March 7, 2009

Read John 4: 1-26

The woman said to Him, “I know that the Messiah is coming. When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”—John 4:25-26

The Jews did not like the Samaritans. When Jesus left Judea to depart for Galilee, he needed to go through Samaria. This was not a problem for Jesus, and he didn’t make a big announcement of his arrival. Instead, he simply shared his identity in the shade of a well to an ostracized Samaritan woman. Jesus knew her past and did not condemn her. Suddenly, the insignificance of her life disappeared in the glory of that moment. “God is here! God has come! God cares for me!” She is joyous.

Leaving the well, she grabbed the first person she saw and announced her discovery. “I just talked to a man who knows everything I ever did…and he loves me anyway!” There it is…that unconditional love. That’s Jesus…doing what he does best…telling us and showing us that God is love.

All of us make mistakes and poor choices. We are human. I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think that God forgives me, welcomes me into His arms, and showers me with unconditional love. Isn’t it amazing to know that there is not a checklist of things that we must do first in order to receive this unconditional love? There are no strings attached, no plea bargains to be made, and no fine print to read. He loves me. When I know that someone loves me and does not place conditions on that love…well, I strive to honor that loving gift by working diligently to improve my life and the life of others, to share kindness with others, to be more accepting and tolerant of others, and to freely offer to others that unconditional love that is given to me. Jesus loves me this I know…and by His love and my love for him, I am redeemed!

Father, help me learn from the teachings of Jesus. Work with me in strengthening my faith so that I can “see” others in the way that Jesus would see them. Allow me to offer unconditional love to all that I meet and to be an instrument of your word as I share the good news and joy of the love of Jesus Christ. Amen

Michael Muren joined The Gathering in June of 2008.