Jesus begins the conversation at the well with the Samaritan woman by focusing on His physical need. He asks her for a simple drink of water. She replies by asking why would He ask her for a drink of water, after all, she feels she is not worthy to give him a drink. But Jesus, quickly turns the conversation to her. The One who deserves all the lime-light, all the attention, quickly turns the spotlight to shine on her. And He begins talking about her needs. "If you knew who you were talking to, you would have asked me for a drink. This conversation is really not about my needs, it's really about your needs." I can just hear The Lord adding, "Dear Woman, you are the one who's thirsty."
I love the tenderness of Jesus at the moment. A Jew by birth, confronting a Samaritan woman of less than noble birth, a woman of less than noble character, a woman who had been married 5 times and living with another man. He sees her spiritual needs and offers a drink of Living Water. He offers her salvation. Salvation that she accepts, and because of her belief and personal testimony, many others receive salvation as well. Jesus started this conversation for this very purpose. He started this conversation for her eternal needs.
Jesus sets an example for us, an example of using our conversations to encourage others and ultimately offer the same Living Water from Jesus. Our conversations should not be focused on ourselves, but on the well being of the other person. Believers can become discouraged. In our conversation, we can encourage our fellow believers to continue the work for the kingdom. A simple 'hello', 'I'm thinking about you', or 'I've missed you' can be a great encouragement to someone. Everyone, believers and non-believers, need a splash of the Living Water.
I encourage you to use your conversations wisely.
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." -John 7:37-38
