Continuing the study in Luke 10.
Sadly, we Christians are renowned for our negative attitudes. According to David Kinnamen in his book, UnChristian, we are thought of by 'outsiders' (ie those who are not involved in church) as firstly, antigay (91%), secondly, judgemental (87%), and thirdly, hypocritical (85%).
Luke 10:5 says: “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’
So what does it look like to say, "Peace to this house," in a context where that is not a typical greeting (as it may have been in Israel at that time). Surely there is a way to give a blessing to anyone we meet. We can find something to compliment, no matter what their lifestyle. And a compliment, (or blessing) is acceptable to anyone.
Tony likes to tell the story of a business friend of his who is openly gay. When this man first came to know Tony, they needed to take a plane trip together to a business appointment, and so had plenty of time to chat. This man was very surprised to find a Christian who did not condemn him but actively appreciated and complimented him on certain aspects of the gay community, such as their creativity. And when he did not encounter criticism, he was willing to open up about his life.
How can we say, "Peace to this house" in other ways in a Western context?
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