Eavesdropping and what goes first

Confession—I’m a terrible eavesdropper. Mostwriters are. It’s how we get valuable insights into characters’ behavior.

The other day, I was out shopping, and twowomen in the next aisle were chatting. In my defense, I could hear them clearlyso 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 thesewomen were of another religion and not Christian in their beliefs. One of themspotted 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 thestore as well as a book, comparing their religion with Christianity. I imaginethe book contrasted Christianity in a more negative way based on other commentsmade in the conversation.

But the point is this, I would have neverimagined there would be even a faint interest in Christianity. But theirlimited understanding indicated they thought of it as a works-based religionlike theirs. I couldn’t figure out how to interject myself in the conversationin a way that might be accepted, so I have prayed for those two women and hopethey find the truth.

It was a strong reminder to me that we can’t judge anyone based on theexternals and know where their heart is, so instead of pulling away, we leanin. We listen. We wait for the time when there’s an opening, and we speak thetruth with all the love of Jesus. We live out that love. Because anyone we meetwho is not a believer may be far more open than we imagine.

The whole experience made me re-orient howI 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 thehindrances.

Words that always moves me are the ones Jesusspoke to Zacchaeus. Knowing full well who he was and what he’d done, a seemingoutcast in society, Jesus looked up into the tree at where Zacchaeus was perchedto see him, and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at yourhouse today” (Luke 19:10).

Jesus could have said, “Yuk, a tax collector.” He didn’t.

And yet, sometimes when we see folksdressed a certain way, or acting a certain way, we want to flee. Instead, let’sgo to folks’ houses, literally and figuratively.

I’m still praying and hope to never forgetthose two women and their unexpected openness.

And if you’re out shopping and spot me inthe next aisle. Beware. I’m probably listening. 

 

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