“But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” – Tim Keller 

I love buying funny socks as Christmas presents. This year, the ones I bought my daughter hit the mark. When she pulled them out of her stocking, she burst out laughing, "I feel so seen!". I had captured an essential part of her personality with a pair of socks. Her response reminded me how much we all want to be seen and fully known – sometimes even if it hurts.  

Such is the beautiful example of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Jesus travels through Samaria, the no-go zone for any Jew. He sits by Jacob's well in Sychar as a Samaritan woman approaches to draw water. He strikes up a conversation with her – a non-Jewish woman who is alone (none of which was culturally acceptable). He reveals intimate details of her life, things certainly no stranger would know. He also reveals Himself as Messiah – not just for the Jews but for all people, herself included. She is aware that, despite her past, she is fully seen, known, and loved by the ego eimi, the great I am. 

Our Lord is all-knowing, He is interested in us, and He seeks us out. He is not biased because of our past, ethnicity, or religious upbringing. He is the Messiah who desires salvation for all.  

The Samaritan woman's experience prompted her to run and tell her whole village. Her transformed life was a powerful witness. As a result, many believed. Her story reveals that God wants our heart, not a spotless background. 

Don't be afraid to confess what He already knows. Remember that you are loved with an everlasting love. Feel the freedom that comes with a transformed life. Go and tell! 

"…in the words of a Portuguese proverb, "God writes straight with crooked lines," and He is far more interested in getting us where He wants us to be than we are in getting there." – Elisabeth Elliott