by Cathy Vinson

An insightful incident in Scripture reveals Jesus' focus. In John 4 He met up with a woman of His times, a Samaritan woman. It appears she was not atypical of a woman 2,000 years ago, drawing water from a well. "You are right when you say you have no husband," He says to her. "The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you have now is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

Jesus is not amazed as He speaks to her. He does not appear embarrassed at her past or condemning in His tone. Do you hear any of these? Though He was sinless, He was not naive about sin. We should be as Him. Though He knew how many partners she had had, He didn't here confront her with the sin of it or even command her to leave her present situation. Rather He directs her to the gift of eternal life and Who is speaking to her (vs 4:10).

Billy Graham showed similar wisdom in a recent interview with Larry King. As his interviewer asked him controversial questions about lifestyles in our society, Mr Graham acnowledged sin, but quickly turned the focus to the Cure of sin, to eternal life.

Christians have been criticized for focusing on "nonquestions" such as "Should these things be happening?" when in truth they are happening. Is shock holding us back? It is important to realize that the One most grieved kept His focus in His encounters. May we come forward to the people of our society. May our grief not deter us from leading them to drink of "the water welling up to eternal life" (Jn 4:14).

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. "

(John 14:27 )