Too Full to Be Filled: Surrendering What Divides Us

Ever had a moment where you’re carrying a full cup of water, and every little movement feels like it could spill? You walk carefully. You brace yourself. And at some point, you just freeze—because the more full you are, the more you fear making a mess. Just like that cup, our hearts are overflowing—not with peace, but with division, exhaustion, and outrage. And when we’re too full, we can’t be filled with what we truly need.

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

People are exhausted by division and pressure.
Many fear another “political” argument.
Some feel trapped—forced to pick a side in every debate.

We are overloaded, carrying too much. Unsure of what to say or do because anything might spill over into conflict.

Our hearts are full—but not in the way Jesus meant.

We are full of division, disgust, and exhaustion.

A Disgusted Heart Preaches a Muted Gospel

Every time we let disgust or tribalism divide us, we silence the voice of Christ in us.

What if I told you that to experience real joy and unity, you might have to pour some things out?

Leave some things behind?

There’s a moment in Scripture where someone realized this exact thing—and when she did, she left something behind.

The Woman at the Well – John 4

Jesus, on a mission, stops in Samaria. There, He meets a woman—a promiscuous woman, an outsider. He asks her for a drink.

“How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (John 4:9)

Jews and Samaritans didn’t just disagree. They wouldn’t even share the same cup.

This wasn’t just about disagreement—it was about disgust.

Yet, Jesus asks her for a drink.

Jesus Doesn’t Let Disgust Define Relationships

Instead of rejection, He offers her something different:

“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)

Reflection: Who have I been avoiding because of disgust?

Jesus calls her out on her past, but she changes the subject. She tries to deflect with a theological argument—just like many of us do today.

We argue about policies instead of praying for the people affected.
We dissect a celebrity’s moral failure but ignore our bitterness toward family.
We refuse to sit with people who vote differently, yet claim to follow a Jesus who ate with sinners.

Jesus Refuses to Argue About Mountains

“Worship isn’t about where you stand—it’s about who you seek.” (John 4:23–24)

True worship requires surrender—but a divided heart resists surrender.

When I let my disgust define them, I deny Christ in me.
When I let my tribe define me, I deny Him.
When disgust drives me, love leaves me.

The Woman’s Transformation – She Left Her Jar

At the start of the story, the Samaritan woman comes to the well alone—isolated due to shame and judgment. She avoids people. But after encountering Jesus, something changes.

Instead of hiding, she runs toward the very people she had been avoiding and declares:

“Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” (John 4:29)

The woman who had been defined by her past is now leading others to Jesus.

She leaves her water jar—the very thing she thought she needed—because she has found something better:living water.

Some of us are still carrying our very full jars:

Jars of bitterness – The grudge you refuse to release.
Jars of political outrage – The belief that your tribe is righteous, and the other is irredeemable.
Jars of self-righteousness – The assumption that they need to change, not you.
Jars of disgust – The inward rejection of people Jesus calls beloved.

These jars don’t protect us, they poison us.

Revival begins where division ends.

Reflection: Revival begins where division ends. What do you need to let go of to make space for God?

Three Action Steps – Modeled After Jesus in John 4

1. Disgust vs. Dignity – Refuse to Let Disgust Define Your Relationships.

Jesus saw dignity where others saw disgrace.

Next Step: Who have I mentally or emotionally labeled as “other”? This week, choose connection over condemnation.

2. Deflection vs. Truth – Stop Using Theology or Politics to Avoid Transformation.

Truth should be a bridge, not a weapon.

Next Step: Before engaging in any divisive conversation, ask: Am I trying to be right, or am I trying to reflect Jesus?

3. Division vs. Revival – Lay Down Your Division and Step Into Kingdom Impact.

The Samaritan woman left her jar behind and ran toward those she had been avoiding. That was the moment revival started.

Next Step: This week, commit to one act of reconciliation.

The Moment of Surrender – The Pouring of the Water

“Come to Me, all who are thirsty.” (Matthew 11:28)

To be filled, we must first be emptied.

Some of us need to pour out our political disgust.

Some of us need to pour out our resentment.

Some of us need to pour out our fear of “them.”

Today, we pour out what’s keeping us divided—so that very soon, the way will be paved for resurrection.

Revival begins where division ends.

Call to Action (CTA): Take the First Step Today

“Are you too full to be filled? It’s time to pour it out.”

Every one of us is carrying something—division, bitterness, resentment, or self-righteousness. But Jesus calls us to let go, to make room for something greater.

What’s one thing you’re holding onto—resentment, self-righteousness, or tribalism? Take a moment right now: name it, surrender it, and ask God to fill that space with His love.

Identify what you need to let go of.
Pray and surrender it to God.
Reach out to someone you’ve been avoiding.
Choose connection over condemnation.

This week, make space for the living water Jesus offers. Revival begins where division ends. Will you pour it out?

Share Your Story – Let’s Engage

What part of this story spoke to you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.

Know someone struggling with division or feeling overwhelmed? Share this post and invite them to take this journey of transformation with you.

Nathan McWherter