The Master Of Presence

The Master of Presence

Jesus practiced presence.

He looked into the heart of need and met people there. Social outcasts. Prostitutes. Tax collectors. Victims of disease or spiritual anguish. Blue-collar workers. Grieving parents. Religious authorities. Military men. Whoever they were, whatever their state in life, He encountered them, looked them in the eye, and told them once and for all that they mattered.

You’re not Jesus, but if you ask Him, He’ll likely give you the guidance you need when you encounter people at this level. Who are they? What’s in their heart? What do they need most? Warm conversation? A hug? A listening ear? A swift kick in the pants? You’re not a mind reader, but Jesus is. Ask Him. Then put on your x-ray glasses to see what you can see.

Hopefully Jesus has encountered you too. If you want to get better at being present with others, consider being more present with Him.

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