There Is No Partiality with God

Through Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, this passage reveals the true meaning of worship. At a time when Jews and Samaritans were quarrelling over the place of worship, Jesus taught that what matters more than place or form is knowing God as Father and worshiping in spirit and truth. This means more than simply gathering in a church building; it means an attitude of knowing God fully in the Holy Spirit.

It also stresses that God does not show partiality, and points out that discriminating against people in the church by wealth, status or appearance is sin. Speaking honestly about the weariness of ministry as a pastor and the difficulties of caring for church members, it says that God knows each person's weaknesses and shortcomings and loves them all the same. It says that true peace is found not at the world's finish line or in competition, but by standing at the starting line God has set for each person.

We look at whether we judge ourselves, or discriminate against others, by other people's eyes or the world's standards. It asks whether, in the place God has set for us, we can lay down complaint and fear and run holding only gratitude and hope.