A story, directed to the children present in our church service this week, was simple but it spoke an important message to my heart.
鈥淒o you see someone wearing a purple scarf?鈥� our pastor asked and several little ones pointed to the appropriate person. Similar questions were presented and the children identified them without a problem. Lastly he asked, 鈥淲hat else do you notice about them?鈥�
Unlike the first responses that came fairly quickly, there were a few seconds of quiet until someone noted that a person earlier identified was wearing glasses. Pastor then continued that exercise and concluded the lesson with the observation that we so easily overlook: 鈥淲hat we can鈥檛 see is what is inside the person; we can鈥檛 see what they are thinking or feeling.鈥�
So simple but, oh, so true. I would agree that most of the time it鈥檚 not possible or probable that we could identity someone else鈥檚 burden, but, on the other hand, there are too many times when we fail to display a caring heart. Even more difficult, there are times when we just don鈥檛 want to make the time or effort to find out.
Following the children鈥檚 dismissal to their classes, Pastor continued on with the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. Viewed as an outcast and definitely an undesirable by her neighbours, Jesus broke all the local conventions, first by speaking to a stranger-woman and then, by speaking to a member of this despised group.
After speeding from the well, even leaving her water pot in her rush, she spread the word that not only did Jesus know the intimate details of her life; he cared enough to offer his grace and healing to her. 鈥淐ould this be the Christ?鈥� she questioned.
Lord Jesus, may your love be clearly seen in us!
