1 Response to Watch “Why Empathy Is Not the Best Way to Care | Paul Bloom” on YouTube

1. Anthony Sytsma says:

   January 20, 2017 at 5:14 am

   Seems somewhat convincing. But then again Jesus says to mourn with those who mourn. Maybe it depends on the situation. Of course we want doctors to have more distance and not be an emotional wreck along with us. But a spouse, we want them to share our experiences and emotions. Perhaps as pastors, we need to be somewhat in the middle of those two. Empathizing, and bearing the burdens of our congregation (But giving those burdens over to God so we are not destroyed by that emotional weight), and then also keeping some distance, so that we can appropriately guide, comfort, rebuke, share from God’s Word, etc. If we are calm and assured in God’s Love and Word, it will help others to be so as well, rather than if we are an emotional wreck along with them.

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