Listen

Jesus had to go through Samaria. He came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was near the land Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was tired from his journey, so he sat down at the well. It was about noon.

A Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me some water to drink.” His disciples had gone into the city to buy him some food.

The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.)

John 4:4-9

Think

If you aren’t alone at home right now, look about you and take notice of another person nearby. What do you notice about them?

Chances are, you noticed at least a few pieces of their visual identity that differ from your own. You thought “I’m _____ (this way), and they look different, so they must be _____ (that way).”

Even since the time of Jesus, we know that’s been the basic human reaction when we encounter someone different from us. “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” Maybe it sounds more like “You’re a smart kid, and I act a little crazy – how can you ask me for help?” Or, “I’m athletic, and you’re not, why are you even trying?”

When we start from a point of difference, we can lose our chance to love like God. Where might you set aside difference today and see God and your neighbor more fully?

Daniel Potter

Pray

You’ve made each person unique, O God, but you’ve also made us all so similar. We are all beloved by you and called to share your love in this world. Help me to focus on this opportunity today – to spread your love in each thing I do – more than I consider my differences from others. Amen.

Go

Guide me in your love today, O God.

Awaken my mind,

Strengthen my feet,

Empower my heart,

Enliven my spirit.

Lead me in the way of Jesus!

Amen.