Confession—I’m a terrible eavesdropper. Most writers are. It’s how we get valuable insights into characters’ behavior.
The other day, I was out shopping, and two
women in the next aisle were chatting. In my defense, I could hear them clearly
so I wasn’t being sneaky, but I may have lingered in the that aisle a bit longer than I needed to. I’d already determined from several factors that these
women were of another religion and not Christian in their beliefs. One of them
spotted a Bible in the store. “Oh, I’ve been meaning to read the Bible and learn more.” The other suggested a translation other than the one in the
store as well as a book, comparing their religion with Christianity. I imagine
the book contrasted Christianity in a more negative way based on other comments
made in the conversation.
But the point is this, I would have never
imagined there would be even a faint interest in Christianity. But their
limited understanding indicated they thought of it as a works-based religion
like theirs. I couldn’t figure out how to interject myself in the conversation
in a way that might be accepted, so I have prayed for those two women and hope
they find the truth.
It was a strong reminder to me that we can’t judge anyone based on the
externals and know where their heart is, so instead of pulling away, we lean
in. We listen. We wait for the time when there’s an opening, and we speak the
truth with all the love of Jesus. We live out that love. Because anyone we meet
who is not a believer may be far more open than we imagine.
The whole experience made me re-orient how
I see certain folks in our culture.
Mother Teresa said, “If you judge people,
you have no time to love them.”
Love goes first looking past the
hindrances.
Words that always moves me are the ones Jesus
spoke to Zacchaeus. Knowing full well who he was and what he’d done, a seeming
outcast in society, Jesus looked up into the tree at where Zacchaeus was perched
to see him, and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your
house today” (Luke 19:10).
Jesus could have said, “Yuk, a tax collector.”
He didn’t.
And yet, sometimes when we see folks
dressed a certain way, or acting a certain way, we want to flee. Instead, let’s
go to folks’ houses, literally and figuratively.
I’m still praying and hope to never forget
those two women and their unexpected openness.
And if you’re out shopping and spot me in the next aisle. Beware. I’m probably listening.