Intentional Questions

LET’S ASK Intentional QUESTIONS

Jesus asked acutely “generous questions” that invite “honesty, dignity, and revelation” even today. Some of His questions might make us uncomfortable, and some might sting. Can you imagine Jesus asking those questions and the conversations they might spark as you walk down the hallway with Him, sit across the dinner table from Him, or share a cup of morning coffee with Him? Can you picture Him working beside you as you clean the house, weed the garden, or drive to the office?

What would faith look like if we asked generous questions like Jesus did? Would it help us understand others better? What might happen if we started to really listen instead of anticipating our response? If we sought to learn, instead of instruct? If we began to care more about the person we’re listening to than about our own opinion?

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when someone asked me what I thought and attended to my answer.”

Open, honest, and inquisitive questions:

• invite a response.
• draw others into a conversation.
• demonstrate a desire to understand someone’s perspective without judgment.
• increase understanding.
• grow empathy and compassion.
• strengthen relationships.
• deepen our faith.

God welcomes our authentic questions. When we’re open and transparent with God, our faith grows. Holy curiosity invites us to dig deeper into Scripture, exploring familiar details with fresh eyes. What might happen if we give ourselves permission to be curious, lean into wonder, and invite others to connect through thoughtful and intentional questions?

Let’s embrace a new year filled with questions as we grow in grace, mercy, and peace.

SHARE INTENTIONAL QUESTIONS

We’ve made it easy! Below, you’ll find six of our question guides, which you can email, text, or message to someone you know. Start with one person and see where God leads.

Not sure how to begin? Start with the words, “I received this post filled with interesting questions.” Add one of the bulleted sentences below or write your own, and include the link to this post.

• Let’s pick a guide to talk about and ask each other the questions.
• I’d love it if you’d be my accountability partner, helping me focus on asking questions.
• I’d like the chance to get to know you better and asking questions sounds like a great place to start.
• I’d be grateful if we could talk about some of the things that divide us, using one of these guides to help us find common ground and what connects us.

Have fun with the questions. Let them lead you into interesting conversations, and remember that listening intently is one of the most beautiful ways we can love one another.