Lately I’ve been thinking about the people I’ve known for years who have no interest at all in following Jesus. Some are even hostile to the thought. They begin each day without God and any awareness of His presence. I’m saddened that they’re missing out on knowing the joy of Christ.
Being lost is a phrase Christians use sometimes to describe those who don’t know Jesus in a personal way. Yet sometimes I use that phrase to describe how I feel when it comes to helping people understand what faith in Jesus is truly about. I feel lost in trying to help them see past all the roadblocks that stop them from accepting Jesus and truly experiencing what he can give them.
These thoughts brought me to the passage where Jesus meets the woman at the well in John 4:7-26. There they were two people at the well who should not have been talking to each other and Jesus asks the woman for a drink of water (7). The Samaritan woman replied, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman (NASB, 9)?” Jesus’ simple request begins a conversation about living water.
I wonder. Could it be that simple? A request for a drink of water leads to a message about living water? Perhaps more significantly is that Jesus bridged the earthly division with a request for a drink. It makes me wonder how I can bridge what divides us in our world today.
It might not be a drink of water, but maybe it’s a moment of showing vulnerability and presenting a simple need to someone who is different than you. It shows you value their help and it opens a moment for conversation. Watch for those moments where God places someone in your life who makes you feel uncomfortable. Ask them what God places on your heart and see where the conversation goes. Let the talk run its natural course and don’t force anything into it.
© 2026, Chris G. Thelen
140 Character Christian 
Chris, thank you for sharing this encouraging testament. Showing empathy and sharing kindness toward someone sometimes opens a gateway to offer a bit of the Lord’s light.
I’m always amazed at how a word or two to someone I encounter sometimes leads to deeper conversation. I try to listen to the prompting of the Spirit. Blessings to you.
Your post reminds me of conversations I’ve struck up with folks who were very different from me. The young African American man who was gassing up his heavily customized car. The tricked out Chevy Caprice Classic became a bridge to talk about how everyone’s life matters. I noticed his necklace that said in jewel encrusted words, “Trust no one.” Yet, here we were entrusting our stories to each other. I walked away understanding more about how it often feels to be a young black man in our society today.
Thanks for sharing that story. A great example of how everyday tasks can give us opportunities to reach out to others and help build understanding of people different than us. Blessings.
This is so good! Thank you. God bless you today, Chris!
I admire how Jesus reached people from all walks of life. He continues to model for us today how to share the gospel. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Yes, genuine conversation.
Jesus had a way with meeting people where they were at in life. He continues to challenge me in my interactions with others and sharing the gospel. Blessings to you.