Category Archives: Greetings

Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Comfort, Encouragement, Gentleness, Greetings, Hugs, Kindness, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture

GREETINGS

1 PETER 5:13

“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.”

Who is “she” mentioned here by Peter? Most scholars agree that he is referring to a church or churches in the area of Babylon. And the Mark mentioned by Peter here is most probably John Mark who had accompanied Paul and Barnabus before he left them. This same Mark was picked up by Barnabus later. He also happens to be the author of the Gospel by his name.

But the point of this devotional today isn’t on that church or Mark. It’s on the word “greetings.” This word means to enfold in your arms. In other words, it means a hug. Now, I’m a hugger. I love to embrace with a hug. What better way to say “hi” to someone than with a big ole bear hug? Peter is sending a hug to the readers.

APPLICATION

When is the last time you hugged your child? I bet you did it today. If you haven’t, go do it now. Tell them Pastor Carl told you to. Most kids love hugs. Why? Because it’s intimate. It feels good. It’s warming. If you aren’t a hugger, ask yourself why you aren’t.

Don’t deprive your child of a good daddy or mommy hug every day. They need it. They need it especially when they have done something wrong. After you administer the discipline, hug them. This reassures them you love them, and all is forgiven. Hugs heal. I really believe that. Heal someone today.

Can I send you a virtual hug right now? ((( ))) Do you feel it? Guess what? God gives great hugs. He wants to embrace you and enfold you in His arms. You may not feel very embraceable right now, but that’s okay. God doesn’t care. He doesn’t dispense His hugs based on your value. Open your arms and feel His embrace right now.

Thank You, Father, for not withholding Your hugs from me. I need them daily. And I will pass them on to someone else.

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Bible, Blessing, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Encouragement, Friends, Greetings, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Parenting

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP

GALATIANS 2:9

“and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” 

I have had the privilege to travel to several countries throughout the world. Did you know that there are multiple ways to greet someone? For instance, in Liberia when men shake hands, they will change grip two to three times and then slide their hands apart ending with a snap with their middle fingers. In other African countries close male friends will walk holding hands.

The right hand of fellowship given to Paul and Barnabas by James, Cephas (otherwise known as Peter) and John was significant. It symbolized friendship, companionship and acknowledgement of their mission. It basically said to the early church, We can trust these men and we endorse their mission to the Gentiles. That was huge.

APPLICATION

My dad taught me to shake hands appropriately. He always said to look the other fellow in the eye, get a firm grip and shake his hand no more than twice. He stressed the eye contact. We need to do the same for our kids. This applies to boys and girls. But it’s not just about “a firm handshake.”

A handshake is still a symbol of welcoming. It says to the other person that you choose to connect. It can speak volumes to someone who needs a simple touch. Teach your children to not be afraid to reach out to others. And don’t forget the eye contact. They say the eyes are the windows of the soul.

Who have you welcomed lately with a handshake? We greet others in the name of Christ to influence them spiritually. We make friends with others to win them to Jesus. He did the same. He welcomed others in the name of His Father to give them salvation. Shouldn’t we do the same. Extend the right hand of fellowship with someone today.

Father, I know physical touch is so important. Help me touch others in the name of Jesus, welcoming them to meet You through me.

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