Faith Expressed In Love

Been thinking a lot recently about how I have a natural tendency towards being anti-social.  If left to myself, lacking any inner motivation to change, my introverted personality would cause me to be alone.  Luckily, I realize this isn't for my benefit, so its a trait I typically override.

I've always been a little envious of people who seem to be naturally gifted at consistently surrounding themselves with relationships.  You know, the individuals who would be driven crazy by a day at home doing nothing and instead thrive on being with other people.  I wish that came naturally to me.

In John 4 there is a passage in which Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well.  After traveling a long way, he sits to rest and hopefully get a drink, although he has nothing to dip in to get water.  A woman approaches.  He could have easily ignored her, especially since she was a Samaritan, a population the Jews went to great lengths to avoid.  Maybe due to his thirst, he could have asked simply for a drink of water. But instead, he engages her in conversation, telling her of a more fulfilling life that could come from a relationship with Him.  And as a result, we read an entire village was changed.

Putting my imperfect self in the same situation, resting next to a well, tired, I probably would have said nothing.  Perhaps smile courteously.  If I was SUPER thirsty, I may have politely asked for a drink.  But I doubt our conversation would have led to anything very personal.  And as for issues of faith, fear of offending or coming off weird more than likely would have kept any conversation strictly about the weather.  Although, God may have come up in light of the fact that the Detroit Lions are currently 4 - 0, which I'm pretty sure is one of the signs of Jesus' eminent return.

Thinking about my tendency towards isolating myself causes me to think about how often I miss out on an opportunity to meet someone.  Every individual we pass in the store, on the street, and on the planet has hopes, dreams, and an elaborate story.  If you really think about it, that's incomprehensible.  What incredible value every person has and think about the amazing richness that can come from a life filled with relationships.

And as it deals with my call as a Christ follower, how much more important is it for me to be His hands and feet on a daily basis?  How will people discover the amazing joy of the gospel message if I'm not willing to share?  In light of this, I'm praying for renewed boldness and opportunities to build relationships with people that go beyond the superficial.  Maybe, if I'm lucky, I can change a village in the process.