Masters Of Relationship
28th MAY 2024
“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.” [John 4:28-30 NIV]
Being a master of relationship means following the example of Jesus, who not only engaged people but transformed lives through genuine encounters. In John chapter 4, we see the story of the woman at the well who encountered Jesus and went to tell her people about Him.
The Samaritan woman was an unlikely candidate to bring the good news to her town. Her encounter with Jesus was personal and transformative. Jesus revealed Himself to her as the Messiah who knew all about her life and offered her living water. Overwhelmed with joy and amazement, she left her water jar behind and ran to tell her people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” [John 4:29]. Her testimony was powerful because it came from a place of personal encounter. Her people responded to her invitation, and many believed in Jesus because of her testimony. They too encountered Jesus personally, and their faith was strengthened.
To be masters of relationship like Jesus means engaging with others in a way that leads to transformation. It means sharing the gospel not just as a message but as a personal encounter with the living God.
When we have a deep relationship with Jesus, His love and compassion overflow to those around us, drawing them to Him.
Additionally, being masters of relationship requires us to be intentional in our interactions. Jesus intentionally went through Samaria and initiated the conversation with the woman at the well. He broke social norms and reached out with love and understanding. We must be intentional about reaching out to others, even those who may be different from us or those whom society may overlook.
Moreover, we must be empathetic listeners, as Jesus was with the Samaritan woman. He listened to her story, understood her struggles, and spoke directly to her heart. When we listen with empathy and compassion, we create opportunities for deeper connections and meaningful conversations about faith.
Let us follow Jesus’ example of being masters of relationship, loving people, engaging them with the gospel, and leading them to encounter Jesus personally. As we do, we participate in His work of bringing in the harvest and building His kingdom.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who engaged people with love and compassion. Help us to be masters of relationship, sharing the gospel through personal encounters with You. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, drawing others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Reading: John 4
Bible In One Year: Psalm [3–6]
