Four Questions

A friend was telling me this afternoon how much he enjoys sitting down getting to know people by hearing their stories. I resonate with that, mostly because I am wired the same way.

As we were talking, I found myself thinking about the fact that, in general, most people enjoy getting to know others.  A youth ministry professor of mine in seminary, Dean Borgman, used to talk about the four questions that represent the stages of getting to know someone. Here they are:

• What’s up? (What’s going on in your life right now?)
• Where are you coming from? (What’s your story/history?)
• What are your dreams?, and
• How can I help you get there?

Those are great questions for any relationship, even if you don’t get past the first one for awhile.

Are we asking others about their stories or just viewing people as projects? Whether the context is business, friendship, or ministry--it doesn’t matter. These questions are the core of getting to know someone in order to explore the relationship. 

As Paul said in his first letter to Thessalonica: “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” (1 Thess. 2:8, NLT).

Sharing life out of love is a beautiful way to live.