others back to them by asking curious questions, attuning to their emotions, and being a warm presence.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks
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21:56
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21:56
You Were Made for Deeper Love
Research shows that only 36% of people can identify their emotions as they're experiencing them. Yet learning to feel and share authentically is the path to closeness and connection. This means your emotions and experiences (even the painful ones) are actually invitations to be deeply loved by God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks to celebrate the launch of Bill and Kristi's new book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. They share wisdom on empathy that will help your relationships grow in intimacy, depth, and health. Plus you'll hear how you can enter to win a free copy of Deeply Loved.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouEnter to win a free copy of Deeply LovedMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks
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25:58
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25:58
Does Empathy Reinforce Sin?
Some Christians are skeptical about empathy, mistakenly assuming that it coddles others and reinforces sinful behavior. Yet genuine empathy (even when we sin) helps us understand our struggles and strengthens us to grow in Christlikeness. Thankfully, loving and healthy empathy is modeled all over the Bible and not only comforts us but leads us toward truth and responsibility.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi address concerns you might hear about empathy in some Christian circles. You'll discover fresh insights from the empathy scriptures they teach in their new book, Deeply Loved, and learn the importance of holding others in God's empathy while the Spirit draws them toward transformation.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks
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20:39
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20:39
From Detached to Deeply Loved
Many people are "thinkers" and "doers" whose natural tendency is to analyze their emotions and those of others. It's certainly true that reason and action are valuable parts of being human. But getting stuck in your head leaves you detached and lonely. Thankfully you can learn to feel and heal with Jesus and others.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the importance of empathy for everybody as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. Your connection with Jesus and others will grow as you discover that you can feel and share your emotions instead of judging them. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorWatch Soul Talks on YoutubeDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks
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23:52
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23:52
From "Too Sensitive" to Deeply Loved
Are your big feelings misunderstood by others? All of us have tender parts of ourselves that long for a safe place to call home. Sadly, it's easy for sensitivity to get rejected as "too emotional" or "unbiblical." Yet Jesus the Feeler welcomes our emotions and cares for us in his empathetic love.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the God-given need to be seen, known, and understood as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. You'll experience freedom from the shame placed on emotions as you learn how your feelings actually draw you deeper into Jesus’ heart. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction
It's easy to be so busy that your soul gets neglected. As Doctors of Psychology we help you thrive with Jesus in life, love, and leadership. Soul Talks is sponsored by Soul Shepherding, a nonprofit ministry to pastors, leaders, and all kinds of people who serve the Lord.