Anybody who has had an experience that exalted him and brought him out of difficulties is eager to tell his friends about it. He wants them to be helped, too. No wonder, then, that a student of Christian Science who has been healed by the power of Spirit, God, longs to relate this event to his friends and neighbors.

But how? Can we talk with strangers about these very sacred things? How can we discern whether they would be interested?

John's Gospel contains a beautiful example of how Christ Jesus did just this during his conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. ^{See John 4:5-42 .} A detailed examination of this narrative shows how the Master was able to meet this woman at her own level. By the end of their talk, his insights into her personal life and, no doubt, the Christliness that he expressed had stirred her so much that her report of his comments brought others to hear what Jesus had to say.

But few would have expected such an important result from what began as a simple request for a drink of water. Usually there was some sort of stone wall enclosing a well, and about midday Jesus, "wearied with his journey," sat down there.

The woman who comes to draw water while he rests is a Samaritan. Nevertheless Jesus asks her to give him a drink. She is quite taken aback because Jews were not on speaking terms with Samaritans. When she questions his request, Jesus answers that if she knew who was asking, she would have asked him, and he would have given her "living water." She takes his words literally and asks him who he thinks he is, saying that he hasn't even a vessel to draw water with! Undeterred, Jesus tells her that the water from the well will only temporarily quench thirst, but that whoever drinks the water he gives will never be thirsty again.

Once more the woman misses the point, saying she would like some of that water, so as to save having to come to the well each day. The woman's approach to Jesus' words certainly suggests she had a materialistic view of existence. Despite his efforts to lead her into a more spiritual mode of thinking, she continues to take his comments very literally. Clearly, her mocking response isn't arousing the inner questioning that would lead to regeneration.

Jesus then evidently decides that the woman needs a jolt and tells her to fetch her husband. To this she answers that she hasn't one; and Jesus points out that she has had five husbands and is now living with yet another man. The woman, obviously shaken, says he must be a prophet in order to know these facts.

Eager, perhaps, to change the subject, she points to the mountain behind her. She says that although her forefathers worshiped there, the Jews say Jerusalem is the proper place to worship God. This gives Jesus his opening. He explains that religion is not a question of place, but that God is Spirit (the original Greek version does not read "a" Spirit), and must be worshiped "in spirit and in truth." The woman replies that in due course the Messiah or Christ will come and explain all things. Then Jesus says, "I that speak unto thee am he."

At this point the disciples arrive and are surprised to find him talking with a woman. In those days rabbis would not teach religion to women or even speak to one in public. The woman then hurries away, leaving her waterpot behind. (Might we perhaps say that she leaves behind some of her false notions of materiality and immorality?) She runs off to tell her friends of her amazing encounter. Many of them go out of the city to meet Jesus and listen to him. The Gospel tells us that at their request he stayed with them for two days, and before he left, many had accepted what he taught.

We, too, can bring our friends and neighbors to hear the teachings of Christ, Truth. How do we do this? By giving to anybody who is interested—regardless of his cultural or educational background—the pure message of "primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing," ^{These words are from Mrs. Eddy's motion for the founding of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1879: "To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Manual of The Mother Church, p. 17).} to use the words of Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science. Most people find that mechanically repeating or trying to imitate what Jesus said and did isn't enough. The only way is to understand his teachings sufficiently to accept them into your thought and to listen for God's direction. Then, if you're willing to set aside personal preferences and choices, you will unfailingly know who is, and who is not, a suitable candidate. You will also be properly and reliably guided in what to say and do, and you will know when to act.

There's no need for a "dress rehearsal" before setting out. In his dealings with the Samaritan woman, Jesus was flexible in letting the conversation unfold in a way that would be meaningful to her. Indeed, in one case at least, Jesus warns us against prepared speeches saying, "Whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." ^{Mark 13:11.}

Clearly it's not a question of mere human persuasion or argument. Jesus thought it a worthwhile service to give "unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water." ^{Matt. 10:42.} Do we need to give bucketfuls? He doesn't suggest we prepare long sermons or elaborate explanations. The immediacy of the kingdom of heaven is his central message. The Master told the disciples, "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick...." ^{Vv. 7, 8 .}

If people don't want to accept the message, it's their business. And we don't need to carry around in our hearts thoughts of failure or of others' unresponsiveness. Jesus tells his followers, "Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." ^{V. 14 .} Unconstructive thoughts about other people are best shaken off and abandoned.

Often the best way of sharing the truth is just to pass on modestly what we have ourselves learned and accepted. Experience shows that one has to be thoroughly convinced for oneself that what one is communicating is true and is practical. We have to live truth in our own lives if we want to impart it helpfully to others. As Mrs. Eddy writes, "Ask yourself: Am I living the life that approaches the supreme good?" She continues a few lines later, "Your fruits will prove what the understanding of God brings to man." ^{Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 496.}

We do this by accepting in our thoughts, and living in our lives, the qualities Jesus expressed both in his conversation with the Samaritan woman and throughout his career.

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands,
and a pure heart....
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord,
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalms 24:3-5