"The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband, for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband, in that said thou truly... ...The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men, Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this The Christ?”
John 4:17-18, 28-29
We need at least one person in our life that will tell us the truth, no matter what the circumstance. It is always worth listening to, although sometimes, it can be difficult to hear. The truth allows us to make the necessary adjustments in our lives to get us back on track. And, while it is easier to be with someone who continuously tells you what you prefer to hear, it will not allow you to grow to the optimum level you were destined to reach.
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman-at-the-well, He told her intimate details about her life; details that were known only to her and the men she had been intimately involved with. He lovingly told her that her insatiable desire to be with several different men came from a much deeper yearning for God’s Love. A Love so intensely complete, it lasts forever. Outwardly, she happily went through her daily routine, secretly knowing there was an unfulfilled void in her life. When Jesus revealed the scattered details of her life, she immediately recognized her hidden desire and lack of fulfillment. Yet, it is interesting that she did not deny the truth about her life, she accepted the criticism of her past, and with it, the opportunity to change her future. In accepting what Jesus offered, she became so completely fulfilled by the Love of God, she left her pitcher and immediately went into the city to tell any and everyone about her encounter.
Find the truth in the criticism of others; sometimes, it may be just the wake-up call you need to foster a reaction, course alteration, or serious contemplation. Dismiss the criticism said in anger; because, although there may be truth in it, it will be difficult for you to see through all the inherent drama of the circumstance. If there is no one in your midst whom you can trust to honestly tell you the truth concerning a given situation, then tell your story to a perfect stranger. At least then, you will know that the person has no vested interest, is completely indifferent, and could probably care less about how you feel after they tell you the truth. Not to mention, there is a really good chance that God will allow them to tell you exactly what you need to hear; since, you may have already decided, not to listen to Him.
The Samaritan woman-at-the-well made a conscious decision to accept the truth in the criticism she received. The Love of God freed her from concealing the weaknesses of her past, and empowered her to expose the power of her future! --Become what the Love of God has empowered you to be! L.
Study Reference: John 4:17-18, 28-29
From:"The Best Critic." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. .
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sharpiron
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