Countenance – A Word Worth Considering…
Coun·te·nance – defined as “a person’s facial expression”—is a word not used often but one I believe is worth considering.
I was thinking about “countenance” the other morning while walking along the lake. Several others were out enjoying the day’s beautiful early hours. (Since facial masks aren’t required in Idaho, most do not wear outside when physical distancing is possible.)
My husband was enjoying some kayak camping with friends, so I walked alone that morning. As I pondered “countenance,” I decided trying a little social experiment. I would smile, nod, and possibly say “hello” to everyone I passed and observe the countenance of my fellow walkers. Most people responded with a pleasant smile. A few ignored or hadn’t seen my gesture. Two scowled. A couple of sweaty runners panted, and I assumed they didn’t have enough energy to respond!
Upon returning to my home office, I decided to research the use of “countenance” in scripture. The word was used a few times in traditional Bible translations but not in more contemporary versions. My favorite was in the New American Standard Bible, a blessing Moses bestowed upon the people of Israel.
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
God’s countenance when looking upon us is one of peace, and I believe God is pleased when we look upon others with a countenance of peace.
Have you ever encountered a good, respectable man or woman—perhaps a Christian—whose countenance does not convey peace when looking at another? Surely, I have. In fact, while I hope it hasn’t been the case often, I have been one.
The disapproving glance—lips pursed tightly, brow furrowed, shaking the head back and forth in slow motion.
Perhaps because ‘another’s’ appearance or behavior is out of the norm. Perhaps the ‘another’ is pontificating a diametrically opposed political, religious, or social position. Perhaps the ‘another’s’ kid is unruly.
A phrase I have said so often that it has become part of my thinking is, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” We don’t know the insecurity lying beneath the appearance, the pain behind the behavior. We forget what a privilege it is to live in a land where people are free to think differently. Or, we forget about the time our 3-year-old threw a massive, embarrassing temper tantrum at the check-out counter!
Throughout the coming days, may the LORD bless you, and keep you…
