1 Chronicles 12:16-18
Some Benjaminites and Judahites came to the stronghold to David. 17David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship, to help me, then my heart will be knit to you; but if you have come to betray me to my adversaries, though my hands have done no wrong, then may the God of our ancestors see and give judgment.”
What is the intent in which you approach people? I read a blog post the other day in which the author prefaced what she wrote by setting the tone: “Imagine me stopping by your office, a can of Coke in my hand. My tone is light, my intent is dialogue and mutual understanding.” And she proceeded from there to write about a topic that could have led readers to be defensive, something that could have been at least touchy if not controversial. As I read, it was helpful to keep in mind her intended approach, and I found myself thankful for her preface.
David approaches these visitors and asks them plainly – do you come in friendship or do you come to betray me to my adversaries? It’s certainly one way to begin a conversation, and (hopefully) makes the intent clear from the beginning. They respond that they come in peace and a partnership is formed. May we approach in friendship, and may our hearts be knit together.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
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