Category Archives: Greetings

Affection, Bible, Greetings, Hugs, Love, Scripture

GREETINGS ALL AROUND

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.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Father, Grace, Greetings, Jesus, Peace, Scripture

FROM THE FATHER AND THE SON

PHILIPPIANS 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I often begin emails to people by saying, “I pray this email finds you doing well.” I don’t use that every time, but I usually use some type of greeting. I don’t just start with my main message. It’s kind of like breaking the ice with someone. They say it is always good to praise, then correct and then praise again. That’s called the “sandwich” method. That makes me hungry, lol.

The Benson Commentary says this about this greeting from Paul, which he used in just about every letter he wrote. “From God our Father — The original source of all our blessings, who is now become our reconciled Father, having adopted us into his family, and regenerated us by his grace; and the Lord Jesus Christ — The one Mediator between God and man, through whose sacrifice and intercession we receive all the blessings of providence and grace.” That’s a clear description of Paul’s greeting, don’t you think?

APPLICATION

Look at what Paul is actually greeting them with – grace and peace. Shouldn’t we want to extend the same thing to others? We should wish them grace, first of all. Grace is central to the Christian faith. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith.” Paul desires for the Philippians to know this grace fully. All they needed was God’s grace. Works were not required.

Then Paul wishes them peace. You have probably heard it said, “You can’t have peace with others until you have peace with God. And you can’t have peace with God until you have the peace of God.” It is really that simple. Jesus told us, “Peace I leave with you.” When people come to Christ, they often describe it as experiencing real peace for the first time in their life.

I wish for you today grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my desire to see each of you who read this devotional thought experience all that God has for you through His Son Jesus. There is no other greeting I could give you that can last for eternity. Now, you do the same for others.

Lord, give me a true appreciation for Your grace and peace that I can extend to others.

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Bible, Grace, Greetings, Peace, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

A PROPER GREETING

EPHESIANS 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

My mom used to tell me when I was five or six years old, I would walk down main street with her in our small, South Georgia town of Pelham and walk right up to people, stick out my hand and say, “Hey, how you doing?” She said she knew then I was going to be a preacher or a politician. I wouldn’t call my mom a prophet, but here I am six decades later in full time ministry.

Paul uses this expression in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:2;  1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; and Philemon 1:3. Why does he start his epistles that way? I believe it is because the recipients of these letters needed to hear it. They needed to hear more about the grace of God in their lives. They needed to hear more about peace, something which often escaped them. This greeting wooed them to read more.

APPLICATION

Unfortunately, many of us greet each other without grace and peace. We greet gruffly or inconsiderately. We harbor grudges and spurn the other person. We are not following Paul’s example of grace and peace when we do that. I know it’s now seen as a cliché but “What Would Jesus Do”? You know what He would do. He would greet each person with love and respect, in grace and peace.

Do you know what you are doing when you extend grace and peace to someone? To say “grace to you” means you wish them favor with God. Who in your life could use that? Everyone? Probably! But God’s favor isn’t just about giving them something. It’s about eternal favor through His Son, Jesus. Don’t you want that for everyone?

And to say “peace from God our Father” is to wish peace of mind. It was a common Jewish farewell. It was wishing for the best health (welfare) of an individual. Shouldn’t we be wishing that for everyone as well? We may not like someone too much but wishing them well is the right thing to do – always.

How will you greet the next person you meet? Hopefully with grace and peace.

Lord, let me greet as Jesus would have.

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Bible, Blessing, Faith, Faithfulness, Greetings, Letters, Love, Messages, Scripture

THE FAITHFUL

EPHESIANS 1:1

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are  at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:”

How you begin a letter can set the tone for the rest. It may determine whether the reader will actually read the rest of the letter. For instance, if you received a letter from a company to which you had applied for a job, and it started with “We regret to inform you,” you would probably just throw it in the trash. Let’s look at how Paul, the apostle with the most letters in the New Testament, starts Ephesians.

Paul knew how to start. Look at how he addresses the readers. He calls them “saints” and “faithful.” Paul loved these people, many he had personally met during his time there, because of their love for Christ. Paul spent over two years there teaching them how to live in Christ. Now, as he sits in a Roman prison (his first imprisonment), he is thinking about them and writes to further instruct them.

APPLICATION

Are you faithful? Is this a word that would be used to describe you? If I were to have a tombstone, I would want it to read, “Here lies the remains of Carl Willis, a faithful servant of Christ.” What could be more flattering? In Matthew 25:21 we read this regarding the master’s words to his slave to whom he had given the talents while he was gone. “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’” Isn’t that what you want to hear from Jesus?

In 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul says this about Timothy. “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.” Paul didn’t hand out that description lightly. He saw faithfulness in the life of Timothy and told others.

We are faithful to our Lord because He is always faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is there when we are low and when we are high. He is there in our hurts and our joys. God is the Faithful One. I pray your faithfulness will grow. I pray you will strive to please the One who has given you everything. Be faithful.

