How can we greet "every saint" in our church community today? Scripture Focus “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Those brothers who are with me greet you.” – Philippians 4:21 The Heart Behind “Greet Every Saint” • Paul does not say “greet some” or “greet the ones you know well,” but “every saint,” underscoring Christ’s equal love for each believer (cf. Romans 12:10). • A greeting is more than a polite nod; it is an intentional act of Christian affection that recognizes the indwelling Christ in each brother and sister (2 Corinthians 13:12). • When we greet, we echo our Lord’s inclusive embrace: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Practical Ways to Greet Every Saint Today 1. Personal contact • Arrive early and stay a bit after services to mingle. • Offer a warm handshake, a hug when appropriate, or a holy kiss in cultures where that is normal (Romans 16:16). • Make eye contact and smile—simple but powerful acknowledgments of worth. 2. Learn and use names • Carry a small notebook or use a phone app to jot down new names you hear. • Repeat the name in conversation (“Good morning, Maria!”) to help it stick (Proverbs 10:32). 3. Inclusive seating • Avoid sitting in the same spot every week; vary your location to meet those in different sections. • Invite someone sitting alone to join you and your family (James 2:1–4). 4. Mid-week connections • Send a brief text, card, or email: “Thinking of you; grateful for you.” • Schedule coffee or a meal with members you rarely speak to (Acts 2:46). 5. Home and hospital visits • Take turns on a greeter team that visits shut-ins or members in hospital (Matthew 25:36). • Bring Scripture, song, and a loving presence. 6. Cross-generation engagement • Encourage children to greet seniors and vice versa, modeling honor and unity (1 Timothy 5:1–2). • Pair young adults with widows or singles for shared meals. 7. Digital fellowship • Use church social media or messaging apps to post birthday or anniversary blessings. • Host a brief weekly video call for members unable to attend in person (Hebrews 10:24–25). Extending the Greeting Beyond Sunday • Carry greeting habits into community groups, ministry teams, and outreach events. • When encountering fellow believers in public—grocery stores, workplaces—acknowledge them as family in Christ. • Welcome visiting Christians from other congregations, reflecting Paul’s example of sending and receiving greetings among churches (Colossians 4:10–11). Remembering the Fellowship of the Body • Every greeting is a miniature proclamation of the gospel: Christ has reconciled us to God and to one another (Ephesians 2:13–16). • Persistent, genuine greetings cultivate unity, heal offenses, and ward off loneliness within the body (Colossians 3:12–14). • When “every saint” is greeted, no part of Christ’s body feels forgotten (1 Corinthians 12:24–26). A Closing Encouragement Just as Paul’s chain-bound circumstances could not restrain his affectionate greetings, neither should time constraints, personality differences, or cultural habits inhibit ours. Filled with the Spirit, let us greet every saint—deliberately, faithfully, joyfully—until the whole church echoes Paul’s concluding benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Philippians 4:23). |
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