The second session of the Living in Community series at Piedmont Park SDA Church, presented by Dr. Tanya R. Cochran of Union Adventist University, continued to offer valuable insights into how believers can care for themselves and others more intentionally in 2025. With a focus on strengthening relationships and healing from conflict, the series blends academic research with biblical wisdom to help faith communities grow in love and unity.
This session focused on three essential interpersonal skills: empathy, compassion, and respect. While often overlooked, these skills are key to building trust, understanding others, and navigating life together as Christ calls us to.
Dr. Cochran began with a reminder that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She revisited the previous session’s emphasis on self-compassion, encouraging participants to be gentle with themselves, especially during difficult moments, and to reflect God’s grace in how they think and speak to themselves.
From there, the group explored empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share in someone else’s feelings. Through discussion and a short video by researcher Brené Brown, participants reflected on how empathy creates connection, while sympathy can sometimes lead to distance. Church-related examples—like walking with someone through loss or hardship—highlighted how empathy draws us closer and reminds others they are not alone.
Building on that foundation, the session moved into compassion—described as “empathy in action.” Dr. Cochran pointed to the many times Jesus was “moved with compassion” in the Gospels and invited the group to consider how Christ’s love led Him not only to feel but to heal, feed, comfort, and restore. The word “compassion” itself, rooted in the Hebrew word for “womb,” evokes a deep, nurturing response—something believers are called to imitate.
Finally, the group examined respect—not just as politeness, but as honoring the God-given dignity in every person. Respect involves listening deeply, setting aside judgment, and being willing to learn from each other’s experiences. Participants were challenged to apply the words of 1 Corinthians 13 to how they relate not just to friends and family, but to those who think or live differently.
The session concluded with a practical tool called Friend-to-Friend Process, a structured way to support someone facing a challenge without becoming overwhelmed or over-involved. Attendees also learned about the HURIER model of listening—Hearing, Understanding, Remembering, Interpreting, Evaluating, and Responding—as a way to show respect and care in everyday conversations.
This session reminded participants that while these interpersonal skills are not always easy, they are central to how we live out our faith. When we learn to extend the same grace, love, and compassion that Christ offers us, we build healthier, more Christlike communities.
Upcoming Sessions:
Presented by Dr. Tanya R. Cochran
Communication and English, Union Adventist University
For the Piedmont Park SDA Church
