The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” John 4:19-20 (NAS)

The Samaritan woman questions Jesus about a main religious issue dividing Samaritans and Jews – the location of the temple. Jesus is quick to point out to her that it is not the place of worship that is important, but the One who is worshiped. God is spirit. He is entirely outside of time and space; He does not dwell in temples and cannot be represented by idols. God can be worshiped wherever true believers gather, or in the solitude of the heart of one of His children. He can be worshiped everywhere and always and is in no way confined by His creation (Acts 7:47-50).

Dear Lord,

The human heart is the same today as it was 2,000 years ago. Believers are easily divided over non-essential details; churches split, and hearts are torn. These things should not be. Please let Your peace dwell in our hearts to such a degree that we seek to honor and glorify You and encourage and love one another, laying aside our differences, united in the love of Jesus.

I love You, Lord. 

Amen