Is Anyone Approaching?

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (Jas 3:17 AV)

 James makes this statement in the context of the tongue.  Chapter three of James is the go-to chapter on proper speech.  He rightly observes that of all our members, the tongue is the hardest to tame.  We both bless and curse out of the same orifice.  Our tongue can say some very helpful things and some very hurtful things.  James teaches us how the tongue should appear to the one listening to our words.  He or she should perceive our words as pure words.  They should discern our words as peaceable words.  Our words should be gentle and not abrasive.  It is the next phrase upon which we wish to dwell.  The speaker should be someone easily intreated.  In other words, he or she should be someone with whom others feel comfortable when seeking advice, correction, or encouragement.  The tongue should never get in the way of ministry.  If our speech bewrayeth us, then there is a heart issue that needs to be addressed.  It is out of the heart that our words come forth.  Our words, or lack thereof, tell much to those who are observing.  If we are unapproachable, then little ministry can ensue.

These verses are traditionally limited to those who are in positions of authority and offer counsel as their calling in life.  But James does not limit the above qualities to profitable speech to just the ordained minister.  These verses apply to all who can speak words.  The body of Christ is to edify itself in love.  The body of Christ should be a place where strangers feel like they can fit in easily and quickly.  The body of Christ should be an assembly where no one feels left out.  The visitor should be approached and welcomed.  Connection is important.  No one should feel alone.  There should be a swarm of saints who want to get to know someone who is new.  This is not for the greeters only.  This responsibility does not lay only at the minister’s feet.  The body of Christ is to edify itself.  The stranger should feel as if he or she can easily entreat anyone in the sanctuary.  The tongue is to be used for just that purpose.

Four decades ago, the LORD brought me to a large church where I received Christ as my Savior.  What caught me off guard was upon entering the church, there was a line of greeters who introduced themselves, and the last escorted me into the auditorium and introduced me to several church members.  By the time I took my seat, I had met well over three dozen people by name and when I sat down, I knew the names of those who sat by me.  When the greeting time ensued, people from all over the auditorium made it a point to seek me out and shake my hand.  They knew I was a visitor and wanted to meet me.  Being new, I was rather timid.  I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.  People actually cared and shared their joy with one another.  After several weeks of this, I felt rather at home and I was the one taking the initiative to meet new people and learn new names.  This was all possible because the people were easy to be entreated.  They cared to show affection and interest to a shy young man who was all alone.

The point is very simple.  We can use our tongues to attract or repel.  But no one remains neutral.  When they encounter us, we will either be a welcomed sight, or we will be one of those people who others try to avoid.  We will either gather some around us, or they will seek others out.  Are we easily entreated?  Do others, particularly those who may not know us well, seek out our company because they feel at ease with us?  The company we attract tells us much about ourselves.  If we find it hard to hold a conversation, we may be one of those who are not easily intreated.