Matthew 5:44-47
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is
in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them
which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?
do not even the publicans so?
What a purifying portion of scripture we just read... How like the Lord
to take the poison out of our attitudes with instruction for proper dealings
with people! Ladies, I want us to consider today the way we greet one
another. It's very important that our dealings with folk create a climate
in which it makes it easy for us to win our enemies. While we were yet
sinners, did not Christ work to make us His children?? Was not His approach
toward us warm and loving? Should our efforts as
members of God's family be any less? How are you greeting the souls of
other people, Christian woman? What is your attitude? How are you inquiring
after them?
2 Kings 4:26
Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee?
is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered,
It is well.
Here Elisha, a wise man of God, is using a particular opportunity to train
his servant Gehazi in how to approach people. Notice the depth of the
concern Elisha encourages him to take. For those of you who have read
the wonderful story of the Shunamite woman, you will remember that prior
to this verse her son had just died. Though her answer depicted that all
was well with her soul, I want to point out to you ladies, that it is
not always so with everyone you meet! There are many women today with
whom things are not well; women who are in the midst of great struggles.
Your warm approach and sincere greeting can open the door to the heart's
concerns and afford opportunity to share the Lord. It brings comfort to
others to sense a genuine expression of care. In the busyness of life,
let's not lose sight of the manner of our greetings. See to it that they
are warm and loving - sincerely Christ-like!
Greet - to salute; to address with expressions of kind wishes; to salute
in kindness and respect
Salute - the act of expressing kind wishes or respect; salutation; greeting
Matthew 10:12
And when ye come into an house, salute it.
Does that verse above say what types of houses we are to salute? Not that
I can tell... You see ladies, it matters not who lives in the home you
may visit, for all should be greeted equally in kindness. Every house
needs a Christian witness and pure living gains a hearing… Wherever we
go, we are to conduct ourselves as ambassadors of Christ! God's people
ought not to fall into the bad habit of extending warmth only to those
who appear worthy or those we are comfortable with. Do you show any signs
of prejudice in your greetings, dear lady? Are you conducting yourself
courteously to ALL you meet?
Matthew 28:9
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying,
All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Who did the Lord leave out in His greetings? Not one. Ladies, aren't you
glad that when Christ died on the cross He didn't leave you out of His
redemptive plan?? Ephes. 2:17 says, "And came and preached peace to you
which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." Though many did not
respond in a welcoming way, Christ's goodwill extended to everyone and
so should ours. Might I also add that you need to teach your children
good manners when it comes to greeting people properly - especially when
visiting in other homes. They should greet all present before they go
off to play and again respectfully acknowledge everyone when it's time
to leave with a proper goodbye. Take pains as a Christian to ensure that
your salutations aren't leaving people with the wrong impression of the
Lord!
Luke 1:39-42
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste,
into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted
Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation
of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the
Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art
thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Here we have an example of healthy communication exchanged between two
women of the Lord. After the warm, excited way they greeted one another,
Mary and Elisabeth both shared encouragement of a godly nature as they
conversed back and forth during their visit together. Ladies, be careful
that after that initial warm and friendly greeting you don't allow your
conversations to take an ungodly turn - that would be very unwise and
unhealthy for both parties! Greetings and content both count as far as
God is concerned! Remain under the influence of the Holy Spirit in all
your discussions from start to finish.
Luke 10:5
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
There are various ways that we enter a house: we can enter by phone, by
e-mail, by regular mail, or in person. Whatever the case may be, every
home, every group setting, every individual conversation, should be approached
with the mindset of peace. Such is the climate in which the Holy Spirit's
power has the greatest advantage! Are you creating such an atmosphere
with your presence, dear lady? Are you greeting people with the intent
of upholding the peace of God in ALL your conversations? Or do your discussions
tend to result in tension, strife, discord, gossip, envy, bitterness etc.
Before you greet anyone, check your heart and see if you can FIRST say
peace - otherwise you had better delay your entry in anyone's presence!
Christ always focused on the more receptive; so do not entangle yourself
with foolish questions and argument. (See Mt. 10:13 & Luke 10:6) Enter
the places the Lord sends you as a faithful minister of the gospel, with
holy affections… Stay where you are welcome and leave where you are not,
relying upon God's Spirit to give you specific words to say in either
situation. If the motive of your heart is right, proper greetings will
follow and God will safely guide the content of your conversation!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2001 Pamela A. Iannello
