How to Find a Person of Peace
Jim Ladd
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.” Luke 10:5-7 NIV
These were the instructions Jesus gave to the 72 people He sent to various cities on a recover-and-restore mission adventure. It remains great advice today, as we look for “persons of peace” among our traffic patterns (Oikos) - people who need our witness, are open to Jesus, and who promote peace to others.
When it comes to your role in God’s Kingdom - your call to “make disciples of all nations” - God has already supernaturally and strategically placed 10-15 people in your life for you to serve. He is already at work among them and you are invited to join Him in what He is already up to.
Identifying the persons of peace among your Oikos will make it easier for you to choose who to move toward at any given moment. For a refresher, these people are already in your circle. Consider a list of the candidates who are connected to your: Work, neighborhood, hobbies/sports, church, favorite cafes or places, school, etc. God is already preparing these people of peace and your job is to follow His lead.
Here are a few things to get you moving:
These may be people you least expect. Jesus encountered a woman at the watering hole who was a social and relational mess, but she was the perfect person to receive, respond to, and repeat the great news of Jesus.
These people are especially open to you and your faith. There will always be low-hanging fruit available to you as you simply pay attention to the lives around you and notice those who are drawn toward you and your faith at any given time.
They may approach you first. Watch for those who seek an audience with you socially, on a team at work, etc. Many times we miss people God has brought to us for our love and support, simply because we are not paying attention.
Season your speech with salt. Always casually and gently offer reminders that you love people, that you are ready to serve, and that you believe in a God who answers prayer. Offer to pray for people and the needs they mention and even offer to pray with them on the spot when prompted to do so.
You are so essential to the work of Jesus in your world! Not only that, but there is no greater joy than to help someone meet and experience Jesus! It is super fulfilling and creates deep community for a lifetime.