How are your relationships? Have you ever “hit it off” with someone you met for the first time? Did you continue to be friends? How do you continue to foster good relationships? Are you willing to listen to others? Or do you prefer to speak?
Relationships rely on many things to continue to flourish. It is not just interaction but a healthy give and take. We need to listen to others at times and they need to listen to us at times. There needs to be mutual care for one another.
Jesus starts the interaction with the woman at the well, but He goes beyond that. He shows her that He cares about her. He shows that He cares about her physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He knows that she is only there at midday because of her shame. He knows it is hotter during that time of day for her to haul water.
The woman reciprocates with amazement. She is amazed, first, that a man even takes time to speak with her, then that Jesus shows care for her. She listens to Him. Not merely hearing His words but understanding what He is saying. She comes to the conclusion that Jesus is the Messiah, not only because He told her, but because He shows her by how attentive He is to her.
A relationship is built between Jesus and the woman at the well within a few minutes. We can build relationships quickly as well. To do so, we must demonstrate we care about the other person by listening to them and understanding what they are saying.
I pray we all choose to build relationships. I pray we listen to one another. I pray each one of us will show we care for one another as we speak, listen, and care for one another on a daily basis. Build relationships. Listen to one another. Care for one another. Build one another up.
John 4:25-26 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.”
Marty Pressey 