Reflections on Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

With all the problems that existed between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus says that it is necessary for him to go through Samaria.

His true purpose was to have contact with a specific woman whom he meets at the well and asks for water. If we read John 4:1-20, we learn that Jesus engages with the woman, making her feel important, and takes the time to speak with her about her life experiences. It is in those moments that the woman realises she is not dealing with a typical Jewish man – this man is different.

When Jesus enquires about the woman’s past, she seems to feel ashamed and diverts the conversation away from personal stories and speaks of places of worship. Without evasion or embarrassment, Jesus makes the woman see her mistake. He tells her plainly that it is not about being in the right places but about possessing a right heart. Later, he reveals to her that he is the Messiah (John 4:26).

No matter how sinful we may be or how lowly we might think of ourselves, God loves us and calls us to worship him in the right way. This is a beautiful picture of what it looks like to treat others with justice and dignity and to make known to each person their true value.

Challenge: Let us worship God in the right way, with devoted love for God and for our neighbour. Is your love authentic and sincere, without hidden intentions or selfishness?

Prayer: Lord, help me to worship you with total honesty and sincerity so that I can treat others with the dignity they deserve, even when their thoughts are contrary to mine.