Father, thank You for giving me a faith that grows and grows.

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Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Friends, Greetings, Mentoring, Parenting, Relationships, Scripture

NEED A HUG?

3 JOHN 15

“Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.”

I’m a hugger. One of the hardest things about dealing with the covid-19 virus is not being able to hug people. There is just something about getting or giving a hug to someone, especially someone you haven’t seen in a long time. It’s more than just a hello. If you’re a hugger, I don’t have to explain.

The word “greet” used in today’s verse means to “enfold in one’s arms.” I bet John couldn’t wait to give Gaius a hug. Of course, that is just speculation. However, John knew to greet each other was more than just to say “hi.” I think we can learn from that, can’t we?

APPLICATION

One great skill to teach your children is how to greet someone. We all know our children go through shy periods. That can be cute, but they can’t remain like that, can they? My dad taught me to look someone right in the eye, stick out my hand and give a firm handshake. Greeting someone warmly and politely goes a long way.

Greeting someone in Christ’s name is even more important. How do we teach our kids that? By simply showing love and a smile. Sounds easy, huh? Well, it is if we teach them to let Jesus greet them. What? Yea! Teach your children to see everyone in the same way He does. That way they will greet them in love.

Who do you know that needs a hug? Why don’t you give them a “greeting”? Embrace them in your arms. Wrap your arms around them (if they’ll let you). In this time we are in people need a good greeting. Do it today.

I am so thankful You greeted me, Lord. You took me in Your warm embrace and welcomed me into Your family.

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Advice, Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Encouragement, Fellowship, Friends, Greetings, Hugs, Listening, Modeling, Parenting, Relationships, Scripture

MOUTH TO MOUTH

3 JOHN 14

“but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.”

Now, when you read the title for today’s blog you may think I am going to talk about kissing. Nope! I didn’t have that in mind at all. I am just translating the last phrase of the verse literally. John could have said “we will speak mouth to mouth.” I agree “face to face” sounds better, lol.  In this day we are in right now, though, we are missing that. The masks we are having to wear block that, don’t they?

I wonder what John needed to tell Gaius. We don’t know. But if you will read the entire letter of 3 John, you can pretty well guess. John would have words of encouragement for him. He would have probably hugged him, kissed him on each cheek and sat down for a great meal together. They would have fellowshipped for hours. Hmmm, I wonder if that phrase “mouth to mouth” hinted at a potluck dinner, lol.

APPLICATION

During these days of covid-19 don’t let your children forget what you look like behind these masks. That may sound funny to say, but I have been concerned about our younger children especially spending this past year staring at people with masks on. Facial expressions are important. Just think about how you communicate with small children using them. I am not advocating being unsafe or spreading the virus. I am just saying let your kids see your face.

Explain to your children the importance of face-to-face communication. Explain to them the importance of being able to see someone’s face to communicate. You don’t know behind a mask if someone is smiling or frowning. You don’t know if they are sticking their tongue out at you or not. There’s a reason John wanted that face to face or mouth to mouth visit with Gaius.

Who do you want to go see “mouth to mouth”? I hope there is someone on your list. When you see them, talk about Jesus. Take off that mask safely and express yourself. Let them see your smile. Communicate fully. Love them with your face. That sounded kind of weird, didn’t it, but I think you get my drift.

Thank You, Lord, for meeting me face to face. I long one day to see You in heaven and behold Your glorious face and see Your smile.

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Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Encouragement, Family, Greetings, Love

WE ALL SAY HI

2 JOHN 13

“The children of your chosen sister greet you.”

What a strange way to end a letter. It just kind of seems John had a last minute thought as he finished the letter and threw this in. But I am reminded that every, single word of Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, I have to ask myself what John was saying here.

Many believe this sister mentioned here may have actually been the recipient’s sister. We don’t know for sure. But if that’s the case, John could have written “your nephews and nieces say hi.” Perhaps John was staying with this family when he wrote to their sister and aunt. I can just see them looking over his shoulder as he penned these words and saying at the last minute Tell our aunt hi for us.

APPLICATION

How do you apply this verse to you and your children? Love your family. Express your love to them in as many ways as you can. Embrace family members. Don’t become isolated to just your immediate family. Reach out to family members who need to hear about Jesus. Lead your children to pray for those cousins, aunts and uncles who are lost and in need of a Savior.

And extend that family to fellow believers. For many believers, their church family is closer to them than their biological family. Teach your children to rely on their fellow believers. Spend time with others who believe like you do. Pray for your Pastor and church leaders. We need each other in this battle we are waging each day against the forces of darkness.

Who is your family? You probably have both biological and spiritual, right? Be a good family member. Don’t harbor grudges or ill feelings. Let those go. Love each other. Be like Jesus and love them. And, by the way, take a moment and drop someone a note just to say you are praying for them. It will make their day.

Lord, I thank You for my family, both my biological and church families. You have blessed me far beyond what I deserve.

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Affection, Bible, Encouragement, Friends, Greetings, Joy, Relationships, Scripture

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU

2 JOHN 12

“Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.”

