The path that Jesus took to Galilee on one particular day was one that was not often taken because it required that you pass through Samaria.
There was no love lost between the Jews and the Samaritans. But on this particular occasion a divine appointment was set, which was the meeting of a Samaritan woman of questionable moral character. Her reputation among her own people so stained that she had to go alone to draw water.
Jesus, knowing of this woman’s life’s choices, was intentional in meeting her there at the well to share his blessed gospel with her. The outcome of this divine encounter resulted in salvation, not only for her, but for many in her community.
How many times do we hear of someone making poor decisions that result in sin, and shun them? How many people stand at the end of our pointed fingers when we ourselves have sin that has not been dealt with?
As followers of Christ, we must emulate the character of Christ. We are his disciples and must act accordingly. As disciples, we are to see people and situations through his eyes and have compassion.
No, we do not avoid speaking the truth in love, but truth without love is a clanging cymbal.
“Jesus answered, Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 Tim Wardell, Pastor Gordon Church of God