Hey there, carpool crew, whether you're on the way to school, finishing your cereal, or diving into some homeschool, I'm thrilled you're joining us today. I'm Pastor Justin, and we've got a special story about kindness, one of Jesus's favorite ways to show love. Here's the one thing I want you to remember on the ride today. Jesus loves everyone, and kindness is for everyone too, no matter how different they are. Today's verse is from John chapter four, verses nine and 10, where Jesus meets someone unexpected at a well. A Samaritan woman was sitting getting water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. She was surprised because Jews and Samaritans don't typically talk to one another or spend any kind of time together. She said to Jesus, you are a Jew and I'm a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink? But Jesus didn't let their differences stop him. Instead, he offered her kindness, respect, and friendship. See, this was the middle of the day, a hot part of the day, and she was the only person there. It was because typically all the women came early in the day when it was cool outside. This Samaritan woman wasn't friends with the other women. She came by herself to avoid them. So when Jesus offered her kindness, showed her respect, and offered friendship, it made a huge difference. By talking with her and treating her kindly, Jesus showed that God's love isn't limited to one group. It's for everyone. In Jesus's time, Jews and Samaritans didn't get along at all. They even avoided walking through each other's towns. They'd walk around the town even if it added an extra day or two to the trip. But Jesus purposefully traveled through Samaritan towns to show everyone that God's kindness has no limits. What if there's someone new at your school or on your team who seems different? Maybe they look a little different. They speak with another language. Maybe they dress differently than you do, or enjoy different kinds of sports or games. Would you walk by quickly, or would you show kindness like Jesus did? When I was in school, I remember a really good friend of mine, Raj. Raj was Indian and his mom always packed him Indian food. It was very different from anything they served at the school and very different from the peanut butter and jelly my mom was making me. It smelled a little different too. Some of the kids would avoid sitting with Raj, but I always sat with him. He was my friend, and every once in a while I'd eat some of his Indian food and man, it was spicy, but it was good. I always wanted to be like Jesus was, remembering that kindness has nothing to do with who someone is, what they look like, what they're wearing, or the kind of food they're eating, that if we wanna be like Jesus, we show kindness and friendship to everyone. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. That's what it says in Luke chapter six, verse 31. You might remember this. We've talked about it before. Jesus teaches the golden rule. Be kind because everyone deserves kindness. When you're in school today, when you're with your family later, or just hanging out in your neighborhood, make sure you remember, kindness is for everyone. No matter where you are, no matter how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love this podcast on kindness, post about it on Facebook. Let your friends and followers know what we're talking about on carpooling with Jesus. Before you go answer this question together. How can you show kindness today, even if they're different from you? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.
