What other scriptures emphasize greeting fellow believers with love and respect? Key Verse 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.” New Testament Echoes of Loving Greetings • Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” • 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” • 2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” • 1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” • Hebrews 13:24 – “Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.” • Philippians 4:21-22 – “Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those from Caesar’s household.” • Colossians 4:15 – “Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.” • 3 John 14 – “But I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be with you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet each of the friends by name.” Old Testament Roots of Respectful Greetings • Ruth 2:4 – “Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, ‘The LORD be with you.’ ‘The LORD bless you,’ they replied.” • 1 Samuel 25:6 – “Say to him, ‘Long life to you! May you prosper, and may your household prosper, and all that is yours prosper!’” • 2 Samuel 18:28 – “Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, ‘All is well!’ And he bowed facedown before the king.” • Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Why Such Greetings Matter • They visibly affirm the unity Christ created (John 17:21). • They model the love by which the world recognizes genuine disciples (John 13:35). • They remind believers that every member of the body is worthy of personal honor (Romans 12:10). Practical Takeaways for Today • Offer warmth first—eye contact, a smile, a handshake or culturally respectful hug. • Use names; Scripture often singles out individuals, underscoring their value. • Let greetings flow from genuine affection, not mere formality (Romans 12:9). • Extend hospitality beyond worship—texts, calls, or visits echo New Testament patterns of continual care. • Teach children and new believers to greet others gladly, embedding respect into the next generation. |
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