How to treat a wo(man) well

While drinking my wake-up cappuccino, an African woman came in and ordered two coffees. A guy came in, paid, and lovingly put his arm around her waist. All the while I am thinking: she is a prostitute. Sure enough, as I left she was drinking her €1 coffee (not even an espresso or cappucino!) and waited with another woman for the next client to come along. That's not the way that God in Christ treats us. Both Jesus and Paul use intimate and affectionate images of how we are the beautiful bride that is awaiting the arrival of her groom. Christ doesn't abuse us or take advantage of our economic disadvantage. No, in every painting and statue he is portrayed as the one giving his own life for us, and not asking any favors for his selfless act. Now that's how you treat a wo(man) well.