Whenever you go into a house, first say, ‘Peace be with this house.’ If someone who is peace-loving lives there, let your greeting of peace remain on that person; if not, take back your greeting of peace.
–Luke 10:5-6
Social courtesies have always come more naturally to my wife than me. It is a wonder that I every get invited anywhere, Trish is always the one who is mindful that we must offer a small gift upon entering someone’s home.
That practice emerged in ancient societies where hospitality was sacred. Travel was dangerous. Strangers could either threaten the peace of a household or strengthen the bonds of community. So, gifts became symbols of trust and mutual care. To offer a blessing when entering a home was to say, “May goodness dwell here. May this place know safety, rest, and wholeness.”
That gives fresh meaning to Jesus’ instruction in Luke 10. As the disciples go from town to town, Jesus tells them: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” The word underneath that greeting is shalom. It is a peace that is not simply the absence of conflict, but deep well-being, harmony, justice, healing, and right relationship. Jesus tells them to enter each home bearing peace as their gift.
And then comes the curious line: “If anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you.”
Jesus seems to understand something about the vulnerability of offering peace. Not every home will welcome it. Not every heart will receive it. Not every community will choose reconciliation, compassion, or grace. Yet Jesus tells the disciples not to fear that rejection.
Today, we live in a world where peace often feels fragile. We extend kindness and sometimes receive suspicion. We offer welcome and sometimes encounter resistance. We work for reconciliation and sometimes discover division runs deep. Yet Jesus reminds us that our responsibility is not controlling the outcome. Our calling is simply to keep showing up as bearers of peace.
That may be one of the clearest ways we live as ambassadors for Christ, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians. We become people who carry peace into the spaces we inhabit. We practice hospitality. We widen the table. We create belonging. We refuse to let cynicism or hostility have the final word.
And even when peace is rejected, we do not lose ourselves in the process. The peace of Christ returns to us, steadies us, and sends us onward again. I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday as we continue our series on the Fruit of the Spirit and reflect upon the gift of Peace.
Brett