One of the things that stood out to me from Donna’s message was an encouragement to be curious in our faith.
In one of my counseling courses called Skills Labs, we were taught the idea of being “compassionately curious.” Whenever we got stuck in a mock therapy session, we were reminded to be compassionately curious.
For most novice therapists or therapists in training like myself, we tend to gravitate towards identifying the problem and come up with possible solutions when client’s first come into therapy. Although this requires some form of curiosity, it often does not result in lasting results because we don’t know the full extent of the situation or circumstance in the first session as well as addressing many of the factors that may need to be considered.
When we think we know the answer or have a solution to the presenting issues, we no longer become compassionately curious.
Being compassionately curious allows you to go deeper than what is being presented to you and opens up the door of possibilities that you may have not considered initially.
Being compassionately curious can help us live out Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
– Proverbs 3:5-6
Donna gave examples of what it looked like to be curious with the young adults she spoke to. Simply asking them why they liked what they liked opened the doors for connection and gave a deeper meaning to what they were sharing.
I believe this is a useful tool for every season in our life. Whether you are looking to build a deeper connection with a spouse, friend or family member, being compassionately curious might be what you need in your interactions with one another.
In a season of Patient Endurance, we can fall into the trap of problem solving and taking things for face values as well as making assumptions based on what we perceive. However, I believe God wants us to be compassionately curious with Him. Don’t just look at a difficult situation as a difficult situation, but seek the Lord in your suffering. Not with the intent to find a solution, but to hear what God has to say about it.
For example:
I wonder what God is doing? What do you want me to know about you at this moment? What do you want to tell me about me? How should I respond to this? How would you respond to this? Why is this bothering me? Why am I feeling this tension now?
My prayer is that we would be compassionately curious as to what God is saying and doing in our lives when we go through our day to day living. May we develop a heart of compassion for one another and foster curiosity in both our relationship with God and others. With the help and guidance of your Holy Spirit, we pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen!