Bringing Dignity
A woman of Samaria *came to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” John 4:7-9
Insight
There’s something beautiful about the way Jesus interacted with people. He didn't just see them; He saw into them. He didn’t merely offer help; He offered dignity.
In John 4, we read about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Here was a woman marginalized by society, carrying the weight of her past like an invisible shroud. But Jesus didn’t start by addressing her sins or her past. He started with a conversation. He asked for a drink, initiating a moment of genuine engagement. This simple request was packed with profound respect.
When we think about helping others, it’s easy to default into a posture of superiority—thinking we have something they lack. But true help isn’t about fixing someone; it’s about seeing them. It’s about recognizing their inherent worth and affirming their humanity.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
What if our approach to helping mirrored this humility? Instead of swooping in with solutions, we could start by asking questions, by listening deeply, and by genuinely engaging. When we ask, we show that we value their perspective. When we listen, we show that we value their voice. And when we engage authentically, we affirm their dignity.
Think about it: when was the last time you felt truly heard? There’s a profound dignity in being listened to, in knowing that someone cares enough to hear your story without rushing to fix it. It’s in these moments that we often feel most seen and valued. That’s the kind of help that Jesus modeled.
Helping should be a two-way street, a mutual exchange where both parties are enriched. The act of helping isn’t just about providing for a need; it’s about entering into a relationship. It’s about walking alongside someone, sharing in their burdens and their joys. This kind of help diffuses power dynamics and creates a space where both helper and helped can grow together.
Let’s take a moment to reflect. Are we helping in ways that uphold dignity? Are we offering support that empowers and respects? Today, let’s strive to help like Jesus did—by asking, listening, and engaging. Let’s see the people around us, not as projects to be fixed, but as individuals to be honored.
Reflection
In what ways can you ensure that your help maintains the dignity of the person you are assisting?
How does seeing the dignity in others change your perspective on helping?
Prayer
Jesus, help me to see people through Your eyes. Teach me to help in ways that honor and respect the dignity of those I assist. May my actions reflect Your love and humility. Give me the wisdom to ask, the patience to listen, and the heart to engage genuinely. Amen.