Greeting Others with Peace

Scripture: When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.’ If your greeting is received, then it’s a good place to stay. But if it’s not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself. Luke 10:5-6

Observation: Jesus gives instructions to 70 of his disciples about how to spread word about the Kingdom of Heaven, and it begins with this greeting ... 'Shalom'. They are to greet others with a heart of peace.

The good news of Jesus as Messiah, and of the Lord's redemption of mankind, and of how we all desire to bring heaven here to earth, begins with a kind introduction of peace and wellbeing. It isn't a message of guilt, or accusations, or fear, or threats, or conflict, or correction. Instead, the message of Jesus is entirely the opposite. It is a message of hope, comfort, kindness, gentleness, guidance, security, salvation, and joy.

Application: This all is something I know, and it has been at the very heart of how we have practiced reaching others for Christ at our church. We show kind hospitality, without judgment and conflict. We invite others to simply enjoy their lives, but perhaps adding in a conversation about the love of God and the joy found in our hope in Jesus. These conversations are presented in peace, and hopefully with the spirit of Shalom that Jesus prescribes.

I would hope others who are faithful in Jesus would embrace this approach. In my heart, I hope I retain this approach, for of course sometimes in my heart I don't always feel this way toward those living by the world's model these days. I do desire to be kind. I would desire to bring peace to others.

Prayer: Lord, again I say, I desire to bring peace to others. May I not be a bringer of conflict or any negative emotion, but rather present others with the opportunity to simply relax, awash with the peace of your Holy Spirit. Amen.