“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry-but it’s no concern of yours now. (Matthew 10:12-15 MSG)
When I’m knocking on a door not already open to me I should be gentle every time. If Jesus instructed his disciples to be courteous and gentle in greeting and meeting people, it’s certainly a good idea for me.
The temptation would be to assume as a disciple of Christ, called personally by him, that I possess the righteous upper hand. Such thinking can spill over into a manner which is not always courteous to those who don’t welcome Jesus and his followers. I do myself and Christ a disservice if I am anything but genteel in my conversation.
In everyday life others routinely do not welcome the message, truth, and purpose of Christ. Many press for their own rights and own selfish purposes without regard for God’s word, or worse still twisting it to align with their words and their purposes. It is my call to knock on that door to see if they are willing to hear the truth in accordance with the Gospel message, but that is all. If they do not welcome the conversation, I should gently and politely withdraw.
Making a scene or showing disrespect has two negative consequences. First, it assures no chance of another conversation. Second, it demonstrates I was more concerned in proving my point than in sharing the Good News that grace abounds in a relationship with Christ. In fact, I’ve just given evidence there is no grace for those who don’t agree with me. The point Jesus makes is that’s not up to us–that’s up to Judgment Day and of no concern to us right now. It probably doesn’t help to let them know they’re really going to get it some day, when it’s too late. That again is a mean attitude hoping not for their welfare, but judgment proving me right. My rightness has nothing to do with it. My concern is to be for their welfare, sharing the message of God’s grace available for all who will accept the forgiveness offered through his son.
Deep Questions 