PHILIPPIANS 4:21

“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.”

“How’s it going?” “Jambo!” “Aloha!” “Hola!” “Hello!” In whatever language you choose, we all greet each other in some way. Some do it with a slap on the back or a hug (that’s my preference), while others just throw up a hand and wave. We sign our letters and texts with greetings. Today, when you see someone you know, take notice of how you greet each other.

Paul continues to close down this letter and like in so many of his epistles, he ends by sending greetings or giving direction on how we should greet each other. The Topical Lexicon says, “No writer employs the verb more than Paul. His letters end with chains of individual names, each preceded by ‘Greet’ (Romans 16:3–16; Colossians 4:15). Through these personal salutations Paul:

1. Affirms the worth of co-laborers.
2. Models inter-congregational affection (‘All the brothers here send you greetings,’ 1 Corinthians 16:19-20).
3. Demonstrates doctrinal unity—greeting flows from shared confession, not mere sentiment.”

APPLICATION

One of my favorite verses on “greetings” is Romans 6:16 which reads, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” I have friends in other cultures who literally do that. They grab you and kiss you on your cheeks. It’s not meant to be sexual in any way. It is just a greeting in their culture. This was Paul’s culture. A sign of affection towards a brother or sister in Christ displayed your love for them.

In Matthew 5:43-48, where Jesus is talking about loving our enemies, He gives some advice about greetings. He basically tells us to greet everyone, even our enemies. He doesn’t say to fake it, just greet. I know people in churches who won’t speak to some people because of something they said to them decades ago. Family members will stop talking and greeting because of hurt feelings. This is not scriptural and only harms the body of Christ.

So, whether you say “Howdy” or “Hello,” say it with gusto. Say it with meaning. Say it in the name above all names. Greet each other warmly. Look people in the eyes and let them know you see them and appreciate them. “Hello” goes a long way sometimes.

Thank You, Lord, for seeing me and saying hello each and every morning.

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