Conveying Eternal Love

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/19/22

There is so much we can learn from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. In this story, the word the woman used for water meant stagnant water that is held in a cistern. Jesus’ word for water, however, meant a spring of bubbling, ever-refreshing, living water—the water that every believer draws from to live a life of purpose, a life pleasing to God (see John 7:37-39).

Jesus wanted to give her water that would satisfy her every thirst. He wanted to give her the fulfillment that had eluded her as she sought satisfaction and joy in worldly pursuits that had left her dry and empty. Only Jesus had the wellspring of eternal life that would satisfy her needs, and He offered it to her as a gift—a gift we are meant likewise to share.

Jesus models how to share the Good News with people from very different backgrounds. He lingered with her, asked her questions, did not condemn her for her past, did not rationalize or condone her sin, and offered her the bright hope of a future that is God’s gift. Jesus looked past her sin, her crusty veneer, and their cultural differences

He conveyed the Father’s love for her in a simple conversation. She confessed her sin, repented, accepted His gift, and was changed forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your offer of living water. Help me to remember that there are people all around me who are thirsty for that eternal life and love that only You can offer them. Give me courage and discernment to start those conversations that will lead people to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life'” (John 4:13-14).