Sympathy versus Empathy

Empathy is different from sympathy. Empathy involves listening; sympathy involves reacting. When we empathize with others, we understand their feelings without getting involved in them. When we sympathize with others, however, we identify with their feelings to the point where we take on their pain. The empathetic person asks questions; the sympathetic person may be moved to offer advice and solutions rather than allowing others to come to their own realizations. We are not meant to suffer when other do; their suffering can aid their growth. But we are meant to be there for others with a loving and supportive heart. The highest gift we can give others in a chance to express themselves at and to reach their own-not our- conclusion.

Sympathy = Enable

Empathy = Empower

When I am sympathetic:

When I am empathetic:

I feel responsible for others.

I Fix

Protect

Rescue

Control

Carry their feelings

Don’t listen

I feel… Tired

Anxious

Fearful

Liable

I feel responsible to others.

I show Empathy

Respect

I Listen

Encourage

Confront

Am at their level

Am sensitive

I feel…Relaxed

Free

Aware

High self-esteem

I am a manipulator.

I am concerned with:

The solution

Answers

Details

Being right

Performance

Circumstances

I am a helper-guide.

I am concerned with:

The person

Feelings

Relating person to person

I believe if I just share myself, the other person has enough to make it.

I expect the person to live up to my expectations.

I can’t let go.

I expect the person to be responsible for himself and his own actions.

I can trust and let go.

The First Responders to the First Responders
6 Things to be Aware of
By Sacramento Area Fire Chaplaincy

Chaplains are the trench workers of any firefighter ministry and are therefore the ones who need to be tough and ready to face the “real world” head on. If you are sensitive, why or don’t like “pure reality” you are probably not called to be a chaplain.
Are you called? The word is what it implies. IF you think you might like to be a chaplain, or someone said you be a good one; or if you are among the curious who want to know what it’s like out there, you are probably not “called”. When you start seeking God’s direction for your life, and if everything in you tells you must become a chaplain and do this work, you are most likely called. Pray and when you have done that pray some more. Only the Lord can give us direction for some of the situations we will face.
Remember- Firefighters need to have closure on each traumatic call, no matter how tough or indifferent they may act. If you show up and care for the victims after they are gone, that’s closure, no matter if they want to admit or not. Leaving the scene not knowing the victims are housed, fed, and clothed, arrangements are made for the deceased will give fire personnel a very empty feeling. Ask someone who has had to do it. The job is not complete when the final details are dangling and undone. Firefighters like things complete. We are the vehicles that do that.
You are important- You need to take a good look at your self in the mirror on a regular basis. Are you surprised at who you see looking back? If you don’t recognize that person you are not taking care of you. Compassion fatigue is a very subtle and insidious thing. It will bite you when you least expect it. Know the symptoms and nay of the too’s- to hungry, tired, thirsty, alone, away from family too long. Many others are included in this as you may already know.
You have a home and a family. Don’t neglect your family responsibilities for the sake of the “ministry”. You will pay for it. There are as many divorces, separations, child behavioral problems in ministry as there are in secular life. Be warned! Get away when necessary, before you come apart. By the way, Jesus did!
It is always about them, never about you. You are important , but when all is said and done given what the victim is experiencing you are always there to serve. They are the reason we are there, whether that is a firefighter or the victim of a fire call. Remember that you can’t share until they you care!

Disclaimer: Websites and links listed on this site are not necessarily affiliated with Firefighter Ministries and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Firefighter Ministries, The Ultimate Firehouse, its staff, or the Web Master. Site content has been viewed for its quality so that all people may enjoy this site. If for any reason you come upon a site that is directly linked to this site that do not reflect the good intentions of this site or you find offending please email the webmaster at fnffm@firefighterministries.org Please Report any dead links.

Disclaimer: All original photographs, graphics, logos, columns, writings, departments, and divisions of this website are the sole trademarked, copy-writed, and intellectual property of Firefighter Ministries and any and all unauthorized use of the contents, both in direct and indirect forms is strictly prohibited, unless express written permission is obtained from one or both of the executives of this organization.

Disclaimer: It is not the intention of Firefighter Ministries to solicit in any state, area, or locale where this is prohibited. Neither this website, nor the information within it, should be, or is intended to be viewed as such.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Nothing contained on this web site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care professional.