Three-Point Response of Covering Vulnerability
How to respond when someone shares vulnerably: Identify, Affirm, and Share from your feelings or desires.
When you respond to a person’s vulnerability you don’t have to share all three points, and you don’t have to share in this order. The key is authentically and briefly sharing your heart.
IDENTIFY
Don’t start telling your story. In 2-3 sentences mention how you can relate?
“I can relate.” “My heart is breaking as I hear your story.” “I am deeply touched as I hear that.”
Purpose: Seek to cover fear that something is wrong with them; they are alone or the only one who has ever experienced this.
AFFIRM
“Thank you for sharing. That took a lot of courage.”
You might actually use touch if appropriate.
Purpose: By doing this you cover their fear of being rejected and left alone
SHARE FROM YOUR FEELINGS OR DESIRES
How are you affected by their sharing?
“Here’s how that impacts me .” “I am really struck by .” “I admire you; I am drawn to in you.”
Purpose: To build up, give courage, and to begin to reject lies believed
Brevity is important. The more you talk the greater the temptation to fall into telling instead of really sharing from your whole heart and the greater the chance your message will get lost.
This material is derived and from a larger comprehensive discipleship process known as the Battle for the Heart for Men and Women. This course is covered by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from Wellspring Group. © 2025 Wellspring Group. All Rights Reserved.