The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you only knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”¹

Sharing our faith can feel daunting, especially when we consider those who do not yet believe. We might worry about saying the wrong thing or fear rejection. But Jesus, in His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, offers us a beautiful blueprint for genuine, impactful conversations.

Jesus initiated the conversation with a simple, relatable request: "Will you give me a drink?" He did not begin with condemnation or complex theology, but with a common human need. He met her where she was, deliberately putting aside the ethnic and social differences that typically separated Jews and Samaritans. After that Jesus moved from the physical to the spiritual. He used the everyday concept of water to introduce the life-giving "living water" that He offered. He understood her current need, but then gently shifted the conversation to her deeper spiritual thirst. His aim was not to shame, but to reveal His divine knowledge and her need for a Savior.

Let us remember to build bridges of understanding, meet people with genuine interest as fellow humans (as we go through similar struggles in life), and trust the Holy Spirit to guide our words as we share the Good News.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the perfect example of Jesus. Help us to have His wisdom, compassion, and courage when engaging with non-believers. Grant us the grace to set aside our differences, to see others as You see them. Open our eyes to opportunities to share your love, and give us the right words at the right time. May our lives and our conversations be bridges to Your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

1.    John 4:7-10 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Diego B. (Student at Biola University)  

All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.