In chapter 5, John Perkins shares the dream and principles that were given by God to him through the story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus at the well (found in John 4). In Perkin's words (italicized questions are mine):
1. Jesus went into Samaria. He was physically present in the community of need. He met the woman at the point of her need as she perceived it. He identified with her felt need. Are we going and spending time where people are? Are we listening to them and learning of their felt needs? How are we joining God's mission to address those needs and then to address even deeper needs?
2. Jesus' love, His bodily presence in the community, burned through racial barriers, reconciling Jew and Samaritan. In the same way, the presence of Christ's Body in a community today could bring people together. Do we recognize that we need each other? Are we seeking out ways to come together with people who are different than us? Are we pursuing reconciliation?
3. Finally, Jesus related to the woman at the well in a way that invited her to give to Him; He did not simply give to her. In doing this He affirmed her dignity. Then, by offering her living water, He related to her in a way that empowered her to rise above her past. Do we see the image of God in each person we meet? How are we affirming a person's dignity and helping them discover their identity and calling in Christ?
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