Test your caring skills with

The 7 Essentials for Caring That Makes a Difference.

Instructions:  For each question, rate yourself from 1 (Rarely) to 5 (Consistently). After each section, reflect and write down one growth step. If you want to grow your skills reply to me with me or one of my team.
 
 Essential – The Nature to Care

• I regularly engage in spiritual practices that fill my heart (e.g., prayer, worship, Scripture).                 ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• My care for others flows from a spiritually full heart. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I recognize when I’m spiritually empty and take steps to be replenished. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
  

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Essential – A Focus on Others

• I intentionally notice people around me who may need care. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I try to learn others’ stories and understand their background. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I use reminders or habits that help me focus on others. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Essential – Your Presence

• I give people my full attention when they are speaking. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I remove distractions (e.g., phone, multitasking) when caring for someone. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• My calm and empathetic presence brings comfort to others. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Essential – Extreme Listening

• I let others finish their thoughts without interrupting. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I ask open-ended questions that invite deeper sharing. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I reflect or summarize what others say to show understanding. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Essential – Patient Persistence

• I remain available even when progress is slow or invisible. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I check in regularly with those I care for over time. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I do not give up on difficult or draining care relationships. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Essential – Maintain Safeguards

• I keep confidences and do not share private information. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I know and maintain healthy emotional and relational boundaries. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I seek help or accountability when care situations become difficult. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Essential – Be Ready

• I recognize opportunities to care in my daily routines. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I keep space in my schedule and heart to respond when needed. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
• I respond promptly and compassionately when someone needs care. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
 
 

Final Reflection

Recently, which skill has most benefited you in relating to someone?

_____________________________________________________

What skill do you most need to improve?

_____________________________________________________

How will you address that need?

_____________________________________________________

A prayer for God to fill me with His love so I care as He does.

"Almighty God, my Father, I call upon You and request of You that Your live may be found in me Your servant. I know not ow to love as I ought; but You who are Love can reveal it unto me. Show me the way to Love. Amen."

From Disciplines for the Inner Life, Benson & Benson, p. 327