Empathy is often misunderstood, even maligned. But the truth is—it's one of the most powerful ways to experience healthier emotions and stronger relationships. True empathy isn't about coddling or rescuing; it's about understanding and care that respects God's truth and empowers personal responsibility.

Today on the 4:13, Bill and Kristi Gaultiere share biblical and psychological insights into what empathy really is. You'll discover what Scripture says about empathy, how Jesus models it, and why showing empathy to yourself isn't selfish, but essential. You'll also get practical steps for growing in empathy toward others and learn how receiving empathy can transform your walk with God.

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People are hurting on a scale we've never seen before. They're dealing with an onslaught of issues like anxiety, grief, mental health struggles, and family troubles. Pastors and counselors want to help, but they've become inundated and can't meet every need.

It's a crisis that's expected to only become worse.

But what if the church stepped in? What if the body of Christ could bring healing to the hurting and take a load off of the already too-busy pastor and counselor?

Well, today on the 4:13, author and social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn shares a brilliant way for everyday people of faith to care for one another. You'll learn how to come alongside the hurting with empathy and grace, how to step into opportunities without burning out, and how your church can become a place where people don't just hear about hope, but experience it.

We may not all be licensed, professional counselors, but we do have something to offer, and it's much simpler than you may think!

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/376

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When you've been hurt or let down, or when you've failed over and over, it's easy to be way too hard on yourself and others. Maybe you've struggled to forgive yourself if you've blown it, or you can't forgive others if they have.

But my friend, there's hope! The gospel is anchored in grace, which means you can forgive others AND be gentle with yourself.

Today on the 4:13, author and pastor Micah E. Davis will reframe your understanding of forgiveness, distinguishing the practice of forgiveness from the difficult process it requires. He'll unpack why forgiveness isn't easy, how to move forward when the pain feels too deep to let go, and steps you can take to live in the freedom Christ offers.

So, if forgiveness feels out of reach—whether it's because you don't know how or because you simply don't want to—this conversation will give you the clarity and hope you need to take the next step toward peace, healing, and grace.

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/375

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Do you ever feel like the problems in our world are just too big for you to make a difference?

Well, today on the 4:13, former Ohio governor and presidential candidate John Kasich will tell you why that's simply not true! Drawing from his own faith journey and years of public service, John shares how faith communities have incredible potential to bring hope and healing—even in a divided culture.

Through real-life stories and practical encouragement, you'll discover ways to move past cynicism, engage with your church or community, and take simple steps that truly matter. Because you really can make a difference, and it all begins with living out your faith right where you are.

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/374

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Do you ever feel paralyzed when making decisions—especially when it's one that's really important? You just want to be sure you're making the right choice. But how do you know? And what if you're wrong?

Oh friend, I get it! Decision-making can be overwhelming, especially when paired with lots of uncertainty. But today, you're going to learn that you can make faithful, God-honoring decisions, regardless of how high the stakes.

Author Katie M. Reid joins us to explore the book of Judges—specifically the time of Deborah and the early judges—to give you confidence in making wise decisions. She'll unpack six biblical principles you can apply no matter what choices you face, and she'll help you find peace in making decisions, even when you don't have all the answers.

So, if you've been second-guessing your decisions or wrestling with what God is calling you to do, listen in! This conversation will give you both wisdom and courage for the journey ahead.

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/373

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Have you ever wrestled with doubt and wondered if it meant your faith was slipping away? You're not alone! When we find ourselves torn between faith and uncertainty, it's easy to feel disappointed, disillusioned, and distant from God.

But what if doubt isn't a threat to your faith? What if it's an invitation to a deeper relationship with God?

Today on the 4:13, Niki Hardy will help you shift your perspective on doubt. She'll invite you to trade your need for certainty for the security of relationship, and she'll give you a simple, four-step conversation guide to help you bring your questions honestly before God in prayer.

You'll discover doubt doesn't have to be your faith's kryptonite! Oh no, it can be its superpower!

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/372

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Does it ever seem like your thoughts have a mind of their own? Persistent negative thinking, anxiety spirals, or lingering offenses can quickly take over if you don't know how to stop them. But here's the good news—you can take control of your thoughts, and God has already given you the tools to do it.

Pastor Kyle Idleman joins me on the 4:13 and shares how brain science and Scripture agree that we must pause and think about what we're thinking about. But we can't stop there! We have to clean out that thought closet!

So today, Kyle will teach you how to take every thought captive, silence the lies and replace them with the truth, and break down the destructive mental strongholds that keep you stuck.

Whether it's anxiety, anger, fear, insecurity, or even the occasional racing mind you're dealing with, listen in! This conversation will give you a practical, hope-filled path to renewing your mind.

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/371

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Have you ever noticed that even when your body is still, your mind is still racing? Worry, distractions, and endless to-do lists often crowd out the quiet we long for—and can make prayer feel impossible.

But what if there was a way to experience both peace in your mind and presence in prayer?

In this episode, author Jennifer Tucker invites us into the practice of meditation—Christian meditation where you focus on God's Word, become attentive to His presence, and renew your mind by filling your thoughts with His truth.

Not only does Jennifer share the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of meditation, but she'll also set you up with a simple, practical framework to get started. Plus, she'll help you recognize how to know if you're truly hearing from God as you listen for His voice through prayer.

My friend, if you've ever struggled to still your mind—or if prayer feels more like a duty than a delight—this conversation will encourage and equip you. You'll come away with the first steps to cultivate a more purposeful, peaceful prayer life, and with it, deeper intimacy with God.

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/370

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In a world that's hyper-focused on hustle and productivity, many of us have been taught that our worth is tied to what we do. But what if being is more valuable than doing?

Today on the 4:13, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith—physician, spiritual mentor, and coach—shares how to embrace a life rooted not in performance but in stillness, rest, and your God-given identity. With warmth and wisdom, she offers both scientific insight and biblical truth to help you separate the worth of what you do from the infinite worth of who you are.

You'll discover the connection between mental clarity and stillness, practical ways to build a "rest ethic," and how to break the cycle of doing. Plus, you'll learn how to recognize the warning signs of fear-based living so you can find the courage to be vulnerable and take risks.

If you've ever struggled to rest or to stop proving yourself, this conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that you are already fully known, deeply loved, and free to just "be."

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/369

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Life has a way of throwing us into seasons we never saw coming—career changes, shifting relationships, or even that vague sense that what used to work just doesn't anymore. In these moments, it's easy to feel disoriented, like success is slipping further and further out of reach.

But what if these unsettling moments are actually fertile ground for something beautiful?

Today on the 4:13, Levi Lusko talks about how to navigate these spiraling seasons with faith and courage. He shares honest stories, biblical wisdom, and practical rhythms to help you pause, gain perspective, and discover that even the hardest transitions can become blessings in disguise.

You'll discover how new seasons require new strategies, why growth often comes through struggle, and how to give yourself grace along the way.

So, whether you're in your twenties and questioning your direction, or you're well into your golden years and wondering what's next, this conversation will help you trade in those old definitions of success and embrace the circumstances that don't yet make sense.

SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/368

Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes.

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