Greetings

GREET EVERY SAINT IN CHRIST JESUS. THE BRETHREN WHO ARE WITH ME GREET YOU.

Philippians 4:21 (NASB)

“Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour!” Some of you who know me well will recognize the above words; they have been the opening words of letters and emails I have written to Christian brethren for many years. Further still, I use these or similar words when I meet folks at church or when I occasionally stand up at the pulpit.

I am not trying to embarrass folk by trying to appear super holy, I greet Christian brethren in complete sincerity. There are three notable points about this practice, the first being that it is completely Biblical following the example set by Paul in all his letters. Also biblically it is completely synchronized with the 59 One Another Statements of the Bible; fifteen of which exhort us to “love one another,” four to “encourage one another’s” and four to “Greet one another with a Holy kiss.” I don’t recommend going around kissing all and sundry at church…that may get you in a bit of trouble. But it is possible to kiss someone with holy words of greeting, thus encouraging them in the moment.

Dear Reader, how do you greet your Christian brothers and sisters? Whether it be a text, email, letter, or in person, why not greet them in the name of Jesus – your Lord and Saviour? Remember the three notable points? Number two is that it sets an appropriate tone over the coming conversation, keeping both parties close to suitable holy and loving words. Number three, it will serve as an encouragement to those that you address in Jesus’ name. You don’t have to use my opening words but feel free to do so. May our Father God touch you in the Holy Spirit, encouraging and blessing you in your meetings with others, that in this you will draw closer to God Himself.