Meeting People Where They Are

John 4: 28-29
So the woman left her water jar and went away into the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’

I like this interaction between Jesus and the women at the well. Jesus certainly had the gift of meeting people where they were and engaging with them in love and truth. This Samaritan women was shunned by her own community (hence her collection of water in the midday heat), yet Jesus used her to spread his message. 

He did not ask her to come to him, whilst he sat in the shade. He was also not at all bothered about his ‘reputation’ in talking to such a woman. He just went to where she was, and they chatted.

This is one of many examples in the New Testament of how Jesus, interacted with people - in fact it became his thing…to meet with people where they were and to share his love and message. 

We are called to do the same, to meet people where they are and share the love of God. This will mean different things to different people. It could be your workplace, your family, friends, people you see whilst out shopping. But in all these situations, God gives us the opportunity to share his love. 

Each interaction will be different, even unique, depending on the person’s needs and situation - some will need a listening ear, some people need a safe place, some needs are practical, for some it may just be a smile that is needed as you walk down the street. 

The opportunities are there, if we open our eyes, lift our heads up and listen to God’s promptings in our lives. 

Prayer - Loving Lord, help us to look up and listen to you as we go about our lives. Open our physical and spiritual eyes to see where we can share your love.