Read: John 4:4-26
Devotion:
Jesus was on his way to Galilee when he made a stop in Samaria. In Samaria, he encountered a woman fetching water.
The Samaritan woman had to fetch water in the heat of the day to avoid running into others. The people in her town judged her and disliked her. But this time when she went to fetch water she ran into Jesus. Jesus, tired from his travels, spoke to her and asked her for a drink of water. The woman was confused by Jesus’s request and because Jesus was a Jew and she was a Samaritan. Jews and Samaritans did not get along. However, Jesus did not care about their differences and continued to speak with the Samaritan Woman.
As we travel this summer we may encounter others who are different from us. Whether that be in the grocery store, road trip stop, or at our destination. Wherever we may encounter others, let’s remember to be like Jesus. We shouldn’t dislike someone before we get to know them just because they are different. We should be open like Jesus to talking with them and listening to their story. We may learn something new not only about the person but ourselves.
Wonder: How do you think the Samaritan woman felt speaking to Jesus?
Can you remember a time you spoke to a new friend? How did it feel?
Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for being welcoming and opening to others, helps us to be the same when we encounter new friends. Amen.
Act: Learn something new abut some around you. It could be someone at work or camp or even on vacation. When your family gathers net lt each other know about the new thing you learned.