Jesus-Style Conversations

Hospitality and I struggle to coexist. We fight often, a battle of wits. Hospitality says, “It’d be nice if you sent a text message to your friend and let them know you’re praying for them.” I agree wholeheartedly…until I try to form the words. I struggle to find the “right” thing to say, and the idea suffers the fate of the Delete button.

What if, instead, I listened to the voice of hospitality and conversed like Jesus did? Jesus approached the Samaritan woman at the well in the heat of the day. Despite her being an outcast and a woman, he extended her a line of human communication. To Jesus, she was worthy of conversation and relationship. Most importantly, he thought her the perfect person to reveal himself as Messiah!

Truly, Jesus’ example shows that the hospitality of the one who reaps draws believers to the Savior. By extending the kindness of conversation to strangers, acquaintances, friends, and family, we continue the work of Jesus and open the door for others to hear the message of salvation. In our hospitality, we experience the joy of mimicking Jesus, of knowing nonbelievers are being drawn toward God, and of participating in community with other believers. What’s more, joy is contagious. An exchange of words with another person may trigger a response like the Samaritan woman’s: running through the town and inviting everyone to meet the Messiah.

Indeed, joy begins with us continuing God’s work with respectful conversation that opens the door to Jesus. A simple text message of encouragement or condolence shows love to our friends and family. In-person expressions of concern make a stranger feel heard and seen. Most important, being willing to converse no matter our differences displays God’s love; a love that sees, hears, and listens to everyone.

Father, conversation is hard, especially with those I don’t know well. Give me the courage to speak to everyone with the same love Jesus showed to the Samaritan woman, and show me the power of simple conversation. May my words shine with your love as I continue your work. In your name I pray, amen.

Throughout This Day: Be open to starting a conversation with anyone around you. Your words may brighten someone’s day and draw them nearer to the Father.