Have you had people share with you their stories of great heartache and loss? How do you respond? One approach is to share your own story as an expression of empathy, but be very careful in how you go about this. What is your motive in sharing? Is it to identify with the other person in the solidarity of suffering or is it to tell a better story and shift the focus to your own pain? This leads to an escalating game of ‘Can You Top This?’. There are times to be meek and humble and remain silent about your own pain, or to present it in such a way that it gives life and comfort to others.
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How to Hear God's Voice!