“The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)”
— John 4:9
The Samaritan woman drawing water at the well was surprised when Jesus asked her for a drink. At that time, Jews refused to associate with Samaritans. Also, women were usually ignored. But Jesus didn’t consider her “beneath” him.
You learn about prejudice when your family moves. You never felt out of place while living in Texas, but when your family relocates to a small town in Minnesota, you’re the only Hispanic student in your school. Most kids ignore you. A few call you names. Being the target of discrimination and bigotry is more hurtful than you ever would have guessed. Two years later, your family moves back to Texas. You absolutely love being “home,” but you’ve changed. From now on, you’re careful to never make another prejudiced comment.
Certain people believe they are worth more than others. God’s Word, however, has strong words for such people: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
More To Explore: Acts 10:28
Girl Talk: Have you ever treated someone differently because of how they looked? Are you sometimes treated differently because of the way you look? How does that feel?
God Talk: “Lord, I don’t want to treat others differently or badly. It’s hard not to follow the crowd, but I know I can follow you instead — with your help. Amen.”
From Shine On, Girl! by Kristi Holl