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Greet One Another

/ Rescue Blog

I am reading She Reads Truth Romans Study. It has been a challenge for me as Romans is hard for me to fully grasp.  Today I read Romans 16:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. – Romans 16:1-8

As I read this passage I was just thinking of all the people Paul greeted in this letter and his encouragement as to why we should greet them. It reminds me names matter, that individuals matter in the Kingdom of God. It reminds me that Jesus is the common denominator to all these people.

Jesus Christ brings unity between us all. No matter what ages they were, what hobbies they had, they could greet and serve each other because of Jesus!
It’s easy to misread the Bible as “The Book of People Who Had It All Together,” when really, there’s only one Hero in this story. The simple truth is that we all need Jesus, and we all need each other. In Romans, Paul emphasizes that God’s plan is Good News, but his writing isn’t just for well-versed theologians—it’s for ordinary, faithful people living in small, unseen obedience. It’s for us. If you are in Christ, your name is written there among the greatness and glory of God’s plan.  -She Reads Truth Blog Day 39

It makes me think of what who I would greet if I was Paul: how would I describe the people around me?  How would Paul described me?
Am I greeting others and finding tangible ways to help my brothers and sisters in Christ? Or do I compare myself to them? Do I complain about others, or do I focus on what the Lord has given me to do and do it with a grateful heart? Do I work hard in the Lord, or do I just barely try, hoping no one will notice?
The Good News of the Gospel is we don’t have to strive to prove ourselves worthy to God. We have a perfect Savior Jesus who died on the cross for our sins so we would have eternal life. When God sees us, He sees the blood of Jesus poured out for our sins. So even if you read this and think, “I don’t greet others, actually I get annoyed by Christians,” you can come humbly to God and ask Him to change your heart. Pray for tangible ways to serve one another. I think when we serve God and love each other while serving, God’s Kingdom is furthered more than we can ever imagine! I pray we would be people who love our brothers and sisters in Christ and greet each other with a grateful heart!

Trudy Woodward
Permanent Supportive Housing Director

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