In this day of texts and emails, we communicate a lot. I remember back when the only way to communicate in writing was by a letter or postcard. But there is still nothing like seeing someone face to face. Words just can’t express our feelings. Even using FaceTime or Zoom isn’t the same. You can’t reach out and touch the person.

John is obviously having those same feelings. He may have had plenty of paper and ink, but he wanted to see his dear friend. He had so much more to tell her and her family. I wonder what that was. I wonder if he had the chance to see her. We won’t know the answer to that question until eternity. I guarantee you one thing. They have eternity to catch up, lol.

APPLICATION

You are probably thinking Carl, how do you apply this verse to me today? Well, who do you need to catch up with? Who have you not seen in a long time? It’s the new year. Perhaps there is someone who has been on your heart for the past few months whom you have just neglected to go see. Do it. Give them a call and say you are coming to see them because you have so much to tell them.

Have you ever watched people at a family reunion? Usually, these are times when family who haven’t been around each other much gather to spend some much desired time. And what do they talk about? Everything under the sun! Let me encourage you to share what the Lord has done and is doing in your life. Let others know how you have been blessed. That is certainly something worth sharing.

I am certain that John was not anxious to talk about the weather. He had lessons from the Lord to share. He wanted to impart truth. Why? He tells us in the last phrase of the verse. “so that your joy may be made full.” Some scholars say the word “your” should be translated “our.” Even better. How about doing that today. Make yours and someone else’s joy full.

I long for others to hear the truth of the Gospel and what You are doing in my life. Give me the opportunity today to share with someone else and make our joy full.

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Advice, Battles, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Choices, Deception, Fellowship, Greetings, Holy Spirit, Mentoring, Modeling, Opponents, Parenting, Scripture

WATCH YOUR FELLOWSHIP

2 JOHN 11

“for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”

Sometimes, when we read the English translation of a Bible verse it reads exactly the same as the original language. And other times the English just doesn’t quite get it. Today’s verse is the latter. Let me give you the literal translation of this verse. “The one telling for him to rejoice partakes in the works of him evil.” Now, I realize that doesn’t read too well. That’s why it is translated the way it is. But let’s look at it closely.

John seems to imply in the Greek that we actually rejoice at seeing this person. That’s a lot different than just saying “hi.” And the Greek word for “participates” is koinóneó, which has the idea of fellowship. That’s a lot more than just participating. See what I mean by the original.

APPLICATION

Now, let’s apply this verse. We mustn’t rejoice and fellowship with anyone who speaks against our Lord. Our worldview is different. Our purpose in life is different. Our passion and focus is different. How can you agree with someone who denies or denigrates our Lord? You can’t.

And we have to teach our children the difference. They need to know how to deal with such people. We need to be Jesus to them without agreeing with them. Jesus would show them love, of course. So, should we. But there’s a boundary we have to teach our kids not to cross. We can love unbelievers without condoning or agreeing with their views, especially about the Lord. The sooner our children learn that, the better.

Let me ask you a question today. Is there someone in your life who fits into that category? How do you relate to them? Are you friends? That’s okay. Just be careful you don’t compromise your beliefs for the friendship. It can happen so easily. Be firm in your beliefs. Let them see Jesus in you. Perhaps your faithfulness will draw them to Him.

Lord, help me recognize when I am compromising my beliefs for the sake of someone else. Help me remain firm and strong in order to influence them. I want to be influenced by the Spirit, not man.

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Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Gentleness, Greetings, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture

KISSY, KISSY

1 PETER 5:14

“Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”

Peter is NOT implying we need to kiss everybody. Nope, no way, nada. If you have never been around another culture group, many of them greet that way. They grab you and kiss you on the cheek, sometimes both cheeks. The first time it happened to me was when I became friends with a guy from El Salvador. I have to admit it kind of freaked me out, lol.

But Peter is talking about greeting other believers in love. He loves these people he is writing to and wants them to pass on his affection and love to everyone. Sincere affection is often expressed by a kiss without any romantic overtones. The word “love” here is the word for God’s love – agape.

APPLICATION

At your next family reunion, make it a point to greet everyone with a holy kiss (on the cheek). Kiss grandma and grandpa. Kiss Uncle Albert. Kiss everyone. You might just surprise some people. I bet they will all be talking when you leave. I bet your children will be asking you what you are doing. Tell them you are just following the Scriptures and read them this verse.

Now explain to them what Peter is really talking about and why. I wouldn’t encourage your children to go around and kiss everyone at church. You may be asked to find a new church. But we do need to teach our children to show true affection to others. We need to be accepting of them. We need to welcome them and make them feel loved.

Is there someone you need to reach out to today? Does someone need to feel loved? Maybe you aren’t the one to do it. But get someone to reach out. Your fellow believers need to know they are loved. You may be surprised how many aren’t told that regularly. Be the vessel God intends you to be.

I welcome Your affection and love today, Lord. Give me the opportunity today to show Your love to someone else.